Most interesting things

Some casual fans wonder why even pay attention to the rest of the season, the Reds are out of it, but to a serious fan, this seasons remaining games are part of the beginning of next year.

I think the Reds can safely assume that in Johnny Gomes they have found the power hitting right-handed bat they have long been searching. Gomes swatted 3 home runs two of which were upper deck shots! One begins to look at the outfield for next year and it kind of looks like, Jay Bruce in left, Johnny Gomes in right, and Chris Dickerson in center (assuming that Dusty can remove his head from his rectum on the bases). Would I rather have Juan Pierre in center? Certainly, but the time for that is past.

The most interesting thing was discussed in the pre game show when Jeff Brantley and George Grande discussed the recent conversion of 2007 draft choice Todd Frazier to second base and speculated that Brandon Phillips might be making the move home to his natural position Short-Stop. If this is so then the infield looks like this Votto at first, Rolen at third, Phillips at short, and Frazier maybe at second? This would be a very potent line-up, with Hanigan catching.

This brings us back to pitching. What the Reds should do is break the bank and go get Roy Halladay. The Reds lack a stopper. Edinson Volquez is out for all of next year and this year is not even over yet! Harang and Arroyo have proven they are at best 3 and 4 spot pitchers on a championship team. The future is beginning to look bright For Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey. Can Justin Lehr continue to baffle them? I would rather he do that from the number 5 spot in the rotation especially considering that he is pitching in Great American Ball Park.

So how does the Reds rotation look? Neither Johnny nor Homer is ready to set up and be the stopper. Justin Lehr does not have stopper stuff. At the most the Reds only have Harang and Arroyo for next year (then their deals are up) and neither suffices for a top of the rotation arm.

The Reds need a stopper and probably another competent top of the rotation pitcher. If Bob Castellini wants to win, this is what he must start looking for and Roy Halliday is the place to start.


Bog D