FanPost

Keep Dunn, Griffey and BP.

Why is it that everyone knows that the pen is the problem but the only solution offered is to selloff your best players? We may well need but one additional reliever.
12 1/2 back, no bullpen, no closer, and a suspect manager as well as a Gm whose track record leaves a lot to be desired. So let's throw in the towel, let's have a fire sale and lets start all over AGAIN....why? The basis for a competitive offensive team is already in place. The young  guys coming on from AAA etc look good to go.

We all know the pitching problems. Why not see what Everyday Eddie and Bray bring to the table.They are almost ready to be back, give them the time and support to get back in the groove and see how their contributions change the configuration of the pen. Burton and Rick Stone also are guys who might contribute.

The best trade bait is Scott Hatteberg.
THe Big IF: Try to trade Hatte (along w/Coffey and a couple of prospects) for a strong reliever. Eddie, Bray, Weathers, McBeth, Cout, Salmon (Burton, Stone who else am I missing?)- along with one more good solid middle/set-up pitcher AND w/ Livingston and Dumatrait in the wings or even in the pen is a possible solution to the pitching inconsistancy. Weathers in the dreaded 8th inning would be an upgrade.

Why blow the team up? Trade Hatteberg/Conine and bring up Votto - let him play. Let Bobby Livingston pitch, let Phil Dumatrait pitch.

We finally have a set lineup that has been pretty porductive offensivly. Keep it. Selling off Dunn and Griffey or Brandon Phillips is tricky, risky and uneccesary. Trading Hatteberg is a BIG IF but not nearly as destructive of a move if it flops.
Sure I'd like a catcher and a another starter too. but realistically without blowing the team up that ain't gonna happen. I'm beginning to think that Narron is here for the duration. If management is going to keep him then it is more imperative to keep the basic team intact and bring up the kids. Blow it up = 22 games back by the end of the season. Let the kids play, will not be any worse. Probably not more than 12-13 GB.  Good for the kids, good for the organization and we still have a strong core.
(Observations expressed are based on recent observations and have no statistical backup.)