Hey everyone. Since I was born and raised in Cincinnati, I have always been a huge Reds fan, but the times have been hard. I was wondering if anyone had some feedback on what the Reds should do to turn things around? Here are a few things I was thinking of.
The Reds recently fired GM Wayne Krivsky and put in Walt Jocketty. I think Jocketty's prior success with the Cardinals was what drew the Reds to this move. He wasn't a guy that brought in huge name players, but he kind of built the Cardinals from the ground up. This is the approach the Reds are going to have to take if they want to compete. They don't have the huge payroll to go out and sign every guy they want, so they have to bring them up through the farm system.
As far as the current team we are fielding, I think a few changes could be made. I am one of the people who hated the Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez trade. Hamilton was a 5 tool player and he's going to be an all-star. Volquez has been great so far, but looking at the players the Reds have struggling out in centerfield right now, I think they should have tried to get Volquez for someone else. I like the infield with Keppinger, Votto, Phillips, and Encarnacion. They are all young and have potential. I think the outfield is where the problems are. I have never been a fan of Adam Dunn hitting .240 every year, but I don't see them moving him. I think it's time to bring up Jay Bruce. He is by far the best prospect we have. The pitching staff has been solid with Harang, Volquez, and Cueto, but Arroyo has been bombing and the 5th spot in the rotation is a question. They have some guys in the minors like Homer Bailey, but if they aren't ready, you have to go out and get a guy. I like the addition of Paul Bako behind the plate. He knows how to manage the pitchers, and he'll hit a little bit.
If I could make one move for the Reds, it would be to get rid of Dunn and bring in a guy for the top of the order. I want a player like Carl Crawford or Jose Reyes who is going to bat .300 and steal 50 or 60 bases. The Reds need this guy at the top of the line up to get on base for all the big guys after him.
Well, those are my thoughts on it. Give me some feedback on what all you other Reds fans think. See ya