DENVER — All the speculation around the Reds as we approach the non-waiver deadline revolves around three players: Minnesota’s Denard Span and Shane Victorino and Juan Pierre of Philadelphia.

But I think another player will have a great effect on what the Reds do. That’s Billy Hamilton.


Hamilton is the leadoff man of the future. There’s no question about that. I also think his future is in the outfield. The question is when does the future begin. Hamilton is hitting .306 with a .443 on-base after 49 at-bats at Double-A after hitting .323 with .413 at high A.
If the Reds think Hamilton is going to be ready as some point next year, that would probably eliminate Span from the equation. He’s signed for $4.75 million for 2013, $6.5 million for 2014 and has a $9 million option for 2015. If Hamilton is going to be on the Opening Day roster in 2014, you don’t want to be paying Span.


Because Span is signed, the Twins can demand more for him. His .348 on-base would be an upgrade at leadoff, but would it be worth putting left-hander Tony Cingrani or right-hander Daniel Corcino in the package — if Hamilton is close?


Victorino and Pierre are rental players. Both will be free agents after the season. Victorino, however, makes $9.5 million; Pierre $800,000.
Victorino is not having a great year. He’s hitting .256 with a .321 on-base. His career marks are .276 and .342.


Pierre makes the most sense in some ways. He’s cheap and has the best numbers. He’s hitting .305 with a .345 on-base and 23 steals in the 27 attempts. But he hasn’t played center field since 2009. If the Reds still think he can player center, he’d be the good guy to spell Drew Stubbs against tough right-handers. Pierre is hitting .333 with a .373 on-base against righties.


The other alternative is stand pat and move Brandon Phillips to leadoff once Joey Votto returns. Ryan Ludwick has looked like a cleanup guy since mid-June.


One thing to remember is Walt Jocketty often surprises when it comes to trades. There was no speculation about Mat Latos or Sean Marshall before the Reds traded for them.

jordo212000;1236507 wrote:If Heisey played CF, we wouldnt need to make a trade

He could play CF and leadoff and then Ludwick could play LF. Not sure why the Reds are convinced they need to overpay for Victorino when a guy on the team is better than him right now.

Would be nice to get a lefty specialist. And in an ideal world we get a SP and send Bronson to the Citgo in time for the stretch run

jordo212000;1236549 wrote:What position does Hamilton play when he comes up? He isn't playing CF right now

SportsAndLady;1236557 wrote:They said he can play CF, just isn't right now

mhs95_06;1236567 wrote:We don't want incoming players just to be able to "play" a certain position. One of the Reds advantages over most other teams is their excellent defense. We don't want to sacrifice it, by putting incoming players in a position at which they don't play at a high level of proficiency.

sportswizuhrd;1236577 wrote:Once again Latos' wife is getting harassed on twitter(yes I follow her and I think some others on here do also, she blogs for MLB.com too) today because of the first inning. Some people saying they want him to get injured and not come back, others saying he would be in the pen if the playoffs started tomorrow because of his E.R.A. I think he would be a starter come playoff time.

mhs95_06;1236567 wrote:We don't want incoming players just to be able to "play" a certain position. One of the Reds advantages over most other teams is their excellent defense. We don't want to sacrifice it, by putting incoming players in a position at which they don't play at a high level of proficiency.

sportswizuhrd;1236579 wrote:What do you think about giving him a roster spot for late inning Pinch Running?

sportswizuhrd;1236579 wrote:What do you think about giving him a roster spot for late inning Pinch Running?