The Cincinnati Reds just announced that the club has acquired right-hander Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres.
In the deal, the Reds sent first baseman Yonder Alonso, pitchers Edison Volquez and Brad Boxberger along with catching prospect Yasmani Grandal.
The deal has also been confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Latos was a prime target for the Reds this offseason, and his arrival vastly improves the Reds pitching staff.
The loss of Yonder Alonso hurts, but he was stuck behind Joey Votto at first base. Alonso failed to capitalize on his opportunity in left field last season.
Volquez struggled heavily last season as well, mostly in the first inning. He was a weak link in what was an under-perfoming unit last year, and his consistent struggles in the first inning wore out the bullpen.
General manager Walt Jocketty promised to deliver a better pitching staff in 2012, and here it is.
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