The Reds glaring problem heading into 2008 is pitching. Let's play WK - how would you fix it?
Obviously the Reds have a good 1/2 punch w/ Harang(1) and Arroyo(2/3). I see a couple of different strategies the Reds might do:
1. Harang & Arroyo and pray for rain, part two: do nothing, and hope that Bailey, Belisle, and some combo of Maloney/Livingston/Ramirez steps up and contributes. The Reds could add another Saarloos type for basically nothing that could compete for spot in the rotation.
2. Trade for a prospect to add in the mix of who might contribute - someone like Garza. I don't think this is a bad idea as long as it can be done cheaply. Some say it would take Votto or Hamilton, I would maybe do Votto but no way for Hamilton, and I'm thinking either would be a little steep. I know I'm gonna catch heat for this, but we have a couple spare parts that the Twins covet.... Hatteberg (they have particular man-love for and would like him as a DH), Freel (they're looking for a defensive CFer to help the pain of the departure of Hunter)... I think a combo of these guys and a promising pitching prospect (Maloney?) and $$$ might get this deal done **crosses fingers**- thoughts?
3.Sign a year or two pitcher at the end of his career to hold space and give time for the young ones to develop - Livan, Lieber, Glavine?
4. Use our biggest asset (star prospects) to land an young, ace pitcher for a couple/few years - Bedard or Kazmir (prefer Kazmir 'cuz he's guaranteed for 3 years. This is the type of high risk blockbuster trade that I think would really help the club the most in the long run, but it's something that would be controversial and the Reds probably won't do it.
If the Reds can do 2 & 3 and still have enough money to pay for some bullpen help ... then I do that. If not.. I do 2 & 4, targeting Kazmir.
Your thoughts?