Please do not read too deep into this, I just wanted to see how badly I can make this team look. I have been listening to so many idiots on the radio talking about bringing in players for virtually nothing. Its my turn to be an idiot:
Baker knows Bonds, and nobody else wants him, so we offer him a contract for 1 year. (Oh no! Another lefty). Bonds would have to play 1B. He simply cannot move anymore. He brings in a big time bat (hopefully) and far less defense than Votto.
Votto moves to LF. He has played there plenty in the minors. And that leaves Dunner. Well, you know I have a deal on the table with him. We trade him and cash to the Rays for their first overall pick in the 2008 draft. We make plans to draft Pedro Alvarez.
Pedro is a stud 3B in Vanderbilt. Yet we have so much depth at that position in the minor leagues. Nothing like depth though, right? It will work itself out.
Next, I do trade Griffey to Seattle for their first round pick as well.
Hatteberg gets traded for any double A pitcher that has a bit of upside.
Fogg is traded to Washington for Wily Mo Pena.
Patterson and Ross are DFA.
I call it a season and call up Bruce and Bailey to furnish them for next season.
Your 2009 Reds:
Lineup:
CF Freel
SS Keppinger
1B Bonds
LF Votto
3B Encarnacion
2B Phillips
RF Bruce
C Bako
Rotation:
Harang
Volquez
Cueto
Bailey
Thompson
Top spects:
Alvarez
Frazier
Stubbs
Waring
Francisco
Maloney
Wood
Mesoraco
other 2 '08 first round picks
Yeah, whatever.