Restart and Why Taveras Is Not the Answer

Oh boy, so much for trying to have a regularly updated Reds blog. Of course, as soon as I posted the first entry, I got sick and then a bunch of other stuff got in the way, but hey, I'm back for a reboot here. Let's try it again.

Since my last post the Reds have been reaonably active. They resigned Lincoln, Weathers accepted arbitration, and they signed Arthur Rhodes. This sures the bullpen up pretty well, and for the first time in a long time, I'm not even remotley worried about the Reds pitching staff.

They also traded Freel for Ramon Hernandez. I like this trade because between Hanigan and Hernandez, it means the Reds should have solidly average to above average offense from catcher, which will be MUCH better than they were last year.

Now, however, they are reportedly intereested in Willy Taveras, Ty Wigginton, and Aaron Miles. Now, let me just start off by saying that I don't have a problem with Wigginton. I think he'd be interesting. He'd probably shift EE to left, but I could live with that. Miles, I'm luke warm about. I assume the Reds would be looking at him as a potential shortstop where, defensively, he seems to be slightly below average. Offensively, he wouldn't be a disaster as he does get on base a little bit, though I have more power than he does and I have to swing one handed. Taveras, however, would be a disaster. I am totally unwilling to accept such miniscule power from a centerfielder and I am not at all confident that he will get on base enough to justify being the starting centerfielder. 

Here's the thing, though. I'm starting to think the Reds might be good despite some boneheaded moves (which, unfortunately, might make them think these moves are good).

 Let's assume the Reds sign all three of these guys and look at the Bill James predictions (which are slightly optimistic), for everyone who would then figure to play everyday for the Reds.

Player (Pos) OBP/SLG/OPS

Jay Bruce (RF) .351/.540/.891

Joey Votto (1B) .386/.536/.922

Edwin Encarnacion (LF) .356/.490/.846

Brandon Phillips (2B) .313/.431/.744

Hernandez/Hanigan (AVG)  (C) .340/.400/.740

Ty Wigginton (3B) .335/.465/.800

Willy Taveras (CF) .335/.337/.672

Aaron Miles (SS) .334/.372/.706

See what I mean? If you take out Taveras and Miles, this team could OPS over .800 very easily because of young players (Votto, Bruce, EE) getting better. Last year, that would have made them tops in the National League. But, you add those two in and it will drag down the offense significantly. However, the Reds should still be a decent offensive team.

Now, let me thorow one more thing out there:

Chris Dickerson (CF) .360/.454/.814

 See! See! This is better. I don't know what the hell to do about shortstop, but WHY SIGN TAVERAS? You want to drop some money on somebody that can really play? Fine. But Taveras is worse than what we already have. If Dickerson gets hurt, start Hopper. He won't be a disaster. Taveras makes absolutely no sense and will likely end up costing them a bunch of runs over the course of the year.

It shouldn't be that hard.