World Series Champions

I sent a recent email to some that had a couple of AWESOME links to articles about the Reds playoff chances.

• Cincinnati Reds: 5 Moves That Would Push the Reds into October
• MLB Trade Rumors: PlayersCincinnati Could Move to Acquire Trade Deadline Help

So after letting it sink in, I have figured out a way that we can win the World Series this year, and be primed for another run next year. 3 big roster moves is all it takes. These are doable.

1) Trade for Josh Willingham
Just suck it up. We should have signed him as a free agent. He is under contract for 2 years at $7M, with an option in the 3rd year for the same amount. The Twins are awful, and would let him go for prospects. He would instantly slot into LF and hit cleanup. The deal: Trade Bill Bray (inconsistent but MLB ready), JC Sulbaran (high ceiling RHP prospect) and Pedro Villarreal (a low level pitching prospect). The Twins would take it, and we take on about $5.5M in extra salary (less because the season is half over). Supposedly, the Padres are looking to move Carlos Quentin, who is much better than Willingham and a perfect fit for us, but he is a free agent after this year. I'd rather not get a half season rental.

2) Move Chapman to the rotation
I know, it's unlikely this year. However, EVERYTHING you read about the Reds talks about how his talents are WASTED as a closer. I really like Sean Marshall as closer. Stretch out Chapman in middle relief or the minors. Get him ready for the stretch run and playoffs. Can yo imagine a 1-2-3 of Cueto, Latos and Chapman in the playoffs? That would be awesome. As a result, we are now down 2 relievers with Bray traded above. So you promote Donnie Joseph to the bullpen as a replacement lefty.This move costs nothing.

3) Trade for a reliever
Grant Balfour is the guy I target. Move him into the setup role. The A's will deal, and the price seems to be one we could afford: Trade Didi Gregarious (top SS, blocked by Cozart) and Chris Heisey . Ryan LaMarre (speedy OF with little power) would be a backup option if they don't like Heisey. He is due $4M (which will be less) this year and under contract for next year at $4.5M.

So we have added Willingham, Joseph and Balfour, while losing Bray and Heisey. We will have to let go of another reliever, and eventually move a starter into the bullpen - I vote for Bailey. Here's our revised batting order and rotation:

2B Phillips
SS Cozart
1B Votto
LF Willingham
RF Bruce
C Hanigan
3B Frazier
CF Stubbs
Pitcher spot

Cueto
Latos
Chapman
Arroyo
Leake

Setup Balfour
Closer Marshall

With those moves, our lineup and starting rotation would be ABSOLUTELY SICK! I think we are able to challenge the big boys in the AL West, and the pitching in the NL West and East. We are also locked in for this year and next, and add less than $10M to the payroll. I think we can make that up with back to back World Series visits!!!