The Pirates are looking to unload more salaries this winter and the Reds are looking for a catcher who can hit. So Ryan Doumit of the Pirates would likely be in play if the Reds gave them a call. The Pirates need infielders so I would propose an offer of Adam Rosales, Danny Richar and Drew Sutton to the Pirates for Ryan Doumit and shortstop Brian Bixler. Bixler would then compete with Paul Janish at shortstop unless the Reds wound bring in someone better. But, Doumit would go right into the starting lineup giving the Reds another power bat behind Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto.

The Reds are clearly looking to upgrade at 3B before the trading deadline. They are looking at Scott Rolen and that’s because 26-year old righty swinging Edwin Encarnacion is regressing at the plate. He has played in 40 games this season and he is 26 for 129 (.202 avg, .703 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 5 homers and 16 RBIs. If the Reds can get the Blue Jays to take Encarnacion straight up for Scott Rolen of the Blue Jays they have to jump and do it.