At the risk of being sued by Krusty for gimmick infringement, as I understand he's a bit of a trade guru from my time browsing this board before becoming a member, I was just thinking of potential, fairly realistic trades that could happen. A lot of these have either been rumored, or otherwise suggested and seem reasonable for both teams involved. I had considered including one apiece with some bigger named players who have been rumored as POSSIBLY being shopped, but haven't really been linked anywhere specific.....namely, Griffey, Dunn and Lopez. I decided to omit those for now though. I guess I am just curious as to which one(s) seem to be the best of the bunch according to fellow Reds fans of ones that seem like they could happen in-season. And away we go:
1) C Javier Valentin to Washington for RHP Jon Rauch
This is obviously not a major one, but Rauch is a guy I personally have liked since his days as a White Sox, and he does well as a swingman/long man/sixth starter for the Nationals. We know they need another actual, legitimate catcher. Plus, you know, that whole Jim Bowden adores former Reds deal. (Though he may not have a connection with my boy, Javy... I don't recall.)
2) OF Austin Kearns to Colorado for RHP Jason Jennings
I've seen Jennings' name come up a few times, and with Colorado surprisingly hanging around, they won't deal him easily, but I do think Kearns would catch their fancy. Jennings is durable, pretty consistent, a hard sinkerball pitcher, and a great hitter to boot.
3) C Jason LaRue and OF Chris Denorfia to Colorado for LHP Ray King and 1B Ryan Shealy
Again, something else that's been mentioned from time to time but I am not sure if this combination has been exactly brought up. Colorado is in the market for catching and a center fielder, and seem to have the expendable parts in Shealy, blocked by Helton, and King, who's one of a few lefties in a pretty good bullpen.
4) UT Ryan Freel and LHP Kent Mercker to Atlanta for RHP Jorge Sosa and OF Ryan Langerhans
Atlanta has apparently expressed interest in Freel before, I would think as a left fielder and leadoff hitter. Mercker, while he hasn't been sparkling, has worked out for Atlanta twice before, and I think is one of those guys whose reputation sometimes shines above his actual production. Atlanta's bullpen is a shambles as well, and young, so even though ours isn't a model of a great pen, perhaps they'd be interested in Mercker. Sosa has a great fastball and seems to be either very on or very off, but I'd like to take a chance on his live arm for his versatility as a starter, setup man or potential closer. Langerhans is an alright hitter, great glove, and kinda got lost in the shuffle of being brought along at similar times as Jeff Francouer and Kelly Johnson, who are both regarded higher in Atlanta.
Do any of them look pretty good and/or realistic or are they all equally idiotic?!