Going forward, how would you change this team?

[WrongVerb]

I used the term 'change' rather than 'fix' since I'm not sure a first place team actually needs fixing. But this team could be better, with some subtle changes. I'm wondering what suggestions people have in that regard.

For me, this is what I would do:

* Ludwick goes to FT in LF and moves to cleanup in the batting order
* Rolen retires (won't happen) or gets released (again, probably won't happen) or goes on the DL until September (maybe)
* If Rolen doesn't go then Cairo needs to
* Frazier goes back to FT at 3b
* Reds trade (Phipps & Sulbarin?) for Bryan Lahair from the cubs (he can back up at LF, RF, and 3b, and provide pop off the bench)
*Phillips goes back to leading off

Right now I wouldn't change the pitching, though I wouldn't mind seeing another starter with major league experience brought in at AAA. Reds starters have made every start so far this season, but it would be amazing if that continued the rest of the year. If I was going to trade for a starter, my target would be Clayton Richard from San Diego. He's got a 2/1 GB/FB ratio for his career.

Lineup:
Phillips
Stubbs
Votto
Ludwick
Bruce
Frazier
Cozart
Mesigan

Bench:
Lahair
Rolen/Cairo
Valdez
Heisey
Haniraco

[Vottomatic]

Make it better?

Higher OBP hitters in the 1 & 2 spots. A legit cleanup hitter behind Votto.

Rolen (retires). Frazier full time at 3B.

I might still tweak the bullpen. Seems like Ondrusek is struggling lately.

[jhu1321]

Make it better?

Higher OBP hitters in the 1 & 2 spots. A legit cleanup hitter behind Votto.

Rolen (retires). Frazier full time at 3B.

I might still tweak the bullpen. Seems like Ondrusek is struggling lately.

I think a legit cleanup hitter solves both problems. Allows BP to move to leadoff and Cozart down to 6-7.

[oneupper]

The whole "Stubbs can hit in the two-hole" thing was small sample size. Now he's down to .640 OPS in that spot for the year.

[Vottomatic]

I think a legit cleanup hitter solves both problems. Allows BP to move to leadoff and Cozart down to 6-7.

Yeah, I can agree with that.

[mdccclxix]

I wonder what Fellhauer would do making the jump. His splits vs RHP this year are among the best in the minors:

.325 /.415 /.433 /.848

with a K and BB rate both around 13%.

[WrongVerb]

The whole "Stubbs can hit in the two-hole" thing was small sample size. Now he's down to .640 OPS in that spot for the year.

Actually he's OPS'ing .808 for the year in the 2-hole.

[vic715]

Trade for Dexter Fowler,but that won't happen so moving Ludwick to the cleanup slot is a good idea but I doubt that happens either.Fix the bench and maybe get another reliable reliever for the stretch.

[oregonred]

First wave the magic wand to dispense pixie dust and make the ouchie in Joey's knee better...

Then move Ludwick to cleanup and Phillips to leadoff. Cozart to the two hole and Stubbs back to 7th. Heisey back to 2 games a week spelling Ludwick and Stubbs. Frazier as your fulltime 3B. Walt working the phones to find a couple of LH bats for the bench one for the LF/CF mix.

Phillips
Cozart
Votto
Ludwick
Bruce
Frazier
Stubbs
Mesoranigan

[Kc61]

Short term. Obvious need is OBP and hitting vs. righty pitching. One solution is to accquire DeJesus or Seth Smith.

If Rolen hangs them up, this acquisition can replace Scott on the roster. If not, trade off a current outfielder such as Heisey. DeJesus can play CF so he works well if Heisey is gone.

Longer term. Acquire a RHH cleanup hitter who hits both righty and lefty pitching well.

Pitching. Cueto, Leake, and Latos are mainstays IMO. Figure out ways to improve the Bailey and Arroyo slots whether it be Chapman starting or trades to upgrade rotation.

Bench. Should have a solid lefty pinch hitter on the bench at some point. When Cairo's contract is up this year, his replacement should be that guy.

Bullpen: After this season figure out Chapman's role and if he is a starter either acquire a closer, re-sign Madson to close, or convert someone in-house to close games. Plenty of bullpen depth, especially with the lefty reliever at AAA Joseph soon to arrive.

[redsfaninbsg]

Call me crazy but, I want another starter. I want World Series banners and I don't think trotting one of Arroyo, Bailey, or Leake out there in game three is going to get it done. U say this because one pitcher can make a much bigger difference in the playoffs than one bat.

[Kc61]

Call me crazy but, I want another starter. I want World Series banners and I don't think trotting one of Arroyo, Bailey, or Leake out there in game three is going to get it done. U say this because one pitcher can make a much bigger difference in the playoffs than one bat.

I agree but I wouldn't be so fast to get rid of Mike Leake. He is still young and inexperienced. He tends to start seasons slowly, which must be fixed.

But I want him on the team. I think he'll be really good even though he's not a fireballer.

[HotCorner]

Acquire Dexter Fowler or David DeJesus for leadoff solution. Move Cozart to #2 (OBP: .431 | OPS 1.016 in #2 spot - small sample size), BP stays at #4 and Stubbs to #7. Respective OBP's this season for Fowler and DeJesus while hitting in the #1 spot: .424 and .381

OR

Acquire Carlos Quentin for cleanup solution and move BP back to #1, Cozart to #2 and Stubbs to #7. Quentin's OPS this season while hitting in the #4 spot: 1.068.

AND

Start the ToddFather at 3B with Rolen as backup or pinch hitter/defensive replacement.

Acquire Bryan LaHair for lefty bat and position flexibility. Makes bench better. DFA Miguel Cairo.

Acquire another starter w/ proven record with Bailey as the odd man out.

[oneupper]

Actually he's OPS'ing .808 for the year in the 2-hole.

You're correct. Not sure what yahoo was showing me back then.

[Rojo]

Stubbs/Heisey/Cozart/Frazier/Ludwick are pretty similar in the batter's box -- righties with low OBP and middling power. Of course Cozart's not going anywhere but I'd look at the rest.