Reds Snag Phenom Pitching Prospect

CINCINNATI, OH (AP)-- The Reds have made yet another trade in the short tenure of GM Kevin Lewis. This time it was with an American League team, the Oakland Athletics. Going to Oakland was third base prospect, Neftali Soto. The Reds had no room for Soto in their future with Edwin Encarnacion at third base for many years. In return, the Reds received pitcher Justin Duchscherer and #2 ranked pitching prospect, Michael Ynoa.

"We are very excited to have Michael as part of this organization. Although he is a few years away, when he arrives in Cincinnati, it will be a very fun time for him and the fans. Justin will be a good #4 or #5 pitcher and can hopefully stay healthy and eat some innings for our pitching staff," commented Reds manager, Dusty Baker.

Reds Complete Outfield, Add Thomas

CINCINNATI, OH (AP)-- Late into the night, the Reds and Tigers were on the phone trying to complete a trade to end a very eventful first few days for GM Kevin Lewis. Kevin had his eyes on Clete Thomas the whole time and his determination paid off in the end. The Reds were able to acquire Clete Thomas, as well as relief pitcher Cody Satterwhite. Clete will take over in center field right away, while Cody will become the Reds new closer. Also coming over in the deal was First Base prospect, Roberto Sauala.

The Tigers received shortstop prospect Chris Valaika, first base prospect Larry Parker and pitching prospect Kyle Lotzkar. The Tigers were really looking for a good designated hitter and they felt that Larry Parker would be the right man for that job.

"I am very excited to become a Cincinnati Red. I want to thank the Tiger organization for giving me the opportunity to play and show my skills to the rest of the league. I guess they just felt a change of scenery might help my career blossom. I look forward to helping this team grow and become a force in the NL Central," Clete Thomas commented on his move to Cincinnati.

Reds Continue to Make Moves, Add Lohse

CINCINNATI, OH (AP)-- GM Kevin Lewis continued to shake up the Reds roster by making his 2nd move in as many days. Hoping to solidify his rotation after trading Edinson Volquez the other day, Kyle Lohse is on his way to Cincinnati. The Reds parted ways with RP Sean Watson, SP Jordan Smith, and C Jordan Wideman. Sean Watson was in line to become the Reds full-time closer, but once the Cardinals tossed in SS prospect Tim Beckham, the Reds couldn't refuse.

You may be wondering why they asked for Tim Beckham despite the arrivals of Wilmer Florres and Reese Havens in yesterdays trade with the Astros. Well, Kevin Lewis had this to say about the trade, "You can never have too many good players in your farm system. In this case we have 3 fantastic options at shortstop in the future. Lets not forget about Kyle Lohse though. He will be a very good number four starter for us. We are very excited about the future in Cincinnati".

Edinson Volquez Traded to Astros

CINCINNATI, OH (AP)-- Before newly hired GM, Kevin Lewis was moved into his office, he had already pulled of a trade that no one saw coming. SP Edinson Volquez, thought to be the #2 starter in the rotation, was dealt to the Houston Astros. In return, the Reds will receive 11-year veteran Carl Pavano and two great shortstop prospects in Reese Havens and Wilmer Flores.

Last year, Volquez went 13-9 with a 4.26 ERA. He was hands down the Reds best pitcher last year, so this came as a shock to many around the Reds organization including Volquez.

"I got a call from a buddy of mine who heard rumors of a possible deal, but I told him there was no way they would trade me. Then I flipped on the GABA Network and saw it scroll across the bottom. I was devastated, but I have no hard feelings towards the Reds organization. They gave me a chance and maybe they just want to go in a different direction," Edinson Volquez told reporters.

Cincinnati Reds Welcome New GM

CINCINNATI, OH (AP)-- After just one season, the Cincinnati Reds have hired Kevin Lewis to become their new General Manager. Kevin has been around the game of baseball since he was a young child. He originally grew up a Minnesota Twins fan, but moved to Ohio 15 years ago, at the age of 7. He since then grew attached to the Reds organization and continued to learn about their storied past.

Reds owner Bob Castellini had this to say about Kevin, "We are very excited to have Kevin Lewis become the new General Manager of this ballclub. He knows the Reds history and organization as well as anyone else out there. We felt we needed a fresh start and we feel he fits our philosophy".

Kevin, who will become the youngest General Manager ever in Major League Baseball, has been accepted league wide with open arms and looks forward to turning this ballclub around.

"I am very honored Mr. Castellini chose me to become the next GM of the Cincinnati Reds. This job won't be easy, but I will definitely give it my all to make this a successful team after years of struggle. Look for some moves early and often throughout the off-season, as we start moving in the right direction," Kevin Lewis told reporters.