June 2011 - Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is expected to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and be cleared to play by U.S. officials soon after the New Year. A number of executives believe that Cespedes to sign a contract larger than the $30.25 million deal pitcher Aroldis Chapman received from the Reds a few years ago.

The Reds want to sign left-hander Sean Marshall to a contract extension. Cincinnati acquired Marshall in a trade with Chicago this week. "No guarantees but we're going to try to sign him," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.

The Cubs and Reds have agreed in principle to a trade that will send pitcher Travis Wood and two minor-leaguers to the Cubs for left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, according to a source familiar with the situation. Marshall, 29, could be used as a set-up man or as a possible closer, due to the fact Cincinnati's closer Francisco Cordero is a free agent. He is set to make $3 million in 2012, and he will be a free agent after the season.

The Braves thought they were close to trading right-hander Jair Jurrjens to the Reds this past weekend, but the deal died when Cincinnati instead dealt for San Diego's Mat Latos. If Jurrjens was traded to the Reds, the Rockies felt the Braves would then be in position to trade them Martin Prado.

The Reds acquired right-hander Mat Latos from the Padres on Saturday in exchange for right-hander Edinson Volquez and three of the team's top prospects. Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty explained why he was willing to give up four young players for just one in return. He said various factors went into making the deal, which was discussed for two weeks. Latos is under contract for four more seasons. "I wouldn't have made the deal with this many players in it if you didn't have that control," Jocketty said. "You're not only getting potential top-of-the rotation starter someday, but you do have control of him and it's going to be a couple years before he starts thinking big money, so that was a very important part."

The Reds have acquired right-hander Mat Latos from the Padres in a blockbuster trade. Cincinnati is sending Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Brad Boxberger and Edinson Volzquez to San Diego to complete the deal. Latos was 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA in 31 starts for the Padres in 2011. He went 14-10 with a 2.92 ERA in 31 starts two seasons ago.

The Red Sox, Reds and Tigers are showing interest in free-agent left-hander Joe Saunders. Saunders was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks after going 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA in 33 starts this past season.

The Rockies have bolstered their depth at catcher by agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran Ramon Hernandez. Hernandez played the last three seasons with the Reds. He hit .282 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs last season. The Rockies were in the market for another catcher after trading Chris Iannetta to the Angels for right-hander Tyler Chatwood late last month.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has not spoken to Dmitri Young directly, but the team is open to signing the veteran to a minor-league contract. "Dusty (Baker) talked to him," Jocketty said. "Dusty had him call up here (to suite) and I wasn't here. He's looking for a job. I'd consider it. I like Dmitri." Young lost 70 pounds and is down to 230 pounds.

The Reds are very interested in acquiring Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens via trade. There are as many as 10 teams in talks with Atlanta for Jurrjens.