'Help! Please!' - Reds

Are you bummed? Depressed? Outraged?

I'm not referring to LeBron leaving Cleveland for South Beach. No, no, no. I'm referring to the Cincinnati Reds being unable to land Cliff Lee.

According to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, the Reds made Seattle "a pretty substantial offer" for the lefty ace. As we all now know, the Texas Rangers made the best offer and were the winners in the Lee sweepstakes. Jocketty would like to make a move as he reflected on not getting Lee.

“It was a deal we wanted to get done,” Jocketty said. “We wanted to show the club we’re doing what we can to get better. They’re doing their job on the field; we’re trying to do our job in the front office to keep us where we’re at.

“As I said the other day, we were looking for a significant upgrade,” Jocketty said. “This guy was a significant upgrade. I’m not sure there’s another one like him out there.”

No, there's isn't, Walt. Not even close.

Without adding Lee, pitching help cannot arrive soon enough for the Reds. When Aaron Harang was placed on the disabled list due to back spasms, that left the Reds in a dubious position of having three rookies in their five man rotation (Mike Leake, Travis Wood and Matt Maloney). If all three remain there until the All-Star break, it would mark the first time in Reds history that three rookies would occupy starter status going into the break.

"Renting" Lee for a three or four month period would have instantly enhanced the starting staff. That move would have also catapulted the Reds from "contender" to "major player" for the National League title. Adding another solid veteran presence in the clubhouse wouldn't have hurt either. No such luck though.

Fear not, Reds fans. Help may be on the way...and soon. The best part of getting that help: no trades will be involved. The Reds will be able to keep Yonder Alonso until another team inquires about his availability and Jocketty attempts to keep him.

That help? Edinson Volquez.

After having Tommy John surgery last year and enduring endless rehab, Volquez may need only one other rehab start before rejoining the Reds. The results from his last rehab start for Louisville last night against Toledo score high marks. The line: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K, 102 pitches (62 for strikes). The only hit Volquez surrendered was in the 6th. Contrast that to his previous start against Indianapolis where Volquez had to be pulled after only 5 innings and 87 pitches due to lack of control.

The best part is that Volquez has amassed excellent numbers during his rehab stint. In his six outings: 4-0, 1.45 ERA, 31 IP, 28 K, 8 BB, 0.710 WHIP, .135 opp. BA. If Volquez can return to his previous form, that could prove to be a significant upgrade to the starting staff as well. It may be a "too much, too soon" situation, but the Reds need experienced starters even if it's only a hurler with three years under his belt.

No, Edinson Volquez isn't Cliff Lee. But if Volquez is healthy, he's no slouch either.

Update: John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that Volquez will be added to the Reds rotation after the All-Star break.