Seems like the the Red’s two catchers are drawing interest from opposing clubs. The following excerpts are from the MLB site:
General manager Dan O’Brien spent his trip to the World Series this past week talking with several clubs about potential trades involving not only his wealth of outfielders but also his depth of catching talent.
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That deal could involve one of the four outfielders — Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Austin Kearns or Wily Mo Pena — as has been speculated so often in the past. But the names of catchers Jason LaRue and Javier Valentin, who combined to form the best offensive catching tandem in the Major Leagues this season, have also been on the lips of opposing GMs.
I’d certainly have no problems dealing one of the catchers if it would bring some pitching to the Reds. Also noted that one of my favorites, Corky Miller is a Minor League Free Agent. He might be an option for the backup catcher spot should the Reds deal one of LaRue or Valentin.
Later,
Tom
Trade LaRue for pitching? This would be offseason priority #1 if I were GM, as long as #2 (trade an outfielder or two) also gets done. Should we dare wonder who O’Brien is coveting?
I agree that Valentin should be the guy to go. We’d be selling high considering his career year in ’05, plus at 30, he’s not a long-term solution to replace LaRue (who’s 31).