A different perspective: What if nothing changes? (Part1)

As the trading deadline approaches, everyone speculate on who the Reds should get and why. I’d like to do something a little different and speculate on what should happen if nothing happens.

Let’s assume everything stays as-is. We know this team has some pretty good offense, they rank among the top in the league in most of the major offensive categories. But they also have some not-so-good offensive peculiarities: They lead the league in shutouts, that is, they’ve been shutout 12 times already, and though they have so far been able to come from behind and win a lot of close games, it’s also a little alarming that they HAVE to come from behind so often and have had so many close games. So, what do they need to do to improve with what they have now? Some would argue that they should continue on like they have been all year. If it’s working, don’t mess with it. But I think there are a few things they could and should do to make their offense a little better.

First, Cabrera is not a top-of-the-order hitter. Well, maybe he was at one time, but he’s not this year. He should be moved down in the order…way down. His backup, Janish, is known for his strong glove and weak bat, but in limited use this year, he’s actually doing well at the plate. I wouldn’t say he should replace Cabrera on the depth chart, but I’d definitely give him more playing time than he’s been getting.

Second, we aren’t really getting the offensive production we need from the centerfield position. Stubbs is getting most of the playing time, and though he has speed and a bit more power, his .230-ish average and .300-ish OBP really hurts. I’d like to see Heisey get more playing time. He’s unproven at the MLB level, but after almost 90 at-bats so far he’s hitting .277 with an OBP of .358. I say switch the depth chart and put him as the starting centerfielder and use Stubbs as the backup and stop-gap for those defensive substitutions and pinch hit double switches when you’re bringing in the relief pitchers.

Here’s the batting order & lineup I’d use:

CF Heisey
2B Phillips
1B Votto
3B Rolen
LF Gomes
RF Bruce
C Hanigan/Hernandez
SS Cabrera
P

Gomes’ spot in the batting order is fairly interchangeable with Hanigan/Hernandez depending on who’s catching for the Reds at the time and who the opposing pitcher is, but I think I’d leave the rest of it alone for the most part. It gives our #3 thru #6 hitters protection on both sides, and our leadoff spot has protection behind him.

I’d use Stubbs and Janish for as many pinch hit and spot start opportunities as I could. We also have Cairo & Nix on the bench and in the September call-ups, have some talented guys who might help, (Y. Alonso and J. Francisco).

I’ll break down the pitching next time…