Hypothetical Deal- Bruce for Garza

[Benihana]

Purely hypothetical situation (because it would never really happen for so many reasons), but after seeing who was in the majors from the 2005 draft, I got to thinking.

Would you trade Jay Bruce for Matt Garza straight up?

These types of deals never occur in real life, as there is too much to lose for each GM, but this is kind of the same debate we had five years ago about trading Dunn for Beckett. While young pitching is more valuable, it also has a much higher flameout rate. Garza has had great success in his first major league season. Would you pull the trigger on this deal?

[BucksandReds]

No

[Joseph]

can't say I would no.

Dunn and Griffey have to be cut down to one player, you'll need a bat and a glove to take the others spot and Bruce offers that option since he's not a one way player.

We need pitching, but losing 2-1 would suck as bad as losing 7-6.

[dougdirt]

Not a chance. Matt Garza looks good and all, but I think Jay Bruce is a lot more valuable than Matt Garza is.

[camisadelgolf]

I would hypothetically do it. I think Jay Bruce has the brighter future, and it's basically a ripoff as far as overall value goes, but I want to compete next year, so I would do the deal. In 2008, I'd have Dunn, Hamilton, Griffey, and Hopper/Freel in the outfield, and on top of that, I'd have Harang, Arroyo, Garza, Bailey, and someone else (Cueto?) in the rotation.

[LoganBuck]

no way

[Benihana]

In hindsight, do I wish we would have traded Dunn for Beckett? Absolutely
Will I learn from my "mistake?" Probably not

I'd consider it, and then turn it down. Votto for Garza? Done quicker than a wink.

[flyer85]

would not do it. Reds would need to get a least one more good player, the attrition rate for young pitchers is too high.

Garza is a good prospect but certainly not at a "Beckett" level.

[AmarilloRed]

It would also leave us short in the outfield. Dunn has a 1 year option for 2008, and Griffey will be here for 2008 plus an option for 2009. I like Hopper and Freel, but I would not want them starting in the outfield. Freel gets injured too much, and Hopper has very little power and usually has a low OBP.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Benihana

In hindsight, do I wish we would have traded Dunn for Beckett? Absolutely
Will I learn from my "mistake?" Probably not

I'd consider it, and then turn it down. Votto for Garza? Done quicker than a wink.

I think you are onto something with the Votto thing. I would consider flipping Votto + another prospects for Garza in the offseason. Obviously it depends on the prospect, but I would give Votto and a C+/B- type prospect for Garza in all likelihood.

[Benihana]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

I think you are onto something with the Votto thing. I would consider flipping Votto + another prospects for Garza in the offseason. Obviously it depends on the prospect, but I would give Votto and a C+/B- type prospect for Garza in all likelihood.

It would take more than that IMO. I think you'd be looking at Votto and Encarnacion, and even that may not be enough for the Twinkies.

However, I think Votto by himself could possibly net a Kevin Slowey or a Scott Baker.

[camisadelgolf]

The Reds currently have good outfielders next year, and meanwhile, oh-so-valuable pitching is where the most help is needed. I would trade just about anyone for Matt Garza, even though I don't think he's an ace.

[GoReds33]

No... straight up.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Benihana

It would take more than that IMO. I think you'd be looking at Votto and Encarnacion, and even that may not be enough for the Twinkies.

However, I think Votto by himself could possibly net a Kevin Slowey or a Scott Baker.

Probably true.

[Doc. Scott]

I don't think I'd trade Jay Bruce straight up for any minor-league pitcher currently in existence. A major-league one, maybe, but not a minor-leaguer.