[_Sir_Charles_]

Originally Posted by mth123

Thing is, I don't think the Reds will get all that much more of substance for Leake. They'll likely have to take on a salary to acquire something of substance. The way I have it figured, the Reds are sitting with a 25 man roster that will cost about $95 Million or so as is right now. Simply adding Rolen and a couple of cheap part-time guys will probably push them over $100 Million. From listening to Walt's limited comments about Rolen, it seems there is a spot for him if he wants to play. I'd guess that will be with enough playing time that Frazier will need to spend a significant amount of time in LF to keep his bat in the line-up. If Rolen comes back, I just don't see them acquiring much more than a lefty bench power type for LF or maybe 3B. Somebody like Seth Smith or Wilson Betemit come to mind. Billy Hamilton is on the way in center. The Reds need a guy who can play some CF against RHP and still provide enough to stay in the mix in CF/LF if (or when) Hamilton arrives. Somebody like David Dejesus. I don't think they need to deal a starter to acquire any of that.

Honestly, the Reds have a big uncertainty in the rotation with Chapman and 4 other guys who are due to miss some time after a healthy season in 2012. I really think they need to keep Leake around. If they can get something of substance for Corcino, I'd be willing to make him available, but I don't see them getting anything for Leake that would provide that much more value than what they could get for spare parts. If that's what they get, I just don't see it adding enough value to make it worth the risk of dealing Leake. Adding guys like David Dejesus and Seth Smith should be doable without dealing Leake. I don't see them making a major splash and if they do, its probably going to take something more significant than Leake to get it done.

I'm not sure I agree with your players to target, but the rest I'm on board with.

My gut feeling tells me we'll sign Ludwick, extend a few players, bring Rolen back and that's it. I think we'll bide our time in center with Stubbs/Heisey and Phillips leading off. I think we'll fill the LH bullpen slot with Cingrani (although I'd prefer him stay a starter until it's clear he doesn't have it). Other than that...standing pat. Not my preference, but it's what I think will happen.