Yes I know, we're all pretty enraged about the pathetic nature of this team of late. However, on paper this team is NOT that bad. While that's probably more frustrating than having specific players struggling that can be directly blamed, it means that a lot of guys still have trade value.
The way Griffey is playing, pacing for a solid .300, 40, 110 or so campaign, there should be several takers come July. We definately won't have to "give him away" like many people seem to think.
The key to the season though will be the trading chips. Hoepfully we won't have to trade Arroyo or Harang unless there's an incredible return, but we still have a handful of guys who can have some value. Dunn and Griffey will likely have pretty good return, probably an A prospect or pretty solid almost ml-ready talent for each. Also, if Hatteberg, Weathers and Freel can improve things they might be able to command B level-return. Obviously unless Milton returns to form in mid-June in top form he will not command much at all, and Lohse, Conine and Ross/Valentin might bring C level returns if they get things together.
As well as Votto has been hitting lately and Homer's pitching, both of these guys will probably come up and contribute. The only major concern I have is E.E... if he can start hitting for power then it will be fine but at this point he really needs to start hitting. .284 SLG is just pathetic. If Hamilton can at least keep it up then we have at least a solid core for next season.
The fact that Hamilton has shown that he can at least play to a starting caliber major league level, its incredible. None of us had any idea that he could do that until March; if he can keep it up then all of the sudden we fill another hole in the lineup.
Phillips's season so far has been pretty darn good too. Besides his OBP concerns, his overall offensive game is among the best for 2B. Given his slightly above average for a 2B stats last season, that is pretty darn good. He's cheap and he is a keeper in my eyes.
At least we will be able to acquire a few solid pieces from Griffey/Dunn trades to add to an already solid group of young/emerging players. The other trades probably won't bring too much but if WK is smart we can do pretty well. Besides, a firesale will just open up a lot of salary for this offseason. While this season is toast, at least realize that if things are done right for the remainder of this season and the offseason, next season we can be contenders.