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Kingspoint · 08-13-2008, 03:44 PM

I agree Schmidty to #3. Derek Lowe is the best-case scenario for improving ths club for 2008-2009. Chances of Arroyo being average at best is only about 10%. Cueto will have another year of learning to pitch in the big leagues. Volquez might resemble his second half more than his first half next year. While the shutting down of Harang probably saved his 2009 season, the question of whether it did or not is still a question-mark. Fogg turned it around a bit after he got shut down. Thompson had to be shut down, but certainly deserves to begin the season in AAA to continue to build up that arm strength at a less taxing level. Homer Bailey showed some signs this year that he is getting closer to being ready for the bigs, but he certainly belongs in the minors to begin next season. Bobby Livingston's rehab is finished, but he's been struggling too much in AAA during his comeback. Belisle is a head-case who may never figure it out. Ramon Ramirez and Matt Maloney both deserve a chance next Spring to earn a shot at the #5 position as they've earned it at AAA. Micah Owings last 3 months of pitching make him a question mark also.

So, with all those question marks, the greatest way to spend the money saved on the Dunn non-signing would be to put it towards acquiring Derek Lowe.

08-13-2008, 03:44 PM	#12
Kingspoint Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: All over Posts: 6,940	Re: How to fix the Reds in the 2008/2009 offseason thread I agree Schmidty to #3. Derek Lowe is the best-case scenario for improving ths club for 2008-2009. Chances of Arroyo being average at best is only about 10%. Cueto will have another year of learning to pitch in the big leagues. Volquez might resemble his second half more than his first half next year. While the shutting down of Harang probably saved his 2009 season, the question of whether it did or not is still a question-mark. Fogg turned it around a bit after he got shut down. Thompson had to be shut down, but certainly deserves to begin the season in AAA to continue to build up that arm strength at a less taxing level. Homer Bailey showed some signs this year that he is getting closer to being ready for the bigs, but he certainly belongs in the minors to begin next season. Bobby Livingston's rehab is finished, but he's been struggling too much in AAA during his comeback. Belisle is a head-case who may never figure it out. Ramon Ramirez and Matt Maloney both deserve a chance next Spring to earn a shot at the #5 position as they've earned it at AAA. Micah Owings last 3 months of pitching make him a question mark also. So, with all those question marks, the greatest way to spend the money saved on the Dunn non-signing would be to put it towards acquiring Derek Lowe.