This is exactly like when Michael Jordan was trying to get Walter Davis onto the Bulls

Given that Hairston is a good guy, supposedly, and how well he hit last year in Cincinnati, I can see why Bruce would believe this.

As to the Reds, they have now added Hernandez, a decent ballplayer but a 33-in-May catcher with a lot of treadwear, and Rhodes,also a decent player, but a 39-year-old reliever. I suspected that the Jocketty/Baker team would add vets. Joe Sheehan calls the Reds a "sleeper" in 2009 and as much as I would like to see it, I don't. However, if they are going to try to get into the wild-card scrum in 2009, I think they need to offer as much money as they can to Rafael Furcal. He fills three huge needs: leadoff, OBP and SS. They could spot Keppinger in the role once/twice a week to try to keep Furcal in the lineup. I have no idea if Furcal would even consider playing in Cincinnati, but if the Reds are trying to make a 2009 push, that is who their #1 target should be.

I assume the Reds have some money to spend after shedding junior and dunn's salaries (although i think Haraang gets a big bump this year). As of now, their outfield is pretty barren besides Bruce, right? Why not go after Manny or Abreu in addition to robinred's suggestion of Furcal?

As of now, their outfield is pretty barren besides Bruce, right?

Yes, and this is another reason, although I am a Reds' fan, that I think Sheehan is full of it. It is even harder for me to picture Ramirez or Abreu in Cincy than Furcal, but youneverknow. In terms of OFs, I want the Reds to target Juan Rivera as a cheap corner. He is the kind of guy I think they could get, and I think he might have a good year or two still in him.

This is exactly like when Michael Jordan was trying to get Walter Davis onto the Bulls

But noooo .... I had to go and say "just let me finish this PhD first."

Hairston had an .853 OPS in 88 AB for my fantasy team last year.

When he wasn't freaking hobbled.

As to the Reds, they have now added Hernandez, a decent ballplayer but a 33-in-May catcher with a lot of treadwear, and Rhodes,also a decent player, but a 39-year-old reliever. I suspected that the Jocketty/Baker team would add vets. Joe Sheehan calls the Reds a "sleeper" in 2009 and as much as I would like to see it, I don't.

Are you sure he wasn't refering to their potential for leading the league in naps?