Bestbuck36;1175924; said:
We had a chance to win that game. Jlb and I are totally on the same page with regards to Freel. I do not want him ahead of Bruce in the lineup unless its from the bottom of the order. Hairston and Bruce and doing great together lets leave it alone. Freel's wheels are needed but he needs to not be a table setter early on.
I like the two leadoff hitter concept if both guys are capable of acting like a leadoff hitter. Freel will not work a count or take a walk. When he gets on base its because he's seeing the ball well and he gets a hit. I wouldn't mind using him as the #9 hitter and let the pitchers hit 8th but overall when JR is out I think last nights lineup is the best way to go.
The bullpen has been very good for the most part lately as well. Bray has been lights out and so has Cordero. Maj scares the hell out of me and stormy is just that. I'd love to see Thompson/Maloney up soon if we can trade BA and Bailey gets his head together, then Belisle becomes the missing link in the bullpen. It could happen.
Belisle could be the long reliever but the importance of that position is overrated. Burton has looked like a very solid set up man now for a while. Roenicke(sp?) is on his way up and Bray/Weathers/Majewski and company are all there for the front end of the pen.
CL Cordero
RP 1: Burton
RP 2: TBD
RP 3: TBD
RP 4-7: We have guys all over the place to fill these roles
We just need two guys beside Burton currently in the system to step up and be truely effective set up men or get two guys to fill those roles from outside.
I want to trade BA because of his contract and his possible value this year. Then hopefully we can fill both the #4 and #5 spots from within and at least one of the guys develop into an above average MLB pitcher with the other being no worse than average.
Those scenarios fall into place or WJ trades some prospects for proven MLBers to fill the above slots and our pitching is going to be solid as hell.
The bats are humming. We need to ride the wave as far as it will take us. Joey Votto got completely screwed tonight but he's tearing the cover off. Those hits will come and we'll light up the scoreboard as long as everyone else keeps hitting. Gotta get tomorrows win.
Bruce has provided and emotional lift and his completely on fire but the bigger picture Reds improvement has coincided with the Donkey's excellent play over the past month and a half.
He is a force to be reckoned with when he's going well and has some protection in the lineup (Votto). earlier this year I said let him go because I just wanted a change around the team, now that winning may be here a year or two earlier than we thought I think you have to try and sign him to a LTC. You just can't replace the offense he brings.
