I was hesitant to even allow this into my brain, but it's obvious what needs to happen.
The Reds need to make a shocking trade this offseason, but contrary to what most think, it will take 2 players to get Bautista.
The Reds answer nearly every offensive and salary structure question by trading Drew Stubbs & Joey Votto to the Blue Jays for Bautista.
Toronto won't accept a Votto for Bautista and I don't blame them. They have salary certainty with Bautista, they would have none for Votto.
I absolutely gaurantee you one thing for absolutely certain. Dave Sappelt is the leadoff hitter this club has needed and he is staring us right in the face. He does something that we've forgotten can happen from the leadoff position........he puts the bat on the baseball.
Alonzo, if given 162 games at first base next year will put up very similar numbers to Votto at the same age Votto did. Give Alonzo 2 years & he's maybe winning an MVP.
Votto ain't staying here. His valaue is at an all time high. We have his replacement, and we have Stubbs replacement to.
Any Reds fan mad about Votto being traded, will have no problem with it after watching Bautista play 81 games in this wiffle ball stadium.
Problem is.....as good as Votto is.....you ain't gettin' Bautista one for one. Not with his age, production and salary certainty.
If the Reds want to get better, they have 2 players that can be used to bring in a 50 homerun bat and free up first base for a young man who is 23 years old and can flat out rake.