The Cincinnati Reds traded Sonny Gray to the Minnesota Twins for Chase Petty, an 18-year old, right-handed pitcher. Jeff and Steve discuss the trade and the direction the Cincinnati Reds are about to head in. They look at why Nick Lodolo should be in the starting rotation on Opening Day, as well.

The Reds acquired the first round selection, Chase Petty, from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Sonny Gray. Petty has a fastball that hits 102, a plus slider, and a developing changeup. With a bit of work on his command, he could be a stud pitcher in the future. The reason people are dismissing this trade as a bad one, though, is twofold. Firstly, because it doesn't seem like enough of a return for Gray and, secondly, because Petty is 18 and a long ways from the big leagues. Sonny Gray is no sure thing, though, and the trade was a smart move.

With the trade, an opening in the starting rotation needs to be filled. Nick Lodolo is the only man for the job. If the Reds are going to commit to this track of trading away veterans with price tags, then the you phenoms deserve the playing time. Lodolo is ready and it's time for him to get major league innings.

The direction of the Cincinnati Reds has fallen under scrutiny as many believed they should've spent to bridge what seemed like a small gap to be a playoff contender. The Reds front office has said they will not do that, which means they needed to re-position themselves for the no-so-distant future, which they've done. Nick Krall could just be a bit better at delivering the message, though.

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