The Reds have played poorly this past week, but despite that, they are still in control of a bad division.  They lead the Pirates by a game.  It appears that they will be in contention for the remainder of this season, so they should be looking to add strength before the deadline.

First, let me say that I told you so.  The Euros (I thought that was just crappy currency, but apparently it’s a soccer tournament?) were going on recently.  I hate soccer with every ounce of my being.  I would introduce soccer to my child, but only as a deterrent.   Just so he knows that it is OK to make fun of it.  I’ve always thought that soccer was bad for your health.  Apparently I was right.

this guy didn’t find out until it was too late.

Back to the Reds.  If you’re in the drivers seat of the division, yet still struggling with some obvious holes, what do you go after?  Before the season, it appeared that 3B and left field were the big holes.  Todd Frazier has helped to close the gap on both of those positions.  It appears that Scooter Rolen is still capable of providing some offense as well as leadership.  So what are the Reds missing?  The starting pitching could use a little help, but there is honestly no room to add anyone there.  The Reds are one of only 2 teams in the league to stick with their original 5 starters for the season.  Cueto is the ace, Arroyo has been eating innings like he always does, Leake is coming around, Bailey has been a pleasant surprise, and although Latos has disappointed, he is going nowhere.  So they can’t exactly just toss in another starter.  They need another big bat.  But who is available?

Kevin Youkilis was brought up several times in conversations pertaining to the Reds.  He is a home town guy.  But he was traded yesterday to the White Sox.  And I couldn’t be happier.  The Reds were not in need of another over payed aging infielder on the decline.

There is honestly not a lot of guys available through trade right now, but they always come up closer to the deadline.  But while there are could be several other names of people that the Reds could add, consider this:  anyone that the Reds trade for will come at a cost.  Who do the Reds have to give up?  You have to give quality to get quality.  Nothing comes free….except for Free Agents.

Vlad Guererro is sitting without a job right now.  He hit .290 last season with only 13 HRs.  He could provide the pop that the Reds are looking for in Left.  Understanding that they have the likes of Heisey, Ludwick and Frazier all going for playing time now, but why not add someone like Vlad to provide more support?  He could be very valuable hitting in a hitter’s park like GABP.  He is a veteran.  Why not bring someone like him in at a reasonable salary?  He doesn’t bat lefty, but he would certainly add depth to a bench that is in need of another capable player.  The Blue Jays signed him in May and he spent a month in their minors. But upon seeing no chances at the big league roster, he asked for a release.  The Reds could be that team to give him a shot.

Think about that Walt…Vlad Guererro in a Reds Uniform.