As expected, Hamilton to center for 2013

[WildcatFan]

Originally Posted by Blitz Dorsey

I'm just looking forward to seeing our starting CF get on base more than 28 percent of the time.

Not to mention the leadoff man.

[kaldaniels]

Anxiously awaiting the ever-rare 8-unassisted force out at 2nd.

[Kc61]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Couldn't you say the same thing about the starting shortstop?

Yes, but the starting shortstop has a .401 slugging percentage, very solid for a shortstop. Stubbs has a .334 slugging percentage.

Cozart has 33 doubles, 4 triples, and 15 homers this year, as a rookie.

Stubbs has 13 doubles, 2 triples, and 14 homers as a more "established" player in terms of major league service.

Cozart is a 2.9 WAR player, Stubbs 1.3.

True, Cozart's 5.2% walk percentage needs improvement. But Stubbs 30.4% strikeout percentage needs a miracle.

[nate]

Originally Posted by Blitz Dorsey

I'm just looking forward to seeing our starting CF get on base more than 28 percent of the time.

We're trading for Colby Rasmus?

[REDREAD]

Kind of interesting the comment he made about Didi.. I wonder if part of the reasoning is that they see Didi as part of the longterm plan?
Of course, the Reds were making comments (and showing it by action) that they appeared to want Alonso part of the long term plan as well.

I agree that moving Billy to CF makes a lot of sense. Honestly.. I almost wonder now if the club will not make a move for CF. It's easy for us to say.. get a 1 year FA stopgap. But most FA CF that are better than Stubbs are probably going to want a multiyear deal. It might make more sense to just use Stubbs/Heisey for at least the first half of 2013 (or whenever Billy is ready).

[TOBTTReds]

Originally Posted by Kc61

Yes, but the starting shortstop has a .401 slugging percentage, very solid for a shortstop. Stubbs has a .334 slugging percentage.

Cozart has 33 doubles, 4 triples, and 15 homers this year, as a rookie.

Stubbs has 13 doubles, 2 triples, and 14 homers as a more "established" player in terms of major league service.

Cozart is a 2.9 WAR player, Stubbs 1.3.

True, Cozart's 5.2% walk percentage needs improvement. But Stubbs 30.4% strikeout percentage needs a miracle.

Not to mention Cozart's D is far superior to Hamilton's. I know a bunch of people think Ham's D is OK, but I don't, so this is my opinion.

Hopefully Ham's D in center will be close to Stubbs's D soon. That's one thing we can't take away from Drew.

[Benihana]

Originally Posted by REDREAD

Kind of interesting the comment he made about Didi.. I wonder if part of the reasoning is that they see Didi as part of the longterm plan?
Of course, the Reds were making comments (and showing it by action) that they appeared to want Alonso part of the long term plan as well.

I agree that moving Billy to CF makes a lot of sense. Honestly.. I almost wonder now if the club will not make a move for CF. It's easy for us to say.. get a 1 year FA stopgap. But most FA CF that are better than Stubbs are probably going to want a multiyear deal. It might make more sense to just use Stubbs/Heisey for at least the first half of 2013 (or whenever Billy is ready).

Or perhaps (like Alonso) they are building DiDi's trade value?

Interestingly Rosenthal said yesterday that the D'backs are looking to acquire a veteran SP this winter, despite their trove of young pitching. I'd still love to see some kind of Arroyo, Stubbs and DiDi + a prospect deal for Justin Upton, especially if Ludwick walks for more money this offseason.

[BCubb2003]

Originally Posted by kaldaniels

Anxiously awaiting the ever-rare 8-unassisted force out at 2nd.

The legend of Eric Davis.

[WildcatFan]

Originally Posted by fearofpopvol1

Will Hamilton's arm be a good fit for CF?

On sac flies, it's basically gonna be a race home between Hamilton and the runner on third.

[WMR]

I wonder how his defensive instincts will play in CF? Does he get good jumps? Good at identifying where a ball is headed off the bat? Those factors can somewhat negate the defensive advantage of blinding speed.

[REDREAD]

Originally Posted by Benihana

Or perhaps (like Alonso) they are building DiDi's trade value?

Interestingly Rosenthal said yesterday that the D'backs are looking to acquire a veteran SP this winter, despite their trove of young pitching. I'd still love to see some kind of Arroyo, Stubbs and DiDi + a prospect deal for Justin Upton, especially if Ludwick walks for more money this offseason.

Interesting idea, although I think the "poison pill" in Arrroyo's contract (Deferred money due immediately) kind of kills any chance of trading Bronson.

Lot's of interesting choices for the Reds to make this offseason though.
I do agree with you that LF is a priority (either resign Ludwick or find a replacement).. It's more important than CF, IMO. (And yes, I realize Stubbs has been a stinker and I hope he's upgraded )

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by REDREAD

Interesting idea, although I think the "poison pill" in Arrroyo's contract (Deferred money due immediately) kind of kills any chance of trading Bronson.

Lot's of interesting choices for the Reds to make this offseason though.
I do agree with you that LF is a priority (either resign Ludwick or find a replacement).. It's more important than CF, IMO. (And yes, I realize Stubbs has been a stinker and I hope he's upgraded )

My guess is a lot of that deferred money has been stored away by the Reds over the years. Even if it hasn't, now that they're in the last year of his contract, it's probably much more reasonable to simply pay all of that money if they feel it's the difference between winning and losing.

[Sea Ray]

This is clearly the right move for this organization. I hope they also have him cut back on the SB attempts. I'd likle to see him steal no more than 50 in the minors next year. My guess is he'll take to CF very nicely and I wouldn't wait for him to be Drew Stubbs before declaring him competent for a major league callup. If he's Deion Sanders in CF, that's good enough for me

[_Sir_Charles_]

Originally Posted by WebScorpion

I'd put him in AA again to start the season so he can concentrate on his fielding and not have to worry about adjusting to a new league. If his FIELDING is up to snuff at mid-season I'd move him up to AAA. I'm very excited to see how he does.

Exactly how I'd handle it as well.

[REDREAD]

Originally Posted by Hoosier Red

My guess is a lot of that deferred money has been stored away by the Reds over the years. Even if it hasn't, now that they're in the last year of his contract, it's probably much more reasonable to simply pay all of that money if they feel it's the difference between winning and losing.

Let's say the deferred money isn't an issue.
If I'm the Reds, I'm still not 100% sure I want to trade Bronson next year.
He's been a stabilizing force in the rotation his entire career here (other than 2010).. I know the guy is getting older, but I think he can push out one more decent year (That's the same reasoning that AZ would want him).

We were really blessed this year that none of the starting pitchers missed a start.. I'm not sure I want to trade any starting pitching depth though. It's a tough call though, if they want to move Chapman to the rotation next year.. I guess I'd prefer to wait until the end of spring training to trade one of the starters, just as a safety measure.. Starting pitching (even Leake) is always in high demand.

In other words, if there's an injury next year, I'm not excited about calling up Cingrani or using a bullpen guy in the rotation.. Not a slam on Cingrani, but I don't want him rushed.