Hot Stove Cooking

What can we expect from the Reds in 2008? Another sub .500 season? Another second half collapse? A winning record perhaps? How about the World Series? No? I realize fans in Cincinnati have low expectations for the Redlegs but if you breakdown the talent around the National League you would have to at least put them in the top half, and if you consider what they have available in triple-A maybe higher. That being said the roster needs a little tweaking. For everyone who loves Jeff Keppinger and Norris Hopper and hates Adam Dunn bear with me and think big picture. Sign Dunn long term. Do it now and if anything you can continue to root for Brandon Phillips, because if it weren't for the protection Dunn gives him, Phillips would be Pokey Reese. Next you have to look to move Keppinger, Hopper, and/or Ryan Freel. I would prefer to keep Freel out of this bunch because he is a known commodity, Keppinger and Hopper gave us nice moments last year but there is a reason they are career minor leaguers. Trade them for relief pitching only, there is no way we could get even a fifth starter for them. It's time to shop Ken Griffery Jr. hard. Don't give him away, but be rational about his value. Try to find a left-handed starter or a dependable reliever. Last off season the Mets traded Heath Bell to the Padres for Ben Johnson(one RBI in nine games) and John Adkins(didn't make the roster). Bell posted a 2.02 era in 93.2 innings. There is no reason Griffey couldn't fetch a pitcher of the ilk. Lastly, do not trade the likes of Josh Hamilton and Jay Bruce unless the names Willis or more preferably Santana are involved. Please leave a comment and check in tomorrow.