A Reds Fan's Christmas List

With Thanksgiving over, many are now looking towards Christmas. As a Reds fan, here is my Christmas list for my team. (Note that some of these moves would be dependent on all of them being made.)

1. A shortstop that can be the leadoff hitter. Assuming Jonny Gomes and Chris Heisey take up the majority of the playing time in left field, this is the only position that is open where they could plug in a leadoff hitter. Let's assume they don't re-sign Orlando Cabrera, who was ineffective as the leadoff man anyway. If you know me, then you know I'm not a big fan of Paul Janish. I don't think he's as good defensively as everyone makes him out to be, and I think his offensive numbers last year were a fluke. Let's also assume Brandon Phillips is a better number two hitter, because he failed as the leadoff hitter too. And Drew Stubbs is more suited in the middle of the lineup because of his power. That leaves shortstop as the guy to set the table.

Jose Reyes

So who is that guy? How about Jose Reyes of the New York Mets. He's as dynamic a shortstop as you can get. Speed, power, flair for the dramatic, and a good arm. Yes, he's a little bit of a head case, but why not take the risk on him? A change of scenery and he could be the leadoff hitter the Reds have lacked since Barry Larkin. New York has expressed interest in possibly trading him, and the Reds have the pieces to pull off a deal. I would make an offer of Edinson Volquez, Juan Francisco, and Yonder Alonso. That gives the Mets a good power arm in their rotation, as well as a potential man to replace David Wright at third should they trade him, or someone to play right field. Alonso could be someone they flip to another deal in a second trade, or could man first if they move Ike Davis to another position.

2. Move Aroldis Chapman to the rotation, and keep him there. Don't keep messing around with him in the bullpen, it's not worth it. I don't want him to become gun shy and not be effective as a starter OR a reliever, like Joba Chamberlain. Give the kid a defined role as a starter on this team, don't bounce him back and forth. It will only screw him up. The sky is the limit for Chapman, who has the best arm the franchise has ever had, and could be the best pitcher since Tom Seaver.

Brad Boxberger

3. Trade Francisco Cordero. I don't want to go through another year of heart attacks in the 9th inning, like this year. Especially when the relief corps is so deep. Nick Masset or Jordan Smith could easily fill in as the closer. If that doesn't work for you, then take a chance and let the 2nd round pick from last year's draft, Brad Boxberger out of USC, have a shot at the role. He struggled down in double-A, but is in line to be the closer in a few years, though he did have several starts in the minors as well. But with that power arm touching 98 mph, why not take a chance on him?

Dave Sappelt

4. Call up Todd Frazier, Zack Cozart, and Dave Sappelt. Frazier and Cozart could both end up being solid back ups to Scott Rolen, with more power than Miguel Cairo can provide. Also, Frazier could be the future at third base, with Cozart being the future at shortstop, should Jose Reyes not work out. Sappelt, meanwhile, may very well be the future in left field, after hitting .342 over all three levels of the minors. He hit well at each stop, has decent power and good speed. He projects as a Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs type of player. They are only the start of what continues to be a bright, bright future for the Reds.

5. Use the money saved in trading Francisco Cordero to lock up Joey Votto. I'm thinking a 7 year $98 million contract. That gives him a reasonable $14 million per year, which is a substantial increase of what he is making. Of course, the contract should be loaded with potential clauses that allows him to make more. But this team cannot allow Joey Votto to walk when he is eligible for free agency. He is undoubtedly one of the three best players in the game, and is the best player this farm system has produced in years. Votto's value can't be put in numbers, or dollar figures, though the Reds certainly should try.