Is that optimism I hear?! Careful 40 you're starting to sound like me. Just beware the meltdown, hehe.
I totally agree though with about all you just said.
First, regarding Hatteberg. I love that guy. You know exactly what you are getting with him, day in and day out. Over this pile of crap called a season he has just been steady plugging along at his .300 clip and playing solid defense. I would say unless the offer is just too good to pass up, keep him next season and deep six Conine.
Second, regarding Hamilton. We're playing in the most hitter friendly ballpark in the history of MLB and the FO is leaving him down in AAA until Tuesday? WTF? Coors Field is the place where hitters go to build their confidence. With Hamilton back and Griff swinging the way he is, the meat of our order could be dangerous if Narron doesnt fuck up the lineup everyday. Yeah you're right. Fat chance.:(
Thirdly, I'm all for bringing up the young guys but only to let them contribute. Knowing these dumbasses they'll bring them up to sit the bench or send down someone who actually needs playing time. If Conine is still here after the All-Star break we've absolutely no hope of ever seeing a winning team in Cincinnati again. Don't get me wrong about Conine, he's contributed some this season. If he's still here though when the call ups start that means someone else on the roster isn't here and thats more than likely not going to be a good thing. Castro, Conine and Moeller are the only ones we can get rid of on the infield. At the moment we have no spare parts in the outfield. If we bring up Votto and infielder must go. I would vote for Moeller or Conine first. I know Castro cant hit but he can play 3 infield positions in case of injury. He also hasn't complained as far as I know about playing time so let him sit there if he's content- for now. The 3 catcher thing has to stop. Moeller isnt giving us anything unless one of the other catchers gets hurt. Bring Votto up and lose Moeller. DFA or trade Conine. Hopper, Hamilton, Griffey, Dunn and Freel should be our outfielders unless one gets traded. If thats the case bring Bruce up here and give him the trial by fire when the other guys need their day off.
The pitching staff is an enigma. Lately the starters have been outstanding except for Arroyo. Lets hope he isnt losing interest or faith in the ballclub and going in the tank for the rest of the year. Frankly, I couldnt blame him if he did. Like was previously mentioned, there is some bullpen help on the way. Coutlangus has been very solid. Bray and Guardado can eat up innings. If Coffey's head clears up we could be 5 deep in the bullpen which is a huge if. Salmon needs more innings and Burton needs his shot as well. I wouldn't mind Dumatrait getting a shot later on either, either in the bullpen or starting and letting Livingston get some relief. Having 2 solid lefties in the rotation would be a nice change from the Reds norm. Harang, Arroyo, Bailey, Livingston, Dumatrait would be pretty nice if we could pull that off. Can Belisle close games? I'd give him a shot if no one else can step up and do it. Right now we need him as the #3 but when Bailey gets up here it might be worth a look. Just grasping at straws here. Not much to hold onto at the moment.