Mailbag: Owings in the outfield?

Being from Arizona and watching him with the Diamondbacks, you've likely seen firsthand that Owings is a good hitter as far as pitchers go. But that's just his side job. His main gig is, and should remain, as a pitcher. It's not that easy to just switch him to regularly playing as a position guy. Rick Ankiel is the exception to the rule, not what usually happens. Owings had a hot start in 2008 and ran into a slump and a shoulder injury. It's far from being the end of the line for him as a pitcher. He will likely compete for the fifth starter's spot next spring, and I'd make him the early favorite to get it.

I am very excited at the promising youngsters coming through the system. Was this a product of the Dan O'Brien regime or the Wayne Krivsky regime? I would love to see the Reds continue down this road. The Rays and Marlins before them have shown you can build from within. Do you think the Reds will show the patience to continue to build from within, or do you think they will mortgage this talent for veterans via trade?
-- Daniel M., Noblesville, Ind.

Both O'Brien and Krivsky deserve credit for the improved farm system, as do their scouts. O'Brien inherited a developmental system that was in shambles. He certainly made mistakes that cost the Reds wins, but under his regime, players like Jay Bruce and Joey Votto were drafted, and Johnny Cueto was signed. Krivsky smartly presided over the development of all three players (and others), and made shrewd trades, including one for Brandon Phillips and others that brought in up-and-coming prospects like Matt Maloney, Ben Jukich and Robert Manuel.

I think the Rays and their $44 million payroll is the latest indication that spending a ton of money doesn't always equate to wins on the field. The lower-budgeted Twins and A's are examples from previous years. Current general manager Walt Jocketty has an opportunity to emulate those teams and keep a younger roster while staying competitive. The core talent and potential is there. There's nothing wrong with using the talent depth to acquire veterans and plug holes through trades, but I wouldn't spend the big dollars to bring in free agents with behemoth contracts.

With Edwin Encarnacion's struggles throwing the ball to first base, has there been any talk of moving him to left field?
-- Paul H., Nashville, Tenn.

When asked late in the season, manager Dusty Baker didn't rule out moving Encarnacion. But left field wasn't a likely destination, since Encarnacion isn't very fast. If a move happened, it would be to first base. And that would mean Votto would go to left field. I think Votto should stay put.

Could another possibility in the outfield sweepstakes be Juan Pierre? He seems like he could be had cheaply if the Reds are willing to take on his salary, because of the outfield glut on the Dodgers and their desire to re-sign Manny Ramirez. He could be the perfect speedy leadoff-hitting center fielder they need. Your thoughts?
-- Mike B., Lewiston, Maine

It wouldn't take many good players to get Pierre, but he's far being had cheaply. He has three years and $28.5 million remaining on his five-year deal. I wouldn't touch that contract wearing a Hazmat suit. Pierre will be 34 when the contract ends, and his arm is a liability defensively. I'd rather give consideration to Chris Dickerson, Jerry Hairston Jr. or Ryan Freel (if he's healthy). All could do the same job as well, or better, and do it much cheaper.

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What is the possibility the Reds may try to get Jake Peavy with talk that the Padres are open for a trade? The Reds freed up a lot of money by trading Ken Griffey and Adam Dunn, so is it possible?
-- Spencer M., Ohio City, Ohio

I recently said in a previous mailbag that the Reds' rotation was pretty set this winter, but Peavy is one of the few guys that would change that scenario. He's someone any team should try to get -- it's just a matter of how big of a price it would take to make the deal. Fans often e-mail and suggest trades where the Reds give up utility players, fifth starters, washed-up hitters and long relievers in return for a superstar. No chance that happens here. Keep in mind that Peavy has a full no-trade clause, so imagine him desiring perennial contenders first.

As for the Griffey and Dunn contracts being off the books, that doesn't free up a ton of money. As I mentioned later this past season, the built-in raises for returning players in long-term contracts takes much of that "freed-up money."

I know the Reds are looking for a good bat. What are the chances of picking back up Josh Hamilton?
-- Jared W., Cincinnati

Zero. If you're the Rangers, would you want to move Hamilton after the year he had?

Do you think we'll see more of Adam Rosales in 2009? I think with more time on the field he can prove himself to be a valuable and much needed asset to the Reds.
-- Melissa B., Louisville, Ky.

Rosales should likely be given a shot to battle for a big league roster spot in Spring Training. He didn't get enough chances to really show what he could do with more plate appearances, since he was limited mostly to pinch-hitting, which wasn't much of a barometer.

When can teams begin to sign and trade players? I notice very little information about any team is available until mid-November.
-- Jim F., Loveland, Ohio

Free agent filing can begin the day after the end of the World Series, which is when the Hot Stove buzz really takes shape. Teams have a 15-day window of exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents before the market opens for business for every team.