Post by Fuck Mike Brown on Nov 12, 2007 22:16:09 GMT -5
In my mind, the offseason is just getting started tomorrow when free agency begins. So, here are the five things that I want to see the Reds do from now until spring training.
1. Get Some Pitching
The Reds bullpen and starting rotation are currently awful. They need to trade for or sign a premier free agent starter to put into the number two or three spot. They simply don't have enough depth right now in the rotation. I don't care how they do it, just get it done. With the bullpen, I really think they just need to acquire some middle relievers. If they can sign a closer or set-up man, that would be great. But it is essential that they get a pitcher who can consistently shut hitters down in the sixth and/or seventh inning.
2. Lock Up Brandon Phillips
Phillips is up for arbitration this offseason, where he could be looking for the big money after having a breakout season. This is the time to sign him to a long-term deal. His contract is up after next season. He is the guy that the Reds need to and should build their franchise around. He tries hard, gets results, and is exciting. All of these things add up to the fans loving him creating more money. This is very important to do, because Phillips is the future of the Reds.
3. Show That Your Not Afraid To Spend
The Reds have never really spent that much money. When they do, they seem to not sign the right guy, making them back off for a while. The latest installment in this series was Eric Milton. Now, the Reds are going to have to be aggressive if free agency and trading. They cannot afford to stand pat and wait the offseason out, much like they did last year. Sure, they have an exciting class of prospects that will be with them this upcoming season, but they still need to go out there and spend. Show the other teams that you are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Signing Dusty Baker was a very good start.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Trade Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. will be hitting his six hundredth home run sometime next season. This, however, is not a reason to not trade him if the possibility exists. The Mariners could be looking for an outfielder for next season, and Griffey said that he wanted to go back there. They have a very deep bullpen, and also have some nice prospects at catcher. Seems like a perfect fit. Bottom line is that the front office cannot keep him in Cincinnati for the sole reason that it will bring more fans. With Jay Bruce almost ready, it seems the sensible thing to do is trade Griffey.
5. Keep Farm System In-tact
I know the majority of my goals have been to be aggressive in trades, but the Reds cannot trade away too much of their farm system. The farm system has not been this deep in a long time, mainly because of Marge Schotte, and the Reds need to realize that. Some of the prospects they have will never come around again. They need to think hard before pulling the trigger on a deal that will send Homer Bailey, Jay Bruce, or another one of their great minor leaguers away.
cincinnatiredsbaseball.blogspot.com/2007/11/five-offseason-goals.html
1. Get Some Pitching
The Reds bullpen and starting rotation are currently awful. They need to trade for or sign a premier free agent starter to put into the number two or three spot. They simply don't have enough depth right now in the rotation. I don't care how they do it, just get it done. With the bullpen, I really think they just need to acquire some middle relievers. If they can sign a closer or set-up man, that would be great. But it is essential that they get a pitcher who can consistently shut hitters down in the sixth and/or seventh inning.
2. Lock Up Brandon Phillips
Phillips is up for arbitration this offseason, where he could be looking for the big money after having a breakout season. This is the time to sign him to a long-term deal. His contract is up after next season. He is the guy that the Reds need to and should build their franchise around. He tries hard, gets results, and is exciting. All of these things add up to the fans loving him creating more money. This is very important to do, because Phillips is the future of the Reds.
3. Show That Your Not Afraid To Spend
The Reds have never really spent that much money. When they do, they seem to not sign the right guy, making them back off for a while. The latest installment in this series was Eric Milton. Now, the Reds are going to have to be aggressive if free agency and trading. They cannot afford to stand pat and wait the offseason out, much like they did last year. Sure, they have an exciting class of prospects that will be with them this upcoming season, but they still need to go out there and spend. Show the other teams that you are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Signing Dusty Baker was a very good start.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Trade Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. will be hitting his six hundredth home run sometime next season. This, however, is not a reason to not trade him if the possibility exists. The Mariners could be looking for an outfielder for next season, and Griffey said that he wanted to go back there. They have a very deep bullpen, and also have some nice prospects at catcher. Seems like a perfect fit. Bottom line is that the front office cannot keep him in Cincinnati for the sole reason that it will bring more fans. With Jay Bruce almost ready, it seems the sensible thing to do is trade Griffey.
5. Keep Farm System In-tact
I know the majority of my goals have been to be aggressive in trades, but the Reds cannot trade away too much of their farm system. The farm system has not been this deep in a long time, mainly because of Marge Schotte, and the Reds need to realize that. Some of the prospects they have will never come around again. They need to think hard before pulling the trigger on a deal that will send Homer Bailey, Jay Bruce, or another one of their great minor leaguers away.
cincinnatiredsbaseball.blogspot.com/2007/11/five-offseason-goals.html
