Forbes has Cincinnati as no. five for the "Worst City to be a Sports Fan."  This survey takes into consideration, the losing record, the costs for tickets and family income to reach its conclusions. (Here's the post through Yahoo.)  Well, at least we're good at something. 

There are players on the 2009 free agent list  that can help the Reds win in 2009. So,  what message was GM Walt Jocketty saying when he said the market was "not real strong." (Cin. Enquirer, 8-10-08)  The message is that don't expect the Reds to dabble in the free agent market in 2009 because we are building within. If the Reds want to win in 2009, they'll have to do it the Chicago way. Spend money. And I don't mean they have to bring in a bunch of players. Two or three quality free agents will help immediately without hurting your player development and the advantage is that you get to keep the talented kids in the minors.

    The problem with the "lose to win"  strategy or in baseball terms, "patience" is that you run the risk of turning Cincinnati into the new Siberia for free agents. Who would want to play for a losing franchise?  When the Reds needed a new manager, do you really think that Joe Girardi was banging on Reds' door?  And you further deepen the losing culture that the Reds now have.

    The Reds don't need to get younger. The old man on the starting eight is Corey Patterson at 29 and that 's if you include Ryan Hanigan. They need veterans. Today, let's look at two glaring needs for the 2009 Reds. 

1.  The Outfield  

Once a strength two years ago, the outfiled is now a weakness. That's what happens when you trade your two best outfielders in the organization. Don't argue on this one, Griffey, Dunn and Bruce were the three best outfielders on the Reds organization. Chris Dickerson is a good guy but he's not in Jr. or Dunn's class.

     So, who's available next year on the free agency market to help the Reds? Actually what I recommend is not an outfielder but a first baseman. Go after Mark Teixeira.  He'll give you 30 HRs and over 100 RBI's a year. More importantly, he hits with runners in scoring position. His career batting average  for RISP is a whopping .324. (Splits)  That's what this team needs now. How does that help the outfield? Move Joey Votto to left. He's played there before and he can't be worse than Dunn.  

     Yes, Teixeira will be expensive. Look, we shouldn't weep for the owners who all agreed to the recent collective bargaining agreement. If the Reds want to cry poverty they should have demanded a salary cap. The question is do you want someone to anchor this team or do you want to lose for the next five to six years for the hope of a winning season?

     Another choice on the "shallow" free agent list is Carl Crawford. If the Rays don't pick up his 8 million option, the Reds should take a long look at him. Last year, he hit .315 and had 50 stolen bases. He has speed, something you can't teach.  Oh, he also hits with RISP, at a career .314. (Splits)  He'll give you 30 stolen bases a year.  He's only 27 too.

   Look at the list, Reds Nation. There are plenty of outfielders who can help the Reds in 2009. They include Pat Burrell (another Adam Dunn), Adam Dunn, Cliff Floyd, Mike Cameron, Mark Kotsay,  Bobby Abreu, Vladimir Guerrero, Milton Bradley,  and Manny Ramirez.  Wow. Look at the list yourself. (2009 free agents list from MLB Trade Rumors.) 

2.  Catcher  

With the Reds waiving David Ross, the position of catcher has fallen to Ryan Hanigan. The question is whether he is the man for next year.  He's 28, hardly a kid but it takes time to develop a catcher.  Paul Bako is a good guy but the Reds could use an upgrade here, in offense and defense. Regardless, you need two because of the rigors of the job.  

      Sign Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez.  He's a lifetime .302 average.  He's an experienced player on rebuilding teams, the 2003 Marlins, and the 2004-2007 Tigers. Both teams made the World Series during his tenure and the Marlins won in 2003.  He would hold the fort until prospect Devin Mesoraco is ready.  As a veteran, he can teach the kids how to play the game the right way.   

   So Walt what's this stuff about the market not being real strong?

.  (Photo: South Florida Sun Sentinel through Wikipedia)

Pudge Rodriguez (right) and Mike Lowell during the 2003 championship season.

Hot? Enjoy this Mary Tyler Moore show where Mary must produce the election news during a snowstorm. They had no cell phones in 1970 and give the pc a rest when you see Mary drape herself in a fur coat. And watch Lou Grant drink on the job. God, I miss the seventies.

Oh, Hulu.com is a good place to see NBC and Fox classic and some new TV shows. It also has some sports.

 And remember, love is all around and you're gonna make it after all.

The Reds preach patience but unless the team spends money next year, it's about 2012 ,if the plan works. By now, you.ve read the team's letter to fthe fans. (Reported by Enquirer.)  If you were around 2003 it sounds just like the one written back then after that legendary fire sale. The recent letter touts the sigining of prospects and talks about the future. But if you remember the 2003 letter you remember the touting of obtaining Brandon Claussen, who's in the Nationals minor league system last time I looked. The point is that you can't primarily depend on prospects.

      If the Reds are going to go the cheap route, it might take five to six years of losing. And I am not talking about growing pains where Johnny Cueto throws a cookie on a 0-2 count. I'm talking about 5-6 years of losing and stockpiling minor league talent. This is the Tampa Bay and Colorado route.  By the way, how are those Rockies doing this year?

    It is disturbing to hear GM Jocketty talk about the weak free agent market. This does not bode well for the 2009 Reds. But I question his evaluation. It just seems like a smoke screen for the team to not spend money. There are guys on the list that can help this team win. (Free agent list.)  Certainly, you can sign a Pudge Rodriguez as a catcher for a short period until a Devin Mesoraco is ready. Of course, if the Reds were serious about 2009, they sign Mark Teixeira to play first base and move Joey Votto to left field.  Talk about fantasy baseball. 

    So how did the Cubs go from 66 wins in 2006 to 85 wins in 2007? They spent money.They signed sure things like Soriano, to taking big risks by signing Marquis and Lilly.. They get Lou Piniella to lead the team.  If the top team in your division does what it takes to win, shouldn't  your Cincinnati Reds at least try to keep up?

     I propose a balanced route. Have a good farm system. Trade well. And have a competitive payroll to fill gaps. The Reds have tried the building from within. They tried it in the late nineties and in 2003. It didn't work then and it may not work four years from now.

FAUX News- The Bengals have announced that they will issue "Chris Henry Alerts" to warn people to stay away from areas he maybe partying at. "We're very happy to work with Hamilton County to issue these alerts like tornado warnings" says Bengals owner Mike Brown.  "Citizens of Cincinnati will be given the chance to flee from bars and entertainment venues that Henry may visit."

    The Bengals will issue the warnings during the season after friday's  practice. They will go something like this, "Chris Henry will be at ... VENUE. You are advised he will be there from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. It is best to stay a clear distance in case of gunfire. However, if you are in Henry's vincinity, and hear gun shots, it is wise to  take cover."

    When asked about the swirling controversy about resigning Henry, Mike Brown replied, "He's on a tight leash. He'll only get five more chances."

Reported by Tung Ncheek, FAUX News