I was enjoying the Hot Stove League radio program last night and have to mention something Thom Brennaman brought up. A caller asked what moves he would make if he were the Reds general manager. He first mentioned dangling Ken Griffey Jr. on the trade market. Not only do I agree, I think Wayne Krivsky should let it be known that unless no realistic offer is made Griffey will be moved. I appreciate what Griffey has done for baseball and more specifically for the Reds but there is no way they are going to sign him after the 2008 season so they should get something via a trade. Brad Lidge was traded yesterday and most people won't agree but I would have taken Brad Lidge for Griffey Jr. Brennaman also said that he would start a youth movement immediately. He spoke of an outfield of Adam Dunn in left, Josh Hamilton in center, and Jay Bruce in right. Jay Bruce may experience some growing pains at the plate from time to time, but he'll be an upgrade defensively and he's the future; not Hopper, not Freel, and not Griffey. Brennaman's infield was Edwin Encarnacion at 3rd, Alex Gonzalez at short, Brandon Phillips at 2nd, and Joey Votto at 1st. Great defense (and pretty darn good offense) up the middle and a good right and left handed bat at 3rd and 1st. Finally Thom's rotation would be Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, and a pitcher the team would pick up before spring training. I'll go him one better, Matt Belisle would be my fifth starter (actually probably fourth; Cueto fifth). 2007 was Belisle's first full year as a starter and his numbers compare closely to Harang's first full season. The bullpen obviously needs work, but if David Weathers gives another season like 2007, Jared Burton and Bill Bray get a year better, and Gary Majewski can ever get healthy, the relievers aren't as bad as one may think. All in all I agree with Brennaman, with the talent the Reds have in triple-A and the disappointment of last season it is time to see what the young guys can do. |
1 comment:
The kids are alright Adam..
But what about moves? What moves would you make, feasible obviously, if you were behind Krivksy's desk in that big leather chair?
I'll list a few that I think could be pulled off. Some are trades just for the sake of a different roster, others could actually be pulled off.
1. Edwin Encarnacion to the Yankees for Ian Kennedy straight up.
This trade would keep the youth movement of the team and strengthen the pitching staff for the next few years. Getting Kennedy while under control is key here. The Reds however would lose their only semblance of right handed power in their lineup. Brandon Phillips can't hit 2nd and 4th.
2. Ken Griffey Jr. to the Twins for Carlos Silva.
Every GM in his right mind knows that Griffey can't play centerfield anymore. He enjoyed a rebirth of sorts this past season, and the move to right field can't be ignored as a cause. The Twins need a DH, and they have young pitching coming out of orifices I can't even see. Silva has one year left with the Twins, and is likely a Type B free agent after the year if the Reds couldn't resign him. He's looking at about 4 years for $40mm and he's younger than the crop of middle of the rotation guys that got money last year.
What do you think Adam?
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