Some of that talk may involve Cincinnati right fielder Jay Bruce.
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Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Thursday that the Reds and Padres have discussed Bruce, who’s coming off a poor 2014 season and is guaranteed $25.5 million over the next two years.
It’s not known who the Reds would want in return for the 27-year-old Bruce, but Jocketty might be selling low at this point. Bruce’s production decreased last season as he nursed a knee injury. His 18 home runs represented a career low, as did his slash line of .217/.281/.373.
Starting pitching (Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross, Ian Kennedy) would be a logical starting point for Cincinnati. Four of its current starters — Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake and Alfredo Simon — can become free agents after next season. The Padres, for now at least, are saying they’re inclined to keep those guys.
