Reading in a couple places today the suggestion that Dexter Fowler might be a possible trade target for the Reds. John Fay speculates:
But Fowler is ideal. He hit .300 with a .389 on-base percentage and .474 slugging percentage last year. He made $2.3 million and is abitration-eligible for the second time. He’s only 26 and the Reds would control him for two years. That works well. Top prospect Billy Hamilton is a year or two away.
But, again, the price would be steep. The Reds would probably have to give up either Daniel Corcino or Tony Cingrani, two top pitching prospects, as part of the package.
Fowler *might* be an upgrade over Drew Stubbs. But his home/away splits are a huge concern. He success seems tied to the friendly confines and high altitudes of Denver. Fowler’s career slash outside of Coors Field: .248/.331/.367. Despite his speed, he’s not very good at stealing bases. In the past three seasons, Fowler has stolen 37 bases (and caught 21! times). Over that time he’s hit 24 home runs.
Stubbs career: .241/.312/.386. In the past three seasons, Stubbs has 51 home runs and 100 stolen bases (23 CS).
Is Fowler better than Stubbs in CF? Meh. I surely wouldn’t give up the farm, or even an important piece of it, to find out.