Six things to think about: defensively

The fan in me says the Reds aren't far from being a good team. The realist in me notices deficiences that will have to work themselves out over the course of, perhaps, a couple years.

Either way, the future looks more bright for the Reds than it did prior to this year. The removal of veteran scum in Griffey and deficienies in too many areas, Dunn, has proved to light up the blogs of Redleg nation - and it's blog too.

I have harped about this a lot already but the topic of defense is, to me, what is holding this team back the most. Defense should be noted as a priority for Jocketty and the brain team that puts the show on the field, this off season. I have faith in Jocketty as I watched my distaste he created a few years ago romp of the Reds for too long.

1. Moving Phillips is a good idea ONLY if you find a equal defensive able 2b. Such is Orlando Hudson who is available. Phillips should not be moved in any other case and this teams should NOT start Jeff Keppinger everyday. He is a good hitter and has no range. He is a great bench player and someone I am proud to have control of for other infielders off days and as a pinch hitter.
2. Encarnacion needs to go. I don't care where - it can be LF for all I care - but he needs to go somewhere else other than 3b. I am not a statistic machine and cannot produce without intense research how many runs he has allowed more than average and all that statistical jargon but, i know he has sucked bad and is streaky as hell. Move him somewhere. I am for trading him if you get something young and good, especially with Todd Frazier, Juan Fransisco and all other minor, soon to be major, stars.
3. Figure out the CF situation. If Dickerson is legitimate it will show soon into the season. And with his OBP numbers in the minors I am confident and hope others will be too. His brief stint last year showed he can be a good OF and is better, I believe in CF than Jay Bruce, Freel or any of the others the Reds throw out there. Drew Stubbs, barring setback and with continued maturation, will take over CF by the end of this year or in 2010. (crosses fingers)
4. Trade a pitcher to the Rangers for either Catcher Jarod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden. If you can't, which I don't think is an option, I believe Hanigan will be fine. (crosses fingers doubly)
5. Whats up with SS (refer to #1). No need for explanation.
6. Get Matt Holliday. I don't know how you do it but do it, without trading Volquez, Cueto, Bruce or Votto. (crosses every body part crossable)