[Scotty doesn't know]

Whoa, I don't know if I would go that far. I said don't give up on him, but EE has also not shown enough yet to say he is a cornerstone for the future. The jury is simply not out yet on him.

I also think it's a little early to slap that label on Hamilton, although I have been very impressed with him so far. Just remember, he has only been in the majors a grand total of 3 1/2 months now.

Phillips, on the other hand, has definitely shown that he is a future all-star, and I agree he should be one of the cornerstones, along with Homer Bailey, Joey Votto, and Jay Bruce. I would also not trade Harang or Arroyo, we have them locked up for 3 more years at a reasonable rate.

I didn't say that I think that it is right. I meant that it is what I think Krivsky is thinking. "Hamilton and EE will be the future stars of this team therefore begin molding the team around them." Conserve money (Dunn and Griffey), invest in new young talent (pitcheres, Jay Bruce), build around future stars, and you got a rebuilt outfield and a revamped payroll. You are right about Phillips, he is one of the guys they should build around, he has really shown the offensive and defensive flashes this year and seems to be ready to be the Reds next big all-star.