clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Reds Trade Rumors: Juan Pierre, Denard Span

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

MIAMI, FL - JULY 01: Juan Pierre #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a triple in the first inning during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 1, 2012 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 01: Juan Pierre #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a triple in the first inning during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 1, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Editor's Note: SB Nation MLB News is a service provided by the SB Nation News Desk to help us get breaking news to you quickly. We often don't have time to digest breaking news and trade rumors beyond posting a FanShot. Basically, this is an upgrade that we've opted into - occurring in the spaces where we would normally have been able only to provide a sentence or two and a link. They ain't usurpin', they're invited. -- RSCWKRP

Looking for Lead-Off Options?

The Cincinnati Reds’ #1 need is a reliable lead-off man, suggests John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He believes Juan Pierre of the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins outfielder Denard Span could be logical targets for the club:

The question is who’s available. Philadelphia’s Juan Pierre apparently is. He’s having a decent year. He’s a rental player, which works well for the Reds since Billy Hamilton will likely be ready by 2014.

Minnesota’s Denard Span likely is available too. He’s hitting .270 with a .334 on-base this year. His career numbers are .282/.357. He under contract the next two years at $4.75 million and $6.5 million with a club option for 2015.

Even if the Phillies don’t decide to engage in a complete fire-sale this summer, they could still elect to trade Pierre. Philadelphia signed the 34-year-old to a minor league deal this off-season, and he’s hit at a productive clip of .307/.344/.378 over his 241 at-bats.

The Twins are reportedly willing to trade Span this year, but he’s going to cost more than Pierre. The 28-year-old’s contract runs through the 2014 season and includes an option for 2015. While he owns a career OPS of .742, his production has been down over the past few seasons. He’s pushed his OPS back north of .700, and on the year he’s posted a line of .270/.334/.375 with 20 doubles and 39 runs scored.