The Reds have traded outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers for righty starter Edinson Volquez and 23 year old lefty reliever Daniel Herrera. The 24-year old Volquez is the key to the deal for the Reds who have a spot in the rotation for him if he has a good Spring. Volquez started 6 games last season for the Rangers and he was 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. He has now pitched in 20 games (17 starts) in his major league career and he is 3-11 with a 7.20 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP. Lefty reliever Daniel Herrera split last season between A+AA ball. He pitched in 41 games (1 start) and he was 7-2 with 1 save, a 3.69 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He whiffed 75 batters in only 63.1 innings which shows what kind of stuff he has. This will be a good trade for both teams as the Reds really needed the influx of young pitching.

The Reds have acquired 26 year old righty Justin James from the Blue Jays for outfielder Buck Coats. James pitched in 43 games (5 starts) in AA+AAA ball last season and he was 3-5 with 2 saves, a 3.89 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He worked 88 innings last season and he allowed 86 hits, walked 26 batters and whiffed 58. James will get a chance in Spring Training to make the Reds pitching staff.

The Reds have released Jorge Cantu. Cantu played in 27 games for the Reds last season and he was 17 of 57 (.298 avg, .873 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 1 homer and 9 RBIs. Cantu has now played in 359 games in his major league career and he is 355 for 1,299 (.273 avg, .762 OPS) with 150 runs scored, 45 homers and 209 RBIs. He should have no problem finding a new job next season. Coats has been traded to the Blue Jays for either cash or a player to be named later.

The Reds needed a roster spot and 25-year old outfielder Buck Coats had to pay for it. Coats played in 20 games last season for the Reds and he was 7 for 34 (.206 avg, .587 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Coats has now played in 38 games in his major league career and he is 10 for 52 (.192 avg, .578 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 homer and 3 RBIs.