Weighing Our Options

No Votto For At Least 3-4 Weeks.  What Does The Organization Need To Do?

By Ryan Bramwell

Ok, number one: Don't panic.  Secondly, we don't exactly know if this is going to take only four weeks max.  Yeah, it is possible it could take less time for Joey to heal and be ready to play (His surgery was today).  But we need to prepare ourselves for a slap of reality just in case.  He injured the knee on June 29, and has been playing on it ever since (with the exception of the two days he was benched because of the injury).  Third, there is always a silver lining.  I know, I know, no silver lining will be bright enough to mend this conundrum. 

But think about this:

• The Reds front office is already planning on making a move or two to make this team a for-certain contender.  My guess is that now with the Reds missing the world's leader in OBP, they will be forced to make some noise before the trade deadline here in two weeks. 
• Great American Ballpark has had its best year ever so far in terms of attendance.  The 2012 season is actually on pace to break the record GABP set for attendance in its inaugural year back in 2003.  Attendance is up 10% since last season, which was already up from the 2010 season.  This of course means more salary can be taken on if the Reds do make the moves we anticipate they will.  Thanks to the fans, we can bulk up the roster.  That is what it boils down to.
• According to this article we should expect a three week recovery.  That would be optimal.
• Dave Schoenfield over at ESPN's SweetSpot suggests that the Reds might go after Ty Wiggington or even the Cubs' Bryan LaHair as a fill-in (Mr. Dant, I believe you mentioned this to me last night as a possibility).  I think that all depends on the price. He goes on to discuss more about Shane Victorino (who I want the most before the deadline passes) and his possible move to Cincy. 
• The price tag the Phillies put on Victorino is a major factor.  We might end up settling with a cheaper option from the same Philadelphia squad in Juan Pierre.  Now if he isn't your prototypical Dusty Baker guy, I don't who is.
• In a perfect world, the Reds would land two players: Victorino and Josh Willingham or Carlos Quentin.  Those rumors are still out there by the way.  If we nab two players, I don't think Quentin will be one of them.  But a Victorino/Willingham combo would be delicious.
• There is also talk that the organization will call up one of our top hitting prospects in that of 22-year old Venezuelan Henry Rodriguez.  Rodriguez is a switch-hitting infielder who typically plays 2B, but can play the corners as well.  He batted .348 in AA Pensacola before being sent to Louisville where he has continued to hit respectably at a .317 clip.

In the meantime, let's go over what the Reds do have on their roster and see some lineups.  For me, I would go one of these two routes for at least a few games and see where it gets us:

Lineup A

1. Chris Heisey (CF)
2. Ryan Hanigan (C)
3. Brandon Phillips (2B)
4. Todd Frazier (1B)
5. Jay Bruce (RF)
6. Ryan Ludwick (LF)
7. Scott Rolen (3B)
8. Zack Cozart (SS)

Lineup B

1. Zack Cozart (SS)
2. Chris Heisey (CF)
3. Todd Frazier (1B)
4. Brandon Phillips (2B)
5. Jay Bruce (RF)
6. Ryan Ludwick (LF)
7. Scott Rolen (3B)
8. Ryan Hanigan (C)