Trade Deadline Update: Less Than 24 Hrs To Go

Three Candidates Remain A Possibility, A New One Surfaces

By Ryan Bramwell

It is the last day before the MLB trade deadline and we've already seen quite a few moves by other teams around the league.  But with so many teams still in competition this late in the season, we haven't seen as many trades as in previous years.  And when you have an extra wild card spot in the mix, new for the 2012 season, a plethora of teams have good reason to believe they don't need to be sellers. 

The Reds interest in players has most likely taken a hit in the last two weeks with the recent tear they have been on.  And the "replacing Drew Stubbs" column I wrote a while back is now null and void.  Stubbs was just awarded NL Player of the Week for his play on the recent road trip.  He batted .370 with three homers and ten runs batted in.  (And as I am typing this Drew just hit a first inning homer off Edinson Volquez.)  Ryan Ludwick is hitting .354 with six homers and 13 RBI in the month of July.  And that is only a portion of Ryan's numbers which have jumped up month-by-month.  He has also spoken of the team chemistry in Cincinnati and how it is the best he's ever experienced.  (While typing this Ludwick just knocked in two more runs with double in the first inning.)  I don't see Walt making any big-time moves, but if the price is right then we might still see a last-minute addition to this ballclub.  I think most of us would be satisfied with just a solid bat off the bench, preferably left-handed. 

With all that in mind, let's look one last time at what the Reds are possibly pursuing as the deadline approaches.

• Juan Pierre:  Still seems like the most probable candidate.  Knowing that he won't be a Stubbs replacement and would instead be added depth to the Reds outfield.  He would be a solid addition and would give the Reds a left-handed batter at the top-of-the-order when he is in the lineup.  Pierre also sports the cheapest option monetarily as he is making $800K this season.
• Shane Victorino: Several other teams are pursuing the Flyin' Hawaiian at this point.  Victorino is a proven veteran and a switch-hitter.  Although he is having his worst offensive season, the Phillies will still be asking for a major-league reliever that the Reds are most likely not going to give up.  Like Pierre, Shane would be rental for the remainder of the 2012 season and if he doesn't resign with the Reds at season's end, then the Reds would lose the rights to a draft pick.
• Denard Span: A left-handed bat and great outfielder in Minnesota.  He still has a few years left on his contract and each year is pretty reasonable and affordable even at the level of the Reds' payroll.  Unfortunately, this means that the Twins will be asking for a lot in return.  They are rebuilding and will want prospects and possibly a major-league ready pitcher to boot.
• Shin-Soo Choo: This is the new one, obviously.  Although it seems doubtful, Choo does have what the Reds are seeking: a leadoff hitter with good OBP.  He is also a good outfielder (but has played RF most of his career).  Choo has the highest OBP of all the candidates listed and like Span, would not be a one year rental.  However, the Reds would be forced to give up more than they'd like in order to obtain his services.