Reds, A’s talking about Blanton
The Cincinnati Inquirer is reporting that the Reds and A’s have started to talk about a possible Joe Blanton trade. As we first discussed here, there is a 50-50 chance that Joe Blanton could join all the others who have already been traded this winter by the A’s.
The Inquirer is reporting that the A’s are asking for a package that would include two of the Reds top prospects. The Reds have ruled out trading outfielder Jay Bruce, which leaves Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto as possible trade candidates. The fact the Reds invited Craig Wilson to camp may prove to have a little bit more reason with this bit of information.
The Reds need pitching help, maybe even more so than the other 29 teams in baseball, as their rotation is very weak outside of Aaron Harang. After Harang, the Reds have Bronson Arroyo and Matt Belisle penciled in for the two and three spots in the rotation. Both of them would be better served by sliding down a spot in the rotation, leaving some youngsters to fight for the fifth spot. As it stands now, the Reds are expecting to have a host of young pitchers or converted relievers to compete for the final two spots in the rotation this spring.
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics