In typical Walt Jocketty fashion, the Cincinnati Reds aren't making any big splashes at the 2010 Winter Meetings in sunny (and balmy) Orlando, Florida.
By all accounts, the Reds already look to have a solid roster in place for the 2011 season, but there are some areas of need that many fans think the Reds should address this offseason. Perhaps the most talked-about need the Reds have is the lack of a proven leadoff hitter.
The two options the Reds used for the majority of 2010 did not look comfortable hitting out of the leadoff spot. Brandon Phillips had a line of .251/.302/.394 (average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) while Drew Stubbs amassed a line of .220/.324/.374 while hitting out of the leadoff spot. Both players overal season numbers were much higher, indicating that neither is a good fit for the leadoff spot.
Contrary to popular belief, a solid leadoff hitter doesn't have to have the blazing speed of Drew Stubbs, he just needs to be able to get on base. That being said, there aren't a lot of options for the Reds to pursue this offseason. The thought that the Reds might be able to land someone like Carl Crawford or Justin Upton just isn't reasonable since the Reds are almost at the breaking point for their 2011 budget.
One possible target could be Stephen Drew of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 27-year-old shortstop could fill two potential needs for the 2011 Reds. He would be a good option at shortstop (although not much of an improvement offensively) and with his career on-base percentage of .332, he would make for a decent leadoff hitter.
The fact that the Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Reds OF Chris Heisey could be the starting point for discussions on a possible deal that would swap the two players.
The next area that many fans think the Reds need to address is to find a big-name hammer of a starting pitcher. The two guys that fit that bill would be Cliff Lee and Zach Greinke. Lee is seemingly wanted by more teams than teenage girls wanted their picture taken with Joey Votto at RedsFest. That mixed with the fact that it will likely cost around $120-130 million to sign Lee make him an unattainable target.
That leaves the Reds looking at Greinke. Although, according to Jocketty on December, 7, the Reds hadn't even had preliminary talks with the Royals about their Ace. Greinke's contract probably wouldn't be unmanagable for the Reds, the only possible snag in a deal for the former Cy Young winner would be what the Reds would have to give up to get him.
If the Reds were to have a chance to get Greinke, it would probably require a package that would send Yonder Alonso (or Juan Francisco), a catching prospect such as Yasmani Grandal (or Devin Mesoraco) and a pitcher or two such as Matt Maloney and Sam LeCure.
The question then becomes, is Greinke worth all that? That's a question for Mr. Jocketty; and from the looks of how the Winter Meetings are going, I think we have our answer.
As the days go by, it looks more and more like Jocketty and the Reds are perfectly content not to make a splash at the Winter Meetings, feeling they like their chances in 2011 with the team they already have.
Based on the 2010 season, many fans feel the same. With a little more consistency from guys like Jonny Gomes, Jay Bruce and Edinson Volquez and this team could easily make a deep run in the 2011 playoffs.
So whether it be a big splash in the pond that is the Winter Meetings or just some peaceful reflection-gazing in the water, it is "In Walt We Trust."
Comments