So far in the Louisville game, Devin Mesoraco is 5 for 5, raising his average to .322. All scouting reports classify him as a natural leader, and he has no errors on the year. Clearly, this is our catcher of the future.
But this isn't the minor league forum. And what I'm wondering is if, given our current pitching situation, it's reasonable to trade somebody like Hernandez in the middle of the year. He's on a torrid run so far this season (though expected to regress to the mean), he plays a premium position, and he's got both a blocked, capable player behind him and a partner in excellence at the major league level. On paper, he's a perfect trade candidate for obtaining that TOR starter everyone here pines for, and promoting Mesoraco could give us the impact bat that cements our lineup as one of the best in baseball.
What I'm wondering, however, is if he's too important to the Reds to be traded. He's an experienced game-caller, and is essential for interfacing with our Latin American starters and keeping them comfortable on the mound. Both Volquez and Cueto have had confidence issues in the past... how would they deal with a replacement in the middle of the playoff race? And is it a good idea to trade away that veteran leadership as well? In the playoff series last year, the young Reds batters were totally exposed; only the vets had a decent series. You can't underestimate what he brings to this team, even if he doesn't play as regularly as other star catchers. What's more, Mesoraco is unproven in the major leagues, and if he has rookie struggles at the plate, the move could backfire immensely. I'm not saying a move is unfeasible, only very risky.
Thoughts?