Trade Or Sign

I had a conversation with Tom over the weekend and he brought up Matt Garza and the chances the Reds had of landing him. Well, Garza was traded to the Rays for Delmon Young. Both of these players are highly touted for their potential and even though pitchers are far more valuable, I think the Twins got the better of this deal. Back to the Reds, it is obvious that Garza is history, but I wonder if this trade might open the door to a possible Scott Kazmir trade. The Rays still have an abundance of young outfielders so they probably would have not interest in re-acquiring Josh Hamilton. However, if the Rays are smart (which if an if), they will be looking to move Carlos Pena, hopefully for pitching. Pena, who will turn 30 next season, had a career year in 2007, mashing 46 homers and driving in 121 runs. Pena hadn't sniffed 30 home runs prior to 2007 and has been tossed about like a burning coal between 5 teams over his career. Pena made $800,000 last years and would be a bargain for a team looking for a power bat. If Pena is moved the Reds should swoop in with Joey Votto and Homer Bailey and see if they can sweet talk Scott Kazmir away from the Rays. I can hear people saying, 'Adam are you crazy? Homer Bailey is our future and Joey Votto has the potential to be a perennial all-star!' I may be crazy but Bailey is in the future and as it has been said, who knows what the future will bring. Kazmir posted two seasons of a sub-3.50 era in the best offensive division in baseball, while striking out 239 batters in 2007. If some one might ask, 'why would you include Votto in this deal?' well the sad truth is the Reds don't have one player worth Scott Kazmir, and as I've said before, Votto is much more valuable as a trade piece than a first baseman. Teaming Kazmir with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo would give the Reds the best 1-2-3 punch in the National League. The Reds have the pieces to make a playoff run next year, but without another reliable starter the chances of them making the World Series is slim. The chances of them signing that reliable starter are actually slimmer. Carlos Silva is basically the only player who would fall under that category, but his price tag is going to be much too high. I do believe whole-heartedly that Krivsky will make a move for a starter and if he is willing to part with Votto, Hamilton, Bailey (only for a proven ace), and even Adam Dunn, the chances are better we fans get a winning product on the field in 2008. *One more note to Bionic 1 who left a comment on the last post. I can't agree with your view on the Reds ("the Reds suck") but I do, however, share your thoughts on Ms. Clinton. And I thank you for reading the blog, if you ever have any suggestions on how the Reds could be more like the Yankees please let me know.......you know aside from the $200 million payroll.