The e-mailers got the Hot Stove fired up with ways to revamp the Reds.
Q, from Warren in Indianapolis:Peter Gammons says the Reds want to "dump" Ken Griffey Jr., Sean Casey and Danny Graves. What is your opinion? Is there a chance of moving Griffey? Why wouldn't the Reds move Graves back to the bullpen, with hopes that he could re-establish himself as a closer?
A: Notice we wrote today about the Oakland model for success. Billy Beane says you may never recover from signing a player at the wrong price. In the case of the aforementioned trio, I don't think they were signed at the wrong price - until the payroll was slashed.
All three would be tough to trade. And you also have to weigh what constant turnover does to fans. Go to Fountain Square and ask 100 fans to name their favorite Red, and Griffey, Casey and Graves are going to get the votes.
Q, from Greg:How about hiring Davey Johnson as manager? Also, why not trade Casey for a decent starting pitcher such as Livan Hernandez or Kris Benson?
A: I'm in the Dave Miley camp as far as managing. The Reds are rebuilding; bringing in a name manager won't hurry that.
As for the trade and signings, that only works if the payroll is $50 million or more.
John Fay's e-mail column on the Reds will become an online exclusive beginning next Sunday. You'll find it on Cincinnati.Com, then click on Enquirer and the Reds.
