RADIO
The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks have discussed a trade involving Brandon Phillips and Aaron Hill, according to Fox Sports.
Phillips has to sign off on any trade, which will make it difficult to move the second baseman. The 34-year-old is owed $27 million through 2017, which means the Reds would likely have to eat some of that contract if they want to move him. The 14-year veteran had a solid .294 BA with 12 HR and 70 RBI on a bad team this year. The Diamondbacks finished four games below .500 and were in the race for the postseason for a good chunk of the season. They might be one of two players away from sneaking in next season and Phillips could be the guy to help Arizona get over the edge.
The D-Backs didn’t get a lot of production at second base last season. Hill had a .230 BA with 6 HR and 39 RBI in only 313 at-bats. The 33-year-old hasn’t produced like he has in the past. Injuries have plagued his career although he’s usually produced when he was healthy. This wasn't the case in 2015. Hill’s last best season was in 2011 when he had a .302 BA with 26 HR, 85 RBI and 14 SB. A new home could be what he needs to find his old self. Hill is owed $12 million next season, which would make a $15 million difference in contracts for a possible trade.
Chris Owings can play both shortstop and second base although he hasn’t produced at the plate. He finished the season with a .227 BA, 4 HR, 43 RBI and 16 SB. Arizona might leave him at short for the start of the 2016 season.
Phil Gosselin came over from Atlanta and did quite well in a small sample. After batting .325 in 20 games for the Braves this season, he had a .303 BA with the D-Backs with 3 HR and 13 RBI in 24 games played. There’s a chance that he could get a chance to play even if the team goes for Phillips.
