Hatteberg welcomes trade

The Cincinnati Enquirer had an article today on Scott Hatteberg's situation. The veteran first baseman has lost his job to Joey Votto, he has been relegated to spot starts and pinch hitting. Hatteberg has struggled in his new role and after hitting .301 last year is only hitting .161 in 31 at bats. He goes on to explain that most pinch hitters, best pitch to hit is the first one and he has always been a deep count, patient hitter. Hatteburg is a 39 y/o lefty who hits right handed pitchers better, he has a lifetime BA of .270 with a Slg. .411. Delgado is only 36 y/o with a lifetime BA of .279 and a Slg. .579, even last year his Slg. was .448. I just don't see how Hatteberg is an up-grade over Delgado and as far as a platoon partner they're both lefties who struggle against tough lefty pitchers, which doesn't make it a good match. If anyone on the Reds looks like a good match it would be Ryan Freel, 32 y/o righthander with a lifetime .271 BA who has played every position except catcher, who in camp was reported to be on the outs with new mgr. Dusty Baker.

ESPN's Peter Gammons floated the idea of the Mets trying to obtain Hatteberg to platoon with Carlos Delgado. Again, Hatteberg isn't demanding a trade but he'd welcome one. source Cincinnati Enquirer