I'm a huge B_Ham fan.. But I'm an even a bigger Reds fan. Lets face it... Billy is a one dimensional player.. He's fast... Real fast. Thing is though.. The speed doesn't translate to hits at the AAA level apparently this season. Just don't see a spot for him other then AAA. I'd rather make a run at a corner OFer like Corey Hart and move Bruce to CF or sign a guy like Ellsbury or Chris Young (Doubt Oakland picks up the 11 Million option for 2014) in the offseason. If it means putting together a blockbuster deal that has this team loaded for a real playoff push then we need to pull the trigger. I just think this team has its fair share of offensive issues. We tend to score a lot of runs in games where we are blowing the opposing team out of the water versus games where we are losing 3-0. This team has areas that need to be addressed; catching, OF.. Again I'd like to move Choo over to LF and bring in a CFer or RFer & move Bruce accordingly. I'd even be okay if they acquired a 3rd baseman and moved Frazier to LF and Choo to RF. Michael Young would be the type of player I'd seek there. A leader type guy with an ability to just get on base.
Here is my proposed deal:
Reds trade Homer Bailey, Billy Hamilton, Tucker Barnhart, Henry Rodriguez & Danny Corcino
Phillies trade Cliff Lee, Carlos Ruiz, Michael Young, & Cash
Reds get a nasty arm to go with Cueto & Latos. Lee takes the pressure off Cueto and would be a solid replacement for Arroyo next season. A rotation for 2014 that features Cueto, Lee, Latos, Leake, & Cingrani.. Yikes! Ruiz would help Hanigan & Mes get healthy. Corky is a lovable guy.. Just not at this level. Young as mentioned before would serve as the new 3rd baseman and shift Frazier to the OF. Young takes on a leader role that this team is needing. Rolen served a purpose with this team regardless of his stats. So you add these 3 All-Stars while providing building blocks to the Phils. Reds have had the names in the hat in recent years with names like Cliff Lee, Ubaldo Jimenez, & James Shields.. Lets do the unpredictable and make a huge bid for a pennant!