Rockies' Offseason: Dealin' Dan Not Done Yet

With all-star slugger Matt Holliday boarding the next flight to Oakland, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd isn't done with his roster overhaul just yet.

The Denver Post has just reported that the Rockies have been in talks with the Cincinnati Reds about a possible deal or deals involving three Opening Day starters from 2008—third baseman Garrett Atkins, catcher Yorvit Torrealba, and outfielder Willy Taveras. 

Since Rockies fans are being forced to resign themselves to another season of Todd Helton and the Toddlers, the Reds pose an interesting suitor for the Rockies' fire sale. 

The Reds have young, Major League-tested talent already on their roster that O'Dowd could try to pry away.  I assume it would take an act of God to steal right-hander Edinson Volquez in a trade, but perhaps something could be worked out for young right-hander Homer Bailey, who rocketed through the Reds' farm system before struggling with the big club. 

Another pitcher who might be mentioned could be right-handed starter Johnny Cueto who set the world on fire but cooled off considerably as the season progressed.  He boasted a 2.5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and has a live arm that could benefit from a departure from Great American Little League Ballpark to colossal Coors Field.

The Rockies would also be sure to inquire about the availability of outfielder Jay Bruce who socked 21 home runs in his rookie season, but the Reds would be hard-pressed to part with someone they tout as the future of their franchise. 

I have made it abundantly clear on these pages that I would gladly take a kick in the kidneys if some team would just take Taveras off our hands. Torrealba falls into that same category. 

He's not a bad guy by any means, but with Chris Iannetta's emergence last season and the fact that the Rockies are due to pay Torrealba another $3.5 million this year to be a backup, I just don't see the point in keeping him on the roster. 

Regardless of where these players end up, the new-look Rockies won't be recognized by many of the dwindling fans still forking over money to see the same old sorry song and dance.