As the trading deadline draws nearer, here are a few thoughts on what the Reds need, and what I think they should do.
Needs: This is an easy one, because it’s almost the same as what they needed going in to the season from an offensive standpoint; a true leadoff hitter who can cause some havoc on the basepaths; a power threat as insurance & protection for the middle of the lineup; and lastly, some middle relief pitching.
The middle relief pitching could be already shored up, but only if a few things fall into place. Chapman needs gets his control problems taken care of, and if he does, he could be a 5 thru 7 inning relief guy and spot starter. It could be a good way to ease him into the big leagues and prepare him for a possible rotation spot next year. Of course, it could also blow up in their faces and he could hurt more than help if he can’t control his stuff. The addition of Jason Isringhausen and Russ Springer could turn out to be really nice if they can get close to what they used to be just a few years ago. I have a better feeling about Isringhausen than I do Springer, but only time will tell. With these three situations, I don’t see them being any worse than where we are right now, and I don’t see any really good alternatives with anyone any other team trade-wise.
I do see what I think could be a really good opportunity via trade for a solid leadoff guy though. I went looking thru the list of possible free agents at the end of the season and noticed that Scott Podsednik could be a free agent at the end of the season. There is a club option and a buyout clause, but I have to think the Reds could work something out for the Royals leftfielder/centerfielder. He’s quietly having a really good year and would fit in very nicely between Gomes and Bruce in the Reds outfield.
I don’t see a good option for some power protection in the middle of the lineup, but I do think that the addition of Podsednik would take care of this in an indirect way. If this were to happen, hopefully Dusty would be smart enough to bat him leadoff, put Phillips in the 2-spot and throw Cabrera down towards the number 8-spot where he obviously belongs. I think this batting order would be great: Podsednik, Phillips, Votto, Rolen, Gomes, Bruce, Hanigan, SS, P. Now, you can take the 4 thru 6 hitters and mix them however you think, but what an improvement a real leadoff hitter can make…
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