Brandon Phillips Trade Rumors Need To Stop

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As it stands today, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is just that, a Cincinnati Red. There’s been much speculation this off season as to the supposed uncertain future of Phillips. When the Pittsburgh Pirates ended Cincinnati’s season in the one-game playoff, Brandon wearing Cincinnati Red the following season wasn’t a given.

Rumors began to swirl that general manager Walt Jocketty was looking to ship Phillips out of town. It only gained more steam as time went on. But as October melted into November and November met December, those rumors began to quiet down. Having said that, however, they aren’t gone all together. The Brandon Phillips trade saga just won’t die.

Let’s say the rumors are true. Let’s say Jocketty is trying to bring some new pieces in to the Queen City and getting rid of “DatDude” is the only way to do it. I, then, only ask one question: is it worth it?

Brandon Phillips is, without a doubt, a crucial part of this team. But it doesn’t end there. He’s valuable to the organization as a whole, and to the city in general. I doubt Phillips wants out. He has expressed his love for Cincinnati and its fans. He’s a fan favorite. And not just for his outwardly gestures.

Phillips is valuable for the most obvious reason: he’s kinda good. I don’t care if his statistics were off .01257 in one category with runners on third in the sixth innings of day games in July. For being as big of a baseball fan as I am, I’m not into statistics. They’re fun. Hey, I’ll admit they’re valuable. But I want to let common sense have its day.

Brandon Phillips passes the eye test! He’s a damn good baseball player, both offensively and defensively. This may not seem like breaking news, but I think it needs to be re-stated. So many times we by pass common sense to “analyze” one thing or the other. Phillips being traded? There’s no analyzing involved. Its a dumb move.

But let’s say he is moved. Jocketty trades Phillips for “future baseball star Bob.” Okay, great, I hope Bob does great thing as a Red in four years. But you know what we would need? You know what we would be missing? You know what Jocketty would have to turn around and trade for? I think you know where I’m going with this.

Yes, the Reds could ship Phillips for some up and coming star. But they already have that star. His name is Brandon Phillips. If he left, we would be missing a consistent bat and the best second baseman in the majors. And even if “Bob” turns out to be an even better second baseman and hitter, he isn’t now. So why give up what we have already for what we are hoping for? Why give up a 5 star player for a guy you hope turns into a 5 star player?