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.