Left-Handed Hitter Options For The Cincinnati Reds

In Ken Rosenthal's column for FOXSports.com yesterday, he reported that a rival exec believes the Cincinnati Reds are looking to add a left-handed bat to the mix. At first, it seems like a curious need because the Reds have Joey Votto and Jay Bruce in their lineup. But when you look at the numbers, it makes sense.

Against right-handed pitching, the Reds rank 26th in baseball with a .304 wOBA against right-handed pitching. They rank 24th in baseball with a .704 OPS. And they rank 26th in baseball with a 170 wRC.

As you can see, the Reds need some help against right-handed pitching. That being said, let's take a look at some players who might be available that could help the Reds...

Ryan Sweeney, Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox are a hot mess right now and Sweeney doesn't fit into their long-term plans. Sweeney has an .832 OPS against right-handed pitching.

Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Twins: The Twins aren't going anywhere in 2012 and Doumit is on a very friendly one-year, $3 million deal. Doumit has a .794 OPS against right-handed pitching in 2012.

Seth Smith, Oakland A's: Smith is in a platoon role at DH in Oakland and does have a .792 OPS against righties. Smith could platoon in left field with Ryan Ludwick.

Jim Thome, Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies are in a tough spot. They are a talented team that thanks to injuries is playing mediocre baseball in 2012. They could go either way at the trade deadline. If they decide to become sellers, Thome might make sense as a left-handed bat off the bench.

Tyler Colvin, Colorado Rockies: I am pretty confident in saying the Rockies don't have a 2007-like run in them in 2012. That means players will be expendable. Colvin can play four positions (LF, CF, RF, 1B) and is slugging .494 against right-handed pitching in 86 PA's.

*All stats were compiled prior to last night's games.