And are looking at the Reds' current situation, what do you do?

 

1.) Stand pat. Even with this minor losing scare and all the injuries we've suffered, the team is still on pace to win 92 games this year. We get Phillips back and 100% healthy, along with Broxton and Marshall, and we can stay the course until Ludwick gets back. Plus, the Cardinals and the Pirates BOTH can't win 100 games this year, can they?

 

2.) Look for a new left fielder. Ludwick's exact return date is still up in the air, plus nobody knows where he'll be (production-wise) when he does return. Might as well go ahead and get someone new in here now that can help drive in some runs right now.

 

3.) Look for a new 3rd baseman. If you can't find a left fielder, move Frazier from 3rd into the outfield, and open a spot there.

 

4.) Bring up Billy Hamilton. Insert him into the leadoff spot playing center, and slide Choo down to 2nd and move him over to left. Sure, Hamilton may not be ready to hit .300 against major league pitching, but at least when he does get on, he's got a chance to help you manufacture a run. Plus, hopefully Choo can take advantage of having Votto hitting behind him better than Cozart has in the number 2 hole.

 

5.) Shake things up in the coaching ranks. While Dusty may draw the ire of a lot of fans, the players seem to like playing for him. Removing him could cause an uproar with them. However, with the offense taking a lot of the heat for the current situation, would removing Jacoby be possible?

 

6.) Make a move, if for nothing else, to make it look like you're trying to get better. It may be for a 3rd catcher, or just an extra bat off the bench. But, who's on your "untouchable" list of prospects and/or youngsters that you're unwilling to part with?

 

All right BGP, have at it. But, keep it realistic. Teams in the hunt are not likely just going to give away their all-star, just because you want him. For example, you may want David Wright or Ryan Zimmerman playing 3rd for the Reds, but that's not happen. On the other hand, I think if the Phillies start to fade some more, someone like Michael Young (veteran with playoff experience) might be someone that you could "rent" to have down the stretch.

Trade Joey Votto and fill several areas at once. Votto is a mental headcase and best days might be behind him. 1B, LF/CF (that could fill Choo's spot as well if he isnt here next year) and some relief pitching. Getting some high level prospects in the deal as well. Of course someone has to be willing to take on Vottos way overpaid contract. good luck with that.

Trade Joey Votto and fill several areas at once. Votto is a mental headcase and best days might be behind him. 1B, LF/CF (that could fill Choo's spot as well if he isnt here next year) and some relief pitching. Getting some high level prospects in the deal as well. Of course someone has to be willing to take on Vottos way overpaid contract. good luck with that.

 

Such as what? Throw out what you think we could get to fill several holes for Votto? AND high level pitching prospects? :lol:

I've always wanted to see Michael Young play for the Reds. He's well past his prime, but he would be a solid addition to the ballclub. He's going to be a free agent this offseason, so the Phillies would likely be open to trading him.

 

Young is also affordable. Although he is making $16 million this year, the Rangers are paying $10 million. Assuming Texas will continue to pay $10 million, the Reds would only be on the hook for about $3 million (give or take).

^I think he'd be the perfect 2 hole hitter in this lineup.

 

I'd explore options for LF and bullpen help. The ideal situation would be to find a way to partner with the White Sox and acquire both Jesse Crain and Alex Rios, but Rios' contract makes it rather difficult for a team like the Reds IMO.

^I think he'd be the perfect 2 hole hitter in this lineup.

 

I'd explore options for LF and bullpen help. The ideal situation would be to find a way to partner with the White Sox and acquire both Jesse Crain and Alex Rios, but Rios' contract makes it rather difficult for a team like the Reds IMO.

 

13:$12.5M, 14:$12.5M 15:$13.5M club option ($1M buyout)

 

if traded between beginning of 2011 season and Spring Training 2014, future salaries increase by $0.5M each

if traded during 2014 season, 2015 option increases to $14M ($2M buyout)

Id trade for Aaron Luop and Adam Lind from the Jays. Luop is a solid lefty out of the pen and Lind can play left but also is a free agent in 2014.

Id trade for Aaron Luop and Adam Lind from the Jays. Luop is a solid lefty out of the pen and Lind can play left but also is a free agent in 2014.

 

Lind is another lefty bat, so I don't think he'd be high on the list. He also hasn't played LF since 2010, when he only appeared there 16 times. I don't think he's a realistic option.

 

I've always been intrigued by Emilio Bonifacio, though. Bonifacio has really struggled this year with the Jays and seems to be the odd man out in their lineup. He could provide a spark for the Reds and he is extremely versatile defensively.

I stand pat. The team has the 4th best record in baseball and is playing shorthanded (Ludwick, Marshall, Broxton). Baseball is a 162 game grind and even a one month or longer period of bad play can be turned around - see the Toronto Blue Jays.

 

The only position that is a real concern is Frazier. Low average, higher strikeouts than at any time in his career. Nothing special defensively at 3B. That is the Reds' biggest concern IMO.

 

The one option that is somewhat intriguing on the list is bring up Billy Hamilton and move Choo to left. If Ludwick isn't contributing as they get into mid-August, I see that move happening.

Raul Ibanez would probably be a cheap option for LF. Yes he's another lefty, but the guy has played on some winners, and would probably be good for the clubhouse as well.

Id trade for Aaron Luop and Adam Lind from the Jays. Luop is a solid lefty out of the pen and Lind can play left but also is a free agent in 2014.

 

Jays are back in the race. Don't see them trading Lind.

Josh Willingham could be available.

Lonnie Chisenhall (spelled correctly?) a possible option?

Trade Joey Votto and fill several areas at once. Votto is a mental headcase and best days might be behind him. 1B, LF/CF (that could fill Choo's spot as well if he isnt here next year) and some relief pitching. Getting some high level prospects in the deal as well. Of course someone has to be willing to take on Vottos way overpaid contract. good luck with that.

 

There's a reason I try to read anything you post :lol2:. Sometimes I can't tell if its dry humor or serious statements

There's a reason I try to read anything you post :lol2:. Sometimes I can't tell if its dry humor or serious statements

 

#sometimesidontknowmyself