Quote:
Originally Posted by Kc61
Nothing is being assumed.
There is a risk that CF may not be that productive this year. It is a transitional position.
BUT - the identity of the CFer in the near future is known. BHamilton.
Given that Billy is the man for CF soon, do you spend a fortune, or trade many prospects, for a CFer? I'm guessing no.
Sure, there's a risk of an unproductive CF in 2013. But I can't see the justification for a big trade/signing of a Span or Fowler, parting with lots of prospects or money, for a guy who plays Billy Hamilton's position. Makes no sense to me.
LF - there is no incumbent and there is nobody in the wings. The Reds will have to get somebody. Ludwick wants serious money apparently. That position may require a trade of prospects or a substantial contract.
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Fowler or Span can always shift to LF when Hamilton is ready. The guy who must be replaced immediately is Stubbs. The offense the Reds are getting from CF is a full-blown crisis and completely unacceptable for a team that should be contending for a World Series title. Upgrading that position this winter has got to be the top priority.
As Ludwick demonstrated last season, LF can be filled with discount options (and don't overlook Paul and Heisey, who could be part of a mix-and-match situation). If the Reds make a major deal for a guy like Justin Upton, that's fine, but they still have to address CF even if they do that.
That's why a Fowler or Span would make some sense: short-term solution in CF, long-term in LF.
Quick point on Frazier at 3B (from your previous post) - he only got 96 games at the position in the minors. It was one of the poorer developmental decisions the organization has made in recent years. Frazier was always going to make it and 3B was the position he was most likely to play. Now he's in the majors and still learning the position. I suspect he's got upside with the glove. It's just a matter of getting his reps in.