If you were GM what would you do in the next 10 days??

[jaredbo]

Here is what I do......

I attempt to play the teams that lose out on Halladay against each other and get the most value that I can for Harang. Right now the best deal that I have seen proposed has been the Yankees deal; Aaron Harang and Chris Dickerson/Drew Stubbs to New York for Phillip Hughes, Miguel Cabrera, and Jesus Montero.

I then look to deal one of the relievers of Weathers or Rhodes. I would attempt to package them with Arroyo and look at either the Dodgers or the Angels. I would still look at getting SS Brandon Wood from the Angels; Bronson Arroyo and David Weathers to the Angels for Brandon Wood and Sean O'Sullivan.

I also consider kicking the tires on a Francisco Cordero deal only because Hughes was obtained from the Yankees. It appears as though he has settled in nicely as a setup guy, according to Yankees' fans. Not sure what kind of return Cordero could get but I would think that he has some trade value right now.

This leaves the team after the trades like this.

C - Ryan Hanigan
1B - Joey Votto
2B - Brandon Phillips
SS - Brandon Wood
3B - Edwin Encarnacion
LF - Melky Cabrera
CF - Willy Taveras/Chris Dickerson
RF - Laynce Nix/Jonny Gomes/Jay Bruce when he is back from the DL

SP - Edinson Volquez
SP - Johnny Cueto
SP - Homer Bailey
SP - Micah Owings
SP - Matt Maloney/Travis Wood

Bullpen then consists of Masset, Hughes, Herrera, Fisher, Roenicke, Burton, and Cordero if he is not traded. I think this can make quite a team, a good balance of left and right-handed hitters. What would everyone else do?

[Kingspoint]

I'd give Rick Sweet a hint that there could be a promotion coming at the end of the season.

I'd trade Arroyo or Harang and keep the other for the rest of this season and all of next season.

I'd begin getting Votto one start a week in Left Field.

I'd DFA Willy Taveras and Jerry Hairston, Jr.

In the trade for Harang or Arroyo, I'd try to get a Major League Shortstop.

I'd keep Edwin and try to trade him during the off-season, as his value will be higher and the club's prospects at 3rd Base will be more clear.

[travisgrimes]

The Reds are clearly not going to contend for anything this season, HOWEVER, that does not mean you sell solid veterans for minor leaguers 2-3 years away. If I were to deal the likes of Harang, Arroyo, Cordero, etc. I would want major league ready guys to step in. So I looked at some deal I hadn't thought about before and actually it looked good.

1. Cincinnati Reds trade SP Aaron Harang to the New York Yankees for SP Phil Hughes, C Jesus Montero and a PTBNL. WHY? The Yankees are desperate for a SP and Phil Hughes doesn't seem to handle the New York pressure. Word is Cashman has no place for Hughes and is growing tired of his inconsistancy. Of course most of you know the Reds are already talking to Yankees about a deal similar to this one (via my source).

2. Cincinnati Reds trade CL Francisco Cordero and RP Arthur Rhodes to the Los Angeles Dodgers for CF Matt Kemp, SS Devaris Gordon and a PTBNL. WHY? Really the two Dodger weaknesses are the bullpen and back of the rotation. Here they get a great closer and a shut down lefty specialist who can get out righties as well. The Reds get their CF for now and the future and a very high ceiling guy at SS. This trade is possible because of Juan Pierre's good play and the Dodgers depth at CF in the minor leagues.

3. Cincinnati Reds trade SP Bronson Arroyo and SS Jerry Hairston Jr. to the New York Mets for SP Jonathan Niese and 1B/OF Nick Evans. (Reds pick up half of Arroyo's contract). WHY? The Mets really need two things: A SP and a veteran SS, they get both here and at half the price. The Reds receive a minor league lefty SP and a future utility man in Nick Evans.

Offseason: With money freed up by dealing Cordero, Harang and Arroyo I think the Reds need to go after a LF with some pop and a SS to hold the position until Gordon is ready. But the only real LF's with pop who will be on the market are Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, both are too expensive. So I think Todd Frazier needs to get his chance at 3B in 2009 and Edwin move to LF until Yonder Alonso is ready to play in the big leagues.

2010 Lineup:
1. CF Matt Kemp
2. SS Miguel Tejada
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. 2B Brandon Phillips
5. LF Edwin Encarnacion
6. RF Jay Bruce
7. 3B Todd Frazier
8. C Ryan Hanigan
9. P

2010 Rotation:
1. Johnny Cueto
2. Edinson Volquez
3. Homer Bailey
4. Phil Hughes
5. Micah Owings/Matt Maloney/Travis Wood/Zach Stewart/Mike Leake/Jonathan Niese

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2011 and Beyond Lineup:
1. SS Devaris Gordon
2. 2B Brandon Phillips
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. LF Yonder Alonso
5. CF Matt Kemp
6. RF Jay Bruce
7. 3B Todd Frazier
8. C Jesus Montero
9. P

2011 and Beyond Rotation:
1. Jonny Cueto
2. Edinson Volquez
3. Homer Bailey
4. Phil Hughes
5. Mike Leake

[GIDP]

trade anyone making over 10 million next year.

[gilpdawg]

Heck, I'd trade Weathers AND Rhodes if you can get any kind of booty for both of them. If not, keep one. Heck, I'd trade Arroyo AND Harang too. I think Aaron's hitting his decline and it would be smart to move him while he still has value. I just don't see either one of those guys being much better than replacement level next year, so why not move them now? Those 4 guys would be the guys I'd look to move, but not to make a move just to make one, only if it helps the team in 2010-11. I don't care about 2009 at this point. Cordero is an interesting chip as well.

I would also look to deal with AL clubs, because that league is so much better than the NL right now anybody with any success at all in the AL would blossom in the NL.

[mroby85]

I would trade either Harang or Arroyo, possibly both to unload their contracts, and sign a bat with that free money in the offseason.
I would trade Weathers, and probably keep Rhodes since he's under contract at a steal of a price for next year.
Won't be able to trade Ramon now, but I wouldve done that before the injury.

And then i'd kick myself for not getting a bat in the offseason or even during the season when it still mattered and my team had a chance to do something. I'd have a hard time sleeping at night, knowing I knew what the problem was, and didn't try to fix it before it was too late. Thats what I would do.

[MJA]

And then i'd kick myself for not getting a bat in the offseason or even during the season when it still mattered and my team had a chance to do something. I'd have a hard time sleeping at night, knowing I knew what the problem was, and didn't try to fix it before it was too late. Thats what I would do.

It kind of reminds me of the Cavs trading for Shaq in the offseason, the Cavs could have made the same move midseason last year but didn't, and they got punished for it in the playoffs. Everyone knew the Reds needed a bat(s) to compete, but instead of solving the problem now they are going to fix it when it is already too late.

[BSUFB]

I would just quite my job.

[Girevik]

I'd trade Arroyo for whatever I could get to dump his salary, and would move Harang if I could get a decent price. I'd also look to trade Weathers and maybe Rhoads. I

'd also keep my eye out for a guy that could be the long term answer for the RH bat issue. I told a friend of mine last year that even though the Reds were "sellers" that I would have LOVED for them to make a run at Jason Bay (and I still wish that they had). If you can find a youngish RH bat that isn't a rent-a-player, I'd work to make that happen.

[mac624]

First, I'd trade Harang for the best shortstop I could find, then I trade Weathers for the best available player I could find.

I keep Arroyo because he eats innings and though he's not a #1 or #2 or maybe even a #3 guy, he will take the ball and he's a good change of pace to have at the back of the rotation.

I also keep Rhodes because he's another mentor for our young staff, and lord knows we need a guy like that.

I'm not sure what Harang will bring us. He's clearly on the downhill slide, but surely he, and maybe Stubbs or another prospect can get us a good SS. This is the position, above any other, that absolutely HAVE to get better at, and we have a couple of players that will be able to get us what we need.

These 2 players are dealt, not so much to push this year, but to really focus on next year.

[texasdave]

I would drink as much beer as humanly possible and hope some team gets desperate enough to take some of this chaff off my hands.

[Orodle]

As always its easier said than done......what SS would you guys be getting for Arroyo/Harang? I seriously doubt Arroyo and Weathers would get you SS-Wood alone.

I would FIRE Dusty
Get someone with half a manager's brain in there and this team is instantly improved.

Trade EE while hes still got some value.


*a little bit more long team plan*
I would try to aquire some great role players like the Ryan Theriots, Mark DeRosas, Jeff Keppingers (funny we traded him) and surround my young players with guys who have the basic fundamentals. With some guys who can flat "get it done" combined with budding young guys like Votto & Bruce and I think your 1 big bat away from a really dangerous team with the type of talent our young starting pitchers have.

[BigJohn]

Send Micah Owings to Louisville and tell them he is the every day left fielder and see if he hits.

[BigJohn]

See if Micah Owings could really hit if he was an every day Left fielder.

[tobttr]

Choice 1--Stand pat with the team I have now, but level with the fans. You know, the old "we've got a good young nucleus but we don't want to mortgage our future" line.
-----OR-----
Choice 2--If choice 1 seems undesirable, DO SOMETHING. Don't tell the fans we're buyers & then sit on my hands while things get worse each week. Heck, after the LA & Chi series, we'll probably have no chance to even finish at .500, much less enter the playoffs. But if I'm not going to stand pat, make some kind of a move.
I'm just so frustrated at the seeming paradox...we're buyers. but we're just not buying right now.

[tobttr]

Send Micah Owings to Louisville and tell them he is the every day left fielder and see if he hits.

Great idea. Looks like we have 5 starting pitchers even without Owings. It also looks like we have way too little offense with our outfield the way it is now. What could this possibly hurt? Seems like there was a guy named Musial who came through the minors as a pitcher, but had a career as an outfielder. I wonder whatever happened to him??

[Jones1]

Id trade, one of Juan Francisco, Cody Puckett, or similar middle tier prospects packaged for Mark Teahen of the Royals. I would not trade, Frazier, Heisy, Stubbs, Wood, Cozart or Alonso or any of our top tier prospects. However, I would trade Dickerson and any of our younger relievers not named Masset . Teahen can play 3rd base, 1st base, Right and Left field. And is a very good hitter. He will only improve his numbers playing in GABP and against the national league. Here are his stats this year.

Mark Teahen
AB's 325, BA 295, R 43, H 96, HR 9, RBI 32, OBP 353, OPS 800.

Im pretty sure Teahen is under contract for the next few years, is only 28 and getting better every year. He looks to make 2.5 mill this year and seems to me like a much better younger, stronger, faster Mark Derosa.

Thats who I'd go after.

[BluegrassRedleg]

I'd be prepared to move anyone not named Votto, Phillips, Cueto or Volquez in return for promising young talent. I think the ship has sailed on helping this team out this season, which is unfortunate, but maybe they can add some good pieces for next season through smart deals. This year seems wide-open among the contenders, so the value on guys like Harang, Arroyo, Weathers, Cordero -- and maybe even EE -- could be much higher than normal.

[Carin4Narron]

If I was the Reds GM, I would consider resigning.

[Mutaman]

... Phil Hughes doesn't seem to handle the New York pressure. Word is Cashman has no place for Hughes and is growing tired of his inconsistancy.


Phil Hughes hasn't given up a run since June 10. Thats 13 appearances without giving up a run. Believe me Cashman is thrilled with Hughes and he certainly is not going to give him up so he can take on Harang's contract.

Nor are the Mets going to pick up 1/2 (or any fraction) of Bronson's contract. Not unless Bernie Madoff returns a few hundred million of Wilpon's money.

[Mutaman]

The more I think about it, anyone who calls Phil Hughes "inconsistent" in light of his recent success is not paying attention, and I wouldn't believe the roumors coming from his uncle.

In his last 15 relief appearances, Hughes has a 0.84 ERA, surrendering 11 hits in 21 1/3 innings, with a superb strikeout-to-walk ratio of 27-5. Cashman wouldn't trade this kid for Santana last year, the kid is starting to make Cashman looked good, and you're telling us that Cashman is now going to give him up for Aaron Harang? Get serious.

[Captain Hook]

I would only trade for a SS that is very close to mlb ready and has star potential.Any trading chips should be held on to if this cannot be done.They're trading chips because they are valuable players and I want those guys on my team unless they are being sent elsewhere to help solve our biggest question mark in 2010.

If a SS can be had by trade then I spend every cent this coming off season on the best outfielder I can find.If he's not perfect I get him anyways.Someone young would be great but I'd settle for a vet as long as he isn't over 35.

I let every other guy that has a expiring contract or a 2010 option walk.We have a good enough farm system that we don't need to sign 2 or 3 marginal vets to 2 and 3 million dollar contract just so they can be out preformed by our younger and less expensive guys.

Last but not least I'd get rid of Baker.Sweet would be my man along with the rest of his staff.I still don't know a ton about the guy but I've now herd enough good things that I'd give him a chance.I'd tell him that he needs to play the best players every night and that if someone signed to a contract stinks and he wants them gone it will be done.

[LouisvilleCARDS]

I would be realistic and start looking at ways to clear some salary room for next year. Chances are, we're not getting big name players out of most deals, because of the salary involved.

[Kingspoint]

I would be realistic and start looking at ways to clear some salary room for next year. Chances are, we're not getting big name players out of most deals, because of the salary involved.

Cellar-dwelling certainly doesn't draw fans to the ballpark, at least not in Cincinnati. They would be wise to dump one of the two $11M salaries of Harang or Arroyo.

And, dump Hairston and Taveras, too, hoping someone picks up their contracts. They'd probably both be picked up as both of them are hitting better in July.

[Kingspoint]

Let's say I'm not G.M..

Let's say I'm Walt.

Rule #1. I can't fire Dusty because Castellini won't let me.

Rule #2. I can't DFA Taveras because Dusty won't let Castellini let me.

Rule #3. If Castellini tells me that I can't do one more thing, I tell him to go screw himself, such as telling me I can't DFA Hairston.

So, now, what do I do?

I try to improve the Defense at SS and 3rd Base.

Gonzalez is back shortly, so SS is taken care of.

Because Gonzalez will be poor Offensively, I make a blockbuster trade for a 3rd Baseman by trading EE and Arroyo/Harang for one player.

That player would be:

Gordon Beckham from the White Sox, as I give them Harang, EE, and Chris Heisey for Beckham.

Chicago would do this because it helps them not only win this season but gives them a very good Offensive 3rd Baseman for the next 3 seasons in EE, a very good prospect in Heisey, and a decent starting pitcher in Harang with renewed life in the American League, where he doesn't have to hit. EE could also play less defense in the American League. DeWayne Wise doesn't cut it in Centerfield for the White Sox. If they want Stubbs instead of Heisey, they can have him instead. The White Sox starting staff is heavy-loaded with left-handers. Their #1, #2, and #4 starters are Left-Handed. Harang would fit right in there and break that up.

To make the deal even sweeter for the REDS, I'd try to get Jermaine Dye at the same time for say a David Weathers and a minor league player.

This would be a win-win for both sides.


Plan B: A straight up EE for Rolen trade for the defensive improvement alone. I'll take an infield of Rolen-Gonzalez-Phillips-Votto for the rest of this year to play defense behind our pitchers with Hanigan at Catcher. If we had Bruce, we'd be set.

[Redsnake]

Let's say I'm not G.M..

Let's say I'm Walt.

Rule #1. I can't fire Dusty because Castellini won't let me.

Rule #2. I can't DFA Taveras because Dusty won't let Castellini let me.

Rule #3. If Castellini tells me that I can't do one more thing, I tell him to go screw himself, such as telling me I can't DFA Hairston.

So, now, what do I do?

I try to improve the Defense at SS and 3rd Base.

Gonzalez is back shortly, so SS is taken care of.

Because Gonzalez will be poor Offensively, I make a blockbuster trade for a 3rd Baseman by trading EE and Arroyo/Harang for one player.

That player would be:

Gordon Beckham from the White Sox, as I give them Harang, EE, and Chris Heisey for Beckham.

Chicago would do this because it helps them not only win this season but gives them a very good Offensive 3rd Baseman for the next 3 seasons in EE, a very good prospect in Heisey, and a decent starting pitcher in Harang with renewed life in the American League, where he doesn't have to hit. EE could also play less defense in the American League. DeWayne Wise doesn't cut it in Centerfield for the White Sox. If they want Stubbs instead of Heisey, they can have him instead. The White Sox starting staff is heavy-loaded with left-handers. Their #1, #2, and #4 starters are Left-Handed. Harang would fit right in there and break that up.

To make the deal even sweeter for the REDS, I'd try to get Jermaine Dye at the same time for say a David Weathers and a minor league player.

This would be a win-win for both sides.


Plan B: A straight up EE for Rolen trade for the defensive improvement alone. I'll take an infield of Rolen-Gonzalez-Phillips-Votto for the rest of this year to play defense behind our pitchers with Hanigan at Catcher. If we had Bruce, we'd be set.

I can't see the ChiSox adding $16+mill in payroll and loosing there #1 prospect. However, I wish this would be true.

[DannyB]

I would be looking at my 401k and SS.........

[LetsGoReds11]

The Reds are clearly not going to contend for anything this season, HOWEVER, that does not mean you sell solid veterans for minor leaguers 2-3 years away. If I were to deal the likes of Harang, Arroyo, Cordero, etc. I would want major league ready guys to step in. So I looked at some deal I hadn't thought about before and actually it looked good.

1. Cincinnati Reds trade SP Aaron Harang to the New York Yankees for SP Phil Hughes, C Jesus Montero and a PTBNL. WHY? The Yankees are desperate for a SP and Phil Hughes doesn't seem to handle the New York pressure. Word is Cashman has no place for Hughes and is growing tired of his inconsistancy. Of course most of you know the Reds are already talking to Yankees about a deal similar to this one (via my source).

2. Cincinnati Reds trade CL Francisco Cordero and RP Arthur Rhodes to the Los Angeles Dodgers for CF Matt Kemp, SS Devaris Gordon and a PTBNL. WHY? Really the two Dodger weaknesses are the bullpen and back of the rotation. Here they get a great closer and a shut down lefty specialist who can get out righties as well. The Reds get their CF for now and the future and a very high ceiling guy at SS. This trade is possible because of Juan Pierre's good play and the Dodgers depth at CF in the minor leagues.

3. Cincinnati Reds trade SP Bronson Arroyo and SS Jerry Hairston Jr. to the New York Mets for SP Jonathan Niese and 1B/OF Nick Evans. (Reds pick up half of Arroyo's contract). WHY? The Mets really need two things: A SP and a veteran SS, they get both here and at half the price. The Reds receive a minor league lefty SP and a future utility man in Nick Evans.


While these are some great trade ideas.....they are very lopsided on everyone of the deals.....Philip Hughes is dominating right now and Harang is doing the exact opposite....no way the Yankees would do anything close to that....The Dodgers would be absolutely foolish to do any such deal....There not getting rid of Kemp and a prospect shortstop for some 40yr. old lefty that will be out of the league in a few years and a closer thats getting overpaid...Very few would even want jerry hairston if any and especially not the Mets...Every Redszoner would approve most of the deals but the problem is the Teams Involved would not hah

[BigPoppa]

Move Cordero for a big bat on the left side of the infield and a promising minor league starter. If it's a 3rd Baseman, move EE to left.

Keep Rhodes, and let Masset and/or Burton start developing into our closer(s).

Move Weathers, Tavares, and Hairston. JHJ should not be an everyday player anyway, and we've got Sutton, Rosales, Janish, Richar, etc. to fill the utility roles that is all JHJ should be used for anyway.

If we drop behind the Pirates, fire Dusty and get Rick Sweet in. As someone mentioned earlier, there's at least the possibility of a Rockies-like hot streak after a managerial change.

[Rockermann]

If you were GM what would you do in the next 10 days??

Easy. Commit hari kari.

[aubashbrother]

Sign Joey Votto to a long term contract

[krm1580]

I see the single biggest impediment to the Reds being a good team is the SS position. In the NL you have the pitcher sucking the offensive life out of the 9 hole and most catchers are non-hitters so if you have a non-hitting SS too, you stink 7-9.

The problem I see is there are no SS options available. 2010 FA SS stink, we have no immediately available in house options and I don't see any guys available through trade except for possibly Escobar.

So my solution is move Phillips to SS for the rest of this year. I know this has been discussed ad-nauseum but I cannot be convinced that a guy with elite range and a gold glove at 2B cannot be an average to above average SS. I mean he has to be better than Hairston. I think there are a lot more options as 2B to be had than there are SS.

So if you move Phillips to SS, sign a middle range guy like DeRosa in the off season to play 2B and maybe take a chance at a guy like Nady on the cheap coming off an injury next year you might have a lineup that looks like this.

CF Dickerson
2B Loretta
1B Votto
LF Nady
RF Bruce
SS Phillips
3B Encarnacion
C Hannigan

Its a lineup that I think can score runs and should be within the Reds budget to accomplish.

[fugowitribe]

I would just quite my job.

If that job consists of you teaching kids how to spell I'd say go for it!
:thumbup:
Just kidding.

[GIDP]

Trade everyone making over 10 million.