[mth123]

Seeing these numbers for David Ross makes me wonder if the Reds should consider bringing in Johnny Estrrada. Ross and Javy are both potentially gone after this year and there is no one exciting on the horizon.

I'm not a big Estrada fan, but he's better than anything in house and he seems to hit well every other year. 2008 should be his year again (I know that isn't scientific or really an indication of anything). A two year deal with an option for a 3rd would probably be pretty attractive to Estrada and might be fairly cheap since he likely isn't getting many multi-year offers. It would upgrade the spot in 2008 and provide a safety net to give a kid like Craig Tatum a shot in 2009 while we all hold our breath waiting for Mesoraco.

Since Estrada is a switch hitter it would allow the Reds to put both Javy and Ross on the block for salary relief, roster relief, and maybe even get something in return. I'm guessing Javy might be desirable to teams as a cheap LH bench bat/emergency catcher. I'd guess that AL teams that don't need to double switch, or run the risk of running out of PH, and could make use of Javy as an occasional DH, might find his alleged ability to play behind the plate attractive in a guy primarily kept around to hit against RH pitchers. The Reds already seemingly have Hatte for that role. Other teams may be interested in Ross and his reputation for stopping the running game. You won't get Edinson Volquez for them, but maybe something useful down the road.