Reds Offseason: Decision Time

[jpa2825]

Oh I know lead off is a weakness. I think I may have even suggested Leake lead off when he pitches (sort of kiddingly). Fact is that they have not had a decent lead off hitter in eons ( we are always talking about it) but yet they have reached the playoffs 2 out of the last 3 years. The reason the lost to SF is because they couldn't get the guys in that are on base.

 

How 'bout this (from initially misreading your post): Leake leads off when on the road (and maybe occasionally at home and plays 1 inning in the OF, although that is a stretch) when he is NOT pitching!!! 4/5 games on the road you get to bat Stubbs 10th rather than 1st and don't use any extra roster spots. Get his D for all 9 innings. Would be a CRUSHING blow to Stubbs' confidence, but so is walking back to the dugout with your bat and helmet in your hand 200x per season.

[futurecoach]

5th starter has to be priority 1. Not that a move needs to be made but someone that can be a little better than Leake is a big necessity. I could see Leake and LeCure changing roles, at least it's a possibility.

 

After that they need to figure out Ludwick and centerfield.

 

If they simply find a better option as the fifth starter, resigned Ludwick and signed someone to challenge Bruce for CF, I would be optimistic.

 

Obviously, it would be nice to upgrade behind the plate offensively and find a proven 3rd baseman but I would be okay with Hanigan and Frazier.

 

You all act like Leake was horrible all season long. The way you all sound its like he had an ERA of 6 or something. While he is not great, he is not as bad of a 5th starter as you all make him out to be. Very few teams have top starters 1-5, shoot a lot of teams dont top starters 1-4 like we do. Leake is not a bad guy to have as a 5th starter, and as Hammertime said that should be at the bottom of the things they need this off season. Now if they can get someone better great, but its not one of the bigger things.

[shamrock fan]

Only thing I thought was he should've run for Ludwick in the bottom of 9. Obviously, it doesn't matter now but he would've had to play left field if they tied it.

 

So what if he did, Posey played 1st on Wednesday. Maybe Mike Leake, or other people could've played other positions when needed.

[I gotta go to work]

I look for Rolen to sign a one year deal with the Reds if he chooses not to retire.

[LRCW]

I look for Rolen to sign a one year deal with the Reds if he chooses not to retire.

 

I'll take him.

[HammerTime]

Rolen is washed up. It's over.

[Michael Corleone]

Rolen is washed up. It's over.

 

I'm a Scott Rolen fan but I have to agree. It seems like Dusty has had to manage around him for the better part of 3 years.

[I gotta go to work]

Jockety said they could use him in some "capacity" if he decides to keep playing. That tells me he would come off the bench with Frazier getting the majority of the starts.

[stickymitts]

If Rolen retires they neeed to offer him a bench coach position before he leaves the office.

[PutMeInCoach]

If Rolen retires they neeed to offer him a bench coach position before he leaves the office.

 

He's made it pretty clear he doesn't want to coach.

[sumoroyal]

I have read alot of these posts and a leadoff hitter has not been mentioned in almost any. The Reds have to find some to to get on base ahead of Votto. I say Hamilton leadoff and play center and Phillips bat second. His natural stroke is to right field anyway.

[ekubum]

I have read alot of these posts and a leadoff hitter has not been mentioned in almost any. The Reds have to find some to to get on base ahead of Votto. I say Hamilton leadoff and play center and Phillips bat second. His natural stroke is to right field anyway.

 

Leadoff hitter was mentioned quite often if you read all the posts.

 

I'm on board with getting a leadoff hitter for sure, and replacing Stubbs, maybe kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

[HammerTime]

I have read alot of these posts and a leadoff hitter has not been mentioned in almost any. The Reds have to find some to to get on base ahead of Votto. I say Hamilton leadoff and play center and Phillips bat second. His natural stroke is to right field anyway.

 

I said a number of time that is by far the most important.

[BigGreenHorse]

Leadoff and a fifth starter!

[365 days a year]

A left handed starter is definitely important in a starting rotation and the Reds did not have one all year long. Ties your hands and forces the hands of other coaches. Start Chapman! For the money you are paying him and that is why we wanted him. Madsen was got to be the closer so let him do his job. Keep Broxton, and Cingrani would be a nice addition to the pen.

 

Catching Hannigan is great defensively. Throwed about 40% of runners out, people did not steal on us, Mesaraco struggles calling the game and tries to him a HR every at bat. I keep Hannigan and Navarro, Mess to AAA

 

Definitely get rid of Stubbs, use Hamilton or sign someone.

 

Can not have Arroyo and Leake together in a rotation. Arroyo is old and dont forget that Leake was our best pitcher last year!