Reds fans - we have no game today so we have a little more time to think about how great next season might be. I keep searching the web in hopes that Walt Jocketty has finally realized that this team is going nowhere. There are numerous trade rumors floating around about the potential trades of Reds players.
1. I have now read that Bronson Arroyo may be going to the Yankees. This guy has to be unloaded, and soon. Arroyo's salary exceeds the $9 million dollar mark next season. There is no way he finishes the season in a Reds uniform. Unfortunately, I don't see the Reds getting much in return other that prospects. I have read some Yankee post and they don't seem real thrilled abou the idea. Lets hope there management sees it a different way and takes Arroyo off our hands.
2. Ken Griffey Jr. to the Tampa Bay Rays. I still believe all these rumors to be false. I follow the Rays almost as much as I do the Reds and there is just no place for Griffey to play in Tampa Bay. The Rays already have a guy in the DH position that can produce as well as Griffey can in the person of Cliff Floyd. Griffey certainly isn't going to go to play the field on the hard turf in Tropicana Field. I would say the chances of this happening are less than 2%. I do see Griffey being moved shortly before or shortly after the All Star break. I would see a team like the Mets or an American League team in need of a left handed bat in the DH role.
3. Aaron Harang has to be the biggest disappointment on the Reds this year. There isn't a Reds fan out there who would have thought that Aaron Harang would be 3-10 with a 4.33 ERA. I understand he was a victim of no run support early in the year, but he has not pitched well. He has already given up 51 earned runs in 107 innings and 15 home runs already. Easily on pace to be the worst season of his career. Harang is 30 years old and has been an inning eater for the Reds, but with the young talent coming up in the system, I see Aaron Harang being a victim of payroll cutting. I would see a contending team trading for Harang at or near the All Star break. Teams that I think would have interest, Twins, Oakland, Red Sox, Yankees, Marlins and Mets.
4. The three headed monster at the catcher position. I think the odd man out here is Javier Valentin. This guy is getting no playing time, and will probably be included in a deal with one of the players above. He could also be traded to a team who needs a lefty off the bench for a low end prospect or cash
5. Adam Dunn. Another soon to be victim of payroll slashing by the Cincinnati Reds. I don't think Castellini or Jocketty will want to pick up the option on Adam Dunn for $14 million next season. Dunn is struggling at the plate this year. Hitting .219 with 18 home runs, 43 Rbi's, and 77 strikeouts in 228 AB's. Worse yet, he is batting an even .200 with RISP, thats a total of 12 hits in 60 at bats with runners on, and .136 with two out and RISP. Not exactly what you want out of a cleanup hitter, or in Dustys case, a five hole hitter. I think Dunns numbers may be a little skewed this year too, because he is not seeing any pitches. Dunn is misused in the lineup, and in no way should he be hitting in the 5 hole. His spot is being taken by old man Griffey. Griffey should be hitting in the 5th or 6th spot in the order. It is my opinion that other than Arroyo, I think Adam Dunn will be the first player voted off the Reds island. I think that the Reds look for a solid 5th starter, some bullpen help, and/or a solid utility player in return.
6. What to do with the rest. Somehow Josh Fogg, Corey Patterson, David Weathers, Gary Majewski and Mike Lincoln are still taking up roster space on this team. First and foremost, Corey Patterson. There is not a worse hitter on Major League baseball right now. It is far beyond my knowledge as to why this guy gets any playing time. We have all said the same thing. Reds should eat the three million dollar salary or take the best thing they can get for him. I say trade him back to the Cubs for a deep dish pizza. Josh Fogg, though not on the active roster, should be released. He is done. Same with David Weathers. His numbers look better on paper than in game situations. Trade him away to a team who needs a pitcher who cand hold a lead. Mike Lincoln's only drawback is his incosistency. After recovering from major arm surgery, he has had some really good outings, and really bad outings. The problem with him Lincoln is his ability to spot a fastball with movement. Lincoln has one of the top five curveballs in Major League baseball. It is flat out nasty. The problem is, he has to be ahead in the count to use it properly. When he lays a 90mph fastball over the dish, it gets hammered. If he get ahead in the count, he does very well.
These are just a few things I was thinking about as the Reds are assured they won;t lose tonight!
