I don't know about you guys, but if the Reds are going to stink it up and lose, then I want them to do it the right way: finish with the worst record in order to get that number one draft pick in the 2008 draft. A lot of folks (including me) will hate the fact that our Reds could finish with the worst record in baseball, however, it's better for the long-term if they do. Think of this - We already have two established major league starters (Harang and Arroyo) plus Homer Bailey who could be an ace as early as 2009. Matt Belisle is a formidible 5th starter. The bullpen has some young arms either in the majors or who are nearing the majors with good stuff. The offense has a solid young nucleas to build around (Encarnacion, Hamilton, Phillips) with two huge prospects on the way (Bruce and Votto). The Reds have some of the better trading chips on the trade market (Dunn and Griffey) who could net some big prospects. Scott Hatteberg, David Weathers, and Kyle Lohse could net a solid prospect or two.
Where I'm trying to get as is, the Reds aren't really that far off from contending IMO. With all the young talent they have now, adding a #1 overall pick type talent to the organization would be huge. I compare our situation this year to the Padres and Diamondbacks of a few years ago: All three teams were bad enough to finish with the worst record, yet had enough young and talented players both at the major league and minor league levels to contend the following season. I could see the Reds doing that next season, which is why I am rooting for the #1 overall pick.
With that said, who do I want at number one? Brian Matusz, a 6'4" 195 pound LHP from the University of San Diego. Matusz is similar to this year's number one overall pick David Price. Both are big, polished lefties with great stuff and the ability to move through the system quickly. This kid could be ready by sometime in 2009, which is around the time Homer Bailey should be putting it altogether. That could be a deadly 1-2 combo for years to come.
So here it is, the race for the 2008 number one overall pick:
Top five worst records:
1. Cincinnati Reds 31-51
2. Washington Nationals 33-48, 2.5 GB
3. Texas Rangers 33-47, 3.0 GB
4. Tampa Bay Devil Rays 33-47, 3.0 GB
5. Kansas City Royals 34-47, 3.0 GB
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Originally Posted by Scooter
something to look forward to
