Trade Johnny Cueto? Are You Crazy

Apr 27, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Cueto is having the best start to a season in his career. The right hander is absolutely dominating opposing teams this season, so why would anyone ever suggest to trade him? Because it gives everyone something to talk about.

On the radio post game show following Sunday’s 10th inning loss to the Atlanta Braves, they hosts suggested the Reds look to trade Cueto for a big bat. You know, to shake things up, in April.

The Cincinnati Reds have had great starting pitching this season outside of Homer Bailey and a bad start from Mike Leake. Cueto has dominated teams, Tony Cingrani has found his form and lets not forget about Alfredo Simon, who knew the reliever had the ability to be an ace so far.

Now getting back to Cueto through his first 6 starts of the season Cueto has a 1.15ERA, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, he has allowed only 6 runs all season. His WHIP is currently .766, the best of his career. Suggesting the front office should look into trading the ace of the staff is utter lunacy.

The hosts suggest the Reds trade Cueto for a big bat. That is a wonderful idea, the Reds are in need of a bat. Offense is great, that is how you win games you score more runs than the other team. Part of winning though is great pitching, you can’t always rely on power to win games. Trading Cueto is an awful idea.

Here is an idea, instead of trading Cueto the Reds should have traded Homer Bailey in the offseason for a bat, possibly a Giancarlo Stanton type player, or hell how about Stanton himself? I wrote about that in the offseason, saying the Reds took a big gamble signing Bailey instead of trading him or signing him to a one year deal.

The Reds undoubtedly need another bat, an upgrade at shortstop would be ideal. Trading away your best pitcher is not what you want to do in this situation. Everyone sit still, it is still April, panicking right now is insane.