Thursday, February 7, 2013
Cincy's rotation depth
By Jason A. Churchill
With left-hander Aroldis Chapman making the transition to the starting rotation this spring, the Cincinnati Reds could find themselves with an extra starting pitcher, which is always a value on the trade market. With Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo ahead of Chapman, right-hander Mike Leake could ultimately be expendable.
While it's generally the preference of clubs to carry some depth, the Reds may view prospects Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino and the presence of veteran Alfredo Simon, who has starting experience. Leake, coincidentally, agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.06 million Wednesday, avoiding arbitration. He's under club control through 2015.
The surplus may not be apparent to the Reds until Chapman gets established, and any injuries to any of the club's top seven or eight starting pitchers changes Leake's status.
