This gets a modest mention on ESPN. I'm not sure whether or not the Cincinnati media have followed this story over the last few years, but I do see it mentioned on the Reds' MLB site, to the team's credit. In any event, though tenson's future with the team was unceratin, this is a story worth following to its conclusion:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3214704

Looks like another Yankee who won't be coming back is Don Mattingly. I think this guy is in line for a manager's chair soon enough, but I doubt it will be this offseason. Is it possible that he'll be the bench coach and "infield guy" Dusty names this week, even if he's only around for a year or two? What's the good word on Mattingly, anyway?

I heard a rumor that Dontrelle Willis may be available via trade this winter. Let's assume he is, and the Reds make a play for a Harang-Willis-Arroyo-Bailey starting four. Solid, especially in this division.

What players would you consider trading for Willis? And, in addition to Willis, what secondary player could we get from Florida?

While Terry Ryan did a spectacular job in his own right as Twins' GM, the article about his departure on ESPN noted the difficulty he has had in signing veterans to long-term contracts since Krivsky departed (Santana, Hunter, Morneau, etc.). I know Krivsky handled this department, and ably, it seems. Just look at the contracts for Dunn, Harang and Arroyo. I think this is one aspect of his job performance that doesn't get a lot of attention. I am really pleased with this aspect of his job performance, and moreover I think it's an important part of the job.

And I think Dunn gets paid. Another extension. He'll hit #500 in a Cincinnati uniform.  

Do you think Phillips gets an extension this winter? How many years and how much money?

Supposing Keppinger keeps showing his hitting and on-base ability through September, I prefer that we keep him, put him at 2B, move Phillips to SS where he belongs (a marquee position), and shop Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a good player and I think he would fetch something worthwhile.

What to do about 1B, though? I like Hatteberg but it might be time to trade him, if we can get what we got for Conine. This gives us Cantu and Votto next year, to duke it out for 1B. I like that setup. Gives us Phillips at SS, Encarnacion at 3B (who I believe was handled just fone this year, given how his offense and defense improved after his demotion). This gives us Dunn in LF, Hamilton in CF and Griffey in RF, with Hopper, not Freel, as your primary backup. In fact, I'd trade Freel if I could. I love his style but he is always hurt, and his judgement on the basepaths is questionable (like Dunn, except no home runs), and also he strikes out too much.  

So, what do yu think of this starting lineup:
C Ross/Valentin platoon
1B Votto/Cantu "
2B Keppinger
SS Phillips
3B Encarnacion
LF Dunn
CF Hamilton
RF Griffey

And who makes the bench?

Let's say the Reds do not exercise Dunn's option. That, combined with the end of Milton's contract, would free up roughly $20 million in payroll. Supposing Jay Bruce or Norris Hopper slide into LF, covering that position, how would you spend that money to improve the Reds? What positions and what players? What sort of contract?

I read on ESPN or Fox today that Krivsky's status for next year is in doubt, which (according to what I read) partially explains why they are waiting to decide on Mackanin. Krivsky has had a few ups and downs, but I can't seriously think his job is in jeopardy, not yet. He's only been on the job 18 months. Love him or hate him, that's hardly enough time to decide to fire him. I say he gets one more year--at least.

But let's say he does get fired. Who are the candidates to replace him? As in, seriously, who is out there who would fit well with the Reds?