Red Reposter - Youth in revolt

by ken on Sep 5, 2011 10:01 AM EDT in News

The kids are alright
In a game where normal cogs Joey Votto and Jay Bruce were 0-for-10, youth delivered in the form of Juan Francisco and his four hits. This weekend, Masters Francisco, Alonso, and Frazier all showed the offensive promise that their minor league track records suggest. The positionally-challenged trio went a combined 12 for 25 with four doubles and three homeruns, breaking my OPS calculator in the process. By taking their first series in St. Louis in five years, the Reds practically extinguished the Cardinals' already dim chances of sneaking up on Milwaukee.
The Reds now head up to Chicago
where Devin Mesoraco hopes to get in on some of the fun. With a pinch-hit double on Saturday, Devin is a perfect 1 for 1 in his young major league career but hasn't yet seen any action behind the plate. That should change today. Baker told Meso that he'll catch Dontrelle Willis in this afternoon's game against the Cubs. Devin caught Dontrelle 10 times in Louisville this year, so hopefully a familiar battery mate helps Willis achieve his long-deserved first win as a Red.
Coco's contract and the closer conundrum
Francisco Cordero worked a scoreless 10th yesterday to save his 30th game of 2011 and 320th of his career. He's now one save behind his mentor Jose Mesa, who is 13th all-time. All well and good, but what to do with Coco's $12M team option for next season is a tricky matter. Spending eight figures on 60 innings, albeit high-leverage ones, makes little sense for a small market contender. But if you don't bring Coco back, who closes? Dusty: "Tough question. It would be kind of an experimental-type situation. You don't know. [Aroldis] Chapman has shown sometimes, maybe. Other times, he has a lack of control or a difference in stuff after a day or two. [Nick] Masset has been a bit inconsistent." One factor working in the Reds' favor is the ample supply of relievers on the free agency market this winter. With his age and the glut of relievers on the market, I doubt Coco will be able to get a favorable deal for anything beyond two years.
If Coco is gone, there are plenty of bullpen options to consider. Edinson Volquez returned to the Reds this weekend after spending the past two months with Louisville. The word is that he might get a couple of starts down the stretch, but will be pitching out of the 'pen in the short-term. Does Volquez think he should've accepted the Reds' multi-year contract offer last winter? "Maybe." Aroldis Chapman might be moving in the opposite direction, at least if it's up to pitching coach Bryan Price: "I can't guarantee anything because it will be an organizational decision. However, I do think at some point he's going to have a chance to start. I think it's something we will definitely be looking at." As a point in favor of starting Chapman, Price points out that starting would give him more time to work with Chapman in between starts.

Coco's not the only one with a contract situation
Brandon Phillips also has a $12M team option for next season, which is almost certain to be exercised. The real question is whether the Reds make a serious effort to extend Phillips beyond next season, as they did with Bronson Arroyo last year. The team's inaction to date hasn't sat too well with BP: "I thought there might be some talks going on during the season but I haven't heard anything all year. I was very disappointed about it. It hurts bad that this is where I want to be at and I've paid blood, sweat and tears for this organization, but the only thing I can do is thank them very much for giving me a second opportunity. I can't really trip about anything that much." Phillips can take comfort in the fact that Walt has not negotiated deals during the season as far as I can recall, with the exception of Scott Rolen's unusual situation. In any event, Phillips is helping his own cause with his torrid hitting from the leadoff slot. After going 2-for-4 last night, his AVG climbed back over .300. His career high is .288, set back in 2007.
Baseball Prospectus - The Moneyball Misperception
I fully expect the movie to miss on the book's underlying message, but I'm still looking forward to Moneyball -- the motion picture. The book was about fat guys drawing walks, right? Anyways, I don't agree with Tommy Craggs' pessimistic interpretation of the book, but it's interesting to see the proliferation of a new generation of Moneyball arguments some ten years after the book.
John Erardi lists his ten fastest Reds of all-time
We've been blessed with some speed over the years. A fun list, though I wept for the omission of Gary Redus, who in three-plus years with the Reds stole 146 bags and hit 18 triples and only 10 GDPs. John and Greg Rhodes have also made their top-100 Reds list which will be disclosed shortly. Should be interesting to compare it with Riverfront76's work.
If you haven't heard, Billy Hamilton swiped his 100th bag of the year over the weekend. He became the 11th minor leaguer ever to join the century club.
The Phillies just handed it to the Reds in a bad way this week, likely repayment for the same treatment the Reds gave them exactly 12 years ago. On September 4, 1999, mostly due to the inspired cheering of yours truly, the Reds launched an unprecedented offensive assault with 9 HRs and 22 total runs. They followed that up with 5 HRs on the following day‚ giving them a ML record 14 over the course of two games.
As you enjoy your Labor Day,
recall that it was not that long ago when the world's most powerful union was beholden to the owners like indentured servants. The most important player of the labor movement was Curt Flood, who probably sacrificed a chance at the Hall of Fame in order to protest a trade sending him from St. Louis to Philadelphia. What's not often discussed about Flood is that he was originally signed by the Reds. Flood had in fact played at the same Oakland high school as two other Reds' OF signees, Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson. Due to an embarrassment of OF riches and perhaps because of a reluctance to go with an all-black OF, the Reds practically gave Flood away to St. Louis after the '57 season. Ouch. A while back RL Nation discussed why the trade is among the worst in club history. Happy grilling!

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Comments

promote aroldis to 2012 starting rotation

Put Willis in the pen. Resign coco. Install mesoraco as the starting c. Resign BP.

And talk to votto about shagging some flies in lf next spring training. I’d like to see cozart play the entire year next season.

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

I think all these moves are reasonable

But I would still concentrate on Yonder in LF and leave Joey at first. Votto is comfortable at first, has shown defensive improvement (and while a Gold Glove is unlikely, he’s at least set that as a goal), and is our most important offensive piece. Yonder also has shown that he can hit very well, so we need his bat in the lineup, and while he might not be a great fielder, he’s made the move to left without comment or complaint. He’s willing to play where he needs to play. We’ve lived with poor defense in LF before, and I don’t see why we couldn’t again.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Especially for a guy who could potentially hit like Dunn

And he’s probably a better fielder than Dunn. Right?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Hard to say what kind of fielder he is

But it’s also hard to say that Votto would be an appreciably better LF than Alonso.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

It might have been a good idea a few years ago, but like the Beep sitch, that boat has sailed.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

The biggest thing is that they just need to make a commitment to it

LF is still a relatively new position for Yonder, but if the team says “We want you out there. Let’s make you a left-fielder,” then he can get experience there the rest of this season and work on it in the offseason. Maybe some winter ball. He spends all spring training there, and he should have a credible feel for the position. He’ll never be fast, but he might learn to judge balls better and take good routes. As long as his bat produces, I’m fine with him there.

We just can’t leave him in position limbo. “You’re a first baseman!” “No, you’re a left fielder!” “Now you’re a third baseman!” It’s too much, and it’s not fair to him. Make a commitment and see it through. None of the other candidates for LF have demonstrated much to prove that they’d be better. Sappelt seems out of his depth at the plate, Heisey is okay but better as a pinch hitter for whatever reason, and often hurt. Fred Lewis got shipped to AAA, and Hermida is with Harang in San Diego. And none of them hit like Yonder.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep

Heisey and Sappelt look like good 4th outfielders to me. And I really like Heisey, and I don’t think the pinch-hitter thing is anything more than a statistical hiccup, but there are three outfielders on the roster right now who look better than him.

I’m still not at all averse to trading Yonder in the off-season for pitching, but I’m not sure who could potentially be available. Either way, they need to run him out there everyday and let him hit. The thing that endeared everyone to Gomes was his get-after-it attitude, and I think Yonder has the same mojo. And he can get on base.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm hoping the thing that endears everyone to Alonso is that he doesn't suck

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

not to beat a dead horse

But the hit king made his third positional change at age 34, he was also a former batting champion and mvp. It led to his first world championship. Interestingly, his fourth positional change led to his third world championship.

I think votto has much more foot speed than yonder and could play a signiificantly better lf. I can’t comment on joeys arm in the of.

Dunn had seasons of double digit steals didn’t he?

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 11:05 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't disagree

but it just doesn’t seem at all possible that the current administration would even ask Joey, let alone force him. At this point, I think it really is a dead horse.

Dunn stole 19 in 2002 when he was little and 9 in ‘07 when he was big. I always thought he was a good baserunner even if he wasn’t so fast.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Also Rose wasn't a terribly gifted defender anywhere

Votto is turning into a very strong first base man.

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

For what it's worth

Pete Rose had won two Gold Gloves playing in the outfield before switching to third.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

i never saw him play, i am basing my statements off of what my parents said about him

did he win gold gloves due to strong defensive skill, or did he win one the way Palmareo did where it went to the best player at the position?

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I couldn't say

Just saying that he won them. For what it’s worth.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

In 1973 and 1974

He finished first and second in defensive positional WAR.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Rose had great FPCTs because he'd wait after the game for the scorer with a tire iron

Supposedly he had great range in the OF but a subpar arm.

by ken on Sep 5, 2011 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

the talk of votto being a great defender at first is just not true

he may be able to field grounders fairly well, but he can’t throw the ball.

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

If he can't throw well he probably shouldn't move to LF

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

He has a better arm than Juan Pierre

and Johnny Damon.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Me and you have a better arm than Juan Pierre and Johnny Damon

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh

I hit 57 on the pitch game at Huntington Park last week.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

A regular Jaime Moyer

There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Arredondo. They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Arredondo.

by DTFH91 on Sep 5, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Better than my little brother

He was only able to hit 53.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

false

you couldn’t throw a whiffle ball into LF from home plate recently

Juan Pierre or Johnny Damon might have you!

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

he can't make an underhand throw or a throw to second

he can probably throw from left field

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

That wasn't me, I was batting/kicking

That piss poor throw was courtesy of BK.

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 6, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

i was talking about votto

and unfortunately, votto did not join in on our kickball game

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 6, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I somehow managed to reply to you instead of HLM21, weird

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 6, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

we could have used him

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 6, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

oh, I thought it came from you

b/c I threw it back to you

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 6, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

It does seem a little unfair to ask someone to move just because "Pete Rose did it"

Rose was a unique player who played just about every position. Nobody asked Tony Perez to move from first base. Yes, I know he did move from third base.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

magic johnson played center in the nba finals his rookie season when kareem was injured

It led to his first championship!

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

probably the last time when the NBA was relevant

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, it's a shame that Michael Jordan toiled in such obscurity

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 6, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

who was his competition?

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 6, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Chipper Jones also switched to LF for a year

To accomodate the signing of Vinny Castilla.

by ken on Sep 5, 2011 12:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Rose wasn't necessarily good at any of his positions

so moving him around really wasn’t a big deal

They moved him and he moved b/c it was win win. Get a better player on the field at a position where Rose formerly occupied b/c the new guy can only play that one position.

I don’t think Alonso is good enough to get Votto to move to LF, however, I think we’ll be fine with Alonso in LF.

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

it would depend on how much CoCo wants to come back

if it’s near $10MM, stay the F away

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions

edinson is a fa this offseason, right?

Wonder where he will end up. I think the south side of chicago might be a good fit.

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 11:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

He is a free agent only if the Reds non-tender him

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

He has two more years of arb eligibility after this year

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

he could even have three, depending on the rules

if it is 6 years of service time before free agency, Volquez may not have been on the roster enough this year to occur a year of service time. If it is three years of arbitration before free agency than he only has two years left.

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Good point

He’s spent about half the year in the minors. That could seriously affect his clock.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Of course he had a few months of service time before he came to the Reds

so that could make up for lost time this year.

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

'tHan will cry if Volquez is no longer a Red

I don’t want to see ’tHan cry, but I do enjoy watching him and the Mrs wear matching yellow Buffett t-shirts

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

ha!

it was good seeing you yesterday too

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions

your daughter is adorable, btw

even if she came close a couple times to catching a cornhole bean bag upside the noggin

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 6, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

This just made me bang my head on my desk

Dusty: "Tough question. It would be kind of an experimental-type situation. You don’t know. [Aroldis] Chapman has shown sometimes, maybe. Other times, he has a lack of control or a difference in stuff after a day or two.

He doesn’t even mention the fact that Chapman could be a starter and a starting pitcher is more valuable than a closer. Anybody who thinks that a starter and a closer are of even value has probably been lobotomized.

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

What was this in answer to? Chapman starting?

It feels so nice to be back to normal

by nycredsfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Never mind, I should learn to read

It feels so nice to be back to normal

by nycredsfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

having to defend EdRent probably hindered your ability to do so

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Dunn is like one of thos farm boys in High School that spit their dip in the drinking fountain and then scored a 29 on the ACT.

He never wanted to be smart, his social group did not reward it, but he was anyway. His pitch selection and his timing on the base paths showed a lot more about what was in his noggin than his interviews or attitude.

by Eastwindquinn on Sep 5, 2011 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

That subject line is eerily similar to my teenage years

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

you're the real Adam from Milwaukee aren't you?

by Red_Poodle on Sep 5, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

my god....I might be

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

north milwaukee, no doubt

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 11:47 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Are you saying that a large body frame doesn't mean someone is stupid?

Something to pass along to all the journalists writing stories about Dunn this year.

by Cuetotally Amazing on Sep 5, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

what was dunn's wonderlic score?

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

He wasn't in the NFL draft, was he?

by Cuetotally Amazing on Sep 5, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

no

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

everyone on RR should take that test!

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

the first song i head on the radio this morning after the labor day parade

Tone Loc’s Wild Thing.

What a great country!

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 11:46 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I prefer Funky Cold Medina

The ends justify the means

by Highlifeman21 on Sep 5, 2011 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

How has no one posted the lineup yet?

Phillips
Stubbs
Votto
Bruce
Alonso
END
Mesoraco
Janish
Willia

It feels so nice to be back to normal

by nycredsfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I really love this lineup, FWIW

As much as I don’t trust END long term, I love seeing so many good lefties against a RHP. And put Cozart in for Janish, with Frazier as super sub, and this is a kick-ass lineup. Then if END falters, Frazier is right there to replace him.

It feels so nice to be back to normal

by nycredsfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

END has been hitting all season in AAA

and now has his major league line up to a very fancy .312/.370/.450. I think this means Frazier really is on the backburner at this point, despite the fact that I don’t really see a roster spot for Francisco if Rolen is healthy in 2012.

Mgr., Red Reporter

"Every office I've been in, there has been a guy with weird scars that he needs to explain to you—'it was one of those old Xerox machines, with a lot of razors in it'... or a pale person with a novel of supernatural erotica that keeps getting left on the printer. Major League lineups need those guys, too." - David Roth

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I figured Rolen would back-up Francisco and help him with his glove

Cingrani for 2012 Closer!

by OGC Reds on Sep 5, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Rolen will start 60-75% of the time if he's not on the DL

If you assume a Miguel Cairo, then I still think they’d give a roster spot to a back-up SS. But it’s possible Francisco and Cairo could be on the bench along with Frazier, who’d be emergency SS and 5th OF. If all three of those guys are here next year, that might be the best configuration.

Mgr., Red Reporter

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

The whole situation is kinda confusing

but good. I’m curious what END’s trade value would be if he keeps hitting and looking passable at 3B.

Mgr., Red Reporter

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

TRADE HIM NOW!

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Sappelt loses out:

Outfield: Bruce, Stubbs, Alonso, Heisey, Frazier
Infield: Votto, Phillips, Cozart, Rolen, Cairo, END
Catcher: H, Mesoroco (don’t know which H yet)

Frazier is the backup SS, although Cairo can do it in a pinch.

Renteria goes poof, Janish and Sappelt start in the minors. Either Hanigan or Hernandez is traded.

by MatthewH on Sep 5, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think this will work

Dusty always like having two real-actual shortstops on the team. And with a rookie as a starter there is no way they let him fly solo.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I think they're going to want a glove SS in there

And I’d like to see them trade for a starter, which could very well mean trading one of the LF/3Bs. But I’d be totally on board with that roster. My biggest reservation is that I haven’t fully come around on Alonso’s defense.

Mgr., Red Reporter

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Can he really be worse than Gomes?

Because I think he will hit much better.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

My initial reaction was YES

and I thought the move to 3B might have a darkhorse chance to work and sidestep the issue. But I’m getting closer to NO. His range is worse, but his hands are better. And he could still be improving.

They just need to be comfortable with playing him in most MLB parks for him to be a credible LFer.

Mgr., Red Reporter

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I just think Sappelt would be a better hitter than Frazier

Cingrani for 2012 Closer!

by OGC Reds on Sep 5, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Sappelt is a poor man's Willy Taveras

It will get better.

by Yossarian22 on Sep 5, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I get that El Niño is a free swinger...

but there is so much doubt about him here at RR when he hasn’t ever had a prolonged chance to show what he can do in the majors, after repeatedly showing he is a monster at every other level.

Ok, so pretty much nobody that strikes out as much as he does and walks as little as he has is a successful major league hitter, but this isn’t just anyone we are talking about.

On, on, destructor.

Tanzen!

by Verka Serduchka on Sep 5, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm still agnostic on this matter

Science tells me this kid can never succeed in the majors. But I’m still not sure the rules of science apply to such a monster.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

what time is the game?

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

2:20

It feels so nice to be back to normal

by nycredsfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

thanks!

the game thread should be up soon.

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

wrigleyville!

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Stubbs playing SS?

Cingrani for 2012 Closer!

by OGC Reds on Sep 5, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Stubbs batting second?

Interesting.

There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Arredondo. They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Arredondo.

by DTFH91 on Sep 5, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

MESORACO!!!!!!!

"Luna Lovegood is really freaking awesome in every way." -Me

by crolfer on Sep 5, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Death Comes for the Lefthander

by poojols on Sep 5, 2011 12:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

nice

by Red_Poodle on Sep 5, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Bryan Price for organizational decision maker

Mgr., Red Reporter

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Sep 5, 2011 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Tally ho!

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 5, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Tally whacker!

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

whackamole

"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"

by Ewok on Sep 5, 2011 12:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

tolly-ho!

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Alonso's showing makes a Votto trade more palatable

by poojols on Sep 5, 2011 12:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Shh

can’t we just have both?

Cingrani for 2012 Closer!

by OGC Reds on Sep 5, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Votto for Bautista straight up, make it happen Walt(tm)!

"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow

by jch24 on Sep 5, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I never want to see Votto go

I might even bob for apples in a public toilet to keep him here (thank goodness it can’t), but I could live with Bautista, and it would be pretty thrilling to see him hit 60-70 hr in Great American Small park

by Red_Poodle on Sep 5, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

This might be the only acceptable trade

And then Yonder can play first.

by Brendanukkah on Sep 5, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah.

Trade him for a (co)-#1 starter. Votto is cheap and young. There has to be teams out there who are rebuilding but still have a good starter on the roster we can trade for. Right?

by MatthewH on Sep 5, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

If Votto came out and said "I am going to work hard this off season and start next year in LF, because thats where I could best help my team"

I would drop to my knees and service him myself, anyone with me?

by Eastwindquinn on Sep 5, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

nope

you seem to have that handled

Operation: 'tHan's Awesome Plan is living up to its name.

by 'tHan on Sep 5, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

I'm a spitter

He deserves better

by poojols on Sep 5, 2011 12:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

nope

I think he’s a soon to be GG first baseman, and that’s where I want him to stay.

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

by BubbaFan on Sep 5, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with your premise

It would be the ideal situation, and clear up a HUGE problem for this team.

While Alonso will probably improve with more experience in LF, in all honesty, he’s looked worse than either Gomes or Dunn, and his speed will severely limit his ceiling there.

You can always LIDR Votto to 1B and Heisey to LF.

by PeteRoseJr on Sep 6, 2011 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Billy Hamilton

This guy should be given a chance in September call up. Love to see how many bases he can steal and how many long fly balls he can get to if he plays in the outfield. I would say he is the Reds leadoff batter for the next decade, if he stays healthy and can hit at least .280 and better.

by Richard L on Sep 7, 2011 10:01 AM EDT reply actions