If there was ever a team that should go "all in" in 2015, it is the Cincinnati Reds.
Yes, the Cardinals have been the dominant team in the NL Central, and the Pirates have risen from the bottom to be a contender, but the Reds have one last chance with the current core roster to make a charge.
Many rumors are spreading around the Reds trading off pieces. But some would question why.
Yes, 4/5ths of the current rotation (Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon) are all free agents following the 2015 season. That is the reason why the Reds should go all out to win in 2015. It will be nearly impossible to rebuild that rotation quickly in today's baseball economics.
In 2014, the Reds finished 76-86, 14 GB in the standings.
The team just needs to tweak the bullpen, shore up the outfield with some power and hope the injury bug does not bite them hard.
The Braves are very much shopping Justin Upton but they are requesting a
higher return than they received earlier this week when they dealt their
other corner outfielder, Jason Heyward.
In exchange for Heyward and reliever Jordan Walden, Atlanta received
from St. Louis a pretty good starter with four years of control in
Shelby Miller plus pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins.
Like Heyward, Upton can be a free agent after this season and is due
$14.5 million in 2015 compared to the $8.3 million that Heyward will
earn. Nevertheless, the Braves think Upton has greater value in the
trade market because his overall offense — particularly his power — is
superior. Upton hit 29 homers and Heyward 11. And Upton brings righty
power, which is in particularly short demand.
This would one of those "all in" one year or bust deals if the Reds took a flyer on Upton. It would send a strong message: win now, or go home. Actually, that should be every team's message every spring.
