1b: Votto
2b: Phillips
3b: EE or Keppinger
SS: Keppinger or Gonzo
LF: Freel, Hairston and/or EE
RF: Bruce
Two biggest needs in the lineup:
CF: Strong defender, high BA, steals bases, preferably leadoff type. Is Carl Crawford available? Any other suggestions on who fits here?
C: Solid defender and arm, who can also hit! Gerald Laird? Any suggestions?
Batting Order
Crawford
Keppinger
Bruce
Phillips
Votto
Laird
EE
Freel
Pitcher
Starters:
Harang, Volquez, Cueto, Thompson, Bailey, Arroyo. If needed, trade Arroyo or Bailey.
Pen: Cordero, Burton, Bray, Roenicke, Affeldt, Belisle, ????
Philosophy: Make contact, steal bases, move guys over, good defense and good pitching.
I think the future looks more promising than anytime in the last 8 years.
Money saved on the dumped contracts could be used to sign young guys to long term deals: ala the 90's Indians.
Whaddya think? Even if they don't win, I'd enjoy watching this team more than Dunn (whiff) and Griffey (groundout).