Tribe, Reds & D’backs On Verge Of Mega-Deal
Via the Plain Dealer –
The Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks are talking about a three-team deal that could reach conclusion tonight.
The Tribe is close to sending outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to the Reds. They could receive outfielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius. CBSsports.com first reported that part of the deal.
It has since been learned that Arizona is involved in the deal. The Diamondbacks have been pursuing Tribe shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, but as of this moment it’s believed Cabrera is not involved. The Diamondbacks like Gregorius so the Indians could send him to Arizona as part of the deal.
During last week’s winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn., the Indians and Diamondbacks discussed various forms of a three and four-team deal. Texas, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Kansas City were involved at one time or another.
The Indians were trying to get young starting pitchers from Arizona in exchange for Cabrera, their two-time All-Star shortstop. Right-hander Trevor Bauer, Arizona’s No.1 pick in 2011, and left-hander Tyler Skaggs were supposedly coming the Tribe’s way.
The deal didn’t happen in Nashville, but it appears to be close to happening now.
Interesting deal, from all sides. It’s a shame the Yankees can’t move Granderson the way the Indians are moving Choo and come up with a replacement outfielder and a stud pitching prospect in return.
Done deal.
The Diamondbacks announced that they have acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius, left-handed pitcher Tony Sipp, and first baseman Lars Anderson from the Indians in exchange for right-handed pitchers Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw. The Reds are receiving Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald in the swap.
Steve L. wrote:
Again, the key commodity is a young playable shortstop. That’s what the D’backs wanted for Bauer. The Yanks don’t have one of those.
Pretty cool!
@ Evan3457:
Nunez? Cashman says his future is at SS!
@ Evan3457:
The SS in this trade came from the Reds originally. There seems to be no reason this couldn’t have been the Yankees sending Granderson to Cincinatti along with Logan/Rapada and a minor leaguer to Arizona. For that the Yankees could have had Bauer (upside pitcher), bullpen fodder and Stubbs, a right handed hitting OF that can play all 3 positions and has some power/speed skills.
You’d think Granderson would’ve made more sense for the Reds as he actually plays CF.
I just don’t think the Yankees can afford to trade Granderson while still trying to stay competitive unless they signed Hamilton or made some other corresponding move.
@ crrink:
In theory, sure, the Yankees might’ve been able to fill Cleveland’s shoes.
I just don’t think each team calls up every other team to see if they’re interested in playing a role in a deal. The Twins traded two CF’s in the span of 10 days, they probably could’ve played a role here too (and would’ve benefited from Bauer).
crrink wrote:
Less sense considering Choo can handle the leadoff spot. He may be a bit miscast in CF, but I don’t think the Reds’ll care, if he posts another .283/.373/.441 season.
Steve L. wrote:
Now in his 3rd org after being a hotshot Red Sox prospect, the 1B of the future (now 24 years old). Never can tell with these things.
@ Raf:
Lars is young enough to where anything can happen although his status as a prospect is greatly diminished.