[ChatterRed]

EE, Phillips, Cordero, and Bailey for Wright. I might even throw in Thompson.

Mets get quality starters at 2B and 3B (yes, a step down from Wright), a needed closer (their bullpen stinks), and 2 future major league starters including one, a former first round draft choice.

Wright plays 3B. Keppinger plays 2B. Burton becomes the closer. Reds free up another $17+ million in payroll by dumping Cordero and Phillips. Puts team payroll at about $43 million after arbitration hearings. Sign either Vlad Guerrero or ManRam in free agency if they can't steal Magglio Ordonez from the Tigers in a salary dump. Strong rumors say the Yankees are going to go all out to obtain Matt Holiday, so you can write him off. Let's just alot $20 million right here for whoever we get as the RH power bat.

Try and sign Rafael Furcal to an incentive laden contract for SS to platoon with Gonzalez as a safety net.

Sign Derek Lowe as the 5th starter with all the freed up payroll. Move Micah Owings to the bullpen to replace Cordero and allow him to pinch hit more often.

$46 million dollar payroll + Lowe (overpay at $15 million) + ManRam (at $20 million) = $81 million. Re-sign Affeldt at $3 million. Payroll stands at $84+(probably closer to $90) million and the lineup looks like this:

SS Furcal
3B Wright
1B Votto
LF Vlad Guerrero or ManRam
RF Bruce
CF Dickerson
2B Keppinger
C Hanigan

SP Harang
SP Lowe
SP Volquez
SP Cueto
SP Arroyo

CL Burton
RP Owings
RP Weathers
RP Bray
RP Affeldt
RP Lincoln
RP Roenicke or Herrera or other minor leaguer

Owings is available to start if any starter gets hurt or tired for a short term period.

Re-sign Affeldt, Weathers, and Hairston.

Trade Freel for a bag of balls. Same with Hopper.

OR.........

Use Wright in the 4-hole.......don't sign a FA power hitting OFer, use Dickerson and Hairston in the CF and LF and take your chances. Not crazy about that idea, BUT.........I know it's alot to commit for a free agent.