The more I look at his stats (fangraphs.com) the more I like this guy in the Reds lineup. Yes he and Stubbs are similar players. Yes he strikes out alot. But his defense in left would give us the best defensive outfield in the bigs. He could bat leadoff or cleanup. He runs very well. Moving from the A.L. east to the N.L. central, and moving from the Trop to GABP would likely boost his offensive stats quite a bit. He is young and isn't crazy expensive. No way does this guy cost us Mesoraco, Alonso most def. but the cost is worth the return. If the Reds trade for Upton, trade Hernandez and call up Mesoraco we get our "big bat."

Stubbs cf
Phillips 2b
Votto 1b
Upton lf
Bruce rf
Mesoraco c
Rolen 3b
Cozart ss
pitcher

This is borderline sexual. Stubbs and Upton are interchangeable. Both could leadoff, both could hit fourth. I like this idea. I know we are one of the teams in on him. I hope this becomes reality. I also know that alot of you will agree and disagree with this thought. I am curious to hear your opinions.