Examine The Reds Deal To Acquire Mat Latos.

The Cincinnati Reds shook the baseball landscape over the weekend when they traded three prospects and pitcher Edinson Volquez to the San Diego Padres for Mat Latos. The deal was a bold stroke for Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty who dealt from a position of strength to acquire one of the best starting pitchers available on the trade market. Jocketty had been criticized recently as the Reds failed to complete any major deals during baseball's winter meetings. Cincinnati failed to make the playoffs last season despite having one of the best lineups in the National League Central. The acquisition of Latos gives Reds manager Dusty Baker a legitimate number one starter to front his rotation. Latos, who is under team control through the 2015 season, is just 24 years old. He has logged over 180 innings in each of the past two seasons. Latos and Johnny Cueto give Cincinnati a young and talented top two starters in a division suddenly weakened by the defection of Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun's looming suspension. Cincinnati paid a hefty price for Latos. Edinson Volquez has battled injuries over the past three seasons and will likely be a traded chip for the Padres. First baseman Yonder Alonso was one of the Reds top prospects and could start at first for San Diego in 2012. Alonso, a former first round draft choice, played 47 games for Cincinnati last season and posted an impressive .943 OPS in 88 at bats. The small sample size should be cause for concern to San Diego. Alonso has logged 192 games at AAA over the past two seasons and compiled just a .842 OPS. Despite the hot start to his big league career Alonso should not be confused with a can't-miss slugger. Alonso was expendable due to being blocked from playing first base in Cincinnati by All Star Joey Votto. San Diego also received catching prospect Yasmani Grandal and reliever Brad Boxberger. Grandal had an impressive 2011 season advancing from the California League to the International League but ranked behind Devin Mesoraco on the organizational depth chart. Boxberger struck out 93 batters in 62 innings between AA and AAA. He could find his way into the San Diego bullpen this season. The Reds look like the early winners of the Latos deal. Cincinnati undoubtedly acquired the best player in the trade and he will instantly improve the team's chances to contend in 2012 and beyond. The young players that the Reds surrendered don't appear to be difference makers and both Grandal and Alonso were blocked in Cincinnati by better young players Joey Votto and Devin Mesoraco respectively.