I don't value a prospect in the same token as some of you, that is obvious. However, I can change an opinion, or think outside of the box in some instances, and with my pessimistic approach to things--this team is a broken team, and will be a broken team unless some changes are made. (Yes I know there are injury issues... but, let's be honest... this 2014 year, is/has been a STRANGE and horribly unlucky year for the Reds... and it is my experience (as a poster on a different thread pointed out... these outlier years, once they get going... seem to just.. well... never get better.)
So, looking at the organization... a philosophy may have to change sooner rather than later... when the Reds will have to shift gears and go in quasi-rebuild mode, and focus on getting younger cheaper talent.. ie. the dreaded prospect deals for established major league stars.
I figure... by 2016... in order to keep Chapman/Cueto/Leake/Latos/Bruce in Cincinnati the price tag will be a MINIMUM of 70 million between the five. Chapman will be getting 10 mil+ in arbitration. Cueto/Leake/Latos (based on Bailey's deal, will be getting 18-20mil per annum when he hits the open market) and Bruce will be making 12.5 mil at that point in his contract.) And, since there is no way the Reds are moving Phillips, Bailey, or Votto's contracts off the books.... some deals will need to be made.
With these five Reds, and the Rest of the core 2014 roster, the possible estimated payroll for the Reds in 2016 at will be a MINIMUM of 140+ million.
(assuming--the Reds would/could be sign Cueto/Leake/ and Latos (for a LAUGHABLE 14 MIL PER YEAR AVERAGE between the three)... Throw in arbitration increases for Cingrani, Frazier, Mesoroco, et al.) [MIND YOU... THIS IS NOT ACCOUNTING FOR BENCH PLAYERS OR BULLPEN PLAYERS.]
I am wondering when it would be time to trade 1, 2, or 3 of these players (Cueto, Bruce, Chapman, Leake, Latos) and who can they get in return?
A couple of things I firmly believe...
- THE REDS MUST SIGN two of the three starting pitchers to have a shot at contention. PERIOD.
- I am coming off trading Stephenson... and I will concede that, you have to roll the dice with this kid...
That being said, with Winkler, Ervin, Stephenson, Lively coming up... crossing fingers the Reds are 50% in that group and find two legitimate above average contributors from that group....
What minor leaguers would you target with Cueto, Chapman, Leake, Latos or Bruce?
Perusing the lack of depth at the SS/3B position for the Reds organization... and trying to fit rookies/young players in at SS/3B.... do the Reds double down on some bets there?
Examples:
Trade (Cueto, Chapman, Leake, Latos or Bruce) to the Dodgers for Seager and Guerrero?
and
Trade (Cueto, Chapman, Leake, Latos or Bruce) to the Red Sox for Mookie Betts AND Garin Cecchini?
