Left field

[Kc61]

Get Mark Kotsay from the Padres. They like our players and prospects. They might even take Heisey. Somebody like that is what I have in mind.

Derrick Robinson backs up CF for now.

Just looked at Kotsay's numbers. Maybe we should go for someone else.

[malcontent]

Cingrani is poised to take over for, probably, Arroyo next season after Bronson's contract ends.

I'll hate to see Arroyo non-tendered.

How much will Bob C. hate to see it?

[Kc61]

I'll hate to see Arroyo non-tendered.

How much will Bob C. hate to see it?

Bronson's long contract ends this year and he'll want some money to re-sign.

I've always expected him to move on after this year.

But you make a good point. Since his bad, injured year in 2011, Bronson has been nails. Wonder how the Reds will handle it.

Of course, if Arroyo can get, say, three years at a high salary someplace, I think he'll be gone. Reds won't do that. Two years? Not sure what would happen.

[Tadasimha]

Completely agree. They can get a veteran without trading that IMO. There just won't be anyone available until at least June and more likely July IMO. By then, Ludwick may be back or Hamilton may be ready. I might even be up for giving Donald Lutz a look at that point as long as he hits in AA.

Felix Perez instead of Lutz if I had a say in the matter.

[mth123]

Felix Perez instead of Lutz if I had a say in the matter.

There was a time when I was pretty high on Perez. Now I'd say his best case is to become, well, Xavier Paul. That might happen for him, hope so, but its not really an upgrade.

Lutz has a chance to be more than that.

[Jamz]

I wonder if there is any chance at all that we could get someone like Alex Gordon out of KC. I think he would be amazing on this team and a long-term addition that could help out this year, and while Choo would be leaving BHam could fill in in centre (I would imagine) and Gordon would hold down left.

[Tadasimha]

There was a time when I was pretty high on Perez. Now I'd say his best case is to become, well, Xavier Paul. That might happen for him, hope so, but its not really an upgrade.

Lutz has a chance to be more than that.

We agree with that - Lutz could be a lot better. Right now, though, Perez is the steadier hitter. He's shown more power this year - 3 homers already after only hitting 4 all of last season.

If we were talking about 2014, would be different story. I hope Lutz gets time at AAA this season

[Blitz Dorsey]

Some of you are overthinking this. There is no one we're going to find on the cheap who is better than Xavier Paul. In fact, there is no one on the cheap we'll find who's even AS good as him. X-Man is the best fit in LF v RHP until Ludwick returns.

[malcontent]

"I'm not surprised that he hasn't taken off but I'm a bit surprised that he hasn't done better," Reds manager Dusty Baker said on Monday. "But since Heisey has been here, I've sort of spotted him against certain kinds of pitchers. Everybody was hollering that they wanted Heisey to play every day but sometimes, matchups are better than playing against everybody."

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...k_cin&c_id=cin

Just wondering: Has Baker ever stuck with a straight platoon at any position? With the Reds or with other teams?

He "spots" guys against "certain kinds of pitchers". Why can't he just stick with a straight platoon instead of using a Tarot card deck?

[mth123]

I don't think its Tarot cards. He knows Heisey hits certain styles of pitcher better and uses him then. I'd be OK with a straight platoon, but spotting a guy to his strengths isn't a terrible way to choose who plays.

[WVRedsFan]

I don't think its Tarot cards. He knows Heisey hits certain styles of pitcher better and uses him then. I'd be OK with a straight platoon, but spotting a guy to his strengths isn't a terrible way to choose who plays.

One thing is certain. Heisey is much better off the bench. History tells us tat the more often he plays, the less effective he is.

[757690]

Chris Denorfia would be a perfect platoon partner for Paul, and he can play all three outfield positions. Doubt he would cost much in talent. He's a backup on a last place team.

[NeilHamburger]

David DeJesus would be a great target. Gives you a good professional at bat. High OBP guy.

Unfortunately Dusty wouldn't hit him second, as then you'd have Choo, DeJesus and Votto all hitting lefty in a row.

The outcry that would occur when Cozart was put in the 2 hole, and DeJesus was put down in the lineup would almost make it not worth it.

[Will M]

Chris Denorfia would be a perfect platoon partner for Paul, and he can play all three outfield positions. Doubt he would cost much in talent. He's a backup on a last place team.

Denorfia. hmmm. that name sounds a bit like the guy the Reds once had in AAA who was going to be the next big thing.

I always like Deno. If I recall the Reds basically sold him for ~$1M. Deno is a nice right handed part of a platoon. I don't think he is "the answer" for LF.

I think the Reds will try & hold the fort until Ludwick comes back. If he can't THEN they'll look for help mid season (If Billy H isn't ready)

[Pony Boy]

Denorfia. hmmm. that name sounds a bit like the guy the Reds once had in AAA who was going to be the next big thing.

I always like Deno. If I recall the Reds basically sold him for ~$1M. Deno is a nice right handed part of a platoon. I don't think he is "the answer" for LF.

I think the Reds will try & hold the fort until Ludwick comes back. If he can't THEN they'll look for help mid season (If Billy H isn't ready)

I don't remember anyone claiming that Denorfia was "going to be the next big thing." The buzz was more like, "he has a chance to be a solid starter."