Early Head Start program
Lindner Tennis Center
2010 Butler County Fair
Tough choices confront Reds as they look to 2008
One of the team's key decisions involves the future of popular slugger Adam Dunn.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
CINCINNATI — After leaving spring training with optimism about their regular starting eight and confidence in the front of their starting pitching staff, the Cincinnati Reds rocketed downward to a 31-51 start that cost manager Jerry Narron his job.
Even though the team finished 41-39 under interim manager Pete Mackanin — whose future is uncertain — most on the team agreed during the season's waning games that the Reds need to make changes to be successful in 2008.
Extras
"(Aaron) Harang is always a good place to start," infielder Jeff Keppinger said. "He's coming back, and he's a backbone guy. Besides that, you don't know. You don't know who will be here and who won't."
Harang, who signed a four-year contract in the offseason, cemented himself as one of the National League's best pitchers with a 16-6 record and 3.73 ERA in 34 starts. Beyond Harang, Cincinnati struggled mightily for pitching as they tied with the woeful Florida Marlins for last place in the National League in pitching (4.94 ERA).
"I feel like the missing component is two quality guys in the pen and another starter," said Bronson Arroyo, the Reds' No. 2 starter who also signed a four-year contract last year and had a nightmare first half to his season before he finished 9-15 with a 4.23 ERA. "We need a number three guy who can get those innings and give us six innings almost every time he goes out. We need another 20 quality starts out there.
"Especially in this division, which isn't the most competitive in the game, we played unbelievably horrible in the first half and still could've had a chance at doing something."
One of the team's major decisions involves Adam Dunn. The club has an option to add the hulking outfielder for another season, but at a cost of $13 million. In seven seasons, Dunn has hit 238 home runs as one of Reds' fans favorite — and most debated — players.
Cincinnati also has club options for first baseman Scott Hatteberg (.310, 10 home runs, 47 RBIs), reliever Eddie Guardado (7.24 ERA in 15 appearances after returning from Tommy John elbow surgery) and catcher Javier Valentin (.276, 2 HR, 34 RBIs). Second baseman Brandon Phillips, who became just the third Red to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season, is eligible for arbitration, and it's certain he will get a raise from his $407,500 salary.
It isn't likely, though, that the Reds will make a significant bump in payroll, which was increased from $44 million in 2000 to nearly $69 million last season. That number ranked the Reds 20th out of the 30 major-league teams, in between the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers.
Could the Reds try to make use of some lower-priced players? Norris Hopper hit .329 in 121 games and made $380,000 this season. Keppinger, who impressed Cincinnati fans with his defense and .332 average since his promotion on July 7 (because of Juan Castro's elbow injury that turned into Tommy John surgery), made $382,500 this season.
Asked how he played this season, Keppinger shrugged.
"Good, but I think it's the way I've always played," Keppinger said. "It's not anything new, I just needed a chance to play. I'm glad these guys gave me a chance. Other teams I was with, they would always try to find somebody else, keep sending me to Triple A."
There were other bargains on the 2007 roster. Josh Hamilton emerged from the Rule 5 draft as one of baseball's best stories while making $380,000 and hitting .292 in 90 games with 19 home runs and 47 RBIs. But several stints on the disabled list put a damper on his season.
"I was actually surprised I didn't hurt more than I did," Hamilton said. "I got sick early in the season, and if it hadn't been for that it would've been just the wrist around the All-Star break and the hammy. I would've gotten at least 15 or 20 more games in."
That's the crapshoot, of course, in baseball. Injuries happen, and some players under-perform. But during the offseason, owner Bob Castellini, General Manager Wayne Krivsky and the rest of the organization must decide where to turn, if anywhere, outside of their core group of players.
"Obviously they're not going to spend $200 million like the Yankees are," Arroyo said. "I hope they don't make a ton of moves."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com
What's next for the Reds' big earners?
| Player | 2007 salary* | Contract situation | Stats |
| Adam Dunn | $10,500,000 | Club option 2008 | .264, 40 HR, 106 RBIs |
| Eric Milton | $10,333,333 | Signed through 2007 | 0-4, 5.17 ERA |
| Ken Griffey Jr. | $8,446,647 | Signed through 2008, | .277, 30 HR, 93 RBIs |
| club option 2009 | |||
| Aaron Harang | $4,250,000 | Signed through 2010 | 16-6, 3.73 ERA |
| Bronson Arroyo | $4,125,000 | Signed through 2010 | 9-15, 4.23 ERA |
| Alex Gonzalez | $3,500,000 | Signed through 2009, | .272, 16 HR, 55 RBIs |
| mutual option 2010 | |||
| Ryan Freel | $2,325,000 | Signed through 2009 | .245, 16 RBIs, 44 R, 15 SB |
| David Weathers | $2,250,000 | Signed through 2008 | 2-6, 3.59 ERA, 33 Saves |
| Mike Stanton | $2,000,000 | Signed through 2008, | 1-3, 5.93 ERA |
| club option 2009 | |||
| David Ross | $1,600,000 | Signed through 2008, | .203, 17 HR, 39 RBIs |
| club option 2009 | |||
| Scott Hatteberg | $1,500,000 | Club option 2008 | .310, 10 HR, 47 RBIs |
| Javier Valentin | $1,250,000 | Club option 2008 | .276, 2 HR, 34 RBIs |
| Kirk Saarloos | $1,200,000 | Signed through 2007 | 1-5, 7.17 ERA |
| * Source: USA Today salaries database | |||
2007 payroll
How the Cincinnati Reds' payroll compares with those of this year's playoff teams. Teams listed by rank among all 30 MLB teams:
| 1. New York Yankees | $189,639,045 |
| 2. Boston Red Sox | $143,026,214 |
| 4. Los Angeles Angels | $109,251,333 |
| 8. Chicago Cubs | $99,670,332 |
| 13. Philadelphia Phillies | $89,428,213 |
| 20. Cincinnati Reds | $68,904,980 |
| 23. Cleveland Indians | $61,673,267 |
| 25. Colorado Rockies | $54,424,000 |
| 26. Arizona Diamondbacks | $52,067,546 |
Comments
By Bill Hisey
October 9, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this
Everyone keeps talking about starting pitching. 62 times starters turned a lead over to the closer. We converted 55% of the time and blew 28 save oppertunities. If we could convert at 75%, which 10 of the top teams did, that would have been 13 more wins. How many games did we finnish behind the Cubs? (13) Sign Dunn, go find me ONE quality closer, I’ll take my chances with a slew of good young arms we have, and I won’t rape our farm system to pick a bargain basement SP. Dave Williams?
By Monroe
October 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Just FYI: Dunn can’t be traded until his option is picked up and only then after June 15. Don’t expect to get too much for him, even then. (He is nothing like Texiera, as far as trade value goes, since Texiera is signed through next year.)
P.S. If you liked Eric Milton, you’ll love Dontrelle Willis. And also, unless his arm has fallen off, Santana will never ever happen in Cincy. Get used to it.
By Wally
October 7, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I think Milton deserves a raise.
By Jerry
October 7, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Keeping Dunn is a no brainer. Griffey is untradeable due to his injury history and age. We need pitching and the only way a team with it will part with it, is to trade good young (cheap) players. Make a list with Hamilton, Bruce, Kepp, Bray, Cout, Salmon, and Burton on it. Add Gonzo, Ross, EE, Stanton, Maj, and Coffey on another. Offer one from the each list for a top notch starter and one from each for a bona fide closer. Put Weathers back in the set up role
By Brick
October 6, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t trade Dunn. 40 & 106! You don’t just pick that up off the waiver wire. The guy’s only missed 15 games in the past 4 seasons and his defense has improved during that span. His strikeout total this season was the lowest it’s been in 4 years. I mean, he made 10 million this year, his option for ‘08 is just 3 million more. Would the Reds pay 3 million extra to quarantee 40 & 106? Would Phillips’ numbers be as good without the Big Donkey in the order?
By Tom P
October 6, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Letting go of Milton and Saarloos saves 11.5 million from the payroll. In addition, the Reds should try to move Freel and Stanton, which would save another $4.3 million. This should be enough to get a decent number three starter, a strong bullpen guy and to cover the arbitration hits/salary increases of other players, INCLUDING DUNN!
As much as I enjoy watching Griffey play and appreciate his coming to Cincinnati, I would trade him to a contender mid-season if that is what he wanted and the Reds are not contenders. Otherwise, you don’t pick up the option and let Bruce succeed him in ‘09 if not next summer. Bruce should not come up until he will play about everyday, and the Reds cannot afford to lose Griffey and Dunn until Hamilton, Votto, and Bruce establish themselves as bona fide major leaguers.
I think it would be intriguing to see Phillips at SS and Kepp at 2B, allowing us to use Gonzo as trade bait for #3 starter or bullpen help. However, we would also need to sign slick-fielding SS for bench. I like the idea of bringing Hatteburg back as insurance for Votto (or Dunn and move Votto to LF), excellent bat of the bench, and his approach that the younger players would do well to model.
We really need to hope Ross has a bounce-back year, or C is going to be another area to address. For the price, I keep Valentin.
I think the core of this team is ripe for a winning season, but we just suffer from a lack of pitching. Ideally, Bailey and Cuerto can provide that next year while we still have Harang and Arroyo pitching well. I would also like to see Belisle keep improving. Burton looks like he could be a closer, and Bray looks good too. However, the bullpen needs some immediate help to get from 5th-6h innings to the 8th.
Tom P. Richmond
By Scott
October 6, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
send Junior to a contender….nurture the young talent…and if you can get a true #2 starter for Dunn do it- Arroyo is a solid #3 guy…
Hopefully Belisle and HBailey will work in the offseason to hone their craft. the bull pen needs to start stocking sinker ball pitchers…or break out the construction equipment and push the walls back so every pop up doesn’t end up on sportscenter highlights
By cait
October 5, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Keep Dunn. He’s consistent and plays everyday. I love Griffey and Hamilton. Keep both if possible. Keep Hopper, call up Bruce. That is a fantastic OF rotation and protects the team in case of injuries. I love Freel, but he’s good trade bait for some decent relief pitching or a back of the rotation starter. Add Bailey full time and give Cueto a shot. This team is close to winning and doesn’t need a complete overhaul. Keep Votto & Cantu, lose Hatteberg.
By Chris D
October 5, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Phillips, Harang and YES DUNN are players that you can build a great franchise around. I say keep Griffey because A)He is a draw and will bring money to the team. B)He is one of the greatest of all time and will not bring much value in trade. He is too close to a milestone for the team to even consider trading him. It just doesn’t make sense. The young guys are just that so who knows. I don’t expect the Reds to win now and I don’t think anyone should. BUT in this division you just don’t know
By Mike W
October 5, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
You guys are delusional. Guardado is not going to be resigned. One 40-year-old, over-the-hill lefty per team (Stanton) is the quota. A closer like Nathan for Encarnacion?, whose hitting is the product of the bandbox that is GABP. Don’t think so. Griffey has little to no trade value considering his age and his salary. Even at DH, his trade value is limited. Jose Guillen is not signed, so how could Seattle trade him? They are working on a multiyear contract.
By Byron P.
October 5, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
I have Posted many comments here but the one thing I’m getting at is this: If they trade two top position players plus add ons for two top starters they can win the division. They have so much depth, especially in the outfield that they could trade two good position players and not skip a beat offensively. If they hang on to all our favorite players and try to get by hoarding “good” players but not covering positions (starting pitching), then the Reds have another losing season.
By OldCleat
October 5, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Truthfully, the only club option for ‘08 I would not pick up is Scott Hatteburg’s, only because there are several options for first base. As far as trades, it’s easy to say “trade Dunn,” “trade Gonzalez,” “trade Griffey,” but I agree with Mr. Moriarty above that trading guys for broken down starters and Class A suspects — something the Reds have done in the past — is a problem. You have to improve your team.
By Gary Maloy Jr.
October 5, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Freel no longer flavor of the month?? We have 1 problem-too many OFs. I love Jr but look at these names: Dunn Hamilton Hopper Freel Bruce Stubbs. When you add Votto Encarnacion Keppinger Cantu & Phillips, you’ve got a young pennant winner. Who’s missing? Jr/Gonzo whom we trade for pitching. C:Ross/Javy. Dunn oldest guy on my team at 28. SP: Aaron Bronson Homer Belisle (+ a SP from trade). RP: Bray Burton Guardado Shearn Salmon Sarloos Majewski Weathers. Thats 25 w/o Stubbs. See you in October!
By HuberTucky
October 5, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Take a look at the Rockies and the D’Backs…two young teams with a bunch of no names and BOTH teams are in the playoffs. There has been very little mention of the Reds farm system. Is it SO lousy that all the Reds hope lies in trades? Perhaps changes need to be made at the farm level for starters before the Reds will EVER be serious contenders again. Thanks Carl, for ruining the Reds long term, ya cheap old billionaire Kraut!
By sam
October 5, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
I am enjoying all this speculation regarding the changes the Reds absolutely need.If ownership is serious about bringing championship caliber baseball to Cincy again,..then this off-season should be a turning point for the organization.We can either be Contenders or Pretenders….Mr.Castellani it begins with you….-are you a contender or a pretender?
By Bryan
October 5, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Trade Dunn and a prospect not named Cueto for a starter. Give Cueto and Maloney a chance to make the rotation. Get the young bullpen arms going with Burton, Guardado, and Weathers. You have the makings of a good young baseball team. They are likely still a year away but anything is possible in the Central. Hamilton, Phillips, Griffey, Encarnacion, Votto, Gonzalez, Bruce, Ross with Valentin, Keppinger, Hopper, Cantu, and Freel off the bench. Making a ton of movies isn’t always the best move
By Mike
October 5, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Two trades needed:
Edwin and a prospect for Joe Nathan Griffey, Coats and Cuerto for Washburn, Sherrill and Guillen
1st - Votto/Cantu 2nd - Phillips/Freel/Lopez SS - Gonzalez/Keppinger/Lopez 3rd - Keppinger/Cantu/Freel C - Ross/Valentin OF - Dunn/Hopper/Freel CF - Hamilton/Hopper/Freel OF - Guillen/Bruce/Freel
SP - Harang, Arroyo, Washburn, Bailey, Belisle/Shearn RP - Salmon, Stanton, McBeth, Coutlangus, Bray, Majewski, Burton, Weathers, Sherrill, Nathan
By Byron P.
October 4, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
You have to trade at least two of the following: Phillips, Encarnacion, Dunn, Hamilton, Votto, or Jay Bruce. Not because you want to, but because if you don’t you still only have two Starters. There are NO no 2 or 3 starters available on the free agent market. With out trading for at least one, and probably two starters THERE IS NO CHANCE for the Reds. SO what two of the wonderful players above do you trade?
By Zack
October 4, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to take a look at the Colorado Rockies. Lower payrolls must play defense. Adam Dunn does not cut it in left field. I like Adam Dunn, but look at what the Rangers got for Teixeira. I’m not saying that we would get the same in return for Dunn, but something similar. The Reds cannot continue to keep both Griffey and Dunn. Freel and Gonzalez should also look to be dealt. Go young and see what happens. Status Quo is not good enough.
By Jeremy J.
October 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Trade Dunn for pitching… now
By Monty
October 4, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Arroyo has got it pegged…another solid starter. One that is a groundball pitcher..2 more reliable bullpen guys! Get rid of the Magic Man! He just needs a fresh start somewhere else. Keep Everyday Eddie. He was coming on in the end, and they say it takes a yr. after that surgery to fully recover, so he will be fine. Weathers isnt a bonafide closer, but my gosh, he only blew 5 or 6 saves! Who else in baseball did what he had to do? 2 inning saves alot early!! Griffey needs to go, 600 HR or not!!
By Mike W
October 4, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
correction: meant to say Keppinger and Freel are solid extra infielders.
By Mike W
October 4, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
I think Pete got the catching situation wrong. Ross is lesser hitter but a much better defensive catcher than Valentin, who can’t throw guys out. Plus Ross is signed through ‘08. The Reds’ outfield of Dunn, Hamilton and Grifey is Ok with Hopper or Freel a solid extras. Bruce could move in where Dunn is if Adam is traded. Keppinger is a solid extra outfielder as is Freel. The Reds will not pick up the option of Hatteberg. Pitching, pitching, pitching. That’s the offseason wishlist.
By Corbin
October 4, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Sarloos, Milton, Guardado, and Majewski should be released. Encarnacion, Gonzalez, Ross and Freel should be traded. Keep Hatteberg for one more year to platoon with Votto in case Votto can’t cut it. KEEP DUNN YOU IDIOTS!! Griffey, Hamilton, Hopper and Bruce round out the OF. Hamilton/Griffey will be injured 1/2 the time so Hopper & Bruce will still play. The Reds should be building around Dunn, Phillips, and Harang. Need to sign a decent free-agent pitcher that can be a solid #3 starter
By marc rigby
October 4, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
comment #2
trade ross,( i like hanigan as catcher. we have harang and bronson tag teaming the front of the rotation, sigh some one like a fogg or beson, with baily and one of the crueto or someone else , than rotaton be fine, bullpen another major promblem,we have got to get rid of coffey, and sarrloss keep weathers and eddie along with burton that 7th 8th and 9th ips if starters can get us there. i like our chances.
By marc rigby
October 4, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
for one thing, adam dunn , theneed to pick up his option. than give jay bruce a full season in louisville, if he tears it up by all star game than trade dunn leats than we will get something in return, instead of now if we let him walk we wont. we have 10 million coming off the books with milton. thatt give phillips and few others a raise. i like keppinger and hooper off the bench, along with freel. that makes bench and depth real great.
By Mike W
October 4, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
You can’t just stick Dunn at first. He’s shown he can’t play it, plus that’s where Votto plays. Santana’d be great, but the Reds have a budget & Griffey has shown the folly of paying 1 player a very high % of your budget. Willis wouldn’t work here. His value has dropped over the past 2 years. He’s a fly ball pitcher who had a 5.00 ERA in a decent pitchers’ park. We need a solid No. 2 pitcher who keeps the ball in the park & eats innings. Sign & then trade Dunn to pare payroll to afford the No. 2
By Byron P.
October 4, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Matt, it would be great to see Dontrelle Willis and Johan Santana in the rotation. But you couldn’t get them and keep the players you wanted to keep. Other GMs won’t trade either one for anything other than a PREMIUM player plus extras. You first must decide which of your best players you can do without. Phillips, Dunn, Encarnacion, Hamilton, Votto, and Jay Bruce: for each of the top pitchers you get you lose at least one of these players.
By Matt
October 4, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
why do I always have to straighten you guys out? Phillips and Dunn to long term deals first. Mr Castellani, its time to “pony-up” sir. Trade Gonzales, have EE,Kepp, and votto in the IF. Keep hatteberg and Cantu as reserves. Griffey and Hamilton are good, Hopper can fill in for both. Freel should stay. Move Belisle to the BP where he was good before.Pursue Dontrelle Willis or Johan Santana for the rotation. sign a few more decent relievers. jay Bruce is not ready to be a starter!
By Bill
October 3, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Start with moving Dunn to first—that solves many problems. Second, move Phillips to short/Encarnacion at third/Freel and Keppinger at second/Hamilton in Center/Hopper in right/Votto in left, {or first, if you decide to trade Dunn and Griffey for a starter, or closer}.Then, Bruce in left.
How long did they refuse to bring up Votto this year? The way he played after they finally succumbed proved he could have helped earlier.Bring Bruce up.Bring Cueto up/Homer up. They can’t be any worse.
By BOB DUERSTOCK
October 3, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Griffey is untradeable no one will take him!!!The only thing the reds can do is RELEASE him.Bruce, Dunn Hopper and Hamilton would give the reds a very good outfield.Getting rid of Griffey would help team chemistry.You walk on a golf course,run on a baseball diamond!!!!
By james c
October 3, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
this would be a good start.walt is out as gm for the cards,tony might be next.i have heard the rumors.and there is ties there with the reds owner.
By Mike W
October 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
The Reds immediate help in the bullpen and power arms in the minors. Dunn is a must re-sign, if for no other reason that to trade him. The power-starved Nationals would take Dunn for perhaps their closer, Cordero, and a prospect. We don’t want to lose Dunn for just a draft pick. Stanton, Guardado, Saarlos, etc. need to be released. If the Reds spend $20 million in free agents, $19 million needs to be spent on pitching. The Reds need 1 starter, 1 solid situational lefty and a solid closer.
By Mike W
October 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
The Reds immediate help in the bullpen and power arms in the minors. Dunn is a must re-sign, if for no other reason that to trade him. The power-starved Nationals would take Dunn for perhaps their closer, Cordero, and a prospect. We don’t want to lose Dunn for just a draft pick. Stanton, Guardado, Saarlos, etc. need to be released. If the Reds spend $20 million in free agents, $19 million needs to be spent on pitching. The Reds need 1 starter, 1 solid situational lefty and a solid closer.
By Byron P.
October 3, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Brian Sabean, Giants GM, is now on record as saying he will probably trade “more than one” of his young pitchers for position players. While he says that Matt Cain and Lincecum are “almost” untouchable this leaves rhealms of possibilities for a Reds - Giants swap. Can you envision adding Noah Lowry and Matt Cain to the Reds Rotation? Encarnacion/Dunn/Freel/Hopper? A lot? Yes, but you could win a pennant that way! Put Keppinger at 3rd with Votto playing some 1st and some LF add in Bruce and Cantu
By Bob
October 3, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Keep everyone except the following: 1) David Weathers. I don’t care what his numbers say, he is a fluke of a closer. Unless the Reds have a 10-run lead, he will find a way to blow it. They need a dominant closer who will pound the strike zone instead of dancing around it like Weathers does. 2) Adam Dunn. He is a DH stuck in the NL. Trade him away for a starter. 3) For the love of everything, overhaul that bullpen. Let all of them go and start from scratch from the inside of the organization.
By Trev
October 3, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
It’s easier to respond with “who they should move”. That would be Griffey but not in a negative way. It’s just that we need to free up a spot for Bruce. He could sell some season tickets for a team like Tampa with his 600th HR on the horizon. He may even approve a trade there since its near his home. I think they even plan to play some games in Orlando again next year. The Reds could even pay some of his contract. Perhaps they get the Ray’s catcher Navarro from them in the exchange.
By Byron P.
October 3, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
If Jay Bruce is a young Griffy Jr. like apparently Rick Sweet said, and he’s ready in ‘09, you have to play him everyday. If Josh Hamilton stays healthy and hits the way he did this year, he will hit 40 HR and you play him everyday. Hopper is the only bonified lead-off man (Freel is not, his avg. too low) so to set the tables you have to play him everyday. Where does that leave Dunn and Griffy? Teams WILL NOT give you much for Griffy by himself. He is too much of a health risk for the money.
By Jd
October 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Get Phillips signed to a long term deal. It wont be cheap probably 3 to 4 million a year,and he’s worth that !!
By Mike Moriarty
October 3, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Don’t trade Junior for two Class A minor league prospects and a major league pitcher who won 15 games 3 years ago and then had Tommy John surgery.
I’m exasperated with these kinds of trades.
Mike
By steve
October 3, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Griffey needs to go! He’ll be 38 next year. 600 HR’s on not, it’s time to move on. This is a bid-ness, not a love-feast. I have no idea what to do with the Dunn-er. Move him to 1B so you can have an outfield rotation of Votto/Hamilton-Hopper/Bruce. Tough to replace the 40 bombs and near 100 RBI a year but he’s the most frustrating player on the squad. Worth $13 mil? You tell me.
Stanton, Magic and Coffey…goodbye! Arroyo is a #3 starter so we need a #2. Go get him. Homer’s #4.
By Joe
October 3, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
The Indians, Rockies, and D’Backs all made the playoffs. All 3 have payroll lower than the Reds. Payroll has proven to be a non-excuse for the records the Reds have had the past 10 years. I think that makes it at least worth a thought that the front office is not getting it done. Change the front office, and they may be able to make the correct moves. Otherwise, Krivsky will simply make moves for players such as Bray & Majewski who have ERA’s much much higher than the league average.
By Byron P.
October 3, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
You pick up Dunn’s option. You save money by trading him if neccesary in a deal for a top starter, than trying to get mediocrity out of free agency. If you don’t trade him then you probably trade Hamilton or Jay Bruce but, at least you have 2 power hitters left in the outfield (long term vs. short term for Griffy) Either Encarnacion, Gonzales or Keppinger goes for pitching as does Freel. I wish we could see a lineup beginning with Hopper, Keppinger, Hamilton, Phillips,…
By Byron P.
October 3, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
The relief corps needs help but has a good nucleus. I believe that Bray, Coutlangus, Burton, Salmon are solid. Weathers was as good as almost any of the other teams closers (check the stats.) I really believe Majewski is coming around but you can’t count on him or Coffee. Saarloos was mismanaged. He should have been a starter out of spring training. His time with Reds is over. Scott Linebrink needs to wear a Reds uniform. Relif pitchers are available through free agency but, the price is high!
By Byron P.
October 3, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
If you keep everyone you want to keep you lose again next year. Why? Because you haven’t given anyone up that anyone else wants in order to fill the holes you need to fill. Who will other teams take to give up a good starter, and the Reds really need two. Free agency? No GOOD starters. It will take a minimum of one or two of the following players: Phillips, Dunn, Encarnacion, Hamilton, Votto or Jay Bruce. The Reds don’t need another Milton they need a Matt Cain, Chad Billingsley or Ian Snell.
By Kent
October 3, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
I would not pick up the options for Hatteberg, Guardado, or Valentin. I would try to trade Gonzalez and put Keppinger at short. I would try to sign a mid-level starting pitcher like Josh Fogg, Kris Benson, Paul Byrd, or Mark Redman to be third or fourth in the rotation. I would sign at least one relief pitcher; there will be many potential free agent relievers to pick from.
By Michael
October 3, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
The Reds need to trade Griffey. Then they can bring up Jay Bruce. Also, we should move Freel, & Hatteburg, and keep Votto, Hopper, and Keppinger.
Outfied= Dunn, Bruce, Hamilton, Hopper. Infield= EE, Gonzo/Kepp, Phillips, Votto, Cantu.
We can get a decent middle reliever or starter either in one of those trades, or with money freed up in those trades.
Harang & Arroyo, w/ Belisle will be an ok #5, and Bailey a good #3. Use Matt Maloney or Johnny Cueto for a #4
By Kent
October 3, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
I would keep Dunn in ‘08, but see how minor leaguers like Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and B.J. Szymanski come along before deciding about ‘09 and beyond for Dunn. I would try to trade Junior to the AL to be a DH; maybe Seattle or the Yankees. I would let Hopper and Freel play rightfield and see how they do to see if they are for real before I would get rid of both Griffey and Dunn. Jay Bruce should be ticketed for rightfield, though, by mid-season in ‘08 if he gets off to a good start in Louisville.
By Jason Luring
October 3, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
I think arroyo says it best above, they need to sign a #2 and #4 pitcher (Harang, Arroyo and Bailey fill in the rest) and then work on the bullpen. The 9 million from Milton ought to help do this. I don’t see how any team can trade a guy with 100 plus RBI’s 100 plus Runs and 40 + HR, especially when he is under the age of 30
By Renee
October 3, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Get rid of Dunn. You didnt care that Casey was well liked by the fans when you got rid of him. Look at Freel he makes 2.325 mil and we love him. Try some of the lower priced players. Besides, we can get 5 new players for the price of one OLD one.
By Scott
October 3, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Trade Gonzalez and Freel; move Phillips to short and put Kepp at second. Get Phillips signed to a long-term deal…he’s the new face of this franchise. To do that and add pitching, they can’t pick up Dunn’s option. Also got to let Hatteberg and Guardardo walk…love them both, but Votto proved he can play and we can’t pay an aging left 3 mil, when we have young lefties waiting to take over (Bray/Coutlangus). Pitching, pitching and more pitching.
By Renee
October 3, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Get rid of Dunn.. You didnt care that Casey was well liked when you got rid of him.. Try some of the lower priced players. Look at Freel he only makes 2.325 mil, we love him.. Besides you can get atleast 5 good players for the price of one OLD one.
By George Hale
October 3, 2007 4:24 AM | Link to this
Dunn still has a chance to be the fastest lefty to 500 Home Runs, which would eclipse Jr.’s record. Keep him and get behind him. It’s what he does. Who knows? Maybe it’s a “Dunn” deal.