Big Bat Still Wanted by Reds?

I put this as a question because, as you will see, I will leave that up to your opinion.

There isn’t a question the Reds need another bat, in my opinion anyway, but it’s more of who you want to supply that bat. Over the past few weeks, the name of Kevin Youkilis has taken a fair amount of linkage to the Reds. Today, another name seems to be gaining steam because of this…

While I’m not always the one to play nice with those that are employed at the Mothership, I can envision this. Just not sure it will happen.

As Olney tweets, imagine seeing a lineup that has Carlos Quentin in between Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. That’s an incredible plus.

Another is that Quentin can play left field. I know, the Reds already have Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey. A thought is that if the front office pursues this route, Heisey could be involved in this particular deal. If not this deal, then one would surely go in a different one.

But there are minuses, too. Most are the same that some has stated in regards to the Reds acquiring Youkilis.

The first minus, though, is not one. The first one is that Quentin is a Padre. The Padres are in a rebuilding through youth movement. Reds fans are all too familiar with that plan as three of the Reds top prospects are now members of the Padres organization. The Pads would want more youth in exchange for Quentin. And you know one name that would be brought up is that of Billy Hamilton.

Yeah, I laughed at that, too. Another names I saw across Twitter were Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino. Didn’t laugh as loud on those only because I can see possibly one, but not both.

Second, Quentin will be a free agent after this season. You could look at this as a straight rental. Of course, something could be done after a potential deal. Unlike Youkilis, there is an option attached with Quentin.

Third minus: money. Now Quentin would not be due the amount of cash that Youk would get. Quentin is on an $7+MM deal which is less than two-thirds of the Youkilis contract of $12MM. If the Reds would like the Padres to eat a portion of that money, no question that asking price would be higher. Same for the Sawx in dealing with Youk.

Fourth minus: health. I don’t think this is as big a deal as it’s made out to be. The reason it is may be due to how recent the injury and Quentin’s return took place. A broken wrist in ’08. Plantar fasciitis in ’09. Partial tear of the meniscus this past March. I do think health is a greater risk with Youkilis. That and age. Quentin won’t be 30 until late August. Youkilis is 33.

Again, monetarily, Quentin is less expensive than Youkilis. The question you must ask yourself is this: would you rather deal more prospects to the Padres or possibly more experienced MLB talent to the Red Sox?

Then again, you do have other choices. What say you?