I read on MLBTradeRumors.com and Fox Sports about the Reds and Tigers looking to dump payroll and trade younger players. I looked over their rosters and came up with a couple of possible trades for the Sox. Let me know what you think.
1) Joey Votto and Aaron Harang - The Reds want to deal away Harang because he'll make $12.5 mil in 2010 and an option in 2011. He did well last year and would be a great starter for Boston behind Beckett and Lester. However, if he is traded, the option becomes a mutual option for $14 mil instead of a team option at $12.75 mil. Both years are a little pricey but I think worth it. Votto has 30 HR potential and hits around .310. He becomes the left handed 1B for the Sox for many years. I like Gonzalez but Votto hits for both power and average. Plus he would be under Boston's control for a couple more years before he's due a big payday. The tough part would be what would the Red Sox give up in return. I don't think it'd be as expensive as what would be required for Gonzalez. I think it could be something like Bowden or Doubront, Rizzo or Anderson, Navarro and another minor prospect. I'd hate to lose Doubront, but I think getting Votto for a career and Harang for 1 maybe 2 years is worth it.
2) Gerald Laird, Edwin Jackson and Carlos Guillen - The Tigers are way over with their payroll. They want to reduce as best they can and still be competitive. Laird is scheduled to make $3.5 mil next year. He only hit .225, but is great defensively. Detroit has Avila as the starter and they don't want to pay that much for a back up. Boston can afford that. He'll back up Martinez and play maybe 65-70 games. He won't tire out like in 09 so he'll hit better. Plus he's a free agent in 2011, so the Sox won't be tied to him if they don't want him back. Jackson had a great 1st half last year, but weakened down the stretch. Boston always makes sure their pitchers get enough rest and he won't have to carry Boston like he had to with Detroit last year. He'll be under the team's control for few years which allows some of the prospects to develop. I added Guillen into this mix ONLY if Bay isn't re-signed. Guillen has 2 years left at $13 mil a piece. (Bay was offered 4 years at $15 mil a year.) He is a clubhouse leader and would fit in well with Big Papi, Martinez and the other team leaders. I know there are injury concerns, but he is productive and would love the Green Monster. What Boston would have to give up is what puzzles me. I believe it would start with Reddick and Bard plus a couple of minor leaguers. I don't know if that would be enough though. I'd hate to give up this much (Bard and Reddick) for these pieces. If Boston can give up middle and lower level talent, then I say do it. I need your help on this one. What would Boston give up to make this one work?
Out of the 2 possibilities, I like the first one the best. It gives Boston a high quality 1B and a good SP. I could live with the 2nd trade if it was just narrowed down to Laird. I think he gives Boston a defensive presence that they need behind the plate. I can live with both trades depending on what Boston would have to give up. Option 1 fulfills a power need and pitching need. Option 2 fulfills the defensive catcher need, a pitching need and provides leadership and a safety net in case Bay doesn't re-sign. It doesn't fill the SS need. I think Boston re-signs Alex Gonzalez for another year for probably $2.5 - $3 mil. Your thoughts?
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