The Cincinnati Reds have been in the market for a leadoff hitter. They thought about Shane Victorino, they thought less about Juan Pierre, and they apparently thought quite a bit about Denard Span. But Denard Span evidently doesn't want to leave Minnesota for Cincinnati, as MLB Network reported that Span declined a trade.

At 44-58, the Twins are in fourth place in the AL Central. At 61-41, the Reds are in first place in the NL Central. At first, it seems odd that Span would turn down an opportunity to probably go to the playoffs. But then, the Twins drafted Span in 2002 and theirs is the only organization he's ever known. He's probably quite comfortable, and he's signed through 2014 with a 2015 club option. What people didn't know was that Span apparently has a no-trade clause, but people sure as hell know that now!

Span owns a .356 OBP, and a .360 OBP for his career. He would've been exactly the right sort of player for the Reds. Alas, we're left with knee-jerk Twitter reactions to Tuesday's unexpected news.

"@missenquirer: MLB Network reporting Denard Span declines trade to the #Reds" that's pretty dick

— Kyle Basinger (@KOBasinger) July 31, 2012

SCREW YOU DENARD SPAN, WE NEEDED YOU! WHY WOULD YOU DECLINE THAT TRADE? #REDS

— Victor Vasilevch (@VictorVasilevch) July 31, 2012

Denard Span the Fan DECLINES TRADE TO THE REDS!!!!!!! IS HE CRAZY CRAY!!!!??? #MLB #TRADEDEADLINE

— Chris Pirolo (@cagetheyanks) July 31, 2012

F[...] Denard Span! Youd really rather stay in Minnesota u bum!? Have fun losing 100 games every year scrub

— Jay Young (@iGotRedLegs) July 31, 2012