Originally Posted by the_one_32 (Post 142669)

So as we all know the Reds are in the beginning stages of rebuilding. With that said, in the next 30 days we should see at least 2-3 trades made. Figured it might be fun to throw trade ideas (realistic) out there.

Reds Trade OF Jay Bruce to the Dodgers for 1B/OF Cody Bellinger, 2B Willie Calhoun and a PROBLEM.

Dodgers need help in the OF in the worst way with guys struggling at the plate. Reds would get Bellinger, who projects as a CF with a cannon arm and a .280 hitter who will hit 20-25 HRs a season. Calhoun is small at 5'8" but has crazy power that projects to 30-35 HRs and 30 doubles. However his defense is below average and will need to be moved to 3B. Both prospects are rated just outside Dodgers top 10.

Reds Trade SS Zack Cozart to the Royals for RHP Josh Staumont and 3B Hunter Dozier.

Royals have missed Zobrist badly and need a great defensive infielder who can add pop at the plate. Reds get Staumont who sits at 98 with the fastball but in relief has routinely touched 102. He's a starter with bad command but does well as a closer, he's the future for the Reds at closer. Dozier is a hammer at the plate hitting for power and average but is just okay defensively. Has a huge arm, hit mid 90s as a pitcher in college, and moves well but misses routine plays. Both prospects are outside top 10 in Royals system.

Bonus move: Reds are unable to trade Brandon Phillips and designate him for assignment. The hope here is someone bites and trades for him so Jose Peraza can take over full time at 2B. If no team takes the bait you release him or bench him.

Originally Posted by the_one_32 (Post 142672)

I would take Verdugo but I like Bellinger a little more. German would be a good throw in with his high 90s fastball but he needs ALOT of work.

Originally Posted by WAITE HOYT 2 (Post 142687)

Think Phillips will be here until next year. Doesn't seem to have much interest In moving unless team he is going to will extend his contract. Don't see the reds paying him 20 mil to go away between what is left of this year and what is owed for next.

Still very early to determine where Bruce or Cozart will end up. Lots of moving parts. Who has a need, who is still in contention, How much of Bruce's salary would the reds be willing to eat for a better prospect. If I'm the reds I wait hoping that more then one team needs a hitter or a SS. Unless I'm completely overwhelmed with a deal I run the string out. Neither guy is breaking the bank.

Originally Posted by the_one_32 (Post 142690)

The only problem with waiting on Bruce is that allows the Brewers to set the market by dealing Braun. You don't want to have your ability to get maximum return back undercut by another teams trade.

When it comes to Phillips if won't have much of a choice. I can tell you with 1,000% confidence the players in the clubhouse and front office officials have grown tired of him. His attitude, ego and mental mistakes on the field have turned people and players off quick. His true colors shined through when he demanded a ridiculous extension to accept a trade to the Natonal.

Waiting on Cozart could be a good idea given the injuries at SS throughout the major league level. However, like Bruce, you don't want another team setting the market and hindering what you receive in a deal. Dealing players now gives you edge on return, sets the market and your dealing them when their value is highest. Whose to say Bruce and/or Cozart don't go into a slump in the next 2-3 weeks?