Cincinnati Reds 2009

One of my biggest hobbies is following the Cincinnati Reds and this year is no exception. After watching my team struggle this year and trading two star players what should we look for in 2009?

In my opinion the Reds will be a better ball club. To start with Griffey and Dunn were bringing this team down. Their lack of bunting, running and hitting with runners in scoring position contributed to our complete lack of offense. The Cincinnati Reds need to become a faster better defensive team where everyone does what they can to win. Star players who refuse to bunt, hustle and move around in the lineup have hurt this team. Griffey and Dunn are great players but wouldn't have a place on my team going forward.

If I was the Reds GM I would do just what Walt Jocketty has done by trimming the fat. Now that we have freed up all that payroll we can pay some of our free agents that are due raises and look for other opportunities in free agency.

How does Ivan Rodriguez sound behind home plate? I think it would be awesome. Why? Well because we have a nice group of young pitchers that could use a veteran guy that has worked with some great pitchers in the past. Two of our best young pitchers who are Spanish speaking would also benefit by having Rodriguez as a mentor. The Reds lack offensive production from the catcher's position would also be solved with the addition of this future hall of famer. This is a major hole in the current team but his $12M contract would be worth it.

The reds infield is solid, especially if Alex Gonzalez comes back. If so how about putting Hairston, Jr. in center next year, Bruce in right and have Freel, Hopper and Dickerson fight it out in Left. If not than how about going after Bobby Abreu or Vladimir Guerrero? I have heard talk about the Reds going after Manny Ramirez but I don't think we should. We don't need our young players around guys that might not be awesome in the clubhouse.

I think the pitching staff will work out next year and would be all for the Reds making a run at C.C. Sabathia. What a rotation we would have and he would be a great influence on the rest of the guys and maybe teach them a thing or two.

I can't wait to see what the Reds actuall do. I expect them to be very busy this off season.