Figured this would be the best way to track the various deals and rumors between now and Thursday afternoon.

 

 

A couple tidbits:

 

- Red Sox are willing to move Lester, and are willing to do so within the AL East. However, they will not entertain offers from the Yankees. :lol2:

 

- Phillies have made pretty much everyone on the roster available, including Cole Hamels, who the Dodgers love.

 

- Dodgers are checking in on all top-notch starters that are available (Hamels, Lester, Price, Lackey). Reds NEED to pick up the phone and see what Cueto would net them IMO.

Didn't the Phils say last week that Hamels was NOT available?

Wow. Hamels to the Dodgers would be huge.

Didn't the Phils say last week that Hamels was NOT available?

 

Yep. They're looking for a huge package. Like an organization's top 3-4 prospects.

If I'm the Reds, I'm shopping everyone, particularly these players: Alfredo Simon, Tony Cingrani, Jonathan Broxton, and Aroldis Chapman.

 

I'd listen to offers on Cueto, but it would have to be a BIG TIME offer.

Gut tells me LA ends up with Lackey. They've also had some conversations about a Kemp for Lester swap, but I don't see it happening.

 

I think Lester ends up going to Blue Jays or Orioles if he's dealt.

If I'm the Reds, I'm shopping everyone, particularly these players: Alfredo Simon, Tony Cingrani, Jonathan Broxton, and Aroldis Chapman.

 

I'd listen to offers on Cueto, but it would have to be a BIG TIME offer.

 

 

See, for me, Cueto and Chapman are the first ones I move. Neither will resign here after next season. With the way both are pitching, it's highly unlikely either will ever command as much as they would now. I'd look for 2 top notch prospects and a couple mid-low level guys for Cueto and a top notch guy and a couple mid level guys for Chapman.

See, for me, Cueto and Chapman are the first ones I move. Neither will resign here after next season. With the way both are pitching, it's highly unlikely either will ever command as much as they would now. I'd look for 2 top notch prospects and a couple mid-low level guys for Cueto and a top notch guy and a couple mid level guys for Chapman.

 

I'm still holding out hope for 2015 which is why I'm not in a rush to trade Cueto.

I'm still holding out hope for 2015 which is why I'm not in a rush to trade Cueto.

 

Without upgrades to the offense, this team has no hope for 2015 IMO. Those upgrades won't happen unless they trade for some young ML ready talent.

I definitely believe the Reds should be sellers and Cueto/Latos, Chapman and Broxton should be able to bring a pretty good return. Need huge upgrades for LF and SS.

Without upgrades to the offense, this team has no hope for 2015 IMO. Those upgrades won't happen unless they trade for some young ML ready talent.

 

I think Simon, Chapman and/or Broxton can bring in significant upgrades. Obviously Cueto / Latos would, too.

As much as I hate to say it, Cueto would be the one I'd be willing to part with. Lets face it, about 4 months ago no one was sure his delivery was even sustainable and that he wouldn't spend his career on the DL. We're likely not going to be able to resign him. We're not in the race. So ask for 2 top prospects and be selective. You want guys that are as close to ML game ready and very talented. You should be able to get that, especially if dealing the best starting pitcher on the market. Someone will give it up.

 

I'd also get what I could for Simon, which with the way the SP market is, they could get a decent haul back for. And I'd probably look at trading Broxton too and see what I could get back for him.

 

If we do all that, it should create a reasonable return. Don't know if I'd trade Chapman yet... Got to give people a reason to come to games.

 

Best case scenario, we get a top prospect bat to stick in LF next year from the get go and young ML ready pitcher that could work as the #4 or #5 guy and find a couple bullpen arms and we can compete next year.

Cubs are trying to trade Edwin Jackson but so far they can't get anyone to bite yet. Cubs' Nate Schierholtz, Emilio Bonifacio are available.

 

Cubs have traded Darwin Barney and Cash Considerations to the Dodgers for a player to be named later

 

Yankees want Justin Ruggiano but the Cubs don't wanna trade him

I think you can sell one of the 3 main guys and still have enough to compete for 2015 if you get someone young and upcoming in return.

Another team for the Reds (if they sell) to look at is the Mariners. Said to be looking for SP, and are one of the few organizations that have an array of position players (7 of their top 10) amongst their top prospects.