Jocketty all but said Dusty will be back next year.

Saw a poll where I believe it was 93% of Reds fans said they wanted Dusty gone....There's got to come a point where ownership has to worry that bringing him back could cause reduced fan support. Are they there yet? I don't know, but I know if he's back, there's no chance I'm even remotely excited about the Reds next season.

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'd start with these 2 things.

Why do we want to unload Phillips?

Why do we want to unload Phillips?

 

Because he's the most average player in baseball, makes a boatload of money, doesn't hustle, and has an attitude...

Oh. I thought as 2nd basemen are concerned he would be listed as one of the best in the game. I'm not arguing one way or another.

Saw a poll where I believe it was 93% of Reds fans said they wanted Dusty gone....There's got to come a point where ownership has to worry that bringing him back could cause reduced fan support. Are they there yet? I don't know, but I know if he's back, there's no chance I'm even remotely excited about the Reds next season.

 

Agreed. Hard to stay excited with the same song and dance every year.

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.

 

Agree on pretty much all counts.

Why do we want to unload Phillips?

Bring in LaRussa. Trade Phillips for Pujols.

Everybody keeps hammering on Votto, and maybe he is a head case. But the guy did get on base 316 times this season. He has to be doing some things right.

Aside from Dusty, who I think will stay because he only has one year left...

 

I think the first priority is Choo. I think the Reds will make an effort to re-sign him; unfortunately, it's not likely considering other teams will throw SERIOUS cash his way. I believe he's a Scott Boras client, which means he'll be chasing the money and moving to a big market (i.e. the Cubs).

 

There needs to be a trade. Phillips or Bailey are the most likely candidates, and I'd prefer to ship BP somewhere. He makes some excellent defensive plays and he has done a lot for this team, but he's not the middle of the lineup bat that this team needs. He would be an excellent addition to an AL team where he could hit 1st or 2nd.

 

I have given up on Chapman moving to the rotation. I'd listen to offers on him but I can't imagine a team making an offer that would realistically improve the major league ballclub. For that reason, I think Chapman stays as the closer.

 

I think it's pretty obvious that Arroyo is gone. He has said that he won't take a "hometown discount" to stay in Cincinnati (can't blame him). I think the Reds make him an offer, but he's going to follow the money & that's not going to be in Cincy.

 

If/when Choo leaves, this team could be in big trouble. Billy Hamilton, as exciting as he is, is not ready to face MLB pitching on a daily basis.

Everybody keeps hammering on Votto, and maybe he is a head case. But the guy did get on base 316 times this season. He has to be doing some things right.

No. 3 hitter with his skills needs to drive in more than 73. Joey's "I'll always take a walk" attitude works when the No. 4 guy is hitting, but doesn't work when Brandon Phillips drives in just two or three runs the entire month of September. Dusty should have batted Votto second the second half of the season. Why not? Carlos Beltran batted second much of the season for Cards.

Everybody keeps hammering on Votto, and maybe he is a head case. But the guy did get on base 316 times this season. He has to be doing some things right.

 

Agreed. He isn't close to the problem. He has a terrible contract that will become a big problem way down the road, but he isn't close to a concern presently.

No. 3 hitter with his skills needs to drive in more than 73. Joey's "I'll always take a walk" attitude works when the No. 4 guy is hitting, but doesn't work when Brandon Phillips drives in just two or three runs the entire month of September. Dusty should have batted Votto second the second half of the season. Why not? Carlos Beltran batted second much of the season for Cards.

 

I can go along with that.

 

Ted Williams took a boatload of walks but always managed to drive in a run or two.

1) Figure Votto out. I think there is still something wrong with the knee which makes him uncomfortable rotating with the backside and driving a pitch. Could explain the change in philosophy.

2) Get Hamilton in the weight room to get stronger (quicker bat) and put a cot in the cages for him.

3) While I'd like to see the Reds move in a different managerial direction, I don't see it happening.

4) Try to resign Choo. If by some small miracle that happens, you move Ludwick.

5) Get Cueto in shape (physically and mechanically) to where he can stay healthy.