One of the most underrated hitters in MLB, Choo upgrades the Reds lineup
During the Winter Meetings in Nashville, there was quite a buzz over a proposed three team deal that involved the Indians and Diamondbacks. The deal never came to fruition in Nashville, but a week later finally saw a three team deal struck. The Cincinnati Reds brought it all together as their willingness to part with Didi Gregorius, their young 22 year old shortstop. They are willing because of the presence of Zack Cozart, their 26 year old second year shortstop who played in 138 games as rookie.
Because the Reds were willing to part with Gregorius, they were able to address their need for a leadoff hitter. The first part of the deal sent Gregorius and center fielder Drew Stubbs to the Cleveland Indians for Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald. The Indians then shipped Gregorius to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right handed pitcher and former number one draft pick Trevor Bauer. In addition, first baseman Lars Anderson and lefty reliever Tony Sipp went to Arizona while the Indians received relievers Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw.
It is a deal that immediately upgrades the Reds as it addresses one of their main weaknesses of 2012. The Cleveland Indians get a potential number one starter for a player they were going to lose at the end of the season while the Diamondbacks get a potential elite defender at shortstop with questionable offensive tools.
