MLB Trade Rumors: Reds, Rays and Rockies Have 3-Way Deal Brewing

Even the breaking news of Ryan Ludwick reportedly signing a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds can't slow down the trade rumors (via the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay). Ludwick still doesn't fix the void at leadoff, but CBS Sports senior baseball writer Danny Knobler seems to think that the Reds have a plan brewing that can solve that very issue.

Check out this tweet from Knobler:

"

Rays, not surprisingly, still poking around for a catcher. Asked at least one team about trying to do a 3-way deal to get Mesoraco from Reds

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) December 7, 2012"

Wow. According to this, it seems as though Cincinnati would be willing to part with catching prospect Devin Mesoraco if the deal could eventually net the Reds a leadoff man.

According to a report by Jason A. Churchill on ESPN.com, the third team involved could be the Colorado Rockies. As Churchill explains in his report, the Reds need a leadoff guy (presumably Dexter Fowler), the Rockies need pitching (presumably one of the young Rays arms), and the Rays need a catcher (presumably Devin Mesoraco).

Essentially, this means that Cincinnati would give up Mesoraco for Fowler after all was said and done. But is Fowler really worth such a trade? On one hand, he is a young player who fills a huge hole. On the other hand, however, the Reds could play this better by getting an arm like Jeremy Hellickson or James Shields and keeping him for themselves.

The 2013 Reds' Opening Day rotation would suddenly contain Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, possibly Shields or Hellickson, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Notice one big omission?

That's right, no Aroldis Chapman. Many may be very happy to see him moved back to the closer's role. Talk about domination. Such a pitching staff would undoubtedly end up as one of the best in baseball.

No, this does not solve the issue at leadoff. But that could be addressed through other means, like the trade of other assets or the signing of Michael Bourn.

It's all an interesting twist to these reports. What are your thoughts?

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