Top Seven Prospects According to Bowden

Jim Bowden discussed the top seven prospects of major "buyers" in the trade market recently. Bowden split the prospects into different tiers (Top, 2nd, 3rd, 4th). The Cincinnati Reds were the only team who had all of their top seven prospects in the top two tiers. Here is Bowden's list along with their current levels and comments from :

1ST TIER

1. Devin Mesoraco, C (Louisville Bats): "With his power, he's going to hit third someday in their lineup someday."

2. Yonder Alonso, 1B (Cincinnati Reds): "He needs to play first, not left, but he’s going to hit. And (with Joey Votto in the way) he’s going to be traded."

3. Billy Hamilton, IF (Dayton Dragons): "An athletic player, his bat will take time."

4. Yasmani Grandal, C (Carolina Mudcats): "A top catching prospect, but behind Mesoraco on the Reds’ depth chart."

2ND TIER

5. Yorman Rodriguez, OF (Dayton Dragons): "Has a quick bat with above-average power, but when will he hit a breaking ball?"

6. Juan Francisco, 3B (Louisville Bats): "The power is there, the bat is coming, but his defense at third needs to improve."

7. Kyle Lotzkar, P (Dayton Dragons): "Throws 90-94 mph heat and throws curveballs at two different speeds. He’s had significant elbow surgeries but would eventually make it to the middle of the Reds’ rotation someday."

Deadline Update

Today, the Cincinnati Reds had contradictory information coming out of their Front Office. Joe Strauss, a writer for the St. Louis Dispatch, reported via Twitter that the "Reds have serious misgivings about [an] all-in move to save this season." Reds owner Bob Castellini told the Cincinnati Enquirer, "There's no stone unturned, but we've got to start playing like we know how. It's getting late."

So, are the Reds buyers, sellers or indifferent in the trade market?

The Reds have been reported to still be in talks with the Colorado Rockies about Ubaldo Jimenez. With prospects Hamilton and Mesoraco off the table, John Fay suggests a deal could consist of Alonso, Grandal, Bailey and Wood. According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Reds do not want to part with Homer Bailey (although this statement was made before his 9 earned runs this afternoon against the New York Mets).

Many other reports have the Reds targeting James Shields over Ubaldo Jimenez.

Cincinnati could also be sellers. Ramon Hernandez is targeted by many clubs but specifically the San Francisco Giants. Hernandez's contract will be up at the end of the season. With the rise of Devin Mesoraco, it seems logical that Hernandez would be moved by the deadline.