[More Cowbell]

It's time for the Reds to start getting ready for next year, just like they always do the last week in July.

1) Listen to offers for Arroyo and Harang.

- Cincy should accept a low-level prospect for Arroyo, or a mid-level prospect if the other team requests the Reds pay part of his salary.

- Harang should only be traded if a team makes an overwhelming offer of multiple high-level prospects for him. Otherwise, trading him while he is in a slump makes no sense (sell high, buy low, right?). I still think Harang should be the ace of this team, but he has some mechanical issues that a good pitching coach needs to iron out.

2) Listen to offers for Weathers and Rhodes.

- Weathers may seem like he is washed-up, but veteran relievers always seem to be in demand this time of year. He should be able to fetch a low-level prospect.

- Rhodes should be in even more demand. He is one of the best lefty specialists in the game, and would be very valuable to some team in the late innings of a playoff game. Rhodes should bring back at least a mid-level prospect. If not, keep him for next year, as his contract isn't too unreasonable.

3) Resist the urge to trade Cordero just to shed payroll.

As always, if a team bowls the Reds over with a big package of prospects, then go ahead, but don't just trade him because of his contract. As much as his signing has been criticized by Reds fans, I think his presence at the end of the bullpen has been a stabilizing influence. He has only blown 1 save all year, and him being entrenched in the ninth inning allows other guys to pitch in roles more suited to them. I would be happy if Coco was still back as closer next year.

4) Try to find someone dumb enough to take Willy Tavares off their hands.

We can dream, can't we? :biggrin: