A vote for Garrett Atkins

by cesarhernandez on Jul 8, 2010 10:52 AM EDT

OK, let's take a little break from all the Cliff Lee talk. Of course, a trade for Lee would solidify the Reds as serious pennant contenders. But there's also a smaller, much more low cost move I also think the Reds need to make. And that's to sign Garrett Atkins.

One area of need the Reds must address is their bench. They're extremely punchless, especially in the infield. Janish and Cairo aren't going to get it done offensively. And I'm skeptical of the help from down on the farm. Francisco would be a disaster defensively, and Frazier has struggled all season. I wouldn't want to turn to those guys in a pennant race. Basically, if the Reds lose Votto or Rolen for any length of time, they're screwed.

I know he's been lousy the last couple years, but Atkins would be a perfect bench bat to back up 1B and 3B. He can also play 2B in a pinch. As a utlility guy, there would be no pressure on him to perform, and maybe a move back to a friendly hitters park in the NL will help his offense a bit.

So sign Atkins to a major-league minimum deal. What's everyone think?

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Comments

I think at best a minor league deal like Matthews.

I mean I hate Miguel Cairo. But I’m starting to think that they shouldn’t mess with a good thing. The bench may be punchless, but they are good enough to lead a division.

I be so turned up, I be swaggin to da max

by coocooforcocoapuffs on Jul 8, 2010 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

He has been crap for 3 years

I say its a waste of time.

Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...

by btcoop71 on Jul 8, 2010 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Atkins is interesting

in that his OPS has dropped 70 basis points for 5 straight years. I do believe that may be a record for a career that will never be matched.
Its amazing how long players can stretch out one good year for a nice 8 year career.

by davidmac84 on Jul 8, 2010 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

The day that the reds rent Cliff Lee is the day that obc antes up all the beers he owes me.

Atlkins is useless.

Though some might argue that "best utility player" is a contradiction in terms.
BuubaFan...

by Madville on Jul 8, 2010 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

They're extremely punchless, especially in the infield

Atkins won’t change that. He went in the tank right as the PED thing came to a head. Stick a fork in him.

by RedsMasochist on Jul 8, 2010 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Atkins fucking sucks.

I’d be surprised if he gets another major league deal in his career, he’s toast.

by Geki on Jul 8, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

It came out a couple weeks ago

that he was actually looking forward to being released, supposedly thinking another major league team wanted him. Along with being a terrible baseball player, he’s also delusional.

"Tragedy is what happens to me. Comedy is what happens to you." -Mel Brooks

by jobe on Jul 8, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

so we need to sign a guy who's not currently on a roster to add depth where?

MLB roster? stash him in AAA?

by Highlifeman21 on Jul 8, 2010 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

Stash him in AAA for now

to see if he can hit at all. It’s a no-risk, no-lose proposition.

And I know he’s not that good anymore, but I still think he can help a team in a limited role. Give Votto or Rolen (especially Rolen) a day off here or there down the stretch.

If not Atkins, then who? There’s “All-Star” Ty Wigginton who is available. And yes, of course I would prefer Wiggy to Atkins, but I read the Orioles actually want a young shortstop for him.

Just looking for a bat off the bench. Atkins can make more of a positive contribution than Miguel Cairo.

"Dusty Baker is the best manager in the game....until the game actually starts."
— Doug Gottleib, ESPN radio, June 3, 2010.

by cesarhernandez on Jul 8, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

We have Todd Frazier, Zach Cozart, END and others

We do not need Garrett Atkins

by Highlifeman21 on Jul 8, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Well if we get Cliff Lee

We might not have END or Frazier available!

"Dusty Baker is the best manager in the game....until the game actually starts."
— Doug Gottleib, ESPN radio, June 3, 2010.

by cesarhernandez on Jul 8, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Todd Frazier's one guy I certainly hope they do not trade for Cliff Lee

END will always have a spot in my heart, right next to that same spot in my heart for Wily Mo Pena. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t trade him, though.

by Highlifeman21 on Jul 8, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Francisco is worse than Wily Mo

I’d trade him in a heartbeat. I’d also be willing to trade Frazier (for Stephen Drew, as an example).

by kcgard2 on Jul 9, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Francisco can at least play D

Wily Mo just had a strong arm, but could play no D

by Highlifeman21 on Jul 9, 2010 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think JF is even that good of a defensive player.

Trade him and C-Dick and a couple others for a decent and consistency closer.

Though some might argue that "best utility player" is a contradiction in terms.
BuubaFan...

by Madville on Jul 9, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

last time I checked, C-Dick is hurt and most likely will never play for the Reds again

aside that, yes, let’s get rid of Coco

by Highlifeman21 on Jul 10, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions

no

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on Jul 8, 2010 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

I corrected you

Basically, if the Reds ~~lose Votto or Rolen~~ have to play Atkins for any length of time, they’re screwed.

He wasn’t good enough to stay on the Orioles 25 man roster, why would he be good enough for a real baseball team?

"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law

by Reddrummer9187 on Jul 8, 2010 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

If the Reds love Votto or Rolen for any lenght of time they are screwed period.

Though some might argue that "best utility player" is a contradiction in terms.
BuubaFan...

by Madville on Jul 8, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I've heard women say that about Bronson too.

see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka

by nycredsfan on Jul 8, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Ya never know

Change of scenary….more hitter-friendly environment. He wouldn’t be feeling any of the pressure to succeed. He was a free-agent bust in Baltimore. Here, he’d just be a no-risk pickup.

Reds have nothing to lose. I still say he’s better than Cairo, which barely qualifies as praise, I know.

"Dusty Baker is the best manager in the game....until the game actually starts."
— Doug Gottleib, ESPN radio, June 3, 2010.

by cesarhernandez on Jul 8, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions