Reds: Another Way to Obtain Fowler?

ESPN Writer Brings Up Possibility of 3-Team Trade

By Ryan Bramwell

Jason Churchill wrote last night that the Rays, Reds and Rockies could all help each other out via a mutual three-team trade. 

Here is the breakdown:
1. Tampa Bay is looking for catching help.
2. Colorado is seeking pitching help.
3. Cincinnati is looking for a center-fielder/leadoff hitter.

Here is the proposed idea:
1. Tampa Bay receives catcher Devin Mesoraco from the Reds
2. Colorado obtains either pitcher James Shields or Jeremy Hellickson from the Rays.
3. Cincinnati gets centerfielder Dexter Fowler from the Rockies.

My only issue with this theoretical deal?
REDS CATCHING - Obviously, this is the area of concern. 

• Ryan Hanigan is one of my favorite Redlegs and for good reason.  Hanigan is a heck of a defensive catcher and one of the absolute best game-callers in the league.  Therefore, he throws guys out, blocks the plate well, and knows his rotation so definitively that they rarely need to think for themselves when it comes to choosing pitches.  Moreover, offensively Hanigan is no slouch either.  He rarely strikes out and hits for average very well for a catcher.  Hanigan is extremely underrated, and, although it is unjust, I like it that way. 
• The Reds have a shortage of catchers at the moment.  Grandal was traded for Mat Latos before the 2012 season.  Dioner Navarro signed with the Cubs this offseason.  Lastly, Corky Miller is older than dirt, albeit fun to look at still.
• Long-term-wise, the Reds have Indiana prospect Tucker Barnhart.  Barnhart split time between Single-A and Double-A ball last season and is expected to be a shoo-in as a major league catcher in the not-so-distant future.  Scouts say the Tucker is a patient hitter that draws many walks at the plate and defensively he has a great arm.  Here is his MILB page.
• All this means that really, the Reds only have one MLB catcher and no one in the wings if they trade away the 24-year-old Mesoraco.  And remember, we don't have much cash to throw around at various free agents either.  This rumor might just have to go by the wayside for now.

Links to this trade rumor:
ESPN Insider
MLBTradeRumors.com