What do you want? Left Field

[RedEye]

This was a tough one for me. Obviously, I wouldn't mind the Reds acquiring a true cleanup or leadoff hitter to play LF. But I decided to wish instead that they sign/trade for a young SS with the same money/trade chips they would have used to get said LF. That leaves the internal option I'm not sure why everyone has suddenly soured on: Chris Heisey.

[oneupper]

I voted cleanup guy. I think maybe Stubbs/Phillips at the top of the order could work. I certainly seemed to towards the end of the season.

But basically, a GOOD hitter would be fine.

Kemp, Willingham, Cody Ross, Markakis have all been mentioned. I think they're good options. Some cheaper than others.
Ross isn't a much better hitter than Gomes, but he hits LH really well (.924 OPS lifetime).
I doubt he wishes to be part of a platoon, though.

[MartyFan]

Here's a question...Are Juan Francisco or Yonder Alonso any sort of consideration to move to the position? What about Chris Heisey? If so, do you think the Reds would do that next year or sign/keep other OF's to platoon them?

Obviously both Francisco and Alonso offer the promise of power and Heisey a pretty good glove...I don't know the book on Heisey as a potential clean up hitter though.

I can see Gomes or Nix coming back next year in bench roles but a platoon where they cover the spot on the field?

[edabbs44]

I would like to see them upgrade either LF or SS and then figure out the other spot. A Gomes / someone else platoon might be the easier move to make. Plus, if you bring Jonny back as the short side of the platoon he gives you so much flexibility as a late inning defensive replacement for Stubbs or Bruce.

[15fan]

George Foster

[_Sir_Charles_]

Originally Posted by 15fan

George Foster

I'd be all in favor of THAT option. But I'd think his walker might hamper his defensive mobility.

In regards to Kemp...I've heard that he's a disruptive force in the clubhouse. That's not something we want to throw into the mix there in Cincy. If that's incorrect or we've got someone who can handle him...possibly.

And Jason Bay...I want someone who can handle the position defensively first and foremost. And then go for the best bat out of THAT group. Don't look bat first. And yes, this means Dunn is out of the equation. As is Manny.

[Redsfan320]

A true Leadoff hitter... Needed that all year. Votto needs a high OBP guy in front of him...

I think, with the right instruction next spring, this can be Drew Stubbs in CF, which is why I said clean-up hitter.

320

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by _Sir_Charles_

I'd be all in favor of THAT option. But I'd think his walker might hamper his defensive mobility.

In regards to Kemp...I've heard that he's a disruptive force in the clubhouse. That's not something we want to throw into the mix there in Cincy. If that's incorrect or we've got someone who can handle him...possibly.

And Jason Bay...I want someone who can handle the position defensively first and foremost. And then go for the best bat out of THAT group. Don't look bat first. And yes, this means Dunn is out of the equation. As is Manny.

One thing that I think is important to note is that Kemp may have been a disruptive force in the Dodgers' clubhouse, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'd be one in the Reds clubhouse.

1) Sometimes it helps if a player gets traded, and gets a wakeup call.
2) The Reds clubhouse is pretty stable whereas the Dodgers are a zoo. Players react to their surroundings as much as anything.

That being said, I tell Juan Francisco and Yonder Alonso to wear an outfielder's glove all winter long in case they might catch something.

[RedsManRick]

I voted #4, OBP. It's cheaper than power, just as good from a run scoring perspective and would bring more balance to the lineup.

[Slyder]

We need a big bopper to take pressure off of Rolen. If this year showed anything you can piece meal the rest of it if you've got a legitimate heart of the order. Rolen is getting older and is going to need more days off, the playoffs showed just how much him not at 100% hurt the offense.

[OnBaseMachine]

Give me option #4 or 5. Either one. I mentioned Matt Kemp and Grady Sizemore in another thread. I've seen Jacoby Ellsbury's name thrown out there by someone on here a while back. If he can be had cheaply I wouldn't be opposed to that. David DeJesus is another interesting option. He's got a career .360 OBP and plays good defense. The latter two could more than likely be acquired without giving up one of our top young arms.

[dfs]

Originally Posted by MartyFan

Here's a question...Are Juan Francisco or Yonder Alonso any sort of consideration to move to the position? What about Chris Heisey? If so, do you think the Reds would do that next year or sign/keep other OF's to platoon them?

I fully expect Francisco to get 60 games at 3rd base next year.

The reds with a healthy Scott Rolen are a different ball club. Since they already extended him, spelling him 1 game out of every 4 or more in order to protect his back seems the only sensible thing to do.

It eases Francisco into the lineup and helps keep Rolen healthy. If Francisco sees another 30-40 games in left.....well, that might not be such a bad thing either.

[TheNext44]

OBP.

This will keep Stubbs out of the leadoff spot, which I think is very important for his future development.

[bucksfan2]

Originally Posted by TheNext44

OBP.

This will keep Stubbs out of the leadoff spot, which I think is very important for his future development.

Saying you want OBP really isn't mutually exclusive. I want a guy who can hit leadoff, OBP around .360, and play solid defense. And oh yea his name is Carl Crawford and he will cost you about $15-$20M/year.

To be honest I just want someone who improves the overall ball club and isn't a butcher out there in LF. I would sacrifice a little defense if I could get an impact type bat.

Some players mentioned above would interest me but would be far from sold. Ellsbury is coming off an injury riddled season and really doesn't have any long term success to rely on. Sizemore would be a great target if you could get him healthy for an extended period of time. Luke Soctt, pass.

In order for the Reds to improve next season they need to get away from 4th OF or platoon times and get a legit starter. They will have the likes of Gomes/Heisey/Nix/Edmonds(?) to choose from to fill the 4th and 5th OF spot.

[Brutus]

Originally Posted by bucksfan2

Saying you want OBP really isn't mutually exclusive. I want a guy who can hit leadoff, OBP around .360, and play solid defense. And oh yea his name is Carl Crawford and he will cost you about $15-$20M/year.

You also just described David DeJesus who makes $6 million this year. Granted he's coming off surgery, but he's supposed to be healthy going into the season.