The Denver Post reported on Tuesday that the Cincinnati Reds had spoken with the Rockies regarding third baseman Garrett Atkins, outfielder Willy Taveras, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba. The Rocky Mountain News ran an article Wednesday citing a source close to the Reds who clarified that Cincinnati was only interested in Atkins.
The Denver Post's initial report came as no surprise to Reds fans. The Reds have been open about their desire to land a right-handed, power-hitting outfielder and add an experienced catcher to the roster. Fans were also likely relieved to hear this morning's clarifying report that the Reds would not be trading for all three players, a deal which would likely cost a fair amount of young pitching.
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If the Reds were to acquire another outfielder, they would be looking for someone who could bat leadoff. Taveras' on-base percentage dropped significantly last year, to .308. Although certainly in need of catching help, the Reds would prefer a left-handed-hitting catcher. In addition to being eligible for arbitration, Torrealba is right-handed.
Atkins would fit well into the Reds lineup. Although not an outfielder, the Reds have toyed with the idea of moving Edwin Encarnacion to left field, which would open the spot at third for Atkins. The Rockies starting third baseman last season hit .286 with 21 home runs, 99 RBI, and an OBP of .328. Atkins' reliable right-handed bat would take some of the responsibility for production off the young shoulders of the left-handed Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.
The Rockies, who have also talked with the Phillies, Angels, and Twins regarding Atkins, will likely be looking for pitching in return. It remains to be seen which of the Reds' pitchers or pitching prospects might be included in a deal. However, GM Walt Jocketty has said that the best way to end trade talks with the Reds is to ask about Edinson Volquez or Johnny Cueto.
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about 1 month ago
Michael-
Nice article here. I like how you site both Newspapers and give both stances. I think Taveras would be the wrong fit in Cincy...You guys need someone with a much higher OBP that draws walks and is able to set the table for Bruce and Co., not someone who is able to necessarily bunt for hits and steal bases, but just someone who gets on. Atkins would provide a nice 3-4-5 behind Bruce and Votto.
about 1 month ago
Rory -
No way Taveras is coming. Jocketty places a high premium on OBP. I think that's one of the reasons Adam Dunn was able to hang around as long as he did. The guy struck out a lot, but he has a stellar OBP every year. Being on base in even more important to Jocketty when you're dealing with a leadoff hitter. With such a low OBP, Taveras just isn't what the Reds are looking for. I think the Rockies might have just been trying to get rid of him and his nearly $2 million salary. By saying the Reds had interest, they were probably just trying to entice offers.
Atkins might be the best balance between being obtainable and useful that I have heard of yet. Throwing him in with Bruce, Votto, Phillips, and Encarnacion makes for a fairly formidable 2-3-4-5-6, certainly worth the $4.3 million salary.
Thanks for the comment. Keep up the chatter.
Michael
about 1 month ago
There's no doubt that Atkins would fit in well with the Reds lineup, it's just a matter of who the Rockies would get in return. It's a shame that Volquez or Cueto would be off-limits, but not surprising. I just don't really see who the Reds would give up. Homer Bailey maybe? Harang even? Who knows, but with the way Dan O'Dowd operates, Jocketty could throw some wool over his eyes and give us Arroyo for Atkins straight-up.
from about 1 month ago
Anthony -
Thanks for the comment. If I were in the Reds front office, I would certainly be willing to make the Arroyo for Atkins trade. I don't think Colorado will go for it though, for two reasons: (1) they probably believe they can get a piece more useful to them for Atkins, and (2) they appear to be in full blown salary dump mode. Arroyo makes nearly a few hundred thousand a year more than Atkins, so they wouldn't be paring down their payroll any by making the trade. I would think they might even be more interested in Bailey for that reason. You could pay him less, and he would have way more upside. Unless Bronson experiences some sort of amazing transformation, we have seen what he has to offer. The Rockies seem to be conceding next season anyway, so I would take a closer look at the guy who has big upside a year or two down the road.
The Reds also have about 5 guys other than Homer fighting for the 5th starter spot. Anyone of those guys make intriguing trade bait to a team as devoid of pitching as the Rockies.
Thanks again for the comment, keep up the chatter.
- Michael
about 1 month ago
I would love to see Atkins in the Reds lineup. I had so much fun watching them and following them this year with the call ups of Bruce and Votto and adding Atkins to that would be remarkable. However, they'd probably have to give up something fairly substantial for a player like Atkins. Since I'm not familiar with much of the player's contracts, would it be possible for them to move Harang? He seems like a fairly even trade if the Rox buy last season as a fluke. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd be willing to move Bailey as part of any package these days, it just doesn't seem like he's going to pan out...
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Dylan
from about 1 month ago
Dylan -
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. I am hopeful that Harang doesn't go anywhere. I think this guy is a Cy Young caliber pitcher. He had an absolutely terrible year last year, without a doubt. But he should have gotten serious Cy Young attention the year before that and he has been solid for the Reds for a good number of years.
I would be surprised if the Reds don't trade Homer Bailey this off-season. I think he is probably a significant part of the Atkins discussion, if this is a serious possibility. A lot of commentators think he just needs a change of scenery and some new pitching coaches to get his act together. I bet we get to see whether they are right.
Thanks again for the comment, keep up the chatter.
- Michael
from about 1 month ago
Dylan -
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. I am hopeful that Harang doesn't go anywhere. I think this guy is a Cy Young caliber pitcher. He had an absolutely terrible year last year, without a doubt. But he should have gotten serious Cy Young attention the year before that and he has been solid for the Reds for a good number of years.
I would be surprised if the Reds don't trade Homer Bailey this off-season. I think he is probably a significant part of the Atkins discussion, if this is a serious possibility. A lot of commentators think he just needs a change of scenery and some new pitching coaches to get his act together. I bet we get to see whether they are right.
Thanks again for the comment, keep up the chatter.
- Michael
about 1 month ago
I have no idea how that happened. Sorry.
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