[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090...+backfire?

Why would a team so clearly out of the race as the Reds add a veteran player at the deadline? Walt Jocketty’s answer was simple and very telling.

“Scott Rolen makes us much better for this year and next,” the Reds general manager said.

What about 2011? 2012?

Jocketty said he hopes to re-sign Rolen when his contract runs out. But even if that happens and Rolen remains healthy and productive at age 36 and 37, this trade could backfire if Josh Roenicke turns into a back-of-the-bullpen guy and Zach Stewart ends up as a No.3 starter.

The Reds pulling the trigger on the Rolen trade tells you three things:


1) They don’t see a leader among the current group of position players. I think Jay Bruce could be that guy down the line. But when you’re 22 years old and hitting .202, it’s hard to get the troops to rally around you. Joey Votto is too quiet. And Brandon Phillips really can’t get on anyone about hustling.


2) They gave up on Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion has been an enigma. He hit .276 with 33 doubles, 15 home runs and 72 RBI in 2003 as a 23-year-old. He followed by hitting .289 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI in 2007. I thought he’d be a star one day. Now, I have no idea what he’ll be.


3) And this is most important: Bob Castellini is never, ever going to go all-in with a rebuilding plan. That was the case when he fired Dan O’Brien shortly after taking over the team and that’s the case now.

[beasy_bo]

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090...+backfire?

Why would a team so clearly out of the race as the Reds add a veteran player at the deadline? Walt Jocketty’s answer was simple and very telling.

“Scott Rolen makes us much better for this year and next,” the Reds general manager said.

What about 2011? 2012?

Jocketty said he hopes to re-sign Rolen when his contract runs out. But even if that happens and Rolen remains healthy and productive at age 36 and 37, this trade could backfire if Josh Roenicke turns into a back-of-the-bullpen guy and Zach Stewart ends up as a No.3 starter.

The Reds pulling the trigger on the Rolen trade tells you three things:


1) They don’t see a leader among the current group of position players. I think Jay Bruce could be that guy down the line. But when you’re 22 years old and hitting .202, it’s hard to get the troops to rally around you. Joey Votto is too quiet. And Brandon Phillips really can’t get on anyone about hustling.


2) They gave up on Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion has been an enigma. He hit .276 with 33 doubles, 15 home runs and 72 RBI in 2003 as a 23-year-old. He followed by hitting .289 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI in 2007. I thought he’d be a star one day. Now, I have no idea what he’ll be.


3) And this is most important: Bob Castellini is never, ever going to go all-in with a rebuilding plan. That was the case when he fired Dan O’Brien shortly after taking over the team and that’s the case now.

everyone in the locker room said that votto is vocal and he has everyone's attention when he speaks. also he leads by example which i know you agree with. i believe they have four key position players votto, phillips, bruce and hanigan that we have to keep and work around. maybe even gomes. i think it everyone could actually start hitting the play we would be alright.

[More Cowbell]

everyone in the locker room said that votto is vocal and he has everyone's attention when he speaks. also he leads by example which i know you agree with. i believe they have four key position players votto, phillips, bruce and hanigan that we have to keep and work around. maybe even gomes. i think it everyone could actually start hitting the play we would be alright.

Jonny Gomes never has been and never will be a key player; if he is, your team's in trouble. He is a decent player for the Reds, but make no mistake, he would not start for most MLB teams.

Hanigan is a nice player, but I wouldn't call him a cornerstone either. He is a fairly good catcher on a team desperately in need of one.

The cornerstones on this year's roster are: Votto, Phillips, Bruce, Cueto, and Volquez. Maybe Bailey if he can get his stuff together.

[Stardust]

Jonny Gomes never has been and never will be a key player; if he is, your team's in trouble. He is a decent player for the Reds, but make no mistake, he would not start for most MLB teams.

Hanigan is a nice player, but I wouldn't call him a cornerstone either. He is a fairly good catcher on a team desperately in need of one.

The cornerstones on this year's roster are: Votto, Phillips, Bruce, Cueto, and Volquez. Maybe Bailey if he can get his stuff together.

I would love to see this young man finally "get it". He may have found the pitch that finally gives him a chance in the Big's

[More Cowbell]

I would love to see this young man finally "get it". He may have found the pitch that finally gives him a chance in the Big's

I just went and saw him pitch this past Saturday. He made it through the order okay the first 3 innings, but got hit hard after that. From where I was sitting, I couldn't tell how much he was throwing the splitter.