Because, really, how scary are you with Aaron Harang as your SP1? Broadcasters think the Reds go from good to great with the addition of a starting pitcher.
Bob Brenly:
"If they would add a drop-dead, top-of-the-rotation guy to an already pretty solid rotation, I think that would really put them over the hump. Not only on the field, but that's a huge psychological lift for the guys who have been battling for the first half of the season."
Tim McCarver:
"Cincinnati, instead of being a good team they would become a very good team. Even if they don't add anybody, I think Cincinnati is a very good team."
Marty Brennaman, however contests the need:
"Would they go out and trade for a guy who could pitch at the top of the rotation? I think they would. I don't think they would if they had to overpay. ... You hear the names Lee and Lilly and Oswalt, but I don't think they feel that is an urgent priority to put this team over the hump."
The article notes the Reds' prospects most frequently listed as trade possibilities are 1B/OF Yonder Alonso, 3B/OF Juan Francisco, and 3B/OF Todd Frazier. Obviously, with the Astros likely buying out Berkman's 2011, Alonso would be a target in a trade.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
