This was half written when Reds ownership traded for every available left handed starting pitcher on the market, so we have since re-written. In a dog fight with the Devil Rays and Marlins, the Reds are on fire in July with a .875 winning percentage. The offense is humming and the rotation is improved, so the focus here should be…
Need: Bullpen
9th in bullpen ERA, this is an uninspiring group after Arthur Rhodes. Ironically enough, nearly all of them are left-handed. The rotation is no joke but their potential trip to the playoffs could be short if the bullpen can’t hold leads.
Possible Targets
Paul Assenmacher – Boston Red Sox: Another lefty, but a guy who has excelled in Boston the last two seasons. Would instantly be the second best player in their bullpen.
Frank DiPino – Chicago Cubs: Left handed pitchers everywhere. 39 years old and not showing signs of slowing down, a luxury for the Cubs as they think more realistically about their chances this season.
Rich Garces/Joey Eichen – Colorado Rockies: Why trade for one when you can trade for both? Both pitching well and pieces that wouldn’t be focused on as strictly rentals.