Reds at Winter Meetings

[RedLegSuperStar]

C Trent -

From the Krivdawg: "I’ve made a lot of calls today, talked to several teams, some in person, some on the phone. I’m just trying to improve the team and help out the pitching. I’m open to discussions in any way, shape or form that makes us a better team."

"It’s still evolving. Things can change if a team can make a move and it opens up another spot and all of a sudden you’ve got someone you didn’t anticipate talking to and they make a deal and it opens up and you start discussions fresh because of free agents that have been signed or lost."

"I think we’ve built up some depth with your position players, in general. Our depth in prospects has really improved the last few years. I feel good about where we are, overall. We have to address the starting pitching, and that’s themain focus right now."

With that said I would think that the Reds are looking at pitching through a trade and could somehow get involved with the "Big Targets" of Johan Santana, Danny Haran, Erik Bedard, Scott Kazmir, and Dontrelle Willis. Or could go for the "Not So Mentioned" crew of Joe Blanton, Daniel Cabrera, Zach Grienke, Mark Prior, Edwin Jackson, Rich Harden, Ervin Santana, and Chris Capuano

[Mario-Rijo]

I think if we played our cards just right we could come out of this thing with a rotation of....


Harang
Arroyo
Blanton
Capuano
Belisle
Bailey or Cueto
Maloney

And still keep Hammy, BP, Dunn, Bruce and even EEE


Votto/Stubbs and either Bailey or Cueto to Oakland for Blanton (Or maybe add Maloney and try for Haren)

Freel and Pelland to Milwaukee for Capuano (The money is even close here).

[RedLegSuperStar]

Originally Posted by Mario-Rijo

I think if we played our cards just right we could come out of this thing with a rotation of....


Harang
Blanton
Arroyo
Capuano
Bailey or Cueto
Maloney

*Belisle (Moves to Pen)

And still keep Hammy, BP, Dunn, Bruce and even EEE


Votto/Stubbs and either Bailey or Cueto to Oakland for Blanton (Or maybe add Maloney and try for Haren)

Freel and Pelland to Milwaukee for Capuano (The money is even close here).

Edited your post..

would be nice to see!

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by RedLegSuperStar

Edited your post..

would be nice to see!

Agreed it would. I think this is probably the right approach for us even though normally I would be a little disappointed by hearing it. But you don't wanna seem desperate and you gotta find the right match.

BTW as posted on ESPN by Stark.

6:16 p.m., Jayson Stark
• The Reds have asked the Marlins about Dontrelle Willis. But a deal between those two teams is unlikely. The Marlins are still placing a high price tag on Willis, so they no doubt would ask the Reds for their best young pitcher, Homer Bailey, plus one more player. And the Reds have little interest in moving Bailey. One baseball man who spoke to the Reds described their interest as "tire kicking."

[M2]

"We have to address the starting pitching, and that’s the main focus right now."

We certainly can't fault the Reds for not telling us what their aims are this offseason. We'll see about the execution, but they couldn't be more direct about the plan.

[RedLegSuperStar]

ESPN-

7:12 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick
• The Reds need pitching, but they don't have a lot of money left after signing closer Francisco Cordero to a five-year deal. So Cincinnati is talking trade with a bunch of teams here in Nashville and using some of its young position players as bait for a starter. Jay Bruce is out of the question, and Joey Votto would be tough to get, but the Reds are listening on third baseman Edwin Encarnacion and center fielder Josh Hamilton. The Cubs are a natural fit for Hamilton, but Sean Marshall isn't likely to get it done. One possible fit for Encarnacion: the Giants, who may need a third baseman if incumbent Pedro Feliz declines the team's salary arbitration offer.

[Tom Servo]

Atleast we're hearing some stuff this year. It's already more exciting than last year's winter meetings.

[reds44]

I really don't like the idea of trading Edwin, of couse depending on the deal. If Edwin were to be dealt, the only thing close to a right handed threat in the lineup would be Phillips. Handing the keys to Keppinger and Freel is never a good idea.

Trading Hamilton is something I'd be interested in, assuming we would then lock up Dunn.

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by reds44

I really don't like the idea of trading Edwin, of couse depending on the deal. If Edwin were to be dealt, the only thing close to a right handed threat in the lineup would be Phillips. Handing the keys to Keppinger and Freel is never a good idea.

Trading Hamilton is something I'd be interested in, assuming we would then lock up Dunn.

They would not likely ever consider doing it, but BP at 3rd could work out real well. And his bat may continue to play there, imagine his defense over there. Then you could slot Kepp/Freel or even Hopper (has played some 2nd) in at 2nd for the time being. Or if you don't feel comfortable with that combo Mark Loretta is ava. on the cheap.

[reds44]

Originally Posted by Mario-Rijo

They would not likely ever consider doing it, but BP at 3rd could work out real well. And his bat may continue to play there, imagine his defense over there. Then you could slot Kepp/Freel or even Hopper (has played some 2nd) in at 2nd for the time being. Or if you don't feel comfortable with that combo Mark Loretta is ava. on the cheap.

I'm not worried about Freel and Keppinger's defense. Keep Phillips at 2nd.

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by reds44

I'm not worried about Freel and Keppinger's defense. Keep Phillips at 2nd.

If he could play 3rd close to the way he plays 2nd he would be far more valuable to us. And it's not as if he would have to re-learn 2nd if it didn't work out. I say trying things like that in say the spring never hurt anyone and it may help a great deal. 2nd basemen is one of if not the easiest positions to fill in the game, 3rd is not.

[Sabo Fan]

Let's be realistic and set our sights on the Capuano's, Blanton's, and Harden's of the baseball world. I just can't see the Reds being able to play with the big boys just yet in terms of going out and getting a Bedard, Haren, Lincecum, or even Willis. In fact, I'd prefer Krivsky set his sights on someone like the first three I mentioned because when you couple their potential with the players that would likely go back the other way, they give you the best chance to come out ahead.

Capuano sounds like he can be had for a bullpen arm and a prospect (Weathers/Bray + a B prospect like Maloney?) and Blanton seems to be an after thought with everyone shooting for Haren. Either way, Beane won't be taken but he'd cost less. Harden actually is the most intriguing to me because even though he's got a poor health track record, when he's right he's top shelf. Other clubs might be scared off and Beane may just be looking to get what he can for him so I'd see what the price tag is and go from there. Either way, I'd really like to avoid moving Bruce, Cueto and EE but I'd listen on Votto and Bailey if the return was good enough.

[Benihana]

Originally Posted by Mario-Rijo

They would not likely ever consider doing it, but BP at 3rd could work out real well. And his bat may continue to play there, imagine his defense over there. Then you could slot Kepp/Freel or even Hopper (has played some 2nd) in at 2nd for the time being. Or if you don't feel comfortable with that combo Mark Loretta is ava. on the cheap.

Why in the world would the Reds ever consider doing this? 2nd base is a more important position defensively than 3rd base.

Votto would be the guy I would most like to see on the block. I think he's great, but in my mind he's the most replaceable (he's left handed and plays 1st base.) Hamilton has much more upside IMO, and you don't know if Dunn is here for the long term.

[Kc61]

How about Hamilton or Votto for Blanton straight up? Or add Keppinger. Or, possibly, Ham or Votto and Travis Wood? Or Ham/Vott and Pelland? Are the A's going to get more for Blanton?

And I think there is something to the notion that Reds shouldn't part with Hammy too cheaply. Major talent.

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by Benihana

Why in the world would the Reds ever consider doing this? 2nd base is a more important position defensively than 3rd base.

Votto would be the guy I would most like to see on the block. I think he's great, but in my mind he's the most replaceable (he's left handed and plays 1st base.) Hamilton has much more upside IMO, and you don't know if Dunn is here for the long term.

It's a hypothetical thought, and I think it makes some sense. Deal EE, move BP and fill 2nd with someone else. 2nd base may be a more important defensive position but it's a whole lot easier to fill and usually on the cheap you can find a pretty solid guy to fill that spot defensively and with some offensive game.

Doesn't really matter though it won't happen just thinking out loud.