With less than four weeks remaining before spring training, the Reds have yet to replace LF Adam Dunn, traded last July to Arizona.
General manager Walt Jocketty has spent all winter trying to find a right-handed-hitting left fielder on the free agent market or to make a trade for one, with no success on either front. By dealing Dunn, the club lost a batter who hit 40 or more home runs four consecutive years and could be counted upon to drive in close to 100 runs, score 100 runs and walk 100 times.
The options are limited. Chris Dickerson played in left most of the time after Dunn was traded and hit .304 in 31 games, but he has shown more of a propensity toward injuries than batting skills during his minor league career.
Another option is to play Jerry Hairston Jr. in left, although he has not played the position much. He is an infielder (second base/shortstop) and played a lot of center field last year.
Jocketty said Hairston could play left, but Hairston also is the standby shortstop in case Alex Gonzalez is unable to perform after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
