[More Cowbell]

With the trade deadline (July 31) now only a little more than two weeks away, what do you think the Cincinnati Reds should do?

On the negative side, they currently have a losing record of 42-45, and sit in 5th place of a six-team division (thank goodness for the Pirates). The hitting has been spotty at best all season, and the pitching that has held them up so far is now starting to show some cracks.

On the plus side, even though they have a losing record, they are only 5 games out of first place, with only 3 more losses than the first-place Cardinals. The Reds have held together well despite the loss of their best hitter Joey Votto for about a month, and without one of their best pitchers Edinson Volquez for the past 6 weeks. With Votto now healthy, and Volquez possibly returning in the next few weeks, perhaps the Reds have one more run left in them.

So what should they do? Trade away young prospects for a veteran hitter and make a run this season? Or should they look toward 2010 and look to spin marketable vets like Rhodes, Weathers, Harang, and Arroyo for more prospects? If you want, suggest a possible trade that would be appealing for both teams (i.e., don't suggest they trade Arroyo for Hanley Ramirez).

I'll post my take later.