2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Reds Looking to Deal

It’s been a frustrating offseason for the Cincinnati Reds.  Though they’ve tried, the Reds have been unable to make a big splash this winter via the free agent or trade markets.  Cincinnati has been tied to several players this offseason, and the club has held trade talks with teams such as the A’s, Rays, White Sox, Cubs, Braves and Astros about their available starting pitchers.  With the National League Central seemingly up-for-grabs in 2012, Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports urges the Reds to make a deal.

Rosenthol breaks down the current statuses of Cincinnati’s competition in the NL Central.

The Cardinals lost Albert Pujols.

The Brewers are set to lose Prince Fielder and perhaps Ryan Braun (at least for 50 games).

Rosenthol notes that the Cubs, Astros and Pirates are all “in various states of reconstruction”.

Cincinnati had a disappointing 2011 season, but Rosenthol reminds us that they are one year removed from their 2010 NL Central title.

So why aren’t the Reds jumping on this opportunity to become the division favorites?

It doesn’t appear that it’s due to lack of trying.

Rosenthol spoke with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty who admitted that his club needs “to keep being aggressive and trying to improve”.  Jocketty noted that entering the offseason his club’s main target was addressing its pitching situation.  Though they’ve made a concentrated effort to upgrade this department, Jocketty says the Reds have done so “without success so far”.

There are several pitchers available that could slide into the top of Cincinnati’s rotation.  The Reds have several attractive, young trade chips, including first baseman Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal, to work with.  Seems like a match, right?

Well, according to Jocketty, when it comes to his young, available talent teams are asking for “too many of ‘em” in exchange for their starting pitchers.

Jocketty has checked in on Gio Gonzalez (A’s), Wade Davis (Rays), John Danks (White Sox), Matt Garza (Cubs), Jair Jurrjens (Braves) and Wandy Rodriguez (Astros).

To give an example of the current asking price for starting pitchers, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the A’s asked the Reds for Alonso and Grandal along with another piece in return for Gonzalez.

Jocketty believes an “opportunity” has presented itself for the NL Central division, but also notes that if his club “did nothing” this winter, they’d still have a team “capable of contending and competing” next season.

I’m sure that’s not what Reds fans like to hear, as they probably agree with Rosenthol; Cincinnati has to do something this winter.

For more on the Reds, be sure to check out Blog Red Machine.