Based on their wretched record and lowly rank as the worst team in the National League, the Reds are in need of all the help they can get. They're in no position to ignore any advice or suggestion they might receive, regardless of the source. They should be all ears to any recommendation that might find them, including those from an ink-stained sportswriter like myself.
So, for just a brief time, let's pretend yours truly has been magically transformed into the Reds' temporary general manager by an exceedingly desperate Bob Castellini. Now, as I enter my cushy executive office, wearing a natty navy-blue pinstripe suit, hair slicked back, Blackberry in hand and cell phone at the ready, I'm fully confident in the knowledge that I've got the wherewithal to turn the Reds around and salvage this up-to-now brutal season.
Here are a few of the items that I'll place at the top of my agenda.
Don't Trade Dunn or Griffey - One thing I'm not going to do is give these guys away for a song and the scuttlebutt is that no one is willing to part with a package that will make the Reds demonstrably better, now or in the future. Besides, I find the thought of having to deal either of these recognizable figures a bit disturbing.
Because Dunn is still producing and has shown some flashes of a more mature approach to his hitting in '07, I'm just not quite ready to pull the plug on him. I still believe there's an extra dimension to his game and that he's on the verge of discovering it. So unless someone offers the moon for the hulking redhead, I'm standing pat. Predicated on how he finishes the season, I can make a more reasoned decision as to whether to move him, pick up his option or even try to sign him to some sort of extension.
As for Griffey, he's virtually an untouchable to my way of thinking. Why? Because even at 37 years of age, he's still one of the most dynamic forces in the game. Just look at what he's capable of doing when healthy. With that sweet stroke intact and with a conversion to rightfield saving him considerable wear and tear, I'm convinced he's got at least two more years of standout play before him.
Moreover, "Griff" is the face of my franchise. He gives my team an identity and something to market. Add to all this the fact that he's a great clubhouse presence and is a true source of inspiration to his teammates, it becomes almost imperative that he stay. Only a mega deal that knocks my socks off gets me to peddle the "Kid."
Play Valentin More - Yeah, I'm fully aware that Javier isn't exactly a Johnny Bench behind the plate. No doubt he won't ever win any Gold Gloves but damn, this guy can stroke. It's essential that the Reds extract much more out of his educated bat that they've been getting to date. He's got to start a minimum of four games a week from now on.
The Reds have tried to get it done with defensive stalwart David Ross doing the bulk of the receiving but because he's such an anemic average hitter, it just isn't worth it. Valentin is one of Cincy's top clutch batsmen and if I have to sacrifice some defense in order to get him in the lineup, then I'll gladly do it. I'd rather take my chances with Valentin's bat rather than Ross' glove.
Bring Up Joey Votto - Let's face it. The prospect for a postseason berth is deader than Julius Caesar. It's time to integrate some new blood into this lethargic team at a position or two. First base is among them. The moment has come to turn the page. A young and potentially potent bat might provide just the sort of energy and spark that could help lift Cincy from its' bottom dwelling status.
The fresh-faced kid I want to take a long look at is 23-year old first sacker Joey Votto. Last year, he thoroughly kicked ass at the Double-A level. In '07, after a simply atrocious start, the 6-3, 220-pound Votto has taken to tearing things up ( .315, 11 HR, 50 RBI ). He's got the kind of sock that the Reds could surely use from a corner position.
In truth, Votto may not be quite ready but in a lost season, there's no reason not to give him a try. At worst, he'll gain some valuable experience and on the flip side, he might prove himself to be a revelation.
As much as I like and admire Scott Hatteberg, he of the smooth swing and the highly competitive nature, his lack of pop and his advanced age eliminate him as a long-term fix at first. The promising Votto just might be that guy. Let's find out now if he might have a future at the next level.
Watch Lohse Carefully - The true enigma of the Reds is unquestionably Kyle Lohse. Catcher Ross insists that Lohse has topflight stuff and who should know better than the backstop. The trouble is that Lohse is maddeningly erratic, pitching a dominant game here but then going two or three outings of being utterly mediocre or worse. Consistency doesn't seem to be in Lohse's vocabulary. He fluctuates like an unpredictable stock.
Lohse must be intensely scrutinized from this point forward. If he can demonstrate a dependability and the look of someone who can be counted upon, then by all means make a concerted effort to sign him to a two-year deal. When he's right and on his game, Lohse would be an asset to any staff. He would make a solid 3rd, 4th or 5th starter.
But should his flighty ways continue, if you're still in the dark from one start to another as to exactly what you're getting, then wish him the best and move on. Don't be tantalized by his potential upside. If he can't stay focused and above all else consistent, the Reds would be better off without him.
Hire A Tough Manager With Personality - On many levels, the last three Cincy managers seemed as if they were cut from the same cloth. Saying they were boring may be a somewhat of a stretch but characterizing them as non-descript wouldn't be. Their lack of emotion was simultaneously conspicuous and troubling. Bob Boone, Dave Miley and Jerry Narron came across as being rather laid back, much more reactive than proactive. Be honest now, do you think any of the aforementioned trio ever stirred the blood of the players they oversaw? Ever remember any of them really getting after it, either on the bench or on the field, for that matter?
The time has come for the Reds to go in a totally different direction when it comes to the next manager's makeup and mindset. Cincy needs someone with a bit of an edge. A forceful personality who isn't afraid to confront the players should they require a stern talking-to or a deserved going-over. A manager who's more interested in results than being liked. A skipper who's concern is being respected rather than being loved.
The Red teams of recent vintage clearly haven't responded to someone tending towards the low-key approach. In retrospect, they would have greatly benefited from some periodic kicks in the ass over the last few years but unfortunately, no one had the inclination to do just that.
So unless Cincy goes on an absolute tear and Pete Mackinin proves to be something truly special, a strong, feisty and commanding personality should be the kind of leader that the Reds import.
Using the above qualifications as a criteria, there are two individuals Cincy should definitely target. One is former Met manager Bobby Valentine who's earned kudos and achieved popularity over in Japan. Valentine has a track record of success in the bigs and he's not shy about laying down the law when necessary.
Valentine brings with him a colorful persona and an innovative flair when it comes to both strategy as well as how to sell his team. He certainly has box-office appeal and his intense hunger to get back to the majors to once again prove himself bodes well for any club that chooses to hire him.
The other candidate Cincy should zero in on is the highly coveted Joe Girardi. Having earned a most positive reputation because of the splendid job he did in Florida with the low-budget Marlins, Girardi seems poised for stardom.
What's more, he's relatively young and driven. He emits the aura of a guy who's in control and thoroughly on top of things, just the sort of a authoritative figure the Reds are craving to find. Girardi obviously has it upstairs and he's also got the fire in his belly to become a standout skipper. The Reds would be well advised to make a strong run at the currently available Girardi.
Well, unfortunately, the make-believe is coming to an end and my time as the Reds' fantasy G.M. is just about up. It'll be interesting to see if any of the recommendations put forth here will be considered, let alone implemented.
But this much is certain. The Reds are an organization that needs to change its' karma and alter its' dynamic. So at this juncture, they shouldn't be dismissive of any advise they might receive. They should welcome any input that they can get!