Hold On A Second

John Fay, Reds beat writer, reported the end of last week that a deal between the Reds and Orioles involving Erik Bedard and Homer Bailey is still on the table. Fay mentions that Joey Votto and another prospect would be involved. Since the Orioles completely suck and have a need at basically every position you may be able to insert Edwin Encarnacion or Josh Hamilton in place of Joey Votto. With that being said I think I'll take this opportunity to change my stance on Joey Votto and Josh Hamilton. It seems there are more than a few in the Reds organization who believe Josh Hamilton would best serve the team as trade bait. Is Hamilton ever going to be able to really fully recover athletically? I'll say now that Hamilton at 27 in May, with the questions is on the same trade plain with Joey Votto at 23. With Jay Bruce and to a lesser extent Chris Dickerson waiting for their opportunities at the majors, even with his extreme abilities,Hamilton could be traded. Back to Bedard. If the Reds could pull this deal off by sending Homer Bailey, Votto (or Eddie or Hamilton), and a minor leaguer that isn't Bruce or Johnny Cueto I'd be pleased as punch. I would then, reasonably would expect Bob Castellini to pony up the money to keep Bedard in Cincy for several years. These two things would have to happen (no Cueto and no Bruce and extension) for me to support this trade. I think if the Reds are man enough it could happen. Votto and Bailey give the Orioles two big pieces to sell their fans and trade in four years. And imagine the rotation for the Reds. Aaron Harang, Erik Bedard, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Belisle, and Johnny Cueto. If a team would have to face Harang and Bedard to open a series they would strike out so many times that by the time game three rolls around Arroyo would be able to confuse hitters to no end. With a line up of (assuming Hamilton is the one moved) Jay Bruce leading off (for lack of a better option), Brandon Phillips two, Adam Dunn, Eddie, Griffey Jr. Alex Gonzalez, Joey Votto, and David Ross catching. Merged with an improved bullpen I like this team's chances in a league that produced the Colorado Rockies in 2007.

Upon Further Review

Well, the Winter Meetings have come and gone and the Reds have nothing to show for the week's work. Yet, we should not fret, a move could still be made between today and Spring Training. I have to say I'm a little disappointed Wayne Krivsky didn't come away with another starter, but I am glad he didn't mortgage the future for a four of five guy. They did pick up a guy in the Rule 5 draft; Sergio Valenzuela will most likely be fighting for a spot in the bullpen come Feburary. Valenzuela is a 23 year old, righty who is doing very well in winter league play, but doesn't have much else on his resume. But somebody saw something in him, so let us cross our collective fingers and hope for Jared Burton part two. What I want to touch on today is the notorious trade that went down between the Reds and Nationals in 2006. Cincinnati was up in arms when their native son (Austin Kearns), heir apparent to Barry Larkin (Felipe Lopez), and first-round pick (Ryan Wagner) were traded to evil Jim Bowden. Not only was it heartbreaking to see those players go, who did the Reds get in return? Royce Clayton!!!! Are you kidding me?! Well, I am, as I'm sure you are, glad to see Royce Clayton out of town. Brenden Harris was another piece that has been shipped out. Harris had a decent season with the Devil Rays in 2007, and while the Reds don't need a starting middle infielder, it wouldn't hurt to have Harris as a backup. Oh well. Gary Majewski and Bill Bray were supposed to fill right in the bullpen and change the season. Majewski was alleged to be damaged goods and may never recover, but if he ever does return to his best form he'll make the Reds pen one of the elite. Bray is still young, 24, and left-handed so he will be forgiven for his sub-par numbers last season. While with the Nationals, Bray's face was plastered all over press releases, so as far as the Nats I think Bray was the biggest piece they gave up. But none of these names are who I find intriguing. Daryl Thompson is the last, long forgotten piece of this deal. I personally watched one of Thompson's five starts in Low-A Dayton last year, and I can say without hesitation if he progress as he should, he will be in the majors in a couple seasons. Thompson, who just celebrated his 22nd birthday, had 14 wins against 5 loses between Low and High-A baseball while posting an ERA of 3.18. He pitched 133 innings and gave up 122 hits, only 33 walks, and struck out 121. If he can make the bigs by 2009 to fill out a rotation of Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and himself, Daryl Thompson will most certainly be the biggest piece of that trade.......for both sides.

The Krivsky House Rules

You know, as a Reds fan I should probably not take much stock in what I read. While doing this blog, half of the deals I come up with are reports I've read and the other half are just thoughts and day dreams I have. As it turns out, they are both equally inaccurate. GM Wayne Krivsky is in Nashville for the Winter Meetings but he most certainly left the lock box that holds the key to his bolted mouth in Cincinnati. If I've learned anything from the 14 or so months he has been the Reds general manager, it should be that Krivsky is prone to making deals out of the blue and he keeps them as close to the vest as possible. I read today that the Reds are interested in Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios. Rios is good, probably a little overrated, but he is a righty with a little pop, which is a need. However, if the rumors are true that the Giants may be offering up Tim Lincecum for him, I hope the Reds are just in it for fun. Homer Bailey would probably be the closest thing the Reds have to Lincecum, and it would be foolish to give up a potential ace for a guy who is a little better than Austin Kearns. I am, however, a little worried about trading away all our offense for pitching; I have no problem with trading Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton, Edwin Encarnacion, or even Adam Dunn, but only one of them. Now, if we could get anything for Ken Griffey Jr., Ryan Freel, Norris Hopper, or Jeff Keppinger I'd pull that trigger for all of them. But who knows what's going through that balding head of Krivsky's, chances are good he will come through with a deal nobody has thought of, hopefully it will be worthwhile. I would almost bet at this point Krivsky is happy to wait and let teams come to him, or at least wait for Johan Santana to be traded which could possibly open the trading flood gates.

Wells, Wells, Wells

It's reported that the Reds have talked to the agent of David Wells. Wells spent a little time with the Reds in the nineties but was only in town long enough for a slight boon for the local bars. I guess for a one year deal I wouldn't be opposed to this signing, Wells is a lefty which is a need and he did pitch 157 innings last season which isn't bad for a fifth starter (he would be the fifth starter no matter where he's put in the rotation). I would only make this deal if it were cheap (probably incentive laden), Wells will be 45 and looks to be ready for his first heart attack. There have also been several reports that the Reds have slight interest in Glendon Rusch. This has to be a joke, and if it is it's a pretty good one. See, the Astros and Cardinals have also shown interest in Rusch (who really, really sucks for those of you who don't remember), perhaps Krivsky is just jacking up his price for division rivals. Glendon Rusch to the Cards could be the best move the Reds make this off season. Although the Reds don't have much money it was a little disappointing to see David Riske sign with the Brewers for such a small amount (3 years $13 million). It looks like the Reds have turned a considerable amount of attention to Erik Bedard. John Fay of the Cincy Inquirer has mentioned the Orioles are looking at Homer Bailey, Joey Votto, and other unamed prospect. It would be tough, but if the Redlegs could pound out a 3 to 5 year deal with Bedard before the trade I would be willing to part with Bailey and Votto. Jon Lieber is another name the Reds have thrown out. Just because he shuts down the Reds on a regular basis doesn't make him an All-Star, just ask the Pirates staff. I think I'd rather stand pat than sign Lieber. Lastly, there is a rumor about Josh Hamilton to the Rays, but nothing has come of it yet. With the trade of Buck Coats to the Blue Jays and the release of Jorge Cantu the Reds have an open roster spot so expect something.

A San Francisco Treat?

It has been whispered that the Reds and Giants have been in talks about the Giants young potential ace Tim Lincecum. The name the Giants keep bringing up is Jay Bruce and hopefully at that point Krivsky either turns their attention to any other player or turns his back and leaves the room. Lincecum is more than likely going to be a stud as soon as next year, but with Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto holding that kind of potential I would hate to see the Reds trade away their best offensive (and defensive) prospect. Now the Giants do need young bats and they have been reported to be interested in Edwin Encarnacion so I wouldn't expel all rumors of a deal with San Fran. Perhaps since they have an obscene amount of starting pitching Eddie could fetch more from the Giants than he could elsewhere. As I am writing this I'm reading such a notion from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Crasnick also mentions the possibility of the Cubs wanting Josh Hamilton for Sean Marshall. I pray this deal doesn't happen; it reeks of Dave Williams. This has no merit, but I think Krivsky should do what he can to trade Norris Hopper to the Nationals. Jim Bowden seems to be a little trade happy and reportedly has an interest in moving Jon Rauch and Chad Cordero. Bowden loves Reds players maybe he'd like Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper for Jon Rauch. Sadly, I think he'd make that deal. One last note on Dontrelle Willis, it turns out the Marlins would want Homer Bailey and to that I say forget it. The Winter Meetings are so exciting, this is like an early Christmas. Even if no deals get done at least it's fun to talk about.

Talkin' 'Bout Willis

Two reports (SI.com and ESPN.com) have the Reds interested in Marlin's ace Dontrelle Willis. It seems the Marlins might be interested in several Reds for several different reasons. 1. Josh Hamilton- The Fish have been without a legit center fielder since Juan Pierre and Hamilton fits everything the Marlins look for; young, cheap, and unsightly talented. 2. Edwin Encarnacion- Florida will most likely say goodbye to their only offensive force in third baseman Miguel Cabrera. Eddie also fits the mold. 3. Homer Bailey- This piece would make the deal happen. Homer has the potential to be an ace and would be a perfect trading piece for the Marlins in four years. 4. Johnny Cueto- See Homer Bailey. 5. Joey Votto- Like Hamilton and Encarnacion, Votto would give the Fish a bat, something they are desperately missing. As much as I'd like to see Willis in Cincinnati on Opening Day, I'm not sure I'd give up the farm to make it happen. Its true that Dontrelle is a couple years removed from 22 wins, but he has quickly regressed since. Willis was 3rd in the NL last season with 15 losses and 87 walks, while giving up a career high 29 home runs. For those very reasons he comes at a price the Reds can pay and any time a 25 year old lefty with Cy Young stuff can be attained I have a hard time turning my back..........so I'm not sure where I stand. I know personally I would not give up Bailey or Cueto. Although one young pitcher would have to go, I would do what I could to make the deal and keep Homer and Johnny. I would give two out of Hamilton, Votto, and Encarnacion, but it would be doubtful that the Marlins would bite even if a single A prospect were involved. Tomorrow I'll touch on the reports of Tim Lincecum to the Reds.

Donkey Bigger In Texas?

First of all I want you all to read the comments Tom made to my last entry. He brought up several interesting points about acquiring Scott Kazmir. I read earlier that the Texas Rangers have an interest in Adam Dunn. This makes sense for the Rangers, they lost an outfielder in Gary Matthews Jr. last season and they missed out on Torii Hunter this year. The question is; can Texas make this deal worth while for the Reds? The answer.......probably not. I know, even after all my attempts to sway you, there are many of you that would trade Dunn for a pouch of Big League Chew, which, ironically would be about the best the Rangers could offer. I would only trade Dunn for a major league ready ace and honestly the Rangers don't have a starter worthy the title of goat. Turns out these wacky texans also have an interest in Josh Hamilton but considering we were just discussing giving Hamilton in a package to acquire Scott Kazmir, the Rangers have their work cut out for them. Lastly, there have been reports that the Reds may be interested in signing Matt Clement, which makes sense considering the Dusty Baker connection. I have to be honest, I've never been a fan of Clement. I think he had a good deal of talent which never really translated into wins, but with that being said, if his price tag is reasonable ($5 million in this market), I wouldn't be opposed to signing Clement. It is quite possible he has matured and has learned how to pitch without getting injured or step outside without having an asthma attack (see Chicago 2002-2004). And maybe, just maybe being set behind Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and hopefully somebody else will take much of the comeback pressure off Clement. Winter meetings start tomorrow so be sure to check in for the latest news.