Rumor in the Toronto Sun today that the Jays are trying to deal Eric Hinske to the Reds. It's a pretty sketchy article by Bob Elliott as he doesn't quote a "source" or know who the Jays would get in return. Basically the article is baseless, it looks like Elliott is trying to fill space in the sports section.

But, it would not surprise me to see Hinske moved. I was really disappointed in his season this year as he took a gigantic step backwards. I cut him a lot of slack last year due to the wrist injury and the fact he still hit a ton (45! In only 449 AB's) of doubles. But, he was healthy all year in 2004 and didn’t do anything. He finished the season with a line of .246/.312/.375 hitting 15 HR's and only 23 2B's in 570 AB's. This is not the production you need out of a corner infielder with a long term contract. His 2004 line is considerably worse than what he did in 2002. That year he hit .279/.365/.481 with 24 HR's and 38 2B's in 566 AB's. The .246 in 2004 doesn't surprise me as he never profiled as a high average guy but the huge drop in SLG and OBP is truly troubling.

In fact, the Jays have another player on their team who hit .270/.341/.438 with 12 HR's and 32 2B's in 489 AB's who would be a very capable option at 3B. Orlando Hudson. The positive sign about Hudson is his OBP has risen from .319 to .328 to .341 this year. This is a pretty good sign that he is starting to figure things out.

It would not surprise me in the least to see the Jays trade Hinske and sign a veteran guy to a one year contract giving Aaron Hill another year to develop. Then, decide which of Hill, Hudson or Russ Adams would be the best fit at the hot corner. My guess is it would be Hill as Hudson has turned into a pretty solid defensive 2nd basemen but you never know.

Keep an eye on this story.