MLB Trade Rumors: Cincinnati Reds Must Pay High Price for Shane Victorino

It's hard to find a weakness on the Cincinnati Reds right now, but leadoff hitter is an area in the batting order that they should upgrade. Despite the Reds' current win streak, Shane Victorino would be a quality addition at the top of their lineup.

According to CBS Sports insider Danny Knobler, the Reds are very interested in Philadelphia's table-setter:

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The Reds continue to search for a leadoff hitter as the hours tick down to Tuesday's 4 p.m. (ET) non-waiver trade deadline, sources say. Shane Victorino of the Phillies has been their top target, but the price has thus far been out of the range that the Reds are willing to pay.

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Cincinnati should reconsider the price they're willing to pay for Victorino's services. They rejected Philadelphia's initial asking price when Ruben Amaro asked for Logan Ondrusek in exchange for his switch-hitting center fielder, according to Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Paul Daugherty. Ondrusek has a 3.03 ERA in 45 appearances this season.

Their reluctance is understandable. The Reds have the best bullpen ERA in the league, and you don't want to ruin one strength to improve a weakness. That just doesn't make sense.

However, losing Ondrusek wouldn't necessarily create a weakness. The Reds still have a solid collection of late-inning arms featuring Aroldis Chapman and Sean Marshall. Ondrusek would be a loss, but it's one they could absorb in this situation.

Victorino isn't the same player he used to be, but he's hitting .261 with nine home runs and 40 RBI. He's got a plethora of postseason experience, and that would benefit the Reds as they enter the thick of the National League pennant race.

The Reds' lineup is already loaded with power hitters, and Great American Ballpark is almost too easy for long-ball sluggers. Victorino's .324 on-base percentage would, at the least, create a solid rotation with Drew Stubbs in the outfield. 

Victorino's talents are still there, but somewhat diminished at this point. The Reds need his experience, tenacity and overall energy. Ondrusek has been a valuable piece to their bullpen, but he's expendable when it comes to filling their one glaring need. 

Cincinnati has the right guy pegged as their top priority. Now they need to go get him.