Originally Posted by
Vottomatic
The Ludwick contract really puts a kink in things. I didn't really like it but understood he was kind of the only option they could sign to play LF.
You really can't trade for an everyday LFer and continue to pay Ludwick.
Reds farm system is strange in that they went from being a pitching-poor system for last gazillion years, to an organization focused on pitching, while not producing many more hitters since Votto, Bruce, etc.
I have no interest in Headley. He can stay in Blazing Saddles.
I think Stanton really solidifies the cleanup spot, and would make Dusty happy with his lefty, righty, lefty thing he's got going on.
I'm really lost on what is up with Bruce's downfall. A real headscratcher. Throw out the stats..........he looks really lost at the plate........to the point he looks like he's overthinking everything.
And even Votto doesn't look like Votto, even though his stats say otherwise. Watch him at the plate.........he's still not in sync. Which is kind of scary thinking about if his numbers are good now and he's not in sync.......what will his numbers be like when he finally feels comfortable? I really don't question Joey. One of the few.
BP is quietly having a good season. He's the new Tony Perez.........Mr. Clutch.
I hate Cozart batting second. He just doesn't hit line drives. Ground balls or pop ups seem to be his forte'.
As much as I ragged on Mesoraco, I was hoping he'd prove me wrong and really step it up offensively. And I remain disappointed in him.
If there's a silver lining, it's that this team is 18-15, 3 games over .500, and they don't look like they're in sync at all with eachother, aside from a few.
Frazier is Frazier to me. He's probably what Bruce is without the high expectations. A .250 hitter who might hit 25 HR's. Todd seems to be a little more clutch to me. But maybe I just see his good hits though. Hmmm.
If this team could keep Frazier, Cozart, and Mez in the 6, 7, and 8 holes.........and then find either a cleanup hitter, which would move BP back to the 2-hole........or find a 2-hole hitter with some bat skills and high OBP.........I'd be fine keeping BP in the 4-hole.
I mentioned Denorfia a while back and that thread became a negative nelly. High OBP with decent bat skills. Would definitely be a lot cheaper than a Stanton. Bat him 2nd until Ludwick comes back to be the cleanup hitter. If he doesn't make it back, you keep things the same......Choo, Denorfia, Votto, BP, Bruce.
My dream scenario would be:
1. Sign Choo to an extension. Move him to RF, his natural position.
2. Trade Chapman, Corcino, Yorman to the Fish for Stanton. Stick him at cleanup and in LF. He may not be now, but the last time I looked, Stanton had the highest OBP on the Fish.
3. Trade Bruce, Leake, Lutz, to the Rockies for Fowler. Fowler is a switch hitter, only 27. Stick him in CF and bat him 2nd or 5th. Who knows. But he has a high career OBP and has speed. And he is showing some power this season with 7 HR's already.
And with Choo signed, if you have to include Billy in any of these trade scenarios, I'd do it.
Some salary relief with Arroyo ($12M) and Bruce ($12M) off the books next season.
RF Choo (LH) - high OBP
2B Phillips (RH)
1B Votto (LH) - high OBP
LF Stanton (RH) - good OBP
CF Fowler (SH) - high OBP
3B Frazier (RH) - still cheap
SS Cozart (RH) - still cheap
C Mesoraco (RH) - still cheap
I'd consider flip flopping Fowler to the 2-hole and BP to the 5-hole. I'd even consider keeping BP in the 4-hole and batting Stanton 5th. Whatever works best. But get those high OBP guys at the top of the lineup.
Cingrani moves into the 5th starter role. Cross your fingers he can pull it off. Still have depth at triple A with Galarraga, Reynolds, Villareal, and Sharky Rogers.
Hoover moves into the Closer role. Broxton can share duties too.
This team has got to stop wasting great starting pitching, and score some runs.