Read on:

Q, from Cory: If Hamilton County can raise taxes to build the Reds a brand new stadium, why can't they raise money to bring some pitchers to the Reds? Maybe wecould start a fund and let the "owners" lease our players. I would love to see Greg Maddux in a Reds uniform. I think the people have waited long enough for an owner who made the Forbes list to open his pocketbook. Power to the People.

A: Cory, I've got to believe you're kidding. If you could get that on the ballot and pass it, you ought to go to Iowa and sell your services to one of the Democratic candidates.

Q, from Cliff in Reno: Why don't the Reds consider offering Greg Maddux a 2- or 3-year deal? Maddux would give the Reds an instant ace, considering what the Reds current staff consists of. Maddux would be a great teacher for work ethic and professionalism. It would well be worth the expense to have a class act like Maddux in a Reds uniform!

A: Money is the reason. If Jim Bowden was still in charge, I'm sure he would have made a run at Maddux, only to have Carl Lindner shoot down the deal. That's in the past. This group of Reds' management, for good or ill, is committed to building through the minors. In other words, quick fixes -- especially expensive ones like signing Maddux -- won't be used.

Q, from Steve in Indianapolis: Have the Reds given up on the Indianapolis market? It was only a few years back the Reds caravanpaid the city a visit.After seeing the caravan schedule for 2004, Indianapolis was left out again. We have no local television that carries the games and Fox Ohio is not offered on my cable system. Enlighten me please!

A: I think less emphasis was put on Indy after the Reds Triple-A affiliate went to Louisville.

Q, from Kurt in Cincinnati: why did the Reds trade Jose Guillen during the season last year? He was the Reds' best player and probably the best fastball hitter in the NL. Who did the Reds get in that trade?

A: That's one trade I would have made. Guillen became a free agent at the end of the season. He would not have been happy as a backup. The Reds got Aaron Harang, Joe Valentine and Jeff Bruksch for Guillen.

Return to Reds front page...