What some of you don't realize....

[Who Dey Time]

Is that the Reds are in a great position heading into 2012 and beyond. Obviously, 2011 has been largely disappointing even though they are still technically in the race. Having said that, is there really a trade that is going to cement the Reds as a favorite in the Central the last two months? Not likely and really not worth it considering that, even if the Reds come back to win the division, the playoffs against Philly, Atlanta, etc. could be a tough go.

Yet, the team is positioned very well heading into the future. Look at the Reds compared to our Central rivals:

Cincinnati - Solid rotation, young and improving lineup, large number of prospects to either call up or make a deal.

Milwaukee - Good rotation, although Grienke could be dealt, solid lineup that will lose Prince Fielder, prospects available dwindling due to past moves.

Pittsburgh - Very similar to the Reds. Good young nucleus and developing prospects in the minors. Derrek Lee deal was dumb though.

St. Louis - Aging rotation. Good lineup although Pujols is a big question hanging over them, virtually no prospects after their moves over the last 2 seasons. I was stunned about the Furcal deal since now they are basically spent in regards to players available in the minors.

Houston - Completely rebuilding at the MLB level. Will not be a serious contender until 2014 at the earliest.

Chicago - Is in the same position that Houston is in. Needs to unload and rebuild. They have a chance to do it quicker with their deep pockets but still a ways away from contention.

So, to make a deal today just to make a deal is plain dumb. However, if there is a move to be made that enhances the 2011 Reds AND the future Reds like a Rolen type move then I'm for it. But, a no move today doesn't signal the doom and gloom that some want to portray.

[Redsfansince72]

you forgot to include Pittsburgh who owns us this year!.. they are going in the rght direction..

[Old NDN]

No deals to improve this team tells me they're content to wallow in the middle of the pack and hope they improve next year. Wait, that's the same approach they took last offseason. How did that work out? After Cueto, mediocre/inconsistent rotation. Gaping hole in LF, SS, and 3B. No need to improve on this? Maybe the Reds should take on the Cubs' immortal rallying cry: Wait 'till next year.

[sammonator]

No deals to improve this team tells me they're content to wallow in the middle of the pack and hope they improve next year. Wait, that's the same approach they took last offseason. How did that work out? After Cueto, mediocre/inconsistent rotation. Gaping hole in LF, SS, and 3B. No need to improve on this? Maybe the Reds should take on the Cubs' immortal rallying cry: Wait 'till next year.

Agreed. Should have took care of these issues this past offseason.

[sdwagers]

That's great take on the Central there Who Dey Time....

We need a RH power bat (Kemp ?) and TOR starter (King Felix, Kershaw ? ) Offseason trades are not pressured by a deadline...

and agree on the D Lee trade- its a feel good trade for the fans in PIT to say they made a deal at the deadline.

[Krawhitham]

Is that the Reds are in a great position heading into 2012 and beyond.

That is what they said last year

That is why they they refused to make a trade last season, because they were a year ahead of schedule and 2011 is their year

[BluegrassRedleg]

That is what they said last year

That is why they they refused to make a trade last season, because they were a year ahead of schedule and 2011 is their year

Exactly.

There's no reason to make excuses for the front office. They failed this team both in the offseason and now.

[Redsfansince72]

funny how Walt says they are not Sellers at the deadline but buyers and YAWN.. havent done a dang thing...Just think how huge it would be if they had went after Kemp??? Can you say ticket sales and fans confidence?? Guess they will hold on to those crown jewels that cant find playing time for (alonso) and sit on their hands

[Roush's socks]

I get a laugh out of posters who want the Reds to trade for a "legit TOR pitcher and a proven cleanup guy with a big bat to replace Rolen and protect Votto." OF COURSE. Every team is looking for that. There just aren't that many true elite players, and the Reds are competing with all the other competitive teams, most of which have more money.

Why not get excited about the players we do have. Like Votto. Or Cueto who is leading the league in ERA. Or Bruce, Bailey, and Leake who is putting together a great season at the age of 23. Phillips made the Allstar team. Cozart looked good and should come back at some point. Frazier, Alonso are promising and could contribute immediately. The Reds have 7-8 potential starters and 2-3 are looking like TOR material. Mesoraco is a top catching prospect in all MLB. Chapman is also lurking around and will either be the closer or hopefully get moved into the starting rotation. Compared to times in the past there is just so much to be positive about this team I can't see why some people on this board carry on the way they do.

[knoonan991]

I get a laugh out of posters who want the Reds to trade for a "legit TOR pitcher and a proven cleanup guy with a big bat to replace Rolen and protect Votto." OF COURSE. Every team is looking for that. There just aren't that many true elite players, and the Reds are competing with all the other competitive teams, most of which have more money.

You mean we can't just snap our fingers and land a Matt Kemp?! Outrageous.

[webbbj]

funny how Walt says they are not Sellers at the deadline but buyers and YAWN.. havent done a dang thing...Just think how huge it would be if they had went after Kemp??? Can you say ticket sales and fans confidence?? Guess they will hold on to those crown jewels that cant find playing time for (alonso) and sit on their hands

funny how you think hes even available when hes been in no trade discussions and wasnt traded today.

[FireDusty]

Gaping hole in LF, SS, and 3B. No need to improve on this? Maybe the Reds should take on the Cubs' immortal rallying cry: Wait 'till next year.

Gaping hole at 3b.

Loaded in Left Field, set at SS.

[sdwagers]

I get a laugh out of posters who want the Reds to trade for a "legit TOR pitcher and a proven cleanup guy with a big bat to replace Rolen and protect Votto." OF COURSE. Every team is looking for that. There just aren't that many true elite players, and the Reds are competing with all the other competitive teams, most of which have more money.

Why not get excited about the players we do have. Like Votto. Or Cueto who is leading the league in ERA. Or Bruce, Bailey, and Leake who is putting together a great season at the age of 23. Phillips made the Allstar team. Cozart looked good and should come back at some point. Frazier, Alonso are promising and could contribute immediately. The Reds have 7-8 potential starters and 2-3 are looking like TOR material. Mesoraco is a top catching prospect in all MLB. Chapman is also lurking around and will either be the closer or hopefully get moved into the starting rotation. Compared to times in the past there is just so much to be positive about this team I can't see why some people on this board carry on the way they do.

I only said who I 'd target as examples. I'm sure the servers would be overloaded if the Reds managed to acquire one of those names, not likely with the cost that other teams seem to jack up on the Reds - but you never know.


Excited- heck yeah ! Season ticket holder here ! Love the young kids - but you construct a team through trades, free agents and the draft.