Jocketty Wants Right-Handed Slugger

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, GM Walt Jocketty lists a right-handed run-producing hitter as the Reds’ top offseason need.

In our Reds Offseason Outlook, we suggested the Reds attempt to trade for Adrian Beltre.  That could improve the team on both offense and defense.  Commenters on that post noted that Chris Dickerson could play center field in ’09, leaving a vacancy in left.  Right-handed hitting left fielders on the free agent market include Manny Ramirez and Pat Burrell.  The Reds could also consider Matt Holliday or Magglio Ordonez as trade targets.  Payroll could increase to $80MM, which could leave the Reds with $20MM to spend.

As for the Reds’ own free agents, Hal McCoy sees them attempting to re-sign Jeremy Affeldt, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Mike Lincoln.