Originally Posted by
GAC
Good post. My position, going into this season, hasn't changed on this team .. I want to see positive direction, give me something to hope for moving forward. They did a lot last off-season. Surprised everyone. Probably raised a lot of hopes, as far as '19 was concerned, that was understandable, but somewhat misguided IMO. It's a helluva a leap for a team that was at the bottom for the last four years (LOL).
I can only speak for myself. But regardless of what their W-L record ends up. And all the other areas of weakness we can discuss on this team position-wise, where they need to address ... I was far more involved, enthusiastic, watching this year's team, it's ups and downs, then I have any Red's team in the last several years.
This front office has had a year to observe, see what they got, where they need to go over the off-season. While Williams has been in the organization, he's only been the GM in charge since '18. Not really that long IMO. I'm assuming he has a plan. The fact that myself, and all Red's fans in general, don't know every little detail of that plan, only see bits and pieces, scratching our heads try to figure it out, doesn't mean he (they) don't have one.
It seems to me, looking back on it all now, that William's main objective was .... turning some prospects for established talent (greater value), which in turn would be used to acquire (strengthen) our starting pitching. They got a SS (Galvis), and one of the A's top prospects (Hannah). I think we're going to have a pretty solid rotation next year. IMO, that's where it begins, your foundation. Bauer? Not worried that he's a FA after '20. If he has a solid season for the Reds they have win-win options IMO ... spend some of your money and try to sign him for 2-3 years -or - flip him at the deadline for some top prospects or to fill other dire needs. You find that trading partner. And the Reds have some young arms (Mahle, Sims, Lodolo, Greene, Santillan) moving forward.
This off-season they have to address the offense. They need to clear out some dead wood (Dietrich, Peraza) and continue to strengthen the bench. That will partially be solved with some of our youth.
SS? Iglesias or Galvis? A lot of teams, looking at the market, wish they were in the Red's spot. Whoever the Reds keep, the other will be snatched up IMO. I prefer Iglesias, but have no issues with Galvis. We know we'll have an established SS next year.
Suarez is a monster, and they need to build around him. I think Nick needs to move to 2B. Your INF is then pretty much set for '20. You got Van Meter on the bench too.
OF? Now it gets kinda dicey. Winker, Aquino, Ervin, Van Meter. All question marks. I like Winker. Aquino obviously deserves a shot (RF). But whose our CFer? IMO, this is where the Reds need to make their splash in the market. Either that or the Catcher position.