Mailbag: How much is Blanton worth?

For their sake, hopefully not what's been speculated lately. Don't get me wrong, Blanton would be a decent addition for Cincinnati, but I'm trying to figure out how he was suddenly anointed to be a savior or the missing link that would automatically catapult the Reds into the postseason.

Yes, Blanton has been near or above 200 innings each of the last three seasons -- including 230 innings last season. That's great, and just what the Reds could use in the No. 3 spot of their rotation. I just wouldn't clean out the farm system to get him.

Would I trade Joey Votto, Homer Bailey and/or Johnny Cueto for Blanton? No. I probably wouldn't trade one of them straight up for this deal to happen. While Blanton has had double-digit win totals each of the last three seasons, he's also had double-digit losses. He's never had a big league ERA below 3.50. His lifetime ERA is 4.10. His road ERA last season was 5.11, compared to 2.69 at home. Sure, he could help the team, but those numbers don't mean guaranteed success at pitcher-unfriendly Great American Ball Park.

This much is clear: the Reds aren't done looking for another starter. An acquisition could still happen via trade, and many free agents are still seeking jobs. Once the games start, this club and others will have a good idea of what they have in house and what they still need.

Do you honestly see the Reds opening with both Votto and Scott Hatteberg on the team? I don't see the logic in having a double-lefty platoon at first base, and it doesn't seem like Votto needs any more seasoning. Any thoughts?
-- Ben W., Columbus, Ohio

I don't envision a double-lefty platoon. If Votto claims the starting job, Hatteberg would likely be a top pinch-hitting option that could also spell Votto against certain pitchers. If Hatteberg emerges from camp as the first baseman, Votto would probably go to Triple-A Louisville to get regular at-bats. If there's any type of platoon at first, it would be with a right-handed hitter. Jeff Keppinger and non-roster invites Craig Wilson and Andy Phillips are among those vying to be that guy.

Is Brandon Phillips staying with No. 4 or switching back to the old No. 7 jersey number he wore when he was with the Indians? I know former coach Bucky Dent was No. 7 when Brandon got to the Reds, and I was just wondering if he was making the switch or staying with the number which has given him success with this team? Let him know his No. 1 fans were wondering.
-- Mike Q., Swoyersville, Pa.

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Phillips will remain owner of uniform No. 4 on your scorecard, and apparently, No. 1 in your heart. Juan Castro did switch from No. 9 to No. 7, which he wore during his previous tour with the Reds. Non-roster catcher Paul Bako has taken over No. 9.

I was interested in knowing what the status of Ryan Freel's contract is with the Reds? What sort of obligations do the Reds have in keeping him for next season if he gets hurt again?
-- Brandon S., Camden, Ohio

Last April, Freel was signed to a two-year, $7 million extension that takes him through the 2009 season.

What happened to Elizardo Ramirez? I thought that he should be in the mix for a starting job this spring. I thought he would at least be able to compete for the No. 5 job.
-- Nevan K., Cincinnati

Ramirez will be competing for a starting spot this spring --- with the Rangers. He is in their camp as a non-roster player after signing over the winter as a six-year Minor League free agent.

How come baseball trades never involve Draft picks? In hockey, football and basketball Draft picks are traded for players, but in baseball that never seems to be the case. Why is that?
-- Matt B., Noblesville, Ind.

I was stumped on the official reason for the rule of no trading draft picks. So I turned to my MLB.com colleague in Texas, T.R. Sullivan, who offers this nugget of info:

It goes back to 1986, when the Montreal Expos couldn't sign Pete Incaviglia when he was their first-round Draft pick. The Rangers got him for utility infielder Jim Anderson and pitcher Bob Sebra. After that, they passed a rule that you can't trade Draft picks until a year after they have been selected.