Cincinnati Reds earn epic fail for trade deadline inaction

The Cincinnati Reds pushed the rebuild back by a year or more by inaction at the trade deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds went from two players who needed to be moved and two others that were worth something to an old shortstop and an injured pitcher.  They also moved the wrong relief pitcher and let up the pressure on their superstar too easily.

The player who has absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt no business still being in Cincinnati is relief pitcher Drew Storen.  He came over on a one year deal and turned himself into a great middle of the inning reliever.

The market the second half of July was heated.  It was an opportune time to move the veteran.  Instead, they kept him and he is now preparing for UCL replacement surgery.

The other player that has little business still wearing the Reds’ uniform is shortstop Zack Cozart.  He made the All-Star game on the last year of his contract.  Instead of moving him, the Reds kept messing around until re-injured himself.

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Cozart may not have brought much, but one prospect is better than none.  Plus, he is still a shadow over the development of Jose Peraza.  He is also eating up innings that should go to Zach Vincej defensively.

Beyond the two players where the Cincinnati Reds absolutely dropped the ball, there are two players that other teams should have been talking about.

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The player that needs to be discussed is MVP candidate Joey Votto.  He has a full no-trade clause.  He also cleared waivers.

The hitting market was light for the second season in a row this year with JD Martinez being the highest profile batter.  Votto would bring a king’s ransom.  Instead, no teams made an offer and Votto didn’t have to say no thank you.

The last player that the Reds should have moved was closer Raisel Iglesias.

Over the off-season the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins both came in hot for the young reliever.  The Marlins’ interest eventually turned into the Dan Straily deal.

This time around, though, the market was even hotter.  The Reds also knew that they had found other options.  Most importantly, Iglesias could be out of the Reds price range any year now, yet he remains.

Next: Rookie Davis is playing like one

The Reds moved Tony Cingrani for a player they have since designated for assignment.  They also kept players until they injured themselves.  What other grade could the Reds receive, but an F?