Next Year's Lineup

by jamesp50014 on Sep 1, 2007 5:48 PM EDT Comment 32 comments

Supposing Keppinger keeps showing his hitting and on-base ability through September, I prefer that we keep him, put him at 2B, move Phillips to SS where he belongs (a marquee position), and shop Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a good player and I think he would fetch something worthwhile.

What to do about 1B, though? I like Hatteberg but it might be time to trade him, if we can get what we got for Conine. This gives us Cantu and Votto next year, to duke it out for 1B. I like that setup. Gives us Phillips at SS, Encarnacion at 3B (who I believe was handled just fone this year, given how his offense and defense improved after his demotion). This gives us Dunn in LF, Hamilton in CF and Griffey in RF, with Hopper, not Freel, as your primary backup. In fact, I'd trade Freel if I could. I love his style but he is always hurt, and his judgement on the basepaths is questionable (like Dunn, except no home runs), and also he strikes out too much.

So, what do yu think of this starting lineup:
C Ross/Valentin platoon
1B Votto/Cantu "
2B Keppinger
SS Phillips
3B Encarnacion
LF Dunn
CF Hamilton
RF Griffey

And who makes the bench?

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i'd flip Kep and Phillips

Keppinger is showing he can make the routine plays which is enough (for me). I'd leave the best all around second baseman in the NL where he is.

Also, NoHo is my 4th outfielder and I like Jay Bruce as my 5th outfielder

I think Freel is done and if I can find a team who wants him I'd take whatever I can get for him. Gonzo would be my new Juan castro

Hope Springs Eternal! Go Reds

by Caleb on Sep 1, 2007 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No, no, no...

Never again speak this...

I like Jay Bruce as my 5th outfielder

Wherever Jay Bruce is, he NEEDS to get At-bats. If he's not starting in Cincinnati, he needs to be in AAA. As a small market team, you absolutely cannot burn a year of Bruce's service time keeping him on the bench all year. If he's here, he plays.

Personally, I keep him in Louisville to start, and call him up as an injury fill-in if (when) Griffey or Hamilton goes down. He'll get 250 Major League AB's that way, and you don't lose a year of his service time on the back end.

"Karma - there it was. The meaning of life, straight from Carson Daly's lips to my morphine-laced ears." -Earl Hickey

by BLee2525 on Sep 2, 2007 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn

Yeah, missing 3B was boneheaded, but I don't think he's a butcher on the basepaths.

DUNN: 9 SB, 2 CS

FREEL: 15 SB, 8 CS

There's more to baserunning than speed. Check out these two speedsters:

HAMILTON: 3 SB, 3 CS

HOPPER: 8 SB, 6 CS

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Sep 1, 2007 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dunn's the best baserunner on the team.

Or pretty damn close to it. He reads balls very well. One missed bag doesn't change that.

by Geki on Sep 1, 2007 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Donkey says he doesn't think he missed it.

Says he'd know it if he didn't hit. I believe him totally.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 1, 2007 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn always keeps it real... right or wrong

I believe him, and I agree that he is one of the best baserunners on this team. These mini-Marty's have got to start looking at more than anecdotal evidence.

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Sep 2, 2007 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kepp and Gonzalez

Keppinger has played OK at short. Why move Phillips, since he's developing there defensively and experiencing his success at the position? Just keep Keppinger where he's at. I'm not too sure if they can get anything for Gonzalez. He has the plate discipline of a blind man (and defensively he hasn't impressed me at all this season). Maybe there are people out there looking for an overrated shortstop with a career OBP of .295. I hope so.

by tonywf on Sep 1, 2007 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Although this year is not officially over....

I would like to see this as a possible lineup:

Against RH Pitchers

Jeff Keppinger SS
Josh Hamilton CF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Jay Bruce RF
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Joey Votto 1st
Javy Valentin C

Against LH Pitchers

Norris Hopper RF
Jeff Keppinger SS
Josh Hamilton CF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Joey Votto 1st
David Ross C

There is a noticeable player absent and it ain't Hatteberg. That's right its...Jr. As wonderful of a player that he is, Kenny should finish out his career in Seattle (he really doesn't fit with the evolving 2008 team, but more on that later). If the new GM (Red Menace) decides to keep Hatteberg then the bench could be strong with Hatte, Freel, Hopper sometimes, Bruce sometimes,and maybe even Gonzo. That way the new Manager (Red Menace)and his trusty bench coach (Man Mountain)[and their asst. BC and 3b coach - Zach]would have the best offensive/defensive package in the worst division. Pitching is another post.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 1, 2007 11:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If I'm GM and manager

I'd better be making upwards of twenty thousand dollars.

Where have you gone Webb Alert chick?

by Red Menace on Sep 2, 2007 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just pay my bail and court fees

when I assault Hopper for being the worst leadoff hitter in the majors.

"Two Dunn's enter, but only one Dunn will leave...unless neither do because they decide to play cards, drink beer, golf, and fish."--SlydeFrog

by Man Mountain on Sep 2, 2007 2:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RM and MM - The Mighty Ms

You gentlemen once again demonstrate your keen abilities to drive a hard bargain. Yet another facet of the game, already mastered. Kudo.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 2, 2007 5:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gonzo is really good

I'm not sure why his defense has been iffy at best this year, but Jeff K's range doesn't come close to Gonzos. I said this before, and I don't want to make excuses for the man but I think some of the errors he makes comes from not conentrating on baseball. With many of his mistakes coming on routine plays i think it's posiable he drifts off maybe worrying about his son. He also has hit for good power this year, GABP helps everyone out when it comes to that and he is a very intesnse player. Jeff K is the odd man out, but I still think that he will give Ede a scare at 3rd, even with Edes great month of august. Ede has more range at 3rd but it seems the organzation keeps phillips and Gonzos job more secure than Edwins.

If the Reds are tied with the Cubs/Brewers/Cardnials when there is 5 games left in the season. Zach will join the band wagon

by Zach K on Sep 2, 2007 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I prefer this:

C - someone knew
1B - Dunn
2B - Phillips
3B - Edwin
SS - Keppinger
LF - Griffey
CF - Bruce
RF - Hamilton

by Blue on Sep 2, 2007 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

catcher?

hmm?

"Two Dunn's enter, but only one Dunn will leave...unless neither do because they decide to play cards, drink beer, golf, and fish."--SlydeFrog

by Man Mountain on Sep 2, 2007 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Dunn is not

for whatever reasons, wont to play 1b, what about Griffy? Or if you don't want Votto, keep Hatteberg/Cantu one more year and cut Grif loose. For some reason that is not very supportable with facts and figures, I feel like KG Jr. is really ready to move on. As I said earlier to finish his career in Seattle, I believe his somewhat lazy approach recently is a passive/aggressive way of saying 'I want out'.

Yes Dr. Madville is in...no appointments necessary.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 2, 2007 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree totally

Not about him playing Lazy to get out, but we have to trade him to the mariners to get some of there solid young relief pitchers. Seatle might over pay to get Griffey because of ticket sales so I say do it....oh wait a sec, is Krivsky still hired in your offseason?

If the Reds are tied with the Cubs/Brewers/Cardnials when there is 5 games left in the season. Zach will join the band wagon

by Zach K on Sep 2, 2007 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

God I hope Waynr is DFA'd

But even if not, if your going to reduce contract expenses then why not try to send him back to Seattle? He may never again be as good as he is now.

Getting a prospect or two and freeing up some salary money couldn't hurt. Plus we get to see if these young guys are ready for MLB action. And yes a fair amount of offense goes with Jr. But is it 'clutch' offense...not so much these days.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 2, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah You and I have brought this up before

and It makes way too much sense to happen

Trade an Old griffey for young bullpen arms, Bring Bruce up {you would hope he could be the OF version ofRyan Braun in 08, and if not with his power you could get 20 HRs} Have a great bunter and contact hitter in Hopper as your backup OF. Jeff K will be the back IF. The only situation with postion players thats not really set is 1B. I don't mind the rotation of Javy and Ross at catcher. This team next year could have the best offensive team in the NL next year hands down, without griffey even.

If the Reds are tied with the Cubs/Brewers/Cardnials when there is 5 games left in the season. Zach will join the band wagon

by Zach K on Sep 2, 2007 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

I should just go join the Reds bullpen... I doubt I could be any worse than Stanton... even if I'm a righty.

Confucious say: "Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk." ~Author Unknown

by crolfer on Sep 2, 2007 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Crolfer, spoken like a true gamer.

Hey do you think it is all over for ther Reds this season C. ?

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 2, 2007 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's getting there...

That sweep by the Cards was pretty convincing...

Confucious say: "Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk." ~Author Unknown

by crolfer on Sep 3, 2007 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but...

maybe we'll turn it around... it's not too late, it's never too late.

Confucious say: "Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk." ~Author Unknown

by crolfer on Sep 4, 2007 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Going out on a limb

It's too late.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 4, 2007 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Paul LoDuca just told us

it was too late, I think.

"Screw it. We've got bigger problems than a butter shortage."

by Ash on Sep 4, 2007 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

heads up...

But that's a song... yea... I don't actually think the Reds are going to be playing October baseball...

Confucious say: "Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk." ~Author Unknown

by crolfer on Sep 4, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The lineup....

CF Hamilton
3B Encarnacion
LF Dunn
RF Griffey
2B Phillips
1B Votto
C Ross
SS Gonzalez

I hate wasting Hamilton's power in the leadoff slot, but he's the best option. He gets on base, has good speed and great baseball instincts, and I have enough power down the lineup. Edwin's at his best when he's working counts, and I think he'll do that in the 2 hole between 2 dangerous hitters. Dunn should bat 3rd. Period. You could flip Griffey and Franchise, but I like using Phillips to break up lefties in front of the rookie. Ross and Gonzalez are what they are, and I really have no problem with either one of them. As I said in my previous post, I start Bruce at Lousville and use him as an injury fill-in when Griff or Hamilton gets hurt.

"Karma - there it was. The meaning of life, straight from Carson Daly's lips to my morphine-laced ears." -Earl Hickey

by BLee2525 on Sep 2, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Still like Kepp

...and I'd say he's more than a Freelian super-sub. He can play the type of fundamental ball we don't see often enough. And he can hit. I'd take him over Gonzalez, but at 2B due to limited range--and the fact that Phillips can dominate at SS.

I think you've got to get Kepp in the lineup and that 2B is best suited to him over the long-term.

I wouldn't hand 1B over to Votto. Make him duke it out with Cantu.

by jamesp50014 on Sep 4, 2007 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I tend to thin that Votto

and Cantu are being looked at as splitting the 1B job as did Conine and Hatteberg. Although Hatteberg is still around who knows what is going to happen if he's still here in the spring. The dude can flat out hit and plays excellent D.

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 4, 2007 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think a votto/cantu platoon would work out well

i would love to see kepp at 2B, but for whatever reason i think wayner is reluctant to put BP at SS. if we could get a reasonable trade offer for gonzo, i would jump at it.

at least this isnt pittsburgh

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 4, 2007 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it is because BP has become

such an excellent second baseman. The old idea that defense wins ballgames and being strong defensively up the middle probably influences Waynr/Pete. The question is whether you would want Freel (if he's able) AND Keppinger on the bench as utility guys, guys who can pinch hit and also get a fair amount of starts as well ...OR just Freel and a yet to be named back up fielder at SS. Tough call. I tend to think that if the right pitcher were available I'd let Gonzo go too. But I'm not Waynr

Has the game started yet?

by Madville on Sep 4, 2007 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No more BP to short talk...

Pitching is the problem, that is the main focus. Not putting one of the best 2B in the MLB at a postion where he doesn't even want to play at. Why is everyone giving up on Gonzo? Boston would love to have him back! Cincy is quickly becoming Philly...the bengals need to win the superbowl before every sports fan in town goes insane!

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Sep 4, 2007 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My 25 man is better than WK will ever do.

C- Ross/Valentine
1st-Votto/Cantu
2nd-Phillips
ss-Gonzo
3rd-EDE/Kepp
lf-Dunn
cf-Hamilton
rf- Bruce/Griffy

Honestly, either Griff or Dunn has to go. I guess I would keep Dunn and have Seattle make us the best offer they can. However, I am not attached. BP can be one of the best 2nd Baseman in baseball for a long time, why fuck with that? Hatte, Ross, Freel, all need to go in a trade, if we could package them all to the nats, that would make leatherpants happy. LLM could be my starting C, and whoever we have in the system could be the back-up. this is a young and talented team, but the main focus needs to be a) a young and talented Manager. and b) a new GM, clearly.
Bullpen: Cooter, Burton, Salmon, McBeth, Weathers.
starters, Harrang, Arroyo, Baily, Shearn. and someone, with Shearn being #5 (08 will be his year, and then he is done.) i have names 21 players, err, I need more pithers, Cuto, Bezzisle, and Lizard. thats 24, and then my buddy Hopper: there, my loose 25 man. it's a good team.

www.eastwind.org

by ewquinn on Sep 6, 2007 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs