[More Cowbell]

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.

I'm not convinced that is what the Kriv is thinking either. Maybe with Hamilton (can't hurt that he's the one who signed him), but I'm not so sure with Encarnacion. I mean, he did send EE down to Louisville earlier this year after a couple bad games. I thought that was pretty harsh at the time, but even more so if he considers him a franchise cornerstone. Granted, EE hit his way back up to the big club and has continued hitting well, but who knows how long they would've left him there if he struggled?

Side note, I am really excited to see what Bruce will do when he makes it up to Cincy in a couple years!