Reds Participate in One of Offseason's Biggest Trades so Far; Acquire Shin-Soo Choo
By Ryan Bramwell
It is official.
The Cincinnati Reds now have their leadoff hitter and their center fielder, and they obtain both from just one ballplayer: Shin-Soo Choo. The Reds also received 28-year-old utility infielder Jason Donald in the deal. Donald may prove to be an important bench piece now that Miguel Cairo and Willy Taveras are gone.
How was it done?
The trade winded up involving three teams and is actually being called a "blockbuster" over at ESPN.com. The Reds, Indians and Diamondbacks all got something needed in this three-way transaction.
- Reds receive:
- Shin-Soo Choo (CF/OF), Jason Donald (IF), and cold, hard Cash (est. $3.5M)
- Indians receive:
- Trevor Bauer (RHP, top prospect), Drew Stubbs (CF), Matt Albers (RHP), Brian Shaw(RHP)
- Diamondbacks receive:
- Tony Sipp (LHP), Lars Anderson (1B), Didi Gregorious (SS)
So, the Reds have their leadoff hitter and they have parted ways with Drew Stubbs. They also have a backup infielder, which they needed. ALSO, they have an extra $3.5 million to spend! And that is just splendid seeing as the Reds still need some major bench help. Let's spend it wisely, shall we?
Grading Walt Jocketty's move
A-
+/- Prospects: Really hurts to lose Gregorious in my opinion. But in Cozart we trust, right?+ Team needs: Adding Choo and taking care of two major necessities is a huge deal.
- Control time: Stubbs is under contract until 2016; Choo will be a FA at season's end.
+ We got a decent utility infielder in Jason Donald; we really needed the bench help.
+ We received a lot of money in the deal that we can use to significantly improve this team.
+ I am happy, therefore you should be too.
Link
ESPN Story
I think this is a great deal for us. We were going to spend money on the bench anyway. We solidified our lineup, which I think makes us the team to beat next year. Forget the Dodgers, if Choo and Phillips can get on base in front of Votto, Ludwick, Bruce, we are going to score a ton of runs. Match that with a top 3 pitching staff returning, and it could be a magical year for the Reds. I wish it started tomorrow.
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