After the Reds signed Orlando Cabrera they decided they need to free of some room to pay him his WHOPPING $1.3 million salary for next year.  The Reds trade Willy Taveras to the A’s for Aaron Miles.  The Reds weren’t pleased with Taveras’ performance last year and he’s really struggled to get on base in the Major Leagues and as a leadoff hitter not many teams are going to be patient with you.  Taveras batted .240 but did have 25 steals in 104 games. 

Aaron Miles was a big disappointment last year as well for the Cubs in his first season.  He played just 74 games and batted .185, ouch.  I guess that’s what you get for leaving the Cardinals and joining a divison rival.  Miles was a very good backup for the Cardinals the 3 previous years.  In roughly 400 ABs per season he could score about 48 runs, drive in about 30 and averaged about .290 overall.

Essentially this trade was made because both teams didn’t like how their bench players were playing so they figured, heck, let’s swap ‘em and see how they do!  I think Taveras will be a great asset off of anyone’s bench with his speed.  If he was able to be more patient at the plate he would be an everyday starter on a handful of teams.  His career high in walks is 36 and his career high in steals is 68.

Aaron Miles is one of those ultimate utility men, he can literally play every position on the field and likely will for the Reds next year.  That includes pitcher, but I’ll exclude catcher.  Overall this move will just free up money for the Reds while the deal for the Cubs will definetely boost there bench while guys like Fukodome and Ramirez can now be pinch run for in late innings.

-Jason