2008-09 Cincinnati Reds Offseason Thread

[redlegsfan21]

A lovely thread dedicated to those random thoughts about what the Reds need to do to become the 2009 World Series Champions.

[Goo64]

Man, someone needs to say something. Looks like there are no true Reds fans...nothing at all to discuss about your team for this off-season? I know the nucleus is young a good, but jeez! There has to be something to say.

Sign a back up catcher to mentor the young guy who can also contribute when he is in the lineup.

Need to replace some power and get some stability in the outfield. Why not a Pat Burrell or someone like that?

Find some arms for teh bullpen and maybe a cheap inning eater to be a starter. Not sure what the bargains are but I'm sure something can be found if you dig enough.

Trade Bailey...he's never going to figure out the big league hitters in a Reds uniform...someone is always looking for young starters and I'm sure there would be a nice return involved. Remember the return the return the Rangers got for their young pitching? A certain Josh Hamilton.

[gman5431]

Dont trade Bailey. You wont get full worth for him at this point and he is still very young. Obviously i'm not as high on him as i was 2 years ago but i havent given up. Let's let him grow here. Another bad year and then maybe i'm ready to give up.

If the Reds sign Pat Burrell i'm leaving town. We already had Adam Dunn for too long and didnt win anything with him. Pat Burrell is Adam Dunn but worse, he never has gotten to 40 HRs. We need to build the character of this team around the young, athletic players who can hit and run, steal a base, move runners along, etc. Signing Burrell would give away wayyyyy too much money and would undo the addition by subtraction they did last year when they got rid of Griff and Dunner.

I like the rotation. Wouldnt mind if they brought in another canidate or two like they did last year. In the bullpen, hopefully they can bring back Affeldt and maybe Lincoln. Let No neck Weather walk.

Bruce is going to be an absolute force this year. BP will come back up. Votto will continue to grow. I agree, sign a catcher but let the young kid play.

G Man

[nyyfan]

Here's some things I would really like to see happen.

The Reds to to resign Hairston. When he was healthy the team seemed more focused and they had a pretty decent record when he played if I remeber the stats right.

Michael Barrett may be able to solve the short term problem. He can catch while we have a young catcher developing and get has pretty good D too.

What do you think about trading away Edwin? He can can hit really will but I would not miss his defense. Trading him for a pitcher prospect or a "Young Ready MLB Fielder". Replacing him could possibly be Russel Branyan or what about Joe Crede?

There are a ton of options this year in the outfield through Free Agency. I would like to see the Reds get at least one of the following: Juan Rivera, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli.

I think the Reds should trade Bronson Arroyo for someone who has established themselves in the Majors. The Reds could quite possibly get a starting pitcher out of Free Agency also. I think that the best bets if the price is right would be Mark Prior, Oliver Perez, or Carl Pavano. I think Pavano could find his old self in Cincy.

[gman5431]

Here's some things I would really like to see happen.

The Reds to to resign Hairston. When he was healthy the team seemed more focused and they had a pretty decent record when he played if I remeber the stats right.

Michael Barrett may be able to solve the short term problem. He can catch while we have a young catcher developing and get has pretty good D too.

What do you think about trading away Edwin? He can can hit really will but I would not miss his defense. Trading him for a pitcher prospect or a "Young Ready MLB Fielder". Replacing him could possibly be Russel Branyan or what about Joe Crede?

There are a ton of options this year in the outfield through Free Agency. I would like to see the Reds get at least one of the following: Juan Rivera, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli.

I think the Reds should trade Bronson Arroyo for someone who has established themselves in the Majors. The Reds could quite possibly get a starting pitcher out of Free Agency also. I think that the best bets if the price is right would be Mark Prior, Oliver Perez, or Carl Pavano. I think Pavano could find his old self in Cincy.

I would like to see Hairston resigned too, but not to a multi year deal, which is probably what he is going to hold out for. if that is the case, let him walk. While he was effective when he played, that is a big IF because he missed so much time. I would like him in the mix but im not ready to count on him because i'm fearful he will get hurt again. Im okay with the young catcher, i do think they will bring in some vetern though. I would open to trading Edwin. He used to be my favorite player but i have had enough. I think the front office is determined to give him another year, a make or break if you will. Hopefully they will be right. I like the free agent names you brought up, all of them, would love to see Rivera come to town. Seems like with the Reds budget it could be do-able too. I think they tried to move Bronson during the season but didnt get the right deal. Dont know what would have changed now. I think he probably is more valuable here. I think he is a reliable # 4 starter, which is basically where he would be in the Reds rotation at this point. You know what you will get from him and i'm okay with that. Temper your expectations, dont expect what he did in his first half season here and you will be okay. I have no interesting Prior, Palvano, or Perez. None at all. And i dont think the Reds are dumb enough to throw anything away to sign them either.

G Man

[nyyfan]

Reds interested In Taveras, Wigginton, Miles

By Ben Nicholson-Smith

Reds GM Walk Jocketty told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon that he's interested in three players who became free agents after being non-tendered by their former clubs: Willy Taveras, Ty Wigginton and Aaron Miles.

Jocketty said Taveras could play in center field, Wigginton's a backup in case they don't get their first choice of outfielders and Miles could work if the Reds don't re-sign Jerry Hairston.

Wigginton played in the outfield 30 times for the Astros this year, but John Fay heard from Jocketty that a Wigginton deal could move Edwin Encarnacion to left field.

I don't think I would want any of them. IF Hairston is not signed back then Taveras might be ok but I would still rather have Juan Rivera. And please, DO NOT PUT EE IN THE OUTFIELD!!

[Cowtipper]

CINCINNATI --- Newest Reds player Jonny Gomes is ready to do what it takes for his new team and make the roster out of Spring Training.

"I want to offer everything and say no to nothing," said Gomes, the free-agent outfielder who signed a Minor League contract with Cincinnati on Monday.

At the moment, a few possibilities appear to be on the table for Gomes. The Reds have a vacancy in left field, and Gomes will join Jerry Hairston Jr., Chris Dickerson, Norris Hopper and Laynce Nix as suitors for the spot.

"He's a guy we thought could compete for our bench and compete for the spot in left field, either every day or a platoon spot," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "This is a guy I've followed over his career and always liked him a lot. He had an off year last year, but if he turns it around, in our ballpark, he has a chance to hit some home runs."

Non-tendered by the Rays after a rough 2008 season where he batted .182 with eight homers and 21 RBIs in 77 games, Gomes could become quite a bargain should he have a rebound season in Cincinnati.

Still just 28 years old, Gomes can earn a base salary of $600,000 if he makes the Reds 25-man roster and another $200,000 in incentives. Cincinnati has had some good fortune with players it has taken fliers on in recent seasons. Two years ago, Josh Hamilton went from a suspended drug user to a Rule 5 pick who had a breakout rookie season. In 2008, Hairston signed a Minor League deal with the Reds worth $500,000 during Spring Training and emerged as a key contributor and was re-signed as a free agent for one year at $2 million.

"I've spoken to Jonny and some people in Tampa about him," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "The guy has some serious pop. We're going to give him an opportunity to make the club first. I explained to him that it could be a platoon situation here. We went from very few outfielders to a lot of quality outfielders in a short period of time. We need a right-handed bat."

Last season with the Rays, Gomes was squeezed out of his starting outfield spot and became a role player who yielded poor results. By August, he was sent down to Triple-A and, after a September call up, was left off of Tampa Bay's postseason roster all the way through the World Series.

"I don't think my game went down," Gomes said on Thursday afternoon. "I don't need to do anything different. It was a new regime in Tampa that made changes. It worked out great for them but I wasn't in the plans."

Gomes hasn't yet been able to match an overall solid 2005 rookie season for Tampa Bay when he batted .282 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs in 101 games. He had 20 homers and 59 RBIs in 2006, but a .216 average. He batted .244 with 17 homers in 2007.

Over his career, Gomes has a .329 on-base percentage and he's struck out almost three times more than he's walked (413 to 151). Reports out of Tampa Bay indicate that his non-fundamental swing requires him to play a lot to stay in a groove, and Gomes will admit that he can be streaky.

"I'm a high-maintenance player that has a lot of ups and downs," Gomes said. "I need to gradually grow and cut out all the peaks and valleys. When I have a manager that's patient with me, I'll have some good numbers in the end.

"When I roll into camp, I'd love to say now that my numbers will be .280 with 30 homers and 25 steals. I can't promise that, but I will respect the game and hustle. That's what you'll get every day."

In a Rays organization that featured elite outfielders like Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton, Gomes was not known for defensive prowess, but says can play all three outfield positions. He's only played the corner spots in the Majors.

"I told him he has to work hard, come to camp in great shape, work on his footwork and improve his defensive skills," Baker said.

Gomes resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., during the offseason and works out at the same athletic performance facility as Hairston and Dickerson -- two players he could end up sharing left field playing time.

While hoping to get at least 450 at-bats this season, Gomes is prepared to platoon.

"I will keep my game in shape -- my arm, my base running and my hitting -- so that when my number is called, I will be ready," Gomes said.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090123&content_id=3766758&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp

[Cowtipper]

Mark Sheldon, of MLB.com, reports the Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent C Ryan Jorgensen (Twins), OF Darnell McDonald (Twins), P Ron Flores (Cardinals), P Jeffrey Kennard (Angels), SP Adam Pettyjohn (Reds), C Chris Kroski (Reds), 1B Wes Bankston (Athletics), IF Kevin Barker (Blue Jays), and IF Luis Bolivar to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training Wednesday, Jan. 7. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=548456

[Cowtipper]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Catcher Humberto Cota agreed to a minor league contract Monday with the Cincinnati Reds, who lost another catcher to retirement.

Ryan Jorgensen announced his retirement after getting only 20 at-bats in the majors during his career with Florida, Cincinnati and Minnesota.

The 29-year-old Jorgensen returned last season after serving a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. He signed a minor league deal with the Reds on Nov. 19.

The 29-year-old Cota batted .233 with 12 homers and 61 RBIs in seven seasons with Pittsburgh. He was invited to spring training.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0NKfNxjU6UV1sScK_YtEG_T8wmwD963ON7O4

[Cowtipper]

02/10/2009 [Cincinnati] Chris Denove, C Invited to spring training

http://netsports.baseball.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=baseball&page=mlb/stat/transactions.aspx?sc=AA

[Brad Harris]

This was a horrible off-season for the Reds. With the market making free agents more affordable, the Reds haven't pursued anyone who could seriously improve the club and instead has opted for large quantities of "never-were"'s. Seeing Dunn go for a cool $10m/yr to play first in Washington was just rubbing salt in that wound.

I'm not at all happy about Jocketty's tenure at the helm or the direction this club seems headed in.

[gman5431]

I couldnt disagree more. I love the direction of the team. They have gone away from the overpaid slugging oafs of Dunn and Jr and to the youth and speed. Thought the Taveras signing was awesome. I think Bruce is going to turn into an absolute stud. Votto, Cueto, and Edinson are all a year older. The thing the season hinges on, to me, is the return of Harangatang to form. If he gets back on the beam as the Hoss we all know and love, the Reds will be in the thick of it. What moves, who would you have proposed they signed. Sure some guys signed for less because of economy but i really dont know of anyone i would have been happy if they would have gotten - within their budget.

G Man

[redlegsfan21]

This was a horrible off-season for the Reds. With the market making free agents more affordable, the Reds haven't pursued anyone who could seriously improve the club and instead has opted for large quantities of "never-were"'s. Seeing Dunn go for a cool $10m/yr to play first in Washington was just rubbing salt in that wound.

I'm not at all happy about Jocketty's tenure at the helm or the direction this club seems headed in.

I agree, the only reason why I expect the Reds to do better is because the rest of the Central has gotten worse. The Reds seemed to stay around par.

[Cowtipper]

CINCINNATI: The Cincinnati Reds and Edwin Encarnacion have agreed to a two-year contract that will pay the third baseman at least $7.6 million through the 2010 season.

Encarnacion was the last Reds player in arbitration. The agreement was announced Tuesday, hours before a scheduled hearing in Phoenix.

Encarnacion had asked for $3.7 million this season, while the team offered $2.55 million. The deal calls for $2 million in 2009 and $4.75 million in 2010, along with an $850,000 signing bonus and performance bonuses of $25,000 for 600 plate appearances.

Encarnacion batted .251 last season with 26 home runs and 68 RBIs.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/17/sports/BBN-Reds-Encarnacion.php

[gman5431]

Maybe more than 5% of his HRs will be solo shots now, haha

G Man

[Brad Harris]

Maybe more than 5% of his HRs will be solo shots now, haha
Why would you want a higher percentage to be solo shots? :confused:

[Brad Harris]

I couldnt disagree more. I love the direction of the team. They have gone away from the overpaid slugging oafs of Dunn and Jr and to the youth and speed. Thought the Taveras signing was awesome. I think Bruce is going to turn into an absolute stud. Votto, Cueto, and Edinson are all a year older. The thing the season hinges on, to me, is the return of Harangatang to form. If he gets back on the beam as the Hoss we all know and love, the Reds will be in the thick of it. What moves, who would you have proposed they signed. Sure some guys signed for less because of economy but i really dont know of anyone i would have been happy if they would have gotten - within their budget.
The team should get better production from the rotation with Harang coming back, Volquez and Cueto getting some more experience, and Micah Owings bringing more to the table than the Matt Belisles of the world. The offense will benefit from having Votto, Bruce and Dickerson in it for a whole season. None of those things have anything to do with the off-season moves the front office has made, however.

The front office has basically stood pat this winter, doing nothing to substantively improve the team. The contracts doled out so far are for, at best, players who should ride the bench and, at worst, players (Taveras, Jones, Gomes) who Baker will start in favor of homebrewed talent like Chris Dickerson.

We sent Ryan Freel and change to Baltimore for Ramon Herandez and his $8 million salary (plus $1 million buyout) when we could have made an offer to Ivan Rodriguez for less than that and had someone with the kind of experience we really want to be passing on to Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco in addition to providing offense and great defense for us now. The team also re-signed David Weathers for just under $4 million which is ridiculous for the performance that 39-year old is likely to bring when we can (and have) picked up guys like Mike Lincoln and Arthur Rhodes to supplement Cordero, Bray, Burton, Affeldt and Masset in the bullpen.

Worst of all, the team made little effort to replace the offense lost by Dunn leaving. Considering the huge hole in the budget caused by Dunn and Griffey's departure, the team might have tried to make a play for Pedro Martinez or Ben Sheets to solidify the rotation. Nomar Garciaparra might also have been a free agent worth taking a swing at, for the right price, as he could play at short or third and his bat hasn't deteriorated too badly.

Obviously the Reds don't need to build around veterans, but the point is that the team is not yet ready to compete unless our nucleus of youngsters all take big steps forward and the rest of our guys play to what they're capable of. The scrubs we've been picking up aren't going to do anything other than waste PAs and IPs, something that a club can't afford to do if it hopes to compete. The team had money it could have burned this year, but it opted not to go over players who could have substantially helped us. Not re-signing Dunn is fine, but replacing his production with Taveras (who is nothing more than 2009's Corey Patterson) isn't going to cut it.

The team didn't have a lot of options this winter, but they didn't do much to capitalize on the ones they did have. Unimpressed with this front office so far.

(BTW...the little redfaced smiley in the top corner was apparently because I accidentally clicked something in the margin when I was trying to post.)

[Cowtipper]

CBSSports.com reports that the Reds have agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Jay Bruce. Reliever Jared Burton and nine other players were signed to one-year deals as well. The team announced the deals on Saturday.

Fifteen players remain to be signed by the Reds.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[gman5431]

Why would you want a higher percentage to be solo shots? :confused:

Just another one of my Rizzleisms. You know what i meant, and it wasnt what i said.

G Rizzle

[gman5431]

The team should get better production from the rotation with Harang coming back, Volquez and Cueto getting some more experience, and Micah Owings bringing more to the table than the Matt Belisles of the world. The offense will benefit from having Votto, Bruce and Dickerson in it for a whole season. None of those things have anything to do with the off-season moves the front office has made, however.

The front office has basically stood pat this winter, doing nothing to substantively improve the team. The contracts doled out so far are for, at best, players who should ride the bench and, at worst, players (Taveras, Jones, Gomes) who Baker will start in favor of homebrewed talent like Chris Dickerson.

We sent Ryan Freel and change to Baltimore for Ramon Herandez and his $8 million salary (plus $1 million buyout) when we could have made an offer to Ivan Rodriguez for less than that and had someone with the kind of experience we really want to be passing on to Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco in addition to providing offense and great defense for us now. The team also re-signed David Weathers for just under $4 million which is ridiculous for the performance that 39-year old is likely to bring when we can (and have) picked up guys like Mike Lincoln and Arthur Rhodes to supplement Cordero, Bray, Burton, Affeldt and Masset in the bullpen.

Worst of all, the team made little effort to replace the offense lost by Dunn leaving. Considering the huge hole in the budget caused by Dunn and Griffey's departure, the team might have tried to make a play for Pedro Martinez or Ben Sheets to solidify the rotation. Nomar Garciaparra might also have been a free agent worth taking a swing at, for the right price, as he could play at short or third and his bat hasn't deteriorated too badly.

Obviously the Reds don't need to build around veterans, but the point is that the team is not yet ready to compete unless our nucleus of youngsters all take big steps forward and the rest of our guys play to what they're capable of. The scrubs we've been picking up aren't going to do anything other than waste PAs and IPs, something that a club can't afford to do if it hopes to compete. The team had money it could have burned this year, but it opted not to go over players who could have substantially helped us. Not re-signing Dunn is fine, but replacing his production with Taveras (who is nothing more than 2009's Corey Patterson) isn't going to cut it.

The team didn't have a lot of options this winter, but they didn't do much to capitalize on the ones they did have. Unimpressed with this front office so far.

(BTW...the little redfaced smiley in the top corner was apparently because I accidentally clicked something in the margin when I was trying to post.)

I agree with your first paragraph as it revolves around your assessment of the team. Also, i'm a Reds fan and i know there is a lot of "ifs" but doesnt ever team, especially mid markets teams have ifs? We need Harangatang to bounce back, thats # 1. I think if that happens a lot could fall into line and they can win a lot of games. One thing i think we differ on is the Taveras signing. I have always liked Wily since i saw him in ST in Kissimmee when he was a potential rookie. I love the speed and defense that he brings. I dont mind giving him the CF job. As for left, i want to see Dickerson and Hopper. I dont care about the Gomes and Jones signings, i used to like Jacque, but as long as they are bench players and dont steal a lot of time from the two afforementioned picks for LF then i am cool with them being on the team. I do agree with you on the catching trade. I'm not super excited about it but they had to move Freel at some point. Hernandez isnt worth his salary but he will surely provide more production than we have gotten at catcher in a long time. I didnt want to see I-Rod here, he is washed up, at least you cant say that about Hernandez, yet. No need to replace Dunn. As i have said in other posts, that style of play did nothing for us here in Cincy, i'm glad they are going with youth, speed, and defense now. I would rather see Dickerson out there than Dunn at this point. Sheets? He is out for the year and who knows if he will have anything left in his career. Pedro? There is a reason he isnt signed either. Those pick ups would reek of Reds failed reclamation projects of years past. Another guy who would fit in that category - Nomar. Plus we already have a first baseman, a SS, a 3B and back up (Keppi) at SS/3B. No need to waste time/money there. The inactivity was necessitated by the lack of useful affordable FAs and the fact that this team was pretty set. I like the way they got Taveras and Owings (last year). I still have hope for Homer. Another thing i agree on you with is Weathers, i wanted to see him go but i like the Rhodes pick up so ill take what i can get.

G Man

[Brad Harris]

I think the difference is the degree to which we're unsatisfied with what the team did. I'm happy they're moving towards younger, cheaper, more useful players. I just don't see Taveras as being much more valuable for us than Patterson was. (I hope I'm wrong.) Hernandez doesn't bring anything to the table that I-Rod wouldn't have and I-Rod would have brought so much more for the same salary or less. You hit the ball out of the park with your comment that there just wasn't that much out there that would have substantially improved the team, but the spare parts we're picking up aren't going to either and the cumulative money saved isn't likely to be reserved for next year's budget so much as redistributed to the shareholders instead.

Any improvement by the team this year will rest entirely on the shoulders of the core nucleus of young players. And while speed and defense are certainly desirable for the club, I don't think it's worth the tradeoff of losing Dunn's power and plate discipline.

Regardless, the Taveras Era has begun - with two outs already - and we'll see what happens. Ideally, he'll bat .300, draw a few walks and spark the offense for the next couple of seasons. Let's hope so.

[gman5431]

I think Taveras is going to be a good leadoff man. Dont think he will hit .300 and he doesnt walk a ton but he is no C Patt either, dont worry. I forgot they resigned Hairston also, which was a good move. He just hit a granny in the first spring game BTW. Anyways, im excited about watching this team, heck i'll see them in 2 days.
G MAn

[nyyfan]

Today was very impressive by our Reds. Picked up a win against the Rays 7-0 and out hit them 14-4. Hairston knocked a grand slam, Cueto, Volquez, and Bailey seemed good by the box score. They combined 8 K's in 7 innings while walking only 2. This may be just a spring training game but I am relly exicited about the Reds this year. The may taste the post-season!

[Cowtipper]

The Reds sign Paul Janish and Wilkin Castillo to one year deals.

http://netsports.baseball.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=baseball&page=mlb/stat/transactions.aspx?sc=AA

[Cowtipper]

The Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday agreed to terms with outfielder Chris Dickerson on a one-year contract.

Dickerson, 26, is battling for a starting job with the Reds this season after batting .304 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 31 games last year.

The Reds also agreed to terms on one-year deals with utility man Jeff Keppinger, infielder Danny Richar and catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Keppinger, a five-year veteran who batted .266 last season, could start at shortstop for Cincinnati if injury-prone Alex Gonzalez is not available.

http://nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com/default.aspx?s=mlb-news-display&nid=A26087961235506057A

CINCINNATI REDS - Agreed to terms with LHP Bill Bray, C-INF-OF Wilkin Castillo and INF Paul Janishon to one-year contracts.

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/2-0&fp=49a61eb0070dbe74&ei=DQamSbfjDI6MNf-q4P4K&url=http%3A//www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sports-transactions-225%2C0%2C4678593.story&cid=1308206277&usg=AFQjCNHsGhOExk-KJkT9b3BaLNGh7mZNyQ

[nyyfan]

Nice post Cowtipper. I really like the small guys they sign like Keppinger (he is really good when healthy) and Paul Janish especially.

[gman5431]

Today was very impressive by our Reds. Picked up a win against the Rays 7-0 and out hit them 14-4. Hairston knocked a grand slam, Cueto, Volquez, and Bailey seemed good by the box score. They combined 8 K's in 7 innings while walking only 2. This may be just a spring training game but I am relly exicited about the Reds this year. The may taste the post-season!

This is the type of attitude i like to hear. Seems like we have too many Reds fans that just complain and complain. With all the young players, i'm going to be excited to see them play win or loss.

G Man

[gman5431]

Everyone love Keppi. I also was impressed by Wilkin Castillo. Hope he can grab a little PT.

G Man

[Brad Harris]

This is the type of attitude i like to hear.
Blatant homerism and delusions of grandeur are not something anyone should encourage.


Seems like we have too many Reds fans that just complain and complain.
Which is entirely understandable considering the poor performance of the organization over the past decade or two.

[gman5431]

You are really pessimistic. Or maybe its just because i love baseball and my city so much. I really do love this team. I have met many of the players and am very impressed with many of them. Edinson is an absolute hoot and i think he can become a stud for years to come. I'm really pulling for Harang to get back too. Sure, for this decade they havent been great, but they made a run in 2006 for 2/3rds of the season. 1999 was one of the more enjoyable years i have ever had following the team. 1995 they made the playoffs and won a series. and in 1990 they won it all. I respect the new ownership and like i said i love some of the moves they have made to change the team. Quit hatin' There will be room on the bandwagon in mid season, dont worry.

G Man

[nyyfan]

G Man you sumed it up with that last post!

Quit hatin' There will be room on the bandwagon in mid season, dont worry.
GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, Reds lost 10-4 to the Twins but there are some positives that can be seen, besides the fact they hit .181 (6-33) as a team. Owings tossed three scoreless. David Weathers and Josh Roenicke each had a perfect inning.

[Brad Harris]

Bandwagon? hahahahaha

I could just as easily say to you "quit drinking the kool aid," so why don't we just agree to disagree about the merits of this team's management? I'm as stubborn in my insistence that you need to be drowned in a cold shower of reality as you are that I need a heart to replace the cold stone in my chest so what's the point of you trying to tell me how I should root for the team or suggesting that homerism and unrealistic expectations somehow mean you love the team and the rest of us who would lay money against the team competing for the post-season? To each his own. Let it be.

[Brutus26]

This is the type of attitude i like to hear. Seems like we have too many Reds fans that just complain and complain. With all the young players, i'm going to be excited to see them play win or loss.

G Man

My frustration comes from being a Reds fan and a Browns fan lol. Every year a disapointment!

But every year i try to look at all the positives with the team and still get excited for the season to begin. I really like the way the Reds look this year. I like the youth and hopefully we can keep it. Alot of ppl complain about gettind rid of Dunn but I look at it in the manner that even with all the runs he produced we still were below .500! So i think bringing in some younger guys in here and not having alot of media attention can be good for this team. I really like the way our pitching rotation is looking as well! (did i really just say that? lol)

[redlegsfan21]

I am usually pessimistic like Classic until Opening Day when the Reds are tied for first place. "In a ballpark, there is always a dream."

[Brad Harris]

It is not "pessimistic" to believe the 2009 Reds will not field a team that is competitive for the NL pennant. I certainly don't hope they won't compete. It's just not bloody likely.

[redlegsfan21]

It is not "pessimistic" to believe the 2009 Reds will not field a team that is competitive for the NL pennant. I certainly don't hope they won't compete. It's just not bloody likely.

Yeah, I guess your right on that one.

[Cowtipper]

The Reds signed Ron Flores.

http://tsn.ca/mlb/transactions/

[Cowtipper]

CINCINNATI — Pitchers Johnny Cueto and Ramon Ramirez agreed to one-year deals with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

The Reds did not release any other contract details. Both right-handers made their major-league debuts last season.

The 23-year-old Cueto went 9-14 with a 4.81 ERA in 31 starts. The 26-year-old Ramirez spent most of 2008 in the minor leagues, and went 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance for the Reds.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ga3blrm-OBNjuPrk6lzUrE8B4qmQ

[Cowtipper]

Not sure when the "offseason" thread will end, but I'll keep posting here until it does.

Nick Masset, RP Agreed to terms on a one-year contract
Homer Bailey, P Agreed to terms on a one-year contract

http://netsports.baseball.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=baseball&page=mlb/stat/transactions.aspx?sc=AA

[Cowtipper]

They signed Adam Greenberg as well.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=2386

[redlegsfan21]

Not sure when the "offseason" thread will end, but I'll keep posting here until it does.

Probably when final rosters are announced. Who knows? I was going to put a ST thread but really don't feel like doing it now.

[gman5431]

My frustration comes from being a Reds fan and a Browns fan lol. Every year a disapointment!

But every year i try to look at all the positives with the team and still get excited for the season to begin. I really like the way the Reds look this year. I like the youth and hopefully we can keep it. Alot of ppl complain about gettind rid of Dunn but I look at it in the manner that even with all the runs he produced we still were below .500! So i think bringing in some younger guys in here and not having alot of media attention can be good for this team. I really like the way our pitching rotation is looking as well! (did i really just say that? lol)

Thats exactly how i feel.

1) I love the young players and i would much rather see them play then some old bums. I'm glad they moved to the youth, its exciting
2) We got rid of Griffey and Dunn - get over it people. They werent worth their contracts and what did we win with them? Nothing, might as well try something new at this point anyhow.
3) i'm glad they have steered clear of signing some overpriced free agents or some washed up vets. No Josh Foggs this year.

G Man

[Brutus26]

They had a video interview on the Reds website last week with Arroyo and he said the chemistry with the team is great and without alot of veterans everyone is 1 group.

[gman5431]

I can see it down in ST also, and at the bars post game :) :clapping

G Man

[Brutus26]

It's good to see it was noticable at ST. Did you get a chance to talk with any of the players? I was wondering if you heard any comments on how they felt about the club and this season?

[gman5431]

Sure we talked to a few. Spent some time with Dickerson, Bruce, Arroyo, EE, Darnell McDonald, Stubbs, Keppi, and Weathers. They are excited and it definately has a different feel than previous springs.

G Man

[Brutus26]

Thats awesome to hear! I just hope i'm not getting too excited for the season!

[gman5431]

Never can be too excited. This team is fun to watch. Lots of good young talent with more on the way and good young power arms.

G MAn

[Brutus26]

i know its still early but did you get a feel for who might be the 5th guy in the rotation or is it still all pretty even?

[Cowtipper]

Reassigned C Humberto Cota, C Chris Denove, SS Todd Frazier, C Devin Mesoraco, OF Drew Stubbs and SS Chris Valaika. Optioned Yonder Alonso to Double-A Carolina.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/

[gman5431]

I think will end up going to Owings but dont count Homer out of the picture just yet. I think he may become a factor at some point in the year. This may be a make or break season for him. He is still young but at some point he is going to have to prove he is going to live up to the potential.

G Man

[Brutus26]

I just about gave up on Homer after last season but i'm still willing to hang in there with him just b/c he's younger. He seems to be doing pretty well this spring so i hope the best for him.

[gman5431]

Yeah, he is still young but last year was a disaster. Hopefully he can restore some faith this year. This may not be a make or break year for him but its pretty close, especially because the brass showed they were flirting with trading him this past off season.

G Man

[Brutus26]

I wonder if he doesn't make the rotation if they will keep him as a reliever (I am assuming they will b/c he's done good this spring) do you think he will do well in that role?

[gman5431]

I think if he doesnt get the 5th spot, then he will end up starting in AAA. He isnt a reliever and there is no reason to put him there now. He will either get the 5th spot of lay in the waiting in Louisville.

G Man

[Brutus26]

I read somewhere i think last week where this was being discussed. Thought it would be interesting to see would happen from that point on. Which if he goes back to Louisville iwth injuries i'm sure he'll get his chance again this year.

[gman5431]

Yeah, no matter where he ends up to start the season.... at some point he will be starting in the major league rotation and will have to prove himself there. He has done everything but that.

G Man

[Brad Harris]

It really is incredible to consider the potential a staff of Volquez, Cueto, Bailey and Owings could have if they all live up to their potential. Glad we've got Harang around a little longer too.

[Brutus26]

I like the rotation. Harang, Volquez and Arroyo have all had 15 win seasons and i figure Cueto will be up there near that this year. Then if our 5th man whoever it will be can get 10 wins i think we will be in good shape. We just need everyone to step up and play their best all season!

[gman5431]

I agree with both of you. We have the good young arms. Harang got beat up by the Phils in Clearwater yesterday. He needs to be back to form this year. C'mon Harangatang!!

G Man

[Cowtipper]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (mlb.com and Cincinnati Enquirer) -- The Cincinnati Reds made 12 more cuts on Tuesday and have their spring training roster down to 44 players.

Pitching prospects Sam LeCure, Matt Maloney and Robert Manuel were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Third-base prospect Juan Francisco was optioned to Double-A Carolina.

Non-roster invitees re-assigned to the Minor League camp were pitchers James Avery, Adam Pettyjohn, Ben Jukich (who played at McCook Community College) and Jordan Smith, infielder/outfielder Wes Bankston, first baseman Kevin Barker, infielder Luis Bolivar and catcher Chris Kroski.

The highest-rated prospect of the group was Francisco, who was ranked the eighth-best prospect in the organization by Baseball America.

The lefty power hitter batted .227 with three RBIs in 10 games.

Jukich pitched in four spring training games for the Reds. He went 2-0 with a 6.23 earned run average, allowing seven hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings of work.

Despite the high ERA, Jukich picked up wins over a couple marquee teams. He defeated the New York Yankees on March 1 and the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies on March 9.

http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1523396.html

[Cowtipper]

CINCINNATI REDS: Optioned RHP Carlos Fisher and C Craig Tatum to their minor league camp.

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&usg=AFQjCNHH9o6NXf3U7MWiXnxlWuDWHiaR0w&cid=1316952933&ei=FQDISZCDGYixmAeP6Of1Aw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldtimesonline.com%2Fstori es%2F2009%2F03%2F21%2Fsports.qp-7695237.sto

[Cowtipper]

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds released veterans Daryle Ward and Aaron Fultz today.

Ward, 33, hit .259/.310/.407 in 29 plate appearances this spring. The Reds apparently couldn't squeeze him in for a pinch-hitting role. Fultz, 35, posted a 3.38 ERA in 5.3 innings.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[gman5431]

I guess Fultz didnt impress enough. Ward never was going to make the team.

G MAn

[Cowtipper]

Reds optioned RHP Ramon Ramirez and 2B Danny Richar to Triple-A Louisville; reassigned RHP Jeff Kennard and LHP Ron Flores to minor league camp.
The Reds must have been pretty upset that Ramirez went to play for Venezuela in the WBC, because they gave him no opportunity at all to win a job, even though he had a 2.67 ERA in four starts and a relief appearance down the stretch for the team last season. Richar finished 3-for-27 in his attempt to win a bench job.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5654&line=257184&spln=1

[Cowtipper]

Sarasota, FL (Sports Network) - The Cincinnati Reds reassigned three players from their spring camp on Monday, with outfielder Jacque Jones among the cuts.

Jones signed a minor league deal with the Reds this offseason and was competing for a reserve role. However, he hit just. 091 during the spring.

The 33-year-old spent most of the 2008 season in the minors but combined to play 42 games for the Marlins and Tigers and hit .147.

Jones began his career in 1999 with the Twins and enjoyed a successful seven- year run with Minnesota before signing a lucrative free agent contract with the Cubs in 2006. He hit 27 home runs and drove in 81 runs that year but his production slipped in 2007, producing a trade to Detroit following the season.

In 1,302 career games, Jones has compiled 165 home runs and 630 runs batted in with 82 stolen bases and a .277 average.

Also on Monday, the Reds optioned outfielder Norris Hopper and pitcher Daryl Thompson to Triple-A Louisville.

http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/mlbnews.asp?articleID=257275

[redlegsfan21]

Unstickied, please refer to 2009 Regular Season Thread