First Base and Left Field

[AmarilloRed]

I really hope you are right, BLEEDS.

[BLEEDS]

if the reds can get some quality arms in return for griffey and dunn, then they should trade them both.

I think they tried that already, didn't work.

Bruce isn't ready for 2008, but he is/should be slated as Junior's replacement after he hits his 600th HR next year.

IFF our ownership is SERIOUS about winning, they'll extend Dunn, put Votto at 1B, and play Dunn, Hamilton/Freel, and Griffey in the OF from Left to Right next year.

They should also do their damndest to TRADE Stanton and Freel (who could be replaced by Hopper/Kepp as the Utility/OF guy) and let the old "vets" like Hatteberg, Guardado, etc, go off into the sunset.

My lineup for 2008:

Hamilton/Freel/Hopper - CF
Phillips - 2B - he is best served up in the lineup where he can show some patience with a guy on, and use his speed for SB's if he can get on if the lead-off guy can't get on
Jr - RF
Dunn - LF - needs to be up more in the lineup to take advantage of his OBP and have better hitters behind him as well
EE - 3B not the best option, but gives him more AB's with runners on
Votto - 1B - start him here an move him up as he progresses
Gonzalez - SS - low OBP guy belongs here
Ross/Valentin - can't see us cutting ties with Valentin just yet

Bench:
Keppinger - who gets the Super Utility role and starts 2-3 times a week. play him versus lefties and spot starts/relief for Phillips/EE/Gonzo
Cantu - platoon him at 1B versus lefties for Votto
Hopper/Freel - they get the spot starts in the OF for the 3 starting lefties (Dunn/Hamilton/Jr)

2009 - replace Junior with Bruce.
Then, you've got no position players over 30 on your team other than Freel (33 in Mar) and Gonzalez (32 in Feb, and in his last year), and Ross (32 in Mar) - and if you signed Valentin (his contract would be up). Nice, huh?
And, they're all cheap other than Gonzalez, who'll be in his last year making all of less than $6M, the only guy due to make over $5M that year - not counting Dunn of course.


PEACE

-BLEEDS

[redsfanmia]

What makes you think that? From all I have heard they are trying to make waiver deals to clear room on the roster for him. One of the pivotal signs as to when we will see him will happen in the off-season. If Hatteberg and Dunn have their options picked up next year, Votto will spend next year in AAA.

He is 23+ years old and they didnt trade Hatteberg or Dunn to clear him a spot on the roster. There is even talk of picking up Hatteberg's option next year so why would we need yet another left handed hitting first baseman/corner outfielder?

[RedLegsToday]

Votto was born 9/10/1983. I'm pretty sure that makes him less than 25+