Although the Reds are on the hunt for starting pitching, they have middle- and back-of-the-rotation starters out their ears (Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Edinson Volquez, Travis Wood). What they’re looking for is a #1 or #2 starter, and I just don’t think Tomlin is quite good enough to bring in a player the Reds see as a future star at first base.

As for Alonso’s minor league numbers, you have to keep in mind that he had a broken hamate bone, which greatly depletes a player’s power numbers for over a year. When he has been healthy–especially when he hasn’t been in pitcher-friendly leagues like the Florida State League–he has put up much more impressive numbers. The Reds could wait for him to build his value up even more, but then they’d have to deal with more of the media asking about using him as a trading chip, and that’s a conversation I think they’re really trying to shy away from.

With the Indians lack of depth in the Right handed bat area and Center Field depth in AAA and AA that it would be best for the Indians Organization to let Carmona be available to the Reds if they are still interested expand the deal for the Reds to include several of there needed pieces for next season.

Example The Reds needs

Starter Carmona

Closer Chris Perez

SS Jason Donald

Relief Specialist Tony Sipp ( who the Reds asked for and was thought to be the stumbling block at the Winter Meetings )

For Cleveland Indians hugh Long Term Needs

Yonder Alonso

( He could solve the problems at 1 st for many years to come BTW he is a + defender at 1st but horrid anywhere else )

Yorman Rodriguez Centerfielder Sizemore replacement 4-5 tool prospect ETA 2014 also Right handed bat

Todd Frazier – Outfielder who can also play 3rd and also 2nd he is a right handed bat with pop ETA 2011 he could be a Casey Blake type of a replacement and upgrade for Brantley.

Maybe Antonetti could even squeeze the Reds for Homer Bailey or Travis Wood in the deal.

I know how rare it is for this size of a deal is to get done but but the Contracts going to the Reds are not bad contracts so there should not be any need for monies going the Reds direction to be involved and if both GM’s really need to look at this this solves foth teams issues now and for the next 2 to 3 seasons for the Reds and the next 5 to 6 years for the money poor Cleveland Indians.

Also Cleveland replaces the players dealt this way

Rotation minus Carmona becomes

Masterson

Ubaldo

Tomlin

Lowe

Gomes

Closer Chris Perez is replaced by Pestano who has already proven to have the unhittable closer stuffl

Tony Sipp is replaced by either Josh Judy or Nick Hagadone both has poven to be ready for prime-time

Jason Donald would be replaced by Phelps or the Signing of Casey Blake or Lopez

IMHO this would be a Hugh win win all the way around.

As far as Tomlin the reason he is a non fit for the Reds is I think they are looking for someone with a real track record unlike Tomlin and their won Travis Wood and Homer Bailey who could all go through growing issues in their young careers. Where with Carmona who has had a issue with wins but still has had a high K rate and Ground ball rate at around 85 % this is probably the reason the Reds have tried to obtain Carmona the last 2 years.