Given the number of separate threads debating the relative merits and availability of various starting pitchers, I thought it might be a good idea to start one thread that focuses on this issue. So, here are some pitchers that have been mentioned in separate places recently along with my thoughts on their possible price and my opinions on what circumstances would merit the Reds pursuing them. Please feel free to add any other pitchers' names as they become available. Hopefully this will provide a forum for discussing them together.
Jason Schmidt
I read about him being available on CBS Sportsline. The Giants have apparently indicated they will not seek to extend his contract. As I mentioned elsewhere, I think that Schmidt is exactly the type of pitcher the Reds should pursue. He has been very consistent over the years and seems to have rediscover his velocity. He would make our top three starters (Schmidt, Harang, Arroyo) competitive with almost any other team. If we're still in the hunt by July, I say we give the Giants two or three top prospects for this guy. He's what we need.
Dontrelle Willis
I think I've counted at least five or six different threads about this guy, so I'll be brief. He's on a sinking ship in Florida, and all indications are that he will be traded. I was skeptical about him until last night, but then I saw the gem he pitched against Atlanta in a no decision. He is young and probably the most expensive alternative out there, but the Reds would be getting back a long-term answer at #1. They'd clearly have to give up a ton. I'd guess Florida would ask for Kearns and Bailey to start.
Carlos Silva
He's been demoted to the bullpen and has been ineffective this year. He is, however, a fantastic control pitcher (9 BB all of last year) and would probably slot in as a #3 or #4 in our rotation. Someone on the Carlos Silva thread brought up that he gives up a lot of balls in play, which is not a good thing when we've got EdE and Felipe on the left side and Dunn and Griff in the outfield. However, I can't see that he'd be any worse than Williams or Milton at the end of the day... and he might be much better than they are. Word is he also throws a lot of ground ball outs, which might be a boon in GABP. If we can give up just a little to get him (Mercker and Dumatrait?), this might be a worthwhile acquisition.
Joe Mays
Unlike Silva, this guy has not been close to effective recently. He was just cut by KC and there are rumors on CBS (again, thanks to another thread) that the Reds are interested. This scares me, but the good thing is that we won't have to give anything up to get him except some pocket change. Might be a worthy risk, but I'm not excited about it.
Originally Posted by Aronchis
> :lindner:
