Track The Reds: Offseason Edition

[gametime]

Should be interesting. Arroyo and Choo are not coming back IMO, and Dusty might be the first one to go.

 

I think it is safe to say this roster is flawed offensively and without Choo it isn't going to get better.

 

Banana Bob went all in for the last two years, and I'm not sure it can continue without some fundamental changes. Will be interesting to see play out...

[Voice of Reason]

From a marketing point of view, and I think a clubhouse view, Billy Hamilton needs to be up here next year. The Reds and the fans need some energy. Beyond that, Walt will have to get it done in the trade market because I don't think there is anything else in the farm system.

[letabrotherspeak]

That sound you hear, is their window of opportunity closing. Last year was their best chance. One of the favorites this year and simply didn't get the job done. Many will point to injuries, but the Cardinals and Pirates pretty much lost 2/5 of their starting rotation for the year. The Pirates used 12 different pitchers...all three teams had injuries.

What to do?

You move Chapman to the rotation or you trade him.

I think you shop Phillips and see what you can get for him.

You let Arroyo walk.

You try to re-sign Choo, but if he balks you try and lock up Bailey.

Free Agent OF and 3B are underwhelming.

Dusty Baker. One year left. He will not get an extension. Does he come back, retire or get fired?

Jacoby falls on the sword.

Hire a hitting coach who emphasizes hitting middle to opposite.

 

One thing is for sure, there has to be changes to the everyday eight in some form or fashion.

[gametime]

End of the day, this team just wasn't fun to watch at all. We all know how big of a deal that is in this town...

[Voice of Reason]

End of the day, this team just wasn't fun to watch at all. We all know how big of a deal that is in this town...

 

I agree ... that is why Hamilton will be in Cincinnati next year.

[LOOGY]

Luckily the Reds will still have a heck of a rotation. Need to address the line up. I have a feeling the make up of this team will be very different next year. Walt is no idiot, he knows there are issues, he will fix them. I do believe this team is a playoff team for years to come because of the rotation.

[letabrotherspeak]

Jocketty is not without blame. The Marlon Byrd deal or lack thereof blocking him to the Pirates turned out to be a big deal. Standing idle at AS break when team needed a spark.

Dusty kind of took a shot at Jocketty in presser over Byrd being with Pirates and how he helped them.

[History]

Dusty hasn't won a big game in...forever...

[oldrambler]

Hire a hitting coach

Try to keep Choo, is doubtful but try.

Fire Dusty Baker

[oldrambler]

Dusty hasn't won a big game in...forever...

 

Or an important series.

[blueandgold73]

That sound you hear, is their window of opportunity closing. Last year was their best chance. One of the favorites this year and simply didn't get the job done. Many will point to injuries, but the Cardinals and Pirates pretty much lost 2/5 of their starting rotation for the year. The Pirates used 12 different pitchers...all three teams had injuries.

What to do?

You move Chapman to the rotation or you trade him.

I think you shop Phillips and see what you can get for him.

You let Arroyo walk.

You try to re-sign Choo, but if he balks you try and lock up Bailey.

Free Agent OF and 3B are underwhelming.

Dusty Baker. One year left. He will not get an extension. Does he come back, retire or get fired?

Jacoby falls on the sword.

Hire a hitting coach who emphasizes hitting middle to opposite.

 

One thing is for sure, there has to be changes to the everyday eight in some form or fashion.

 

I like the majority of your plan, but do NOT shop Chapman or move him to the rotation. We have Cingrani, Cueto, Latos, Bailey, and Leake even if we let Arroyo walk. Five quality starters right there, and all having an era under a 4.00 this year. The market would be thin for Phillips and the replacement probably wouldn't justify it if you still want to contend, so you hang onto him. Sign some decent infielders and maybe an outfielder as backups, we had Hannahan and Izturis. Those two are not very good at all. We should've made moves at the deadline, but Walt Jocketty balked again, so some of this blame needs to be on him. The team has looked like it needed to be energized ever since the all-star break, period. Sums up to yet another disappointing season, and from what I could tell watching the game, our players could care less. No passion, no effort last night. The only ones that I would think cared about losing would be Phillips and Latos to be honest with you. I love Latos' passion, but the rest of the team? Not so much. Then there's how we all saw Johnny Cueto laughing in the dugout in the 4th or 5th innning last night after being taken out, but come on. After seeing that image for the second it was shown, I'd say the majority of Reds fans were in an outrage. Personally, I was too.

Add to your list for this offseason, fix Joey Votto, make him back to the Joey Votto of 2010, work with Billy Hamilton and get the Reds to trust him more.

[TTS_JF]

Radio said this morning Dusty is back for sure next season.

[UKMustangFan]

After getting rid of Dusty, the first thing I'd do is start taking calls on Chapman. They can get a lot for him, and there's no chance he resigns in Cincy when his contract is up.

[MJAlltheWay24]

They've offered to bring back one of their best beer vendors, the rookie. I've heard he's already been hitting them gym this week, preparing to come back leaner and stronger than ever. Some were initially worried about him in his rookie season due to an ACL surgery a few year ago, but it didn't seem affect him whatsoever.

 

Expecting big things out of him next year, no sophomore slump, and I think we'll increase (which is hard to believe) on his totals from a stellar Rookie of the Year performance in 2013.

[plantmanky]

1. Get Votto Checked into a mental health rehabilitation program asap, he needs it desperately.

2. Gotta resign Choo if you want any chance at playoffs next year

3. Trade Ludwick in the offseason and get what you can get for him. (move choo to left, hamilton in center)

4. Arroyo, if you can work a deal that he likes to stay do it, if not then so be it. Gotta fix whatever is wrong with Cueto health wise

5. Need a new coaching staff. Hitting Coach Fired by noon today. Im not sure Price doesnt leave if he is given an offer somewhere. Dusty, Id love to so its time to move on, but move on to who? We missed the boat last year and could have possibly had Francona. Dusty might be the best option for next year (cant believe I just said that).