Johnny Damon would be a much better option than Pat Burrell. Top of the order hitter who could really help the young outfielders, similar to Edmonds this year. If you get Damon, you probably let Nix walk or offer him a minor league deal again.

Damon's defense won't win him any awards, either, but he's a better fit for the Reds than Burrell and Gomes.

I suspect the Yankees will have some interest in Crawford or Werth.

 

Not what I'm hearing. They will have to move Posada to DH next season for the most part and they really like Gardner. Their focus will be on Lee and the bullpen. Sure, they'd take Crawford or Werth but they aren't going to overpay for them like they normally would.

As a Reds fan, I want to re-sign Votto or lock him up long-term. But it's going to be hard to keep Joey Votto if they're not willing to pay him. Dunn is making $12 million. It's not unreasonable to think that some team will overpay Werth & give him $12-$15 million next year, maybe more in the future. I don't agree with it, but if the big bidders get involved it's possible.

Damon's defense won't win him any awards, either, but he's a better fit for the Reds than Burrell and Gomes.

 

Like I said in an earlier post, he fits the lineup better and his weak arm won't hurt too much in GABP.

Damon's defense won't win him any awards, either, but he's a better fit for the Reds than Burrell and Gomes.

 

:thumb: Heisey will likely be on the big league roster too, so he can fill in as the defensive replacement and part-time LF.

If I'm Walt Jocketty:

 

I would start working Phillips out at shortstop as soon as possible. I'd see what Valaika can do at 2B. I'd give Todd Frazier a shot at the job, although he's probably a year away.

 

I would work Janish out at SS and 3B.

 

I would start working Francisco & Alonso out in LF. Votto could shag some fly balls, too.

 

I would include Devin Mesoraco in every thing we do. I would let Edinson Volquez throw for the remainder of the playoffs, then shut him down.

 

I would discourage or prohibit each pitcher from playing Winter Ball.

If I'm Walt Jocketty:

 

I would start working Phillips out at shortstop as soon as possible. I'd see what Valaika can do at 2B. I'd give Todd Frazier a shot at the job, although he's probably a year away.

 

I would work Janish out at SS and 3B.

 

I would start working Francisco & Alonso out in LF. Votto could shag some fly balls, too.

 

I would include Devin Mesoraco in every thing we do. I would let Edinson Volquez throw for the remainder of the playoffs, then shut him down.

 

I would discourage or prohibit each pitcher from playing Winter Ball.

 

I think I might consider letting Volquez throw some in winter ball. Would help him stay sharp for spring training and it's not like he was worn out with innings this year.

I think I might consider letting Volquez throw some in winter ball. Would help him stay sharp for spring training and it's not like he was worn out with innings this year.

 

I could live with that, but I'd be careful. It completely wore Cueto out by the All-Star break last season

I could live with that, but I'd be careful. It completely wore Cueto out by the All-Star break last season

 

I don't really know a lot about winterball. If I was Walt and actually let him pitch I'd limit it to 3-4 starts with 5 innings per start, max.

 

He's the only guy I'd consider let pitch in the offseason, just because he's coming off injury.

Not what I'm hearing. They will have to move Posada to DH next season for the most part and they really like Gardner. Their focus will be on Lee and the bullpen. Sure, they'd take Crawford or Werth but they aren't going to overpay for them like they normally would.

I have a hard time seeing Gardner as the reason the Yankees wouldn't show interest in Crawford or Werth.

 

Posada at DH? He's still a nice player, but much of his value is lost if he is a full-time DH.

I have a hard time seeing Gardner as the reason the Yankees wouldn't show interest in Crawford or Werth.

 

Posada at DH? He's still a nice player, but much of his value is lost if he is a full-time DH.

 

Posada will turn 40 next season. I think his days of catching are about behind him, and I agree with you that he loses a lot of value as a DH.

I have a hard time seeing Gardner as the reason the Yankees wouldn't show interest in Crawford or Werth.

 

Posada at DH? He's still a nice player, but much of his value is lost if he is a full-time DH.

 

Any chance they're interested in Crawford as a DH?

I have a hard time seeing Gardner as the reason the Yankees wouldn't show interest in Crawford or Werth.

 

Posada at DH? He's still a nice player, but much of his value is lost if he is a full-time DH.

 

Supposedly they have set a spending threshold. It is way up there but with Lee and bullpen help they will reach it. Besides, with their current lineup they led the league in runs scored. I'm sure they will be interested in Crawford and Werth but only a cursory interest--they need pitching. They have Posada signed and it will be a PR nightmare if they don't bring him and Jeter back. Believe what you want but the Yankees are unlikely to add a marquee bat this offseason.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Werth end up in Boston.

Any chance they're interested in Crawford as a DH?

 

For Crawford it sounds like the Angels are the front runners and the Astros could be the dark horse.