Get your pitch forks and roasting spices out because I'm going to throw out this slobber-knocker trade proposal that will make you cringe:
Reds trade RHP Aaron Harang to Houston for RHP Dan Wheeler, RHP Jason Hirsh and LHP Troy Patton.
Now if the deal happens, the Reds go out and sign RHP Jeff Suppan to a three year or four year deal. The amount each year would be along the same lines what Harang could command in arbitration.
Now while I don't support aiding Houston to another division crown, the Reds acquire a closer in the deal in Wheeler. Hirsh is a top-rated pitching prospect and with him and Bailey (I got the feeling Homer will make the rotation sooner than we all expect), the Reds will have a one-two punch for the next six years. Patton is another top prospect that could be a factor in the rotation in two years.
Houston is desperate for another starter but unless they get in the Barry Zito sweepstakes (and I doubt Barry will be going to Houston), they will have to take their chances with what's left on the free agent market. And if you're the Reds, you're selling Harang at a high point and the money he will command in arbitration will make you wonder if the Reds will be able to afford his services longterm.
Okay, get the hot sauce out and start basing me.