The one issue I think this team needs to address is a legitimate right handed power bat to put in between Votto and Bruce. When they had that in Gomes when he was on fire the first part of 2010 this team took off. Same with ludwick last year. I really think its the one piece this team needs to really be the best team in baseball without argument, and perhaps one of the greatest reds teams ever.
That being said some of the names I hear being throw around on here are nothing but stop gap fill ins. That's been the reds issue with a left fielder/right handed power bat for years.
Furthermore I don't understand why the replacement has to come in the form of an outfielder. With Hamilton and lutz in the wings as well as winker down the road, and the hope choo can be resigned, the outfield situation appears crowded to me. Why not try to look into third basemen as well?
I like Frazier, but at the same time I'm not as high on him as some reds fans. This is mainly due to what is see as average at best D at third and I really don't think that, while he can be an offensive contributer, that he can be counted on as a primary run producer because he seems very streaky at the plate, is a free swinger that doesn't work counts, and honestly I don't think he handles pitchers with anything over average stuff that well, and in the playoffs average pitchers are a rarity.
I'm not completely down on the guy. I'm not saying give him away. I'm saying lets look realistically at it. Coupled with some pitching prospects I think he could help bring in a legitimate right handed bat to either left or third. Think about it. If he could help land a Headley or young at third, and lutz or Hamilton take over in the outfield the team is improved. Or if he could help land Stanton for lack of another name off the top of my head or another legit righty power bat and use hannahan at third for D, then the team is better in my opinion.
Any thoughts? I think I'd be definitely something to think about at the deadline if Frazier has picked up the consistency or improved at third. I think Walt may have had that thought last year too. If I recall correctly Frazier was benched for Cairo the night of the game before the deadline last year.