Walt Jocketty made the deal that fans have been screaming for. The Reds obtained 24-year old RHP Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres.
The Reds traded Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, both out of The University of Miami, Brad Boxberger and Edinson Volquez.
Alonso showed great promise at the plate but was seen as a liability in the outfield. With his natural position blocked by 2010 MVP Joey Votto, there was no room for him. Grandal was the Reds first pick in 2010, a switch hitting catcher, who is perhaps two years away. The Reds are set with Devin Mesoraco, emerging from the Reds farm system at the catching position. Boxberger, has improved steadily and appears to be ready to pitch in relief in the major leagues. Volquez is eligible for arbitration and has struggled in his comeback from elbow surgery,.
Latos was 9-14 for the under achieving San Diego with a 3.47 ERA. Even in pitcher friendly Petco Park, Latos is known as a ground ball pitcher, very helpful in cozy Great American Ball Park.
"Mat is a big strong, young pitcher with electric stuff," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in the Reds press release. "We consider him to be a potential number one starter, who contracturally have under control for four more years. To acquire a pitcher who is ready to fit in the top of the rotation, you have to give up talent."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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