Mailbag: Can Volquez get even better?

I wouldn't say Volquez has "control issues," but he is a strikeout pitcher that is susceptible to high pitch counts and early exits. And yes, he can definitely be better next year. The right-hander is just 25. He has great stuff and seems to have a very good makeup and the right attitude -- he's never too up or down.

Anyone that can throw 96 mph with good offspeed pitches in his arsenal has a chance to be a nasty pitcher in the Majors for a few years. Volquez also avoids the long ball pretty well. If he can learn to economize his pitches, he would work into the eighth and ninth innings more often than the sixth and seventh innings.

I know they say hindsight is 20/20, especially when regarding trades. I'm going to ask you to do it anyway. Was the Volquez-Josh Hamilton trade with the Rangers worth it for the Redlegs?
-- Tyler B., Fairfield, Ohio

Both players' numbers tailed off in the second half, but they both had impressive seasons to make it a win-win for both teams. And even with 20/20 hindsight, I'd still make this trade. Hamilton certainly elevated his feel-good story to another level, but Volquez is also legit and will help the Reds' rotation for years.

What one big bat for the left-field job would be the right fit (payroll constraints, availability through trade or free agent, etc.) in Mark Sheldon's view?
-- Mike E., Belpre, Ohio

I like when I get to play GM, but I'd probably ruin a club if I really got to do it. Since the free-agent group of corner outfielders isn't robust, I'd seek a trade and zero in on Alex Rios from the Blue Jays. He's likely available, especially since Toronto shopped him last offseason before extending his contract. Rios holds a relatively reasonable seven-year, $69.8 million contract through 2014 that pays him $5.9 million next season. His offensive numbers aren't gaudy, but he's only 28 and they still have room to grow, especially at Great American Ball Park, and he can steal bases.

Toronto needs starting pitching, which is where the Reds have some depth. One hangup is that Rios has a no-trade clause for 2009-10, which he'd have to waive.

After what outfielder Chris Dickerson did with the club do you see them giving him a spot on the team in the outfield next year?
-- Michael J., Cincinnati

Giving Dickerson a spot? No. Giving him the chance to earn a roster spot in Spring Training? Definitely.

I heard that the White Sox declined their option on Ken Griffey Jr. Is there any chance the Reds will get him back?
-- John H., Cincinnati

I don't see that happening. Both sides have moved on.

Is catcher Javier Valentin out of the Reds plans next year? Will they sign him back?
-- Jeremy M., Elizabethtown, Ky.

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Valentin isn't necessarily out of the plans. He's a free agent, and GM Walt Jocketty indicated to me he'd be open to his return. I know Valentin wasn't thrilled with his limited role as a pinch-hitter, third catcher and sometimes first baseman -- so he might try to see if he can do better elsewhere.

I would like to see the Reds try to get outfielder Austin Kearns back if he can be had. I have always thought he could be a good hitter if the right hitting coach got a hold of him. What's your take on that?
-- Don, Flatwoods, Ky.

Kearns batted .217 for the Nationals this year and was on the disabled list twice, including for a broken foot that ended his year prematurely. I don't think he is the answer, and he's under contract for next year for $8 million -- no thanks.

What are the chances the Reds will go after Rocco Baldelli? He could fill the void in center field, he's a right-handed bat with some pop, and after a couple injury-plagued seasons, he wouldn't be overwhelmingly expensive. Not to mention he's one of the youngest free agents in this year's market.
-- Kevin M., Oxford, Ohio

Two words: "mitochondrial disorder." It was an illness of constant fatigue that kept Baldelli out much of the year for the Rays. That and his past injuries would make it tough to count on him every day.

Hey Mark, I am dumbfounded why the Reds don't deal Ryan Freel. Although he has been a fan favorite and can make some fantastic defensive plays, isn't he a liability with his history of injuries and salary?
-- Troy B., Dublin, Ohio

You've just asked and answered your own question in two sentences, Troy. I guess my work is done here. Seriously, Freel's last two injury-filled seasons and a $4 million 2009 salary aren't positives for the trade market.

Have the Reds announced their new Double-A affiliate?
-- Jason W., Kimberly, Wis.

Yes, it will be the Carolina Mudcats. The Reds will be playing an Apr. 3 exhibition against its Minor League All-Stars there at Five County Stadium. Call (919) 269-2287 for tickets, which are on sale now.

Are there any plans to do something with the big empty lot beside Great American Ball Park? Seems like a perfect spot for commercial business, restaurants, bars, etc. Any idea why it has remained empty?
-- Ray M., New Concord, Ohio

That wide open parcel, and the parking lots between GABP and Paul Brown Stadium, will be the location of the long-awaited Banks District. When completed, it will have both residential and commercial properties.