We have not been rebuilding since 99 - we've sucked since 99. The Reds have never committed to rebuilding during that time - even after the mini fire sale of 03. Instead, management tries to put a team together each year and catch lightening in a bottle. Either up the payroll by 30M (which we will not do) or blow it up, get good AA to major league ready prospects, invest in scouting, and start over. This band-aid management year after year is getting to me. Does anyone actually think we are a bullpen arm or two away from competing?
If I'm GM, I deal Arroyo, Hatteburg, Conine, Gonzo, Griffey, Dunn, Freel, and Weathers for the best prospects I can get and announce to the city that we are truly building for the future. Combine the return prospects with the nucleus of Harang, Bailey, Cueto, Bray, McBeth, Salmon, Votto, Phillips, EE, Hamilton, and Bruce.
I'd rather lose 110 games in 2008 and give the future playing time with an eye towards competing in 2010 than continue rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic.