Based on the limited budget and my tendencies to think outside the box, I say Votto. Alonso is on the roster, making big bucks and cant play anywhere but first. Francisco is 'challenged' defensively and is not on the same timeline as Alonso. Votto is a team first guy and may be willing to make the move.

 

The reality is that you would never ask your best player to change positions........although Pete did several times to make room for the newcomers.

We aren't really bringing up the whole Votto to LF thing again, are we?

Based on the limited budget and my tendencies to think outside the box, I say Votto. Alonso is on the roster, making big bucks and cant play anywhere but first. Francisco is 'challenged' defensively and is not on the same timeline as Alonso. Votto is a team first guy and may be willing to make the move.

 

The reality is that you would never ask your best player to change positions........although Pete did several times to make room for the newcomers.

 

That would be ideal...only time will tell whether he's willing to make the move.

We aren't really bringing up the whole Votto to LF thing again, are we?

I agree that Votto is married to first base here. However, just a thought, do you think that it ever enters his mind that perhaps left field is a good fit for him? For instance, how many years will he be an all-star behind Albert, Howard, and on the rare occasion, Fielder? And maybe that never enters his mind. And frankly, there is obviously gonna be more wear and tear on the body in LF vs. 1B, but Votto could essentially initiate a move of that ilk if he was so inclined.

We aren't really bringing up the whole Votto to LF thing again, are we?

 

It's a lot more realistic than 2 of the other choices on the list, IMO.

What is Gomes' option for 2011?

I agree that Votto is married to first base here. However, just a thought, do you think that it ever enters his mind that perhaps left field is a good fit for him? For instance, how many years will he be an all-star behind Albert, Howard, and on the rare occasion, Fielder? And maybe that never enters his mind. And frankly, there is obviously gonna be more wear and tear on the body in LF vs. 1B, but Votto could essentially initiate a move of that ilk if he was so inclined.

 

It's already been stated that he is opposed to such a move. Don't see any reason he changes his mind for a guy that may be able to cut it at the major league level.

It's a lot more realistic than 2 of the other choices on the list, IMO.

 

Disagree. Both are free agents, and the Reds have been included in lists of teams interested in both.

What is Gomes' option for 2011?

 

A little over a Mil.

A little over a Mil.

 

If he is traditionally a fast starter, could the Reds resign him and hope he does the same, then actually deal him when he's worth something?

 

That isn't a lot of money to take a risk on.

Disagree. Both are free agents, and the Reds have been included in lists of teams interested in both.

 

How much will the Reds add in payroll? They'd be better off using Alonso as trade bait and trading for a left fielder.

Reds make a trade and get Ryan Braun.

Reds make a trade and get Ryan Braun.

 

Going way out on that limb.

Going way out on that limb.

 

Brewers need to shed payroll and the Reds have plenty of pitching to get it done. Bruan will be the final piece to the puzzle IMO.

Braun is due.... 11:$4M, 12:$6M, 13:$8.5M, 14:$10M, 15:$12M

Brewers need to shed payroll and the Reds have plenty of pitching to get it done. Bruan will be the final piece to the puzzle IMO.

Braun is due.... 11:$4M, 12:$6M, 13:$8.5M, 14:$10M, 15:$12M

 

I'd be down. Only problem is I think we still need a dominant starter too. One more piece..