Carroll's Latest: Torrealba, Wheeler, Dunn

As a Reds fan, the lack of interest in my mind concerning Dunn must be because of the Reds demands. On pace for something like 46 HR and 112 RBI, plus his career babip is .286, and its only .246 this year, which is causing his avg. to hover in the .230s. Shouldn't really matter though, because that .400 obp should be pretty enticing. He's got a good number fewer PA per RBI than the 7 guys ahead of him in the NL in RBI, I think you plug this guy into a good offense and he's in the top 3 in the league in RBI consistently. HRs may now be becoming underrated.

EDIT---I meant fewer PA with runners on. He's got like 78 fewer than Howard, and 90 less than Hamilton. If he had 78 more at bats with runners on such as Howard has, it's not a stretch to say he'd have between 90-100 RBI, and would either be leading Howard or be right behind him. I personally hope the Reds resign him and find a decent CF option next year. And Votto, well Votto may not be able to adjust to the Bigs. Its too early to say, but his numbers the last 2 months have just been awful. Pull Dunn out of that offense and they go from below avg. to San Francisco like.

As a Reds fan, I think it's about time everyone get off of Votto and Bruce's back. These guys are young and still learning the ropes and, sweet lord, it's Bruce's first year and Votto's first full year, there's bound to be some drop off spots here and there. They have eons of potential and I think if we are patient they will be the future of this franchise. As far as I can tell, we're in desperate need of a 3B, SS and corner outfielders, so perhaps trading Dunn, Arroyo or relief pitchers to get those spots filled would be a good idea.

Okay...i completely agree with ohio on one point, that is to get off bruce and votto. Bruce is still only 2 months into his major league career and just came off a 12 game hitting streak and votto is well on pace to give geo a run at NL ROY.

as for the rest, we are fine at 3b, Edwin is the hottest bat on the reds team right now behind Dunn and his defense isn't as bad as it has been it years past. Sure, he has 17 errors, but that is no more than other everyday third basemen and he is also making plays that others wouldn't make on a regular basis.

As for SS, Hairston is rehabbing right now and he is the obvious answer. They are one of the top teams in baseball when Jerry is leading off. Beyond these two, that leaves them with Keppy who can play behind either...not a better backup in baseball than keppy this year.

As for the future, SS and 3B are the most deep positions that the reds have in their system when you look at their minors. (i.e. Chris Valaika, Juan Francisco, Todd Frazier)

Outfield could use some work and we obviously could use some work at catcher, but those are the only holes that the reds will have for next season.