Red Reposter - Are Walt and Dusty Seriously Considering Willy Taveras for CF Next Season?

The Fay answers some reader questions
Question from Steve: My question is about the Reds’ current view of Willy Taveras. Do you think they will let him come to spring training and try to win the job from Drew Stubbs and Chris Dickerson, or do you think the Reds will try to move him in the offseason? Do you perceive a split between the way Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty view Taveras? My sense, from afar, is that as long as WT is around, Baker will play him too much. I’m not naive in thinking the Reds could get anything back for Taveras. They would have to trade him, along with paying part of his salary to interest any team. But my feeling (hope) is that is what they will do, just to take the controversy and temptation away.
Answer: I think Taveras was Jocketty’s guy. But Baker loves the idea of speed at the top of lineup. I don’t think anyone thought Taveras would hit as little as he did or be as rough defensively. I think they would trade in a second if they could. But his $4 million salary makes that difficult. The center field job is Drew Stubbs’ to lose. The problem with Taveras is he doesn’t fit as a bench player. He has no power. He only plays center. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him designated for assignment.

So Fay thinks the T-Virus could be DFA'd.  While that is the logical course of action, and most of us have hopefully forgotten all about him already because of Drew Stubbs and Chris Dickerson, he is still on the roster and is being paid $4 mil next season.  I'm not sayin' anything, I'm just sayin'...

MLBTradeRumors has been doing a "Trades Of The Decade" series
and they reviewed the Griffey Trade a few days ago. I'm not going to go back into it because we all know everything about it, but Nick Masset is mentioned as a possible silver lining, described as a "closer of the future". It's not as thrilling as a few World Series', but I suppose I'll take it.

Doug Gray has been running down his top-40 prospects list this week
I dont think anyone will be surprised to know that Yonder Alonso headlines the list. Check out 11-20, 21-30, and 31-40.  We here at RR will be doing our own top prospects list again this winter, so stay tuned.

Bill at RLN asks if Hal McRae, the recently ousted hitting coach for the Cards, would be an upgrade over Brook Jacoby
I think the real problem with the offense is lack-of-talent, but it certainly couldnt hurt to have a hitting coach who preaches patience. I dont think McRae or Jacoby are that guy.

The Stadium Journey Blog visited GABP
And he had a good time. "Great American Ball Park is a fabulous place to watch a baseball game. There are comfortable seats angled toward home plate, various standing areas with a perfect view of the field and plenty of attractions that will catch your eye. If you get the chance, be sure to visit home of the Cincinnati Reds. You won’t be disappointed."  There is a full breakdown and write-up of the whole stadium experience, so be sure to check it out.

Spring Training tickets are available for the Reds' inaugural season in Goodyear, AZ
Single game tickets are not available, but you can order 15 or 30-game packages. You can even get a mixed package of Reds and Indians games, which is pretty neat.

Rob Neyer says Ryan Howard is basically an equal player to...Shin-Soo Choo?
I know all abouts Choo, who was the MVP of my fantasy team this year. But Howard won an NL MVP!! He's led the NL in RBIs 3 of the past 4 seasons!! Neyer is ever the cantankerous curmudgeon, no?