Cincinnati Reds acquire right-handed pitcher Mat Latos from San Diego Padres – MLB News
As the 2012 Major League Baseball season is approaching nearer, the Cincinnati Red’s preparations are getting more definite towards a better start once again next season. On Sunday, the Reds officially announced the trade with the San Diego Padres that has
brought right-handed pitcher, Mat Latos into the Red’s 40-man roster for the next four years.
Since both teams’ general managers have met in the MLB’s annual winter meeting in Milwaukee some two weeks ago, Latos’ trade was already on the cards and on late Saturday, the Reds announced with huge excitement that they have got the player that will certainly
enhance their winning chances next year.
Though, the Reds have finally acquired Latos, they did pay a huge price for this particular pitcher. In a two-way deal, they Padres have acquired first baseman, Yonder Alonso, catcher, Yasmani Grandal and right-handers, Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger
from the Reds.
Later, the Reds general manager, Walt Jocketty, while speaking about all minor details of the trade said, “Our No. 1 goal was to find a top-of-the-rotation starter; we felt that Mat Latos, of the potential pitchers available, was the best guy out there for
a number of reasons. He's still young at (24). He's a power pitcher who we think will pitch well at our park. He's under control for us for four years. He's definitely a top-of-the-rotation guy who will slot in well behind Cueto. We think in time (Latos) will
develop into a No. 1 starter.”
Before this trade, experts had speculated about the poor financial conditions of Reds that has created many problems for the top executives to add a talented player with low budget. That is the main reason why they decided to involve in a trade in which
they did not pay cash instead, they sent their four future prospects to the Padres.
However, acquiring Latos is itself is a huge achievement for Reds franchise. Latos, who is currently pitching with 3.47 ERA along with 185 strike-outs and 1.18 WHIP, is certainly a great player that will eventually help the Reds with his brilliant pitching
in the upcoming days.
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