Baseball Prospectus on the Reds

[RedEye]

Oh, how I wish it was that high.

I'm confused. Are we talking real OBP or romantic OBP here?

[HeatherC1212]

OMG, I am cracking up laughing right now and I'm definitely not sure what the topic is supposed be in this thread, LOL

And for the record, as a slightly dorky girl myself, if you quoted or mentioned Star Trek to me, I'd be okay with that because I like that franchise. Mention any of the others to me though and you're out of luck, LOL :

[TheNext44]

I'm confused. Are we talking real OBP or romantic OBP here?

Let's put it this way, if it is possible to have a negative OBP in high school, then that's what I had. That's based on figuring in all the girls who I didn't ask out, but who would have turned me down if I did.

[fearofpopvol1]

One thing is for sure...the Reds do not stand a chance for competing without shoring up that 5th spot in the rotation. Owings isn't going to cut it.

[nate]

One thing is for sure...the Reds do not stand a chance for competing without shoring up that 5th spot in the rotation. Owings isn't going to cut it.

Or Wells.

[RedsManRick]

Let's put it this way, if it is possible to have a negative OBP in high school, then that's what I had. That's based on figuring in all the girls who I didn't ask out, but who would have turned me down if I did.

Same here. And when I did go the plate, I certainly did not have quality at bats. You have to learn to take some pitches and really swing at the ones you can drive.... I just hope that, at age 27, I've not reached my peak performance.

[Emin3mShady07]

Let's put it this way, if it is possible to have a negative OBP in high school, then that's what I had. That's based on figuring in all the girls who I didn't ask out, but who would have turned me down if I did.

You can't go in with a negative attitude, though, that is one thing I have learned in college so far.

[REDREAD]

Let's put it this way, if it is possible to have a negative OBP in high school, then that's what I had. That's based on figuring in all the girls who I didn't ask out, but who would have turned me down if I did.

well, on the bright side, if it's possible for me to find a wife, I think that gives hope to every guy on the planet.

Just keep that in mind, good luck

[WebScorpion]

One thing is for sure...the Reds do not stand a chance for competing without shoring up that 5th spot in the rotation. Owings isn't going to cut it.

I never have understood the overzealous hunt for a fifth starter. I mean, how many games a year do you have to have a fifth starter, like 15? Bring up a different young pitcher every month and use it as a 'trial by fire'. I personally think the fifth starter is about as vital the 25th man and/or the last bullpen slot. Give me a solid starting 8, 4 solid starting pitchers, 5 solid bullpen arms, an extra catcher, extra oufielder, and an extra infielder...the other five guys are important from time to time, and absolutely important for depth in case of injury, etc, but they are NOT high on the priority list.

I mean seriously, let's say I had Lincecum, Greinke, Hernandez, Halladay, and Carpenter with the rest of our current roster...I'd trade Halladay for a shortstop who can hit and play someone else as my 5th starter.

[dfs]

I never have understood the overzealous hunt for a fifth starter. I mean, how many games a year do you have to have a fifth starter, like 15?

Quite a few when your 1-4 get hurt and your 5 gets promoted up the line.

Of course quality matter, but depth matters too. Count down your depth chart and at least 8 guys will be starting games.

Guys get hurt. If the reds had managed to keep Joey Votto in the lineup all year long, they would probably be looking at a winning season. Alternatively, if they had managed to aquire a backup first baseman better than Ramon Hernandez (say Johny Gomes could play 1st base) again the Reds would likely be looking at a winning season.

Good organizations plan for injuries via depth. Bad organizations just throw up their hands and say..."We had a lot of guys get injured this year. What can you do?"

[Captain Hook]

I never have understood the overzealous hunt for a fifth starter. I mean, how many games a year do you have to have a fifth starter, like 15? Bring up a different young pitcher every month and use it as a 'trial by fire'. I personally think the fifth starter is about as vital the 25th man and/or the last bullpen slot. Give me a solid starting 8, 4 solid starting pitchers, 5 solid bullpen arms, an extra catcher, extra oufielder, and an extra infielder...the other five guys are important from time to time, and absolutely important for depth in case of injury, etc, but they are NOT high on the priority list.

I mean seriously, let's say I had Lincecum, Greinke, Hernandez, Halladay, and Carpenter with the rest of our current roster...I'd trade Halladay for a shortstop who can hit and play someone else as my 5th starter.

I agree.Deal with the 5th spot in the rotation the best they can with what they have until Volquez is back.I think that it's safe to say that the Reds just have to take their chances that the rotation, if left alone will be good enough in 2010.What little money is available should be used to improve the offense.