Reds: My thoughts on the trades

My thoughts on the trades:

I’m intrigued. They clearly got better. They clearly didn’t give up much.

Is it enough, probably not, especially considering what the Padres did, the team the Reds are chasing for the third Wild Card. I think San Diego traded 14 prospects for 7 MLB players.

But the Reds bought. They provided help for a group busting their tail, a message that certainly has to resonate with players. They showed the fans they were engaged. Heck, they added at least $36M to their books going forward.

I like helping in four areas: Rotation, bullpen, defense, offense.

They helped the rotation/bullpen with the add of Zack Littell. He gives them depth/options/protection. 2 years ago this team was forced to use guys like Brett Kennedy and Connor Phillips, Derek Law to start games down the stretch.

I think Miguel Andujar is a really sneaky smart add. They got help for one of their most glaring offensive issues….. hitting LHP. A .298 hitter in a league hitting .245. And .380 vs LHP last 3 years. The A’s raved about him.

Ke'Bryan Hayes? He upgrades their woeful and unsustainable defense at 3rd. He becomes the best defender on the roster and their best 3B glove since Scott Rolen. But I would not have gone that route and put 4-years/$36M on the books. Not for a guy essentially hitting like Espinal, with a history of back issues.

I’m a big fan of Sammy Stafura. But he’s behind the likes of Edwin Arroyo and Tyson Lewis, and they just drafted Steele Hall. I like, Adam Serwinowski. But I got mixed reviews on him when asking around. Kenya Higgins? I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of. I never mentioned him in a single Down on the Farm report. Taylor Rogers? Guy allowed a small village of inherited runners to score. There is a reason Giants gave the Reds $6M to take him.

It wasn’t exactly breaking news that Nick Krall was facing payroll limitations.

I don’t like it, you don’t like it, but it is what it is. He had to be selective and creative. He was. And he was able to keep the likes of Burns, Lowder, Stewart.

Did they add “the bat”? No. They didn’t. That’s frustrating.

Did they get better? No doubt. That’s encouraging.