I know I have put up other lineups and trade ideals for the 07 season,but I think this time everything could actually get done.First I am going to start with the trade ideals I dreamed up.
Dunn,Dino,and Magic man
for
Giles and Francoeur
The braves want rid of Giles and need more power in the lineup,and if they trade Jones they will need another CF for 07.It also gives them a righty out of the pen,which they need.This way Giles can step in at 2B for the Reds and Francouer can man left.This deal is very plausible and may actually happen.It would also save the Reds a little money.
E.E.,Bailey,Wood,and Coffey.Maybe another prospect as well(low level)
for
Willis and Cabrera(spelling)
This trade also would have a chance to get done.It gives the Marlins a young ace and young improving 3B who is a very good player.Plus they save money(we all know that thats all the marlins are worried about).Also we know there not going to sign Borwoski(spelling)back and it would allow Coffey to close for the fish.Wood would just be a prospect with great upside.With Willis at the top of the rotation in front of Harang and Arroyo the Reds would have one of the best rotations in baseball.Cabrera would give the Reds a true run producer in the middle of the lineup to drive in runs.I hate to give up Bailey but if you can get a true ace like Willis you make the deal.
Now lets look at what free agents the Reds couls pick up and other deals they can make.First the other trades.
Milton to A's or Nats for prospects.The Reds take about 4 mil. of his contract.
Larue to Boston or Toronto for prospects.Reds take about 2 mil. of his contract.
Now the FA signings
Padilla SP 7 mil.
Mota RP 2 mil.
Bradford RP 2 mil.
Baez RP 4 mil.
Graffanino 1.5 mil.
These signings give the Reds a good starting pitcher and 2 good setup guys and also the closer they need.Then a utility IN that can play all 4 postions.
If these things happen the lineup could look like this:
1)Freel - CF 2 mil. a year,all moneys are for the 07 year
2)Giles - 2b 3 mil.
3)Cabrera - 4.5 mil
4)Griffey - 9 mil
5)Francoeur - 2 mil.
6)Phillips - 3 mil.
7)Hatteberg - 2 mil.
8)Ross - 2 mil.
This would be a lineup of speed,power,and run producing ability.The only down side I see to it maybe the lack of batting average,and on base percentage.But all together it would be a great lineup.
The starting rotation:
1) Willis - 6 mil.
2) Harang - 5 mil.
3) Arroyo - 4 mil
4) Padilla - 7 mil.
5) Loshe - 3.5 mil.
This would be one of the top rotations in all of baseball.It has power,control,and cagieness.Only down side maybe playoff experience.But all in all this rotation would be great to watch for a full year.
Bullpen:
Rightys
1)Weathers - 2 mil.
2)Mota - 2 mil.
3)Bradford - 2 mil.
4)Baez (Closer) - 4 mil.
Leftys
5)Bray - 1 mil.
6)Schoenwise(spelling) - 3 mil.
7)Cormier - 2 mil.
This bullpen would be solid with a couple power arms and a couple finess ones aswell.Baez could be a great get for closer or a bad one.I think at 4 mil. he would be a good gamble.If he gets back to form it should work out well for the Reds.But with a good balance of rightys and leftys with power arms and control I think the pen will be solid.
Now the bench:
Valentin - C 1 mil.
Castro - UIN 1 mil.
Graffanino - UIN 1 mil.
Hopper - UOF .5 mil.
Wise - UOF .5 mil.
The bench is solid on defense but lacks a punch on the offensive side beside from Valentin.But none the less it could be effective.
Now the money side of the roster.I have checked on the salarys and the Reds should be able to make it happen with the TV money added.The roster should be around 79/80 million counting the money they would pay out for the Milton and Larue deals.The Reds should be able to afford the 80 mil. now with the new moneys coming in.
I think this could be a very strong lineup and could get the Reds in the playoffs in 07.Just thought I would run it by you guys and see what you think thanks.