Adam Laroche is on the block and here's how the Reds can get him.

[Handofdeath]

Per Fox Sports

The Braves are still talking to teams, trying to add another quality arm and perhaps a leadoff man, but they’re not going to trade Adam LaRoche or anyone else unless it’s a deal they believe makes their team better — now.

Reds get Adam Laroche

Braves get Ryan Freel and Brendan Harris.

The Braves have a hole at second and need a leadoff hitter. I think this works for both teams and gives the Reds that second power bat.

[flyer85]

I honestly don't see Laroche as an answer to any question. The Reds need another power bat but they need a RH bat. he has some rather nasty righty/lefty splits as well.

[Superdude]

I thought they traded him to Pittsburgh for Gonzalez or something? Laroche hit 32 homers last year. Why in the world would they trade him for a leadoff hitter and a mediocre prospect? I'm confused. Are we talking about the same Laroche?

[RedsManRick]

We need another guy at 1B who can't hit lefties. Trade for LaRoche and do what with Votto? The trade to be made was Freel or Harris for Giles with Phillips moving to short... Krivksy thought Seabass was a better acquisition.

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by Superdude

Are we talking about the same Laroche?

the Braves do a really good job in assessing their young talent. Laroche has been mentioned in numerous trade offers. I am guessing the Braves think the 2nd half of the 2006 season is more of a fluke than a new level of performance.

[Team Clark]

Originally Posted by Superdude

I thought they traded him to Pittsburgh for Gonzalez or something? Laroche hit 32 homers last year. Why in the world would they trade him for a leadoff hitter and a mediocre prospect? I'm confused. Are we talking about the same Laroche?

Pretty much the same thing I was thinking. Not to mention Freel would have a hard time trying to play 150+ games.

[UPRedsFan]

Would you do Hatteberg and Freel for Laroche?

Adds power to the lineup this year, keeps Votto at AAA and gives ability to to trade Laroche or Votto later for pitching.

[Tom Servo]

If we're dealing with the Braves I'd rather package something together in the hopes of getting Tim Hudson.

[Handofdeath]

Originally Posted by Team Clark

Pretty much the same thing I was thinking. Not to mention Freel would have a hard time trying to play 150+ games.

The deal fell apart at the last minute
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06341/744246-63.stm

The Braves are looking for a leadoff hitter which is what Freel is. They also have a need at 2B. Freel can fill both needs. Freel might also be able to avoid getting hurt so much if he can not be running and diving in the OF. Freel is a quality leadoff hitter and Harris is a throw in. He's a guy who was a pretty good infield prospect just a couple of years ago. A change of scenery might do him good. If I'm either team I would consider that deal.

[Mario-Rijo]

How about a 3 way deal:

Pirates Get: Laroche
Reds Get: Mike Gonzales
Braves get: Harris/Freel and Bray

I know the deal fell apart because Schuerholtz wanted both Gonzales and Sanchez. The Pirates alledgedly countered with Sanchez and Gonzales for Laroche and Davies (I believe), which wasn't enough for the Braves.

I like it, just don't know if the Pirates FO could deal with Gonzales in the same division. I would rather keep Freel and Bray but it's not likely too happen, if you want quality you must deal quality or at least potential quality.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by flyer85

the Braves do a really good job in assessing their young talent. Laroche has been mentioned in numerous trade offers. I am guessing the Braves think the 2nd half of the 2006 season is more of a fluke than a new level of performance.

I think it has more to do with Corporte profits and a ready and cheaper Scott Thorman. Those 32 HR will drive up the arb cost. I'd be happy if the Reds got Laroche and I don't think it unrealistic for a cheap lead-off guy to get him, but I'd prefer Freel be used for a pitcher.

[Team Clark]

Originally Posted by Handofdeath

The deal fell apart at the last minute
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06341/744246-63.stm

The Braves are looking for a leadoff hitter which is what Freel is. They also have a need at 2B. Freel can fill both needs. Freel might also be able to avoid getting hurt so much if he can not be running and diving in the OF. Freel is a quality leadoff hitter and Harris is a throw in. He's a guy who was a pretty good infield prospect just a couple of years ago. A change of scenery might do him good. If I'm either team I would consider that deal.

Would you really give up Freel for a LH 1B? I'd rather see a 32 HR RH. JMO.

[Dracodave]

Originally Posted by Team Clark

Would you really give up Freel for a LH 1B? I'd rather see a 32 HR RH. JMO.

You mean Vlad? Yeah sure if Freel can net him I'd be all for it..

Oh wait...

[Team Clark]

Originally Posted by Dracodave

You mean Vlad? Yeah sure if Freel can net him I'd be all for it..

Oh wait...

Sounds good to me!

[Handofdeath]

Originally Posted by Team Clark

Would you really give up Freel for a LH 1B? I'd rather see a 32 HR RH. JMO.

So would I TC. But the Reds are in need of power right now (in addition to other needs) Right side, left side, or both sides, it doesn't matter. The Reds need power. Freel is one of the more tradeable players the Reds have and I think the Reds can afford to lose him. I like Freel but he's averaging 126 games a year played. That's 36 games a season where his considerable skills are not out there on the field. Getting the kind of offensive numbers that Laroche has is a lot harder to get than what Freel offers. Some say that Laroche doesn't hit lefties well enough but I know that he still wound up 10th in OPS in the NL this season and the vast majority of NL Central starters are righties. He is also still young and has plenty of room for improvement. I would take that over a talented but oft-injured OF'er who's now 30 years old and who has had off the field issues pop up more than once.