There has been a lot of discussion of big trades and free agent signings, but if the Reds are going to fill all of their holes and restock their talent, they will need to hit on some minor deals as well. I am sure there are lots of candidates out there and this is by no means a complete list or the only list. So..
Here are a few guys who are not on everyone's target list that I think could be good pick-ups/gambles for Cincy. These guys are on teams that could use some of the guys the Reds realistically have to trade (Larue, Ross, Freel, Cormier and lesser prospects like Pelland and Dumatrait for example.) I don't really like to predict trades so I won't try to get any more specific. I wouldn't go all out for these guys and none are sure things, but if a deal makes sense I would prefer these to most of the retreads we've been getting (McCracken, Mays, etc.) I did throw in one older vet FA at the end for sentimental reasons (it also makes sense though).
Gavin Floyd - 24 in 2007. A former top prospect. 2 Bad years in a row and is seemingly out of Philly's plans. Had a decent 2nd half of 2006 in AAA. Still healthy as far as I know.
JA Happ - Overlooked Philly prospect who pitched at 3 levels in 2006. Lefty. Projects as a 4 or 5. Age 24 in 2007. High K Rate, low WHIP.
Macier Izturis - .777 OPS in 2006 over 350 ABs. Can play SS. Lost in the shuffle with all the talent in Anaheim. May not be available to allow others to be traded in a bigger deal or as insurance for a failure at 3B or 2B in Anaheim.
Jeremy Accardo - 25 in 2007. Was in the picture for saves in SF for a while when Benetiz was hurt but faded and was traded to Toronto. Had high WHIP in 2006 was pretty good in the PCL.
Brandon League - 24 in 2007. Emerged in 2006. K's kind of low in majors in the past but ok in the minors and in 2006 in Toronto. Once thought of as a closer type but by-passed with BJ Ryan signing.
Kyle Farnsworth - Disappointment in NY and has big contract. Seems to lack concentration at times. Was pretty good closing for a while in Atlanta when he had to keep his head in the game. If he could be had in an exchange of bad contracts, I'd let him close in Cincy.
Brian Bruney - 25 in 2007 Had a good 20 innings in NY in 2006. Was once thought of as a possible closer in Arizona. Failed a few times, but throws hard.
Mike Wuertz - 28 in 2007. He's been mentioned by others so I won't rehash. I'll just say that I agree.
Eduardo Perez - 37 in 2007. Free Agent. Good RH Power platoon guy. Plays 1B but could spell Dunn or Griffey in a corner OF spot and even play 3B in a pinch. Has fan appeal in Cincy and grew up with Griffey for a while so could be a good influence there as well. Probably wouldn't hate it in Cincy and wouldn't ask for a premium as far as money is concerned.
Probably not the sexiest list in the world, but if anyone has any info on these guys or other similar low profile ideas please share. We're a month or more before things really start to happen, so I thought this might be something different to discuss.
There are plenty of other threads about the big names and the whipping boys.