Brandon Phillips a Los Angeles Dodger?

Oct 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips before the National League wild card playoff baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in awhile a new team jumped into the discussion for Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown up as a possible suitor for the veteran. The deal would see Phillips head to LA as the Dodgers would send outfielder Matt Kemp to Cincinnati.

MLBTradeRumors.com first reported the discussions. They did however say that the two clubs “briefly spoke about” the swap but the Dodgers appear to be wary of the deal due to Phillips’ age. Cincinnati should be concerned as well based on Kemp’s health, although if he stays healthy is a force for any team.

Matt Kemp has a career batting average of .293 with a  .350 OBP. He has not played over 106 games since the 2011 seasons, that has to worry the Reds front office a bit. But if Kemp stays healthy and relives his 2011 season when he played 161 games, batted .324 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI it would be a great trade for the Reds.

Cincinnati restauranteur Jeff Ruby made a stir on twitter Thursday night when he posted this image of screen shot of a conversation with Brandon Phillips.

What the tweet says that Ruby sent Phillips is this “Reds Dodgers deal exchanging Brandon Phillips and Homer Bailey for Matt Kemp should be finalized & made official tomorrow.”

That tweet certainly did not come from a very credible source, but who knows maybe this guy is on to something. What doesn’t make sense though is giving up a gold glove winner and a solid young pitcher in Bailey for a guy that has a questionable future. That is the only problem I have with it.

Also it seems like Phillips is growing tired of these rumors based on his response to Ruby.

Stay tuned tomorrow, things could change again. One thing is certain, Phillips has to be traded things have gone on for too long at this point.