How did Walt do?

[TRF]

Again TRF(I respect your opinion was really hoping you'd reply to the pm I sent about EE), but I was strictly talking about ONLY EE vs Rolen.

I think he's the 3B in Toronto for the rest of this year. If they have a 3B prospect that's ready, I can see a move to 1B like the Tigers did with Cabrera. Lyle Overbay is replaceable.

[nate]

So if you get 110 games of Rolen and 50 games of Adam Rosales, is that still a lock to be better than Edwin for 150 games and ARo for 10? Based on Rolen's 3 year performance, aging body and injury history I don't think it's the lock to be an upgrade many here think it will be.

That's an interesting question. Defensively, it would be a big upgrade as both Rolen and Rosales can pick it. Offensively...hard to say. Rosales is pretty bad with the bat, Rolen is above average. EE is average...I dunno.

However, I wonder if Sutton wouldn't get some time at 3b. Or is he strictly a middle infielder? His bat might be better than Rosales. His defense is probably on par with EE's so if he can play, it might give some "depth" if Rolen is gimpy.

[redsfandan]

I think he's the 3B in Toronto for the rest of this year. If they have a 3B prospect that's ready, I can see a move to 1B like the Tigers did with Cabrera. Lyle Overbay is replaceable.

I was thinking maybe a poor mans Aubrey Huff, or something similar. Can play 3rd if he has to but will also see time at 1st and in the outfield.

[OnBaseMachine]

The only way the Rolen trade makes any sense at all is if the Reds go for it next season. That means acquiring another starting pitcher or two, upgrading shortstop, releasing Willy Taveras and replacing him with Dickerson/Heisey/Stubbs, and signing a big bat for left field (Dye is potentially a FA). That's what it will take for the Reds to contend in 2010.

[edabbs44]

The only way the Rolen trade makes any sense at all is if the Reds go for it next season. That means acquiring another starting pitcher or two, upgrading shortstop, releasing Willy Taveras and replacing him with Dickerson/Heisey/Stubbs, and signing a big bat for left field (Dye is potentially a FA).

I agree and said something similar at the time. If the team is made over between now and OD 2010, this will look a lot better.

[Homer Bailey]

The only way the Rolen trade makes any sense at all is if the Reds go for it next season. That means acquiring another starting pitcher or two, upgrading shortstop, releasing Willy Taveras and replacing him with Dickerson/Heisey/Stubbs, and signing a big bat for left field (Dye is potentially a FA). That's what it will take for the Reds to contend in 2010.

I agree and said something similar at the time. If the team is made over between now and OD 2010, this will look a lot better.

It's just way too big of an if. Way too many things have to go right. This team is on pace to win 69 freakin games. Too many things have to be done to make this team competetive, and given the salary restrictions, I have no faith that any of them will actually be done.

Is Walt going to pay WT $4M to sit at home? I doubt it. He'll be the CF'er next year on opening day.

Who is going to play shortstop? I wouldn't mind signing Miguel Tejada to a one year deal, but who is going to pay for that? Doesn't look like any farmhands are going to be ready. I bet they either pick up Gonzo's option, or resign him for less. That's how little my faith is in Walt. I believe that he is going to pay millions for the 3rd least valuable player (based on VORP) in the major leagues. (Heck, he spent $6.25M on the 4th worst).

The rotation is in shambles. No Volquez, and will Harang and Arroyo be there? If they are there, are they going to be any good? Is Cueto the pitcher he was in the first half, or the last month? Is Bailey going to be consistent? Is Owings's shoulder done?

Will Bruce finally start to hit?

Who is going to play Left field? If it's Gomes/Nix, this team is going nowhere.


To properly address all of these problems, it is going to take at least $20M, and there is no way I see that happening.

[Chip R]

The only way the Rolen trade makes any sense at all is if the Reds go for it next season. That means acquiring another starting pitcher or two, upgrading shortstop, releasing Willy Taveras and replacing him with Dickerson/Heisey/Stubbs, and signing a big bat for left field (Dye is potentially a FA). That's what it will take for the Reds to contend in 2010.

There is no way they will "go for it" counting on one or all of those 3 in CF. And, if they are "going for it" that is going to constitute a veteran presence at SS who is strong defensively. That means retaining Gonzo. Oh, they won't pick up his option but they will negotiate a modest deal for next year. And they aren't going to get a starting pitcher because Volquez' surgery has opened up a spot for Homer.

[OnBaseMachine]

There is no way they will "go for it" counting on one or all of those 3 in CF. And, if they are "going for it" that is going to constitute a veteran presence at SS who is strong defensively. That means retaining Gonzo. Oh, they won't pick up his option but they will negotiate a modest deal for next year. And they aren't going to get a starting pitcher because Volquez' surgery has opened up a spot for Homer.

You're probably right, sadly.

[BRM]

There is no way they will "go for it" counting on one or all of those 3 in CF. And, if they are "going for it" that is going to constitute a veteran presence at SS who is strong defensively. That means retaining Gonzo. Oh, they won't pick up his option but they will negotiate a modest deal for next year. And they aren't going to get a starting pitcher because Volquez' surgery has opened up a spot for Homer.

So the only change for next year will be Valentin replacing Hernandez?

[Chip R]

So the only change for next year will be Valentin replacing Hernandez?

Stop teasing me!

[BRM]

Javy makes a lot of sense because he can also backup at 1B and 3B. I've read he can even play some 2B if needed.

[Chip R]

Javy makes a lot of sense because he can also backup at 1B and 3B. I've read he can even play some 2B if needed.

If that does happen, Rolen and Votto better look out.

[princeton]

Javy makes a lot of sense because he can also backup at 1B and 3B. I've read he can even play some 2B if needed.

Reds' farm director's fondest wish is that Todd Frazier can become the next Javy

[BRM]

Reds' farm director's fondest wish is that Todd Frazier can become the next Javy

Todd's gonna learn to play catcher?

[Chip R]

Todd's gonna learn to play catcher?

No. He's gonna grow a sweet porn stache.