Realistically we have options...

1B Votto, Alonso
2B Phillips, Frazier
SS Janish, Cozart, Valaika
3B Rolen, Francisco
OF Bruce, Stubbs, Dickerson, Taveras, Balentien, Heisey, Dorn, McDonald, S. Henry (watch out for this guy!)

SP Harang, Cueto, Arroyo, Maloney, Bailey, Wood, Leake, Lehr, Owings

All of the young guys listed are ready, if not very close to ready, to get a shot based on what they have done in the minors.

Seems as if we have quite a few very good trade pieces if Walt knows what he is doing!

So...if it comes down to it, who do we trade?

Guys I would NEVER trade:
Votto
Frazier
Cozart
Bruce
Stubbs
Heisey
Wood
Bailey
Cueto

Guys who I think could bring us a decent return right now:
Alonso
Phillips
Francisco
Arroyo
Rolen

So, based on what I kept and what I would subtract, if we can get a C, 3B and 2 SP, we should be set for quite some time!

How about...
Bronso Arroyo for Russell Martin?
Brandon Phillips for prospects. Sign Chone Figgins for 2010.
Juan Francisco and Yonder Alonso for Matt Cain
Scott Rolen + cash for Chris Young (SD)

C - Martin
1B - Votto
2B - Frazier
SS - Cozart
3B - Figgins
LF - Heisey
CF - Stubbs
RF - Bruce
SP - Cain, Young, Harang, Cueto, Bailey

<<Realistically>>

LOL

pog

I don't see how you can put Alonso in the same category as Joey Votto! Votto is a proven .300 Major league hitter that can drive in 20+ HR's and 85+ RBI's and he's good in the clutch. What has Alonso proven? So far he is a low .240 hitter at best, at best with a couple dingers. Alonso has a long way to go to be someone besides Arod's friend.

I'm sure they were hoping Alonso would kill the fall league so they could package him in a trade, maybe for a shortstop.

Since the Brewers declined the option on Stormy, I bet we see him in Spring Training.

Alonso has his average up to .275. Don't give up hope yet.

pog

Ignore the deleted post. I posted bad info.

pog

You really think Walt will give up a draft pick for Stormy? I gotta think about that one for a moment.

<I certainly would, BTW>

pog

Weathers is still serviceable to this team. Veteran leadership, I just don't want him in the setup role.

Shoot. I still got it wrong. No draft pick involved. The Crew never offered him arbitration. Unrestricted Free Agent. Hail yes, bring him in.

:)

pog

Would be very valuable if the Reds do move Coco.

I don't know. Maybe it's because I chew up a roll of tums everytime the guy pitches, but at what point would he be holding a roster spot for a young player trying to push up?

frazier is an option instead of Phillips???
I know the old farts want BP gone b/c he doesn't
act exactly like they would prefer. Phillips isn't going anywhere,
especially while the reds don't know if votto is emotionally
healthy for a whole season.

The reality is...we have a few options coming. Thanks for the input smart guy.

Not really putting him in the same category. However, big things are expected of Alonso and it may come to where we have to choose. That was all I am saying.

Not a chance. You really think so?

A draft pick for a 3.5+ERA guy out of the bullpen? That is just plain baseball ignorance.

Even if no draft pick...no way!

We would be paying him 4-5 times the amount we could pay someone from the farm for more than likely the same production.

I highly doubt they would trade Rollen. The whole reason they got him was so he could be close to home. Maybe it would be an option if the Reds are way out of the race, but untill then no way

Just trying to add some perspective to the consideration of replacing
BP with TF.