2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs, Reds Nearing Deal

According to Fox Sports, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are in the “advanced stages” of trade talks.  A reported deal, which ESPN Chicago’s Bruce Levine is calling “close”, would send left-handed reliever Sean Marshall to the Reds in exchange for starting pitcher Travis Wood and two minor leaguers.

This weekend, the Reds were able to acquire top young starting pitcher Mat Latos.  After solidifying their rotation, Cincinnati said they were turning their attention to bolstering their bullpen.

Marshall would do just that, as he’s proven to be one of baseball’s best left-handed relievers over the past two seasons.

In 2011, Marshall maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.26 and 1.097 over his 75 2/3 innings of work.  Marshall limited the opposition to just 0.1 HR/9 while posting a SO/9 of 9.4 to go with his 2.0 BB/9.

Marshall acted as the Cubs setup man over the past few seasons, and the 29-year-old will likely keep this role with the Reds.  Though some speculate Marshall could be used as their closer in 2012, the Reds are continuing their search for a more established finisher.

To acquire Marshall, the Reds are willing to send left-handed starting pitcher Travis Wood to the Cubs.  The 24-year-old became expendable after Cincinnati brought in Latos.

Making his major league debut in 2010, Wood has held an ERA of 4.18 and a 1.289 WHIP over his two seasons with the Reds.  The lefty has made 35 starts for Cincinnati, spanning 208 2/3 frames, and has maintained a SO/9 of 7.0 and a BB/9 of 2.8.

For more on the Cubs and Reds, be sure to check out Cubbies Crib and Blog Red Machine.