Trade Deadline Preview: Cincinnati Reds
Feb 15, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a baseball on the field during Cincinnati Reds team workouts on the practice fields of Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Reds currently sit near the bottom of the National League Central. With a record of 43-41, they are still over the .500 mark. They are five and a half games above the last place Cubs but still seven games back of the division leading Milwaukee Brewers.
However with the new expanded playoff system, the Reds are only three games out of the second wild card slot which is not much with half a season to play. The Reds will likely make some moves more on the side of buying than selling depending on what kind deals are possible. They could trade away prospects for a player to fulfill the needs they have now or they make a player for player trade like the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates did with their closers this past week, or players of two different positions in an area where the Reds have depth.
With the new playoff system there are more options and as always in baseball, anything can happen. Let’s look at some of the Reds needs and options.
Jun 19, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Parra (43) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 4-3 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Reds have one major weakness that must be fixed somehow and two minor ones that could be left alone. They also do have internal resources that could be used to fill some of the holes. With a strong starting rotation that includes Johnny Cueto and a now healthy Mat Latos the Reds are looking to have a good second half. Still there are weaknesses to be addressed.
1. The bullpen is the number one place where the Reds need help. Their starters have been going deep into games leaving the eighth and ninth innings to Jonathan Braxton and Aroldis Chapman but the rest of their bullpen has suffered due to injury and just poor pitching. They especially need help in the form of a left handed reliever. After closer Chapman their lone lefty in the bullpen is Manny Parra who has struggled and who currently has a 4.43 ERA.
2. The Reds could use some help in the outfield. This is especially true in left field where they have gotten very little offensive production from guys like Ryan Ludwick who’s lack of power is noticeable and whose slash line of .269/.325/.407 is disappointing.
3. Finally the Reds could use a back-up infielder, preferably someone who could play multiple positions in case of any further injuries. Their corner infielder Jack Hannahan has been making progress recovering from shoulder surgery last October but there are no guarantees as to when or if he will be back and if he does return if he will be 100% and able to play everyday.
May 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Marshall (45) throws during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be on the trading block for the Reds? Pretty much half the bullpen could be on their way out. It doesn’t appear, depending on the deal, that the Reds will be very active having just signed the Cuban right-hander Rasiel Iglesias who has professional experience playing in Cuba. It is unlikely he will remain in the minors for long and will come up to help the club during the second half. The team also just traded for minor league first baseman Harold Riggins, though still in Double-A, might be able to provide back-up on the bench in case of an emergency.
1. Manny Parra is the first man up on the trading block for the Reds. He’s had dismal numbers this season but he along with a prospect or two might be appealing to another team desperate for a lefty reliever.
2. A package of prospects could be an option for the Reds if they are trading with a team that is rebuilding like the Tampa Bay Rays or the Chicago Cubs. A top prospect like 21-year old outfielder Phillip Ervin who, while just in his second season in Class-A ball shows a lot of promise for a team willing to wait a year or two. There is also Jesse Winker, another outfielder, who at only 20-years old is already playing at Double-A Pensacola. A package including these two players might be a way for the Reds to negotiate with a team that is ready to sell.
3. Left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, although on the disabled list, could be another bargaining chip for the Reds. His numbers when he is healthy are stellar and he should be ready to go by next season, having had season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in June. For a team out of contention Marshall would be a good pick-up.
May 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Thatcher (54) throws during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
There are a lot of potentially available relievers that the Reds could take a look at. Rays’ Ben Zobrist wouldn’t be a bad pick-up for the team either as he could fill multiple needs.
1. Tampa Bay Ray’s second baseman Ben Zobrist has had a lot of teams rumored to be interested in him lately but the Reds could have a shot. He can play multiple positions and would be able to fill their needs in the infield, outfield as well as provide the extra offense that is lacking out of left field.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks’ reliever Brad Ziegler has also been on the rumor radar for a number of teams. With the Diamondbacks basically having to start over, he is a player that they may part with for a package of prospects or maybe even someone like Marshall who they can use next season. Ziegler, a 34-year old right-hander, has been stellar throughout his entire career with Oakland and Arizona. He has a career ERA of 2.39 and his current ERA is 2.34. He will end up being an excellent addition to whichever team lands him.
3. In need of a left-handed reliever the Reds may again look to the Diamondbacks. Lefty reliever Joe Thatcher, 32, would be a helpful addition to the Reds’ bullpen. This season he has posted a 2.63 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. The Reds can’t really ask for more than that.