2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Reds Targeting Six Pitchers

The Cincinnati Reds are known to be seeking rotation upgrades and a closer this winter.  While there are some options to be had on the free agent market, the Reds have a chip that should allow them to obtain a significant player via trade.  Rumor has it that Cincinnati is shopping young first baseman Yonder Alonso for starting pitching.  John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds have six starters they are pursuing in trade, and he guesses three of the hunted are James Shields (Rays), Gio Gonzalez (A’s) and Jair Jurrjens (Braves).

Alonso isn’t the type of player that usually becomes available.  The 24-year-old is someone a club would look to build around.  The only problem for Alonso is that his team is already set at first base, his primary position.

Cincinnati has this guy named Joey Votto.  You may have heard of him; two-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner, 2010 National League MVP.

As a result of this positional depth, the Reds are rumored to be shopping Alonso, aiming to turn the youngster into a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher or closer.

It has been reported that the Reds turned down the A’s request of Alonso for their closer, Andrew Bailey.  Maybe Cincinnati is not that high on Bailey, but my guess is that they are more interested in trading Alonso for a young starter.

Luckily for Cincinnati, there are several clubs that are rumored to be shopping their top, young starters.  The Braves have taken calls on Jair Jurrjens.  However, they don’t seem to be a fit for Alonso’s services seeing as they have a pretty good, young first baseman of their own, Freddie Freeman.

The A’s have shopped Gio Gonzalez and are said to be looking for ace return for him.  If the reports are true, Oakland’s already showed interest in Alonso during the Bailey discussions.

The third name on Fay’s list of possible trade targets is Rays right-hander James Shields.  Though the Rays have said they are not looking to deal Shields this winter, the club certainly has a need at first base and may become intrigued if a prospect the caliber of Alonso is on the table.

Other starting pitchers that have been rumored to be available this offseason are John Danks and Gavin Floyd (White Sox), Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers (Astros), Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann (Rays) and Fausto Carmona (Indians).

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