2009 REDS OFFSEASON OVERVIEW, including minors!

       Hey Guys, My name is Joe and I'm a huge Reds Enthusiast. I just spent all day writing up this 2009 Overview of the Reds franchise. It includes a number of things such as the reds needs, possible free agents for us to sign, possible players to target in trades, untouchables list, and my ideas of what the Reds should do. Lastly, I have projected the starting lineup, rotation, and bullpen of the Reds as well as their AAA, and AA teams. I also listed all notable lower level players, and my personal top 30 Reds prospects ranking. This should give you a great idea of what type of talent we have coming up.  Hope you guys enjoy!

                                  ALL I ASK IS THAT U  PLEASE ADD YOUR THOUGHTS, IDEAS, & SUGGESTIONS!

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-------------------------------------------REDS NEEDS-----------------------------------------------------

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LF --> Preferably Right-handed Power Hitter

SS --> Good Defense, preferably young, or cheap veteran stopgap

PH --> Power bats off bench

SP --> Possibly some slight interest in a 5th starter, preferably LHP

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-----------------------------------POSSIBLE FREE AGENTS--------------------------------------------

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                      (age, 2008 salary, and important stats included)

NOTE: I only included the free agents that we can afford and that will fill a need.  Guys like Sheets, Lowe, and Manny are great, but will NEVER happen.  In reality, if Jocketty winds up signing anyone, it will most likely be from this list. And for the record, Jocketty has already said he is not pursuing Wigginton.

-First basemen- (personally like both options)
Sean Casey (34) * 800k .322 avg .381 obp 199 ab
Doug Mientkiewicz (35) * 750k .277 2 hr 30 rbi 285 ab .374 obp

-Shortstops- (like eckstein, dislike cabrera due to price, age, and loss of draft pick)

 David Eckstein (34) * 4.5 mil .265 324 ab, career .351 obp (much cheaper now)                                                             Orlando Cabrera (34) - Type A * 10 mil .281 8 hr 57 rbi 19 sb 661 ab

-Right Handed Outfielders- (Big on kapler, like a flier on podsednik, gomes is last resort)

Gabe Kapler (33) * 800K .301 8 hr 38 rbi 229 ab 
Scott Podsednik (33) * 750k .253 12 sb 162 ab
Jonny Gomes (28) * 1.275 mil .182 8 hr 21 rbi 154 ab

-Left Handed OF's-  (Dunn and Abreu are not Likely to happen, Love Hinske though)

Eric Hinske (31) * 800k .247 20 hr 60 rbi 381 ab
Bobby Abreu (35) <--Jocketty, "He's still looking for a big contract," and thus, Jocketty says he's "not sure he's a fit."
Adam Dunn (29) <-- Highly Improbable they sign him, too expensive, Goes against Jocketty's plan of a strong defense.

 -Starting Pitchers- (i'm 99% sure jocketty won't sign any impact SP, we have plenty)

Oliver Perez (27) *  6.5 mil 10-7 4.22 era 194 ip 180 k 105 bb's (looking for big $$)
Randy Wolf (32) type B * 4.75 mil 12-12 4.30 era 190 ip 162 k 71 bb (injury prone)
Jon Garland (29) *12 mil 14-8 4.90 era 196 ip 90 k 59 bb (could be had cheaper)

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------------------------------POSSIBLE PLAYERS TO TRADE FOR----------------------------------

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Xavier Nady (30)   Yanks are shopping him. Only problem is his 1 year contract.

Lastings Milledge (24)   Nats are shopping him, and he fits the mold of young, fast, and powerful.

Alex Rios (27)   Toronto is struggling with payroll and may look to rebuild with the AL east being so strong right now. Trading him for prospects would shed about 5 mil this year and 10 mil next year

Nick Swisher (28)   Powerful bat, high obp, awful average. Adam Dunn - 15 homers and better defense. Locked up for 3 years however.

Jermaine Dye (35)   Best overall hitter among the group, but his age and balky knees are major cause for concern. The sox will have to eat a major portion of his 09' pay in order for this to work

Jonathan Sanchez (25) Crazy stuff, young kid, need the lefty in our rotation bad. Only downfall is his tendancy to be wild.  Edwin Encarnacion would likely be the target of SF if we are going to acquire Sanchez.

Mike Young (32) He is requesting a trade out of Texas... plays gold glove defense and will hit around .300 year in and year out. Would be helpful out of the two hole as long as we don't have to give up much. He's getting up there in age though.

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-------------------------------------------UNTOUCHABLES-----------------------------------------------

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Joey Votto

Yonder Alonso

Brandon Phillips

Juan Francisco

Neftali Soto

Todd Frazier

Jay Bruce

Edinson Volquez

Johnny Cueto

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 ----------------------------------TRANSACTIONS I WOULD DO--------------------------------------

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Sign Hinske <-- backs up 1B, 3B, OF + brings 20 HR pop (2 yr. 2.50 mil)

Sign Podsednik to minor league deal for 500K (could add to the idea of the Runnin' Reds)

Trade for one of Milledge, Nady, Swisher... I wouldn't mind if we had to give up one of our top 10 prospects as long as they are not on the untouchables list, as well as some mid to low level guys in a package

(added)

JUST CAME UP WITH A CRAZY IDEA...

How about a crazy 3 way deal between the Reds, Yanks, and Nationals, where the Yankees get Homer Bailey and Dan Dorn the Reds get Lastings Milledge and Esmailyn Gonzalez, and the Nationals get Xavier Nady and Mark Melancon?

The Yankees add another SP option in Bailey and it also gives them another trade piece they could use to acquire Holliday at the deadline. Dorn gives them a powerful LF whose close to ML ready, and will step in when Matsui and Damon become free agents/too old to play. 

The Reds get a young stud in Milledge who would legitimize their lineup, and could be a 25-25 type player if he continues to develop. Also, by adding Gonzalez, its gives the Reds the SS prospect they are in dire need of. 

The Nationals would get Nady, who is the stable, consistent OF that they've been looking for (they've inquired on Nady already).  Also, they would be receiving a GREAT arm in Melancon who projects as a nice closer... something they lack.

Let me know what you guys think?

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------------------------REDS PROJECTED LINEUP (as of January 10th)------------------------

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1. Taveras (R) CF

2. Hairston (R) SS

3. Votto (L) 1B

4. Phillips (R) 2B <-- needs to hit 2nd,3rd, or 6th not 4th

5. Bruce (L) RF

6. Encarnacion (R) 3B

7. Hernandez (R) C

8. Dickerson (R) LF

9. Pitcher

Bench-Rosales, Hopper, Hanigan, Keppinger, Free agent power hitter off bench  (not including Gonzalez until we know he's healthy)

--------------------------------------PROJECTED ROTATION-------------------------------------------

1. Aaron Harang

2. Edinson Volquez

3. Johnny Cueto

4. Bronson Arroyo

5. Micah Owings

----------------------------------------PROJECTED BULLPEN------------------------------------------

LR - Bill Bray

MR- Jared Burton

MR- Mike Lincoln

MR- Nick Masset

MR- Arthur Rhodes

SU- David Weathers

CL- Francisco Cordero

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--------------------------------------PROJECTED LINEUP for AAA------------------------------------

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1. Drew Stubbs CF

2. Shaun Cumberland LF

3. Chris Valaika SS

4. Wes Bankston 1B

5. Laynce Nix RF

6. Eric Eymann (awaiting Francisco's call-up)

7. Craig Tatum C   

8. Danny Richar 2B 

9. Pitcher

Bench-Wilkin Castillo Util, Luis Bolivar IF, Paul Janish IF, Drew T. Anderson OF, Mike Griffin OF

Older Players who may wind up on roster: Darnell McDonald OF / Kevin Barker 1B

----------------------------------PROJECTED ROTATION for AAA-----------------------------------

1. Homer Bailey (R)

2. Ramon Ramirez (R)

3. Daryl Thompson (R)

4. Matt Maloney (R)

5. Adam Pettyjohn(R)

-----------------------------------PROJECTED BULLPEN for AAA------------------------------------

LR - Justin Mallett (R)

MR- Carlos Fisher (R)

MR- Daniel Ray Herrera (L)

MR- Tyler Pelland (L)

MR- Ron Flores (L)

SU- Robert Manuel (R)

CL- Josh Roenicke (R)

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--------------------------------------PROJECTED LINEUP for AA--------------------------------------

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1. Chris Heisey CF

2. Sean Henry RF

3. Yonder Alonso 1B

4. Juan Francisco 3B

5. Todd Frazier SS

6. Danny Dorn LF 

7. Drew M. Anderson 2B

8. Ryan Jurgenson C

9. Pitcher

Bench-Mike Dejesus IF, Eddy Rodriguez C, Francisco Lizarraga SS, Logan Parker 1B

------------------------------------ PROJECTED ROTATION for AA-----------------------------------

1. Travis Wood (L)

2. Ben Jukich (L)

3. Sam Lecure (R)

4. James Avery (R)

5. Dallas Buck (R)

------------------------------------PROJECTED BULLPEN for AA-------------------------------------

LR- Sean Watson (R)

MR- Ramon Geronimo (R)

MR- Derrik Lutz (R)

MR- Ray Jeffords (R)

MR- Lee Tabor (L)

SU- Pedro Viola (L)

CL Zach Stewart

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----------------------------------------NOTABLE PLAYERS for A+-------------------------------------

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Devin Mesoraco C (catcher of the future, however he's yet to live up to the hype)

Zach Cozart SS ( nice little SS with some pop)

Neftali Soto 3B (Ranked Reds #2 prospect by Redreporter.com)

Kyle Lotzkar RHP (Top SP Prospect with bigggg upside)

Jeremy Horst LHP (STUD in the making, and he has the #'s to back it up, can't wait to see him in AA later in the year)

Joe Krebs LHP (solid lefty reliever that enjoyed a nice 08' season)

Philippe Valiquette LHP  (21 years old, Drafted as a 17 year old, experienced for his age, features fastball 92-95 MPH range as a lefty which makes for a nice MRP)

Miseal Dejesus RHP (impressed at Sarasota last year, 110 K's in 99 innings, with 3.64 era... pitched in 36 G with 12 starts. Watch out for him)

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----------------------------NOTABLE PLAYERS SINGLE A or LOWER-----------------------------

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Juan Duran OF (17 years old, we could have something special, only time will tell)

Yorman Rodriguez OF (16 years old, .268 average in winter league, impressive)

 Alex Buchholz 2B-SS  (hit .396 in first 134 minor league at bats last year with a track record of high averages in college)

Juan Carlos Sulbaran RHP  (18 years old, throws 89-92 MPH with good movement. Should start 09' with in either the GCL or Billings)

Evan Hildenbrandt RHSP (19 Yrs old, throws in the low 90's with a nasty curveball and change. Was dominant in GCL, as he put up a  2.67 ERA and struck out  nearly 1/4 of the batters he faced. Should start in A, but i LIKE this kid)

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-------------------------------BRUZ'S TOP 30 REDS PROSPECTS----------------------------------

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1. Yonder Alonso 1B(Unbelievable patience at the plate bodes well and he should move through the system fast.  Will be 30-100 for years to come.)

2. Todd Frazier SS(Born to play; great instincts. Brings average, power, and speed. Projects as 3b or corner outfielder. Most polished prospect we have.)

3. Neftali Soto 3B(Unbelievably well-rounded hitter, he brings high average and tons of pop.)

4. Juan Francisco 3B(Tearing up the winter league, Enough power to hit 40 in the majors. Period)

5. Chris Valaika 2B/SS(major league ready bat, does not have the range for SS, better suited as a 2B)

6. Drew Stubbs CF(burner on the bases, power will develop with time, possible 20-20 threat for years to come)

7. Kyle Lotzkar SP(Rediculous K rate, and stuff, needs to work on command will be a #1 SP in the future... also an injury concern) 

8. Chris Dickerson OF(great glove, speed, power, just needs to hit for more contact) 

9. Ramon Ramirez SP(good command of slightly above average stuff, could start year as 5th starter this year for Reds, but could someday be a very good #3 SP) 

10. Daryl Thompson SP(the stuffs always been there, if he stays healthy he has the upside of a #3 SP)

11. Dan Dorn LF (Kid has just continued to rake at every level, 20 homerun power with a rock solid average, will be in AAA soon) 

12. Devin Mesoraco C (rough 08' pushed him down the charts about 5 spots, byt catchers usually develop slow, so he's still on track)

13. Josh Roenicke RP(rediculously strong arm, needs polish though)

14. Zach Stewart RP(has electric stuff but command issues are problem, could be good major league MRP by next year)

15. Jeremy Horst SP(STATS-Class A Dayton: 8-2, 2.38 ERA, 110 K, 33 BB, 102 IP, 36 G, 10 GS) ** In the 10 games he started at the end of the year, check out his stats: 5-0, 1.82 ERA 49.1 IP, 39 H, 10 ER, 10 BB, 51 K's ** WOW

16. Juan Duran OF(only 17 yrs. old and stands 6'6 190 lbs., drawing Dave Winfield comparisons from scouts)

17. Yorman Rodriguez OF(hit .268 as a 16 year old in 09' winter league, has been compared to Eric Davis)

18. Carlos Fisher RP(Throws gas, converted position player, ground ball machine who should work out well in GABP)

19. Zach Cozart SS(hits for a decent average (.280), but with some nice pop, hit 14 hr in 418 ab at class A in 08'... SLICK fielding may be his best asset)

20. Robert Manuel RP(Best control you'll see, 89-93 MPH fastball is maddux like, movement is rediculous and he provides the K's)

21. Pedro Viola RP(mid 90's fastball as a lefty, plus change and slider, the numbers should improve if his stuff stays so nasty)

22. Chris Heisey OF(absolute burner, who is good in the OF,and hits his fair share. 65 steals in the minors in 78 attempts (83%))

23. Matt Maloney SP(soft thrower 87-90, pinpoint accuracy, decent K's, but is flyball pitcher, might have problem in GABP) 

24. Alex Buchholz 2B(amazing contact hitter, hit a combined .383/.433/.704  with 29 HR and 43 doubles in his first two season at Deleware. After coming back from an injury last year, hit .396/.471/.604 at Billings... still young but KEEP AN EYE ON HIM)

25. Dallas Buck SP(Good pitcher, but lacks the tools, threw 92 before surgery, throwing upper 80's after tommy john, could surprise if velocity comes back)

26. Travis Wood SP(A top 8 prospect a year ago, Wood struggled last season, partially due to fatigue... features an 89-91 MPH fastball, with THE BEST lefty change up in the minor leagues... With more innings under his belt, expect a rebound)

27. Evan Hildenbrandt RHSP (19 Yrs old, throws in the low 90's with a nasty curveball and change. Was dominant in GCL, as he put up a  2.67 ERA and struck out  nearly 1/4 of the batters he faced. Should start in A, but i LIKE this kid)

28. Misael Dejesus RHP (impressed at Sarasota last year, 110 K's in 99 innings, with 3.64 era... pitched in 36 G with 12 starts. Watch out for him)

29. Juan Carlos Sulbaran RHP  (18 years old, throws 89-92 MPH with good movement. Should start 09' with in either the GCL or Billings)

30. Phillipe Valiquette LHRP (21 years old, Drafted as a 17 year old, experienced for his age, features fastball 92-95 MPH range as a lefty which makes for a nice MRP)

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