How About Bonds To The Reds?

Here's one we haven't considered: could Barry Bonds join the Reds?  Home Run Derby discusses the Dusty Baker connection, while Sabernomics believes the Reds hired Dusty partially to show free agents they're serious.  Sabernomics believes the Reds could even make a run at Alex Rodriguez.  (Hat tip to Bleed Cubbie Blue on both links).

Bonds would be a welcome addition to any offense.  But he only fits in with an NL team in left field.  Adam Dunn resides there currently for Cincy, playing some of the worst LF defense in the game.  So the loss on defense would be minimal.  Dunn could then be moved to first base or sent packing.  The latter option makes the most sense, since Joey Votto is ready and Scott Hatteberg is under contract. 

The possible problem is that exercising Dunn's option for 2008 gives him full no-trade protection until June 15th.  Last we heard, the Reds are likely to go for it.  A Dunn-for-Bonds exchange only makes sense if the Reds score a good young pitcher for Dunn.  Anyone have any reasonable trade scenarios involving Dunn?

Comments

[zito4cyyoung]

Angels should sign Barry. Have him be the DH and bat 3rd with Vlad clean up.

Who would walk Barry to face Vlad??

That would improve Barry's numbers greatly as well as Vlads...

[redsfan26]

How bout Dunn/A.Gonzalez to the Tigers for some young pitching? It would fill the two holes they have at SS and lefty slugger. As much as I wouldn't like to see Dunn go, I'm afraid he's gonna be the odd man out to get Jay Bruce the 450-500 ABs he deserves this year.

[zs190]

I thought the owner came out not long ago and said he wants to keep Dunn. I would think the owner gets his way.

This just seems like a non-starter to me.

[redsfan26]

I know Castellini said that during the Baker press conference, but at the same time he said, 'We'll see what happens...' I kind of expected a proclamation that 'Adam Dunn will be a Red.' Anyway, I feel bad for Dunn because he takes so much abuse from the local media/fans and all he does is produce.

[anthoneytheghost]

adam dunn to boston for michael bowden and craig hansen.
adam dunn at first, youkilis at third. this is an organization that will appreciate dunn for what he does, walk and homer. tho red sox fans did slaughter mark bellhorn for the strikeouts and the defense at a time where he was one of the better offensive second baseman in the league, so maybe im wrong.

[schellis]

At this stage of their careers Adam Dunn is far more valueable then Bonds, and will require less money per season to keep.

Cincinnati ranks right up there with LA when it comes to disliking Bonds so I think it would be a horrible fit for him. Plus Bonds is a worse defender then Dunn. For all the crap that Dunn gets he honestly wasn't the worst in the majors last year and showed improvement as the season went along in every part of his game that was felt a weakness.

Bringing in Bonds would be a major step backwards for the Reds, he would alienate the fan base, I've heard from many that would stop supporting the team as long as Bonds was wearing red, he would cost more money and offer less production. He would also give the Reds one of the most brittle OFs in the history of the game.

Griffey has one year left on his deal, I believe he gets traded this off-season, and even if he doesn't he'll open a slot for Bruce by 2009, or earlier when he has his normal season ending injury.

I could see them trying for A-Rod though, but that would require a sizeable payroll increase.

Also Hatteburg is a FA unless the Reds pick up his option. Its a cheap option though I think 1.5 million, don't know if there are any restrictions on trades if its picked up.

[redsfan26]

I don't think Hatte has any restrictions (1.85 to be exact, I think)...I really think they should pick it up and trade him. I'm no expert, but the he seems like a great clubhouse guy and would be a great for somebody that has an opening. Votto needs to play and I would think they could get something out of Hatte via trade.

[BraveSluggas]

the best thing for barry is to go to an american league team. he gets considerably worse every year on defense and he could get injured very easily. I think only 3 teams would be good for him... the Angels simply because thats not far from san fran and they need a DH, Mariners cuz they also need a DH with Ibanez on the market and it is also close to San Fran... and Yankees becuz they have A-Rod prolly leaving Posada mite be leaving as well so that will affect their offense rather... lets say dramatically so they will need Bonds to come in as a DH and bat 4th (Giambi is past his prime so maybe they could work out a trade for another starter and perhaps get someone like Fransisco Cordero to come in and close) and about the pressure in NY, well he handled being accused of using steroids for several years so y couldn't he handle this?

[Bravesfanuc]

Where does Jay Bruce fit in? Is he going to rot in AAA when he is clearly ready for the majors.

[John Peterson]

What a sick lineup Brandon Phillips, A-Rod, Bonds and Dunn would be.

[Muggerd]

Bonds no
Arod sure

[schellis]

Unless the Reds get a taker for Griffey or don't pick up Dunn's option I believe Bruce starts the year in AAA until either Hamilton or Griffey goes down with a injury that will keep them on the DL for a significant time.

If the Reds can deal Griffey for either a catcher or a pitcher then I believe Bruce would open with the club. I also believe that Bruce at this point is a better option then Griffey. It would give the Reds two plus defensive OFs which would help with Dunn's defensive short comings.

[tuffgongcubs]

I honestly don't understand any team that goes after Bonds, man is ridiculously old. He's injured nearly every other year, plays awful defense, obviously he creates an unwanted distraction in the clubhouse, and worst of all, his production is going to get worse, not better if he switches teams. Bonds has played his last three-four years batting in front of the players such as Ryan Klesko, and Ray Durham. Does anyone honestly think he'll be able to maintain his .480 OBP if he gets some protection? Bonds gets intentionally walked 40-50 times a year, and its not because he's the "most feared hitter in the game", it's cause the rest of the Giants lineup consists of some of the least feared hitters in the game. Bottom line is move Bonds out of San Fransisco, and watch his numbers plummet.

[zito4cyyoung]

tuff...

Not sure where you get Bonds being injured every other year. He had one long injury year. Before that he averaged more games than any other Giant. If he goes to an AL team and becomes a DH, how would he get injured? He is still one of the greatest hitters to play the game. He also had 28 HRs this past season. Put a big bat behind him and he gets 30-35 HRs easily!

[TheAngelicDoctor]

Trade Dunn to the Giants for Lowry. The Giants get power to replace Bonds, and the Reds get much needed pitching. Then the Reds sign Barry, and use Bruce as a defensive replacement or when Barry needs a rest.

[schellis]

Why would the Reds trade a hitter like Dunn, who is close to a MVP caliber player for a bottom of the rotation arm like Lowry?

There is also no way that the Reds would burn service time on Bruce by having him on the roster as Bonds caddy.

If the Reds want a poor defensive OF that hits homers and walks alot they already have on on the roster that going forward is the better player.

The negitives that Bonds would bring to the Reds far out weigh any positives.

He would replace a fan favorite (there is a group of hard core Reds fans that hate Dunn, but the common one like the big guy because of his power)

He would play worse defense then Dunn, play less often.

He along with Griffey and Hamilton would form the most brittle OF in the majors, and the worst defensive OF as well since Hamilton is miscast as a CF, Griffey is more a LF and Bonds is a DH.

Dunn wants to play for Cincinnati, and will most likey take less to stay. There are very very few players that want to come to Cincinnati.

You build around someone like Dunn who while having a similar game to the current Bonds, is a much different person.

It just makes absolutely no sense for the Reds to bring in Bonds at the expense of Dunn and to a lesser extent Bruce.

If you are going to get another OF Hunter would make more sense. He plays a position that the Reds really don't have (CF) But even that would require either trading Griffey (want to see Griffey to Seattle for Clement) not picking up Dunn's option, or dealing either Votto or Hamilton (Dunn moves to 1B with a Votto deal)

I do believe that the Reds will be major players this off-season making at least one big move, see Encarancion, Votto, Hamilton or Griffey being moved perhaps more then just one, and a big FA signing at least one. Could see Cordero, though I think moving Burton into the closer role would be the smarter play.

[schellis]

Bonds has to go to a AL team because he just isn't a OF any more. His legs are getting close to shot, and while he doesn't have major injuries he requires a good deal of rest.

[BraveSluggas]

zito4cyyoung you said that he averaged more games than any other giant before his injury well every giant is hurt all the time lol why do you think they suck other than their unexpectant bad pitching? None ever plays on the giants that doesnt seem to get hurt every year....

[nrmax88]

"Trade Dunn to the Giants for Lowry. The Giants get power to replace Bonds, and the Reds get much needed pitching. Then the Reds sign Barry, and use Bruce as a defensive replacement or when Barry needs a rest."

Noah Lowry's garbage.

[nrmax88]

"zito4cyyoung you said that he averaged more games than any other giant before his injury well every giant is hurt all the time lol why do you think they suck other than their unexpectant bad pitching? None ever plays on the giants that doesnt seem to get hurt every year...."

Why do the giants suck?

Because Dave Roberts sucks.
Because Ray Durham sucks.
Because Pedro Feliz sucks. Because Ryan Klesko sucks. Because Omar Vizquel sucks.
Because the bullpen sucks.
Because Peter Magowan sucks.
Because their whole rosters combined age is like 436,125.

"lol why do you think they suck other than their unexpectant bad pitching?"

There is a reason right there. Bad pitching= Bad team. Although that is the one birghtspot for San Fran, in Lincecum, Cain, Zito, Sanchez so I am not sure what youre talking about.

That is like saying... why do you think the knicks suck, besides the fact that they give up 134 points per game?

[Teetz]

Yes, you're right. The Knicks do suck. Really suck.

[Bear0930pg]

Hey, heres a thought. Why dont the Reds trade away Votto and Bruce for some crappy much needed relievers. :) You know their GM wants to do it. C'mon, this way you can keep Dunn and let Griffeys contract expire while getting absolutely no more SP help. I like this idea for the Reds. It fits them as an organization.

All sarcasm aside, Redsfan26 said they may get something out of trading Hatteberg to make room for Votto. I seriously doubt they would get much in return. Votto needs to start. They may as well keep Hatte as a left handed bat off the bench.

As far as Dunn goes I would say Dunn to the Dodgers for some pitching since the Dodgers have a lot of it. Unfortunately, we have Juan Pierre in left field. I'd prefer Dunns power in that position.....but Dunn is not a fit for LA at all.

Redsfan26 idea of sending Dunn and Gonzalez to Detroit is a good one. It fills 2 holes for the Tigers. How much pitching could Cinci pry from Detroit tho. Jordan Tata, Andrew Miller and Jose Capellan/Nate Robertson anyone?

[Bear0930pg]

I'd like to clarify that Dunn would be a fit for LA if we didnt have Pierre in left. Unless, Pierre stays in Center (which i would cringe at the idea) Dunn in left and Kemp in right. Lord please help Colletti make a good decision.

Can we trade pierre?.....I have an idea...include him in a trade MCab....thats off topic sorry.

[ceboscuit]

I've said this before I'd do a Dunn for Sexton and a pitching prospect. It would be a match salary wise. The only way this would make sense is if the Reds weren't looking to re-sign Dunn. Sexton only has a year left on his contract, could have a bounce back year in homer friendly Cincinnati and then they could decide what to do with him. It would also give them a year to let all those young guys that are close to being ready get ready. It could work b/c the Mariners are always looking for a big left handed bat. It would be something to look at.

[zs190]

I think the Reds have not one, but two major league 1B's(Votto is clearly ready and don't need more minor league time) that probably can't play elsewhere, I don't see Sexson as something they would want in any situation.

[04Forever]

dont the reds have enough money invested in burnout outfielders like Ken Griffey? They should most certainly pass on Bonds, he isnt going to fix there problem, that team needs to be totally rebuilt from management down to the players.

[anthoneytheghost]

"As far as Dunn goes I would say Dunn to the Dodgers for some pitching since the Dodgers have a lot of it. Unfortunately, we have Juan Pierre in left field. I'd prefer Dunns power in that position.....but Dunn is not a fit for LA at all."

it wouldnt surprise me at all if the dusty baker reds have interest in pierre, for many reasons. pierre seems liek a guy that dusty would like to have. a while ago there was a report on this site about the reds interest in torii hunter, so, even though they have about 6 outfielders theyre not totally out of the game. i wouldnt be suprised to see pierre as part of a return for dunn.

[redsfan26]

I don't really think that would be smart for the Reds. The only thing it would accomplish is allow Josh Hamilton to hit in the middle of the order where he belongs. It still doesn't make room for Jay Bruce. If anyone gets traded, the only return should be pitching, pitching, pitching.

[Bear0930pg]

Regardless of what the return is on Adam Dunn in any trade scenario I believe Bruce is the odd man out. The likely scenario I see for Bruce to be a starter is an injury to Hamilton or Griffey or if Griffey is traded.

Hypothetically speaking. If Juan Pierre were to be traded to the Reds. Wouldnt you want Pierre as the leadoff man for Hamilton, Bruce, Phillips and Votto to knock in?

I think trading Griffey might be a good idea for the reds, as I'm sure they can pry a decent starter from any team. Especially one that needs a DH.

I still like Dunn to the Dodgers or Tigers. Is Jordan Tata, Andrew Miller and Jose Capellan/Nate Robertson a sufficient bounty for Dunn? or is that asking too much? How bout Pierre, Greg Miller and DJ Houlton?

[nrmax88]

"dont the reds have enough money invested in burnout outfielders like Ken Griffey? They should most certainly pass on Bonds, he isnt going to fix there problem, that team needs to be totally rebuilt from management down to the players."

No they dont. They have Hamilton, he is their CF. Dunnis a fine option in right.Griffey/ Bruce, either way they will have a RF who is atleast league average. Edwin Encarnacion. Bery good, young, underated player. A-gon, no star, but can get the job done at short. Brandon Phillips, one of the best there is at 2B, period. Votto, good option for 1B of the future. They could use a good backstop, but they arent far off. Their position players actuslly look very good. They have Harang and Arroyotwo proven vets for the rotation. Bailey still has nasty stuff, and SHOULDNT be counted out yet. Cinci finds one more starter to go with Harang and Arroyo, and their rotation is decent. They need to fix up the pen. IMO, they need a catcher. They need one more starter. They need to trade Griffey/ Freel / and of their spare parts for pitching, relievers, starters, whatever. Just good arms. In the awful NL Central, a year removed from competing the whole season, I dont think the Red are very far off at all.

[nrmax88]

Sry abt the punctuation and spelling mistakes.... long night.

[nrmax88]

"I still like Dunn to the Dodgers or Tigers. Is Jordan Tata, Andrew Miller and Jose Capellan/Nate Robertson a sufficient bounty for Dunn? or is that asking too much? How bout Pierre, Greg Miller and DJ Houlton?"

Honestly, whether it is too much or not, I dont thin the Tigers would even give up Andrew Miller straight up for Adam Dunn.