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In a post to his new Twitter feed, Buster Olney of ESPN.com says the Reds are preparing to unload players.
“They’ll probably have to tie valuable young players to expensive veterans in order to move salary,” he explains.
…hmmm… i wonder if there is a way for the Mets to acquire Brandon Phillips and one of those pitchers, while giving up prospects and a player like Luis Castillo, which would end up being a net-gain in terms of money on Cincinatti’s end…
Original Post, 2:02 pm:
Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse believes the Reds could look to trade 2B Brandon Phillips or pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang, as they try to cut payroll for 2010, according to a major 
league source.
…i would love to see phillips starting at second base for the Mets… he’s a spray hitter, but will also hit 15 to 20 home runs… he’s a smart baserunner and he’s aggressive… and, though he is not the best defensive second baseman, he’s better than Luis Castillo…
Phillips will earn $6.75 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011, after which he can be made a free agent, or the team can pick up a $12 million option for 2012.
…even at that money, in terms of production, defense and his position, i think phillips is bargain… more important, he is consistent… because of the way he handles the bat, and the fact that he hits left-handed pitching well, he tends to do the same thing, month after month, never dominant, rarely in a funk, he has never been on the disabled list, ever, and i think the Mets could benefit from that type of sound, balanced, reliable player…
In 2002, when he was GM of the Expos, and there was talk of Montreal being ‘contracted,’ Minaya traded Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Phillips, who were all prospects at the time, to the Indians for Bartolo Colon.
Speaking of second base, in a post to Amazin Avenue, Sam Page asks, “Is Orlando Hudson the answer at second base?”
Would love to see Phillips and Harang come here.
If they could be had for some mid-level prospects, Minaya should jump all over that
I agree, I wouldn’t mind them , but as a secondary move to aquiring a power bat and a #2 starter that in my opinion has to come first! We need a bonified difference making power bat no question, once that is accomplished then add the secondary pieces. On a side note, I would actually prefer Arroyo as opposed to Harang, but I think the better, cheaper and more likely scenario is a Randy Wolf and/ or John Garland.
I would say that Omar has to act on the opportunities as they arise. I suspect the Holliday saga will play out until after the holidays (no pun intended). If in the meantime, an opportunity comes up to move Castillo and acquire someone like Phillips, Omar should be all over that.
The acquisition of Phillips and Harang would be a great move. I think Harang would benefit from a change of scenery (and park), and Phillips would allow us to not have to focus so hard on a superstud like Holliday. We could actually look to spread the power out between 2nd, 1st, and LF.
I like it Cerrone… get Omar on the line!
not sure if it is Cinncinnati or overuse by Dusty that led to Harang’s problems.
Ugh, another player who cant post a good OBP. Stop it!
I wonder if Fmart Castillo and a low level minor leaguer would get back Harang and Phillips.
If so Id do it in a second.
Nope, they are looking to reduce payroll.
we’d have to pay Louie….
well right now Phillips is making $750K more than Luis. In 2011 he’ll be making $5M more.
The Mets could offer to take $2-3M of Luis’ 2010 salary and the Reds would come out ahead.
Yeah, if you ask me…the Reds would have to consider Castillo and possibly someone like Reese Havens for Phillips and I could see the Mets getting away with only haveing to pick up a small part of his contract because there is a huge gap in the 2011 salaries…The Reds could also have an interest in Pagan as I don’ t think Jay Bruce is a natural CF. Does Pagan Castillo and Havens get the Mets Harang and Phillips?
Given Beltran’s injury from last year I’d want to hold on to Pagan.
Phillips > Castillo
Castillo ~ Figgins
Castillo > Hudson
If Phillips doesn’t cost too much this should be done:
1) he has speed and decent power
2) less of an injury risk
3) will be 29
whereas Hudson brings you:
1) is older (32?)
2) less power
3) less speed
4) was benched in favor of Belliard
5) spent the last half of 2009 batting 8th or 9th for the lackluster Dodger offence.
Harang is 31 and will “earn” $10M in 2010 and perhaps $13M in 2011. I’d pass.
Arroyo is 32 and appears durable. Not sure why his strikeouts became pedestrain. Same salary, but a safer bet.
Harang is an innings eater. Put him in this park and he should be a solid starter.
Ya I believe Harang is a solid number 3 in Citi Field and I disagree with Sylow, Figgins is much better than Castillo
I thought that too until earlier today. He is healthier and has more steals but not much more. He does bring health and versatility. He also hasn’t played 2B in a while. All in all I’d prefer Figgans for a number of reasons, but Phillps brings much more to the table.
I’d love Phillips to come to the Mets. No to Harang.
I’d like Wolf more.
If it is Phillips AND Harang, overwhelm the Reds with whatever they ask for within reason. This means one of Holt/Mejia/Fmart plus Pelfrey plus another mid level prospect or Murphy. If it sounds crazy I do not care, these are 2 players I love and it would not hinder other big OF or FA SP moves… Harang is a fine #3 (I hate slotting people in to imaginary spots but he is a well abover average starter writh high K rates, aka a power pitcher) and Phillips is a top 5 talent at 2b. DO IT!!!!
I want Phillips on the Mets so bad I came back to this post like 8 hours after it was originally posted.
Phillips is five tool.
Please get him Omar.
sounds like a smart move (of course depending on what we have to give up)…we get a pitcher and a second baseman both of which we need BADLY…..knew october was going to suck thanks to luis’ gaffe in may but commend him for his effort in a dismal season for the team….
Taco!