1/6/2011 5:05:34 PM #

We're experiencing a bit of technical problems right now and as a result have two copies of this thread up.  Please comment on this version of it, as there seems to be something amiss with the other one.

Mary |

1/6/2011 5:18:24 PM #

1/6/2011 4:46:40 PM #

Redwakeup

Son?

Yeah, Dad? Where are you?

I'm right here, son. Behind the lump of coal. sigh...I don't know how I'm going to get this thing out of the house.

Oh, there you are dad. What's up?

Those Stupid Reds made some bonehead moves this offseason! They picked up Jeremy Hermidia and Edgar Renteria. Let's bask in the glory of their limited payroll....

Dad? We didn't do much better did we? I mean, we got a washed up ex-Cub with the range of a World War 1 tank, and an ex-Astro worn out first baseman playing left field.

Don't you bad mouth my teammates boy! Our team is much better than those Commie Reds!!

Don't punish me dad!

Now you take it like a man!

Don't get the paddle dad....Wait... What's that?

That's your pick axe, son. Get to work chippin' this big piece of coal that big "Redleg" lovin' Santa gave your daddy! Now you hit this for an hour then go to bed without your supper.

I could work on this coal for days and not take more than a chunk out of it.....

Think of it as a labor of love. It will strengthen your shoulders, back and forearms. It may someday make you the hall of fame baseball player that your daddy is.

You mean you'd put my picture with your pictures and statues in the hallway going to my bedroom.

Yes, son, you could be in our hall of fame one day. Now get chipping.

<dink> <dink> <dink> <dink>.....<dink>  

Mary |

1/6/2011 5:24:30 PM #

  Very nicely done, sir. Another in a long line of fabulous thread starters around here. If the mess media is looking for inspiration,well...look no further.
  It has been a virtual eternity since Reds fans could look into their farm system and see so much potential spread across so many levels. We should all be thankful to whomever we thank, that this is the case.I'm a bit surprised to see Hamilton and Lotzkar rated so highly because they have only begun the long progression up the ranks. I'll take it, though. If the "experts" got it right, we're grazing in tall grass. If not, the top 3 are still Chapman, Mesaroca, and Alonso. Pretty good stuff, right there.
   I'm loving the Renteria deal. Cozart needs to get ABs on a regular basis and Soft-J needs an opportunity to "wash out" or "play in". I like Edgar in that role much more than Kairo or O-Cab. He's turned into quite the elder statesman in his latter years (or so they write).    

Dawginnaples |

1/6/2011 5:49:27 PM #

... and they didn't even mention Valaika, Dorn, Sappelt, or the stable of pretty good pitching in the upper minors.

Dawginnaples |

1/6/2011 6:08:07 PM #

Great job! Where DO you find the time?

I am mildly concerned about the lack of pitching in this group. I know the Reds have some great young arms on the major league roster, but pitching is something that needs constant refreshing.

UtahBrian |

1/6/2011 6:27:38 PM #

MissEnquirer Miss Enquirer
RT @Enrique_Rojas1: Edgar Renteria to ESPNdeportes.com: "I agreed with #Reds. "We can reach the World Series".

Grizzlyfox |

1/6/2011 6:49:21 PM #

nice summation of the BA10.

lotzkar had TJ in 09 and still seems to have mechanics issues but it's nice to see him on the list.

frazier at 25 is ready to break out. I'd love to see him steal LFfromm gomes out of ST. He's on the 40 now so he can get the call.

Champ Summers |

1/6/2011 7:25:11 PM #

I'm lukewarm to the Renteria signing.  Baker and Jocketty can say all they want about Janish being the starter, but obviously they don't have complete confidence in him.  Renteria has had a significant big league career and is a "character" player which Jocketty is so fond of, but he has never been a backup and has played all but a few innings off shortstop.  When Janish is consistently in the lineup 5-6 times a week then I'll believe he is the starter.

stlredsfan |

1/6/2011 7:34:54 PM #

Good summary of some of the top prospects and suspects in the organization.

I have this nightmare where we are looking at Renteria having 500 plate appearances by the end of August and putting up some kind of .250/.300/.325 nightmare that makes us miss the cardboard cutout that was Orlando Cabrera.  Dusty still hates Janish, apparently, and Walt likes those veterany infielders.  I don't think it was a bad idea to sign him to back up Janish and let Cozart develop in the minors... it's kind of the same thing as with Gomes.  I like having him on the team, but if he gets a whole lot more than 200 ABs it's probably bad news.

rpa |

1/6/2011 8:03:37 PM #

BTW, I thought smart people went to Stanford....Luck is an idiot. The labor thing had to play into it?

Champ Summers |

1/6/2011 9:59:10 PM #

I can't remember my password. Boo.

DonkeyDizzle |

1/6/2011 9:59:56 PM #

Check that, couldn't remember there was a space in my name. Silly.

DonkeyDizzle |

1/6/2011 10:44:59 PM #

Excellent work, VottoLoco.  It's nice to see the farm system in such great shape.  The fact that Sappelt isn't a top 10 prospect speaks volumes about its depth.

Although the Reds don't seem to have a lot of elite starting pitching prospects after Chapman, there are some guys with potential.  We also have to keep in mind that Leake, Wood, Maloney, and Lecure were all prospects last year that got called up last year.  I'd bet there are some starting pitching prospects that emerge next year.  

River Otter |

1/6/2011 11:29:21 PM #

MLB did top 10 RF in BB right now. No sign of Jay Bruce except in the who we left out segment.

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 10:00:20 AM #

Heyward, Stanton and Bruce are the future of RF for sure.  Hart and Werth are still pretty good. Sux for Bruce these are all NL guys. Even worse is if Carlos Gonzalez plays more RF

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 10:07:34 AM #

AAT...if you didn't read this already it should brighten your day some.

espn.go.com/.../will-barry-larkin-save-the-hall-in-2012

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 10:17:47 AM #

For the most part I really love reading Neyer's stuff. This on in particular could sway your opinion if you disagree and really fortify it if you agree.

espn.go.com/.../change-will-roll-into-the-hall-someday

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 11:33:03 AM #

Cubs in talks to trade their #1, 4, and 10 prospects and another dude for a guy who's never had an era under 3.69. But Garza has pitched in the AL East the last 3 years, so obviously  his true era is more like 0.00004.

Gawd, the teams in our division are retarded. Reds have a bunch of up and coming high ceiling talent, rather than make a push last year when the division was truly up for grabs, the Brewers and Cubs mortgage the future for chances in the next 2 years. Why? You're going to be going up against the best years of Votto's careers, the final pre-arb years of Cueto and Volquez, another year older of Bailey, the final year of BP's deal, the final year Scott Rolen is likely to be worth anything, the rise of Bruce, etc.

It's a horrible time for others in the division to try to make a significant push via trade. If these were FA moves, good for them. But trading away the farm? Don't get it.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 11:42:53 AM #

bring it on Cubbies. Garza can be very good but not worth that fame killer.

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 11:43:38 AM #

Done deal.....maybe next the Pirates will trade the farm for Joe Blanton?

On a more realistic note, I'd bet these moves force Mozeliak into something. He seems like a poor GM, I'd imagine he's feeling pressed to react, especially w/ Albert's impending FA/DOOM/2012.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 11:48:01 AM #

SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
word is, renteria is getting $2 mil guaranteed plus up to $1 mil in perf bonuses from #reds. great veteran presence (obvs)


And this is INTERESTING: www.fangraphs.com/.../ Comparing Garza to Harang, the biggest difference between the two is HR/Fly ball. Could moving to a division that includes Wrigley, GABP, Miller Park, and that LF porch in Houston turn Garza into the 2008-2010 version of Aaron Harang? That would make my day.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 12:53:26 PM #

Talked to Yoda's owner at the dog park the other day. He thinks Bruce is going to have a monster year this year. He also thinks Edmonds had a lot to do with his good 2nd half.

Soccerdad13 |

1/7/2011 2:14:48 PM #

I may have overlooked someone posting this but just in case thought I'd mention it:

The Reds signed Burton avoiding arbitration, details not released yet as far as I know.  That leaves 4 arb eligibles remaining - Votto, Cueto, Volquez, Bray.  

I also so John Fay post this on his blog:

“I feel happy for the opportunity to keep playing shortstop full time. That was the main reason to accept the offer from the Reds,” Renteria told ESPNdeportes.com.

How's everyone feel about the Renteria signing with bit of info?  

RedFaced |

1/7/2011 2:44:53 PM #

sounds like a lot of SS to me. I'm sure he was offered other deals to play 2B utility much like the deals OC got last year.

Champ Summers |

1/7/2011 3:05:17 PM #

redsminorleagues.com/.../

Reds farm system ranked 2nd behind Royals as far as position players go. 22nd as far as pitchers go, 7th overall.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 3:08:22 PM #

The Cubs before today had the 10th ranked system (likely will fall into the 20s), the Pirates 18th, the Cardinals 23rd, the Brewers 29th, and the Astros 30th.

In other words, w/ our young pitching at the MLB level combined w/ a variety of young positional talent, the goal should be to extend the young pitching and let the young guys grow into the starting lineup at positions such as LF, 2B, 3B, SS, and catcher, rather than making big splashes.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 3:13:03 PM #

Nice starter. Good to see the Reds have a bright future. Im for the Renteria signing. Cant beat veteran presence.

Just 40 days till Pitchers and Catchers report!!

CedarRapidsReds |

1/7/2011 3:27:22 PM #

www.redreporter.com/.../reds-2011-national-tv-schedule-sorry-if-posted-previously

17 nationally televised Reds games next year, w/ MLB network schedule yet to come.

Grizzlyfox |

1/7/2011 3:29:20 PM #

Nice blog! Well worth the read. I hope old shortstops are of use in the muggle world.

CedarRapidsReds |

1/7/2011 6:24:51 PM #

Dear Walt,

This weekend, when you receive a plastic bag containing rye bread, swiss cheese, and a steaming hunk of a turd, know that Paul Janish is displeased with both Renteria's comments, and your choice of how to spend the budget this off-season. And I'm with Paul.

Sincerely,

The Ashland ATeam

AshlandATeam |

1/7/2011 6:42:58 PM #

If I understand the budget right, the Reds have roughly $2 mil left to spend. Pods or Lewis ain't coming for $2 mil.

I'm the biggest Gomes fan there is around here, and as you've seen with the Larkin stuff, I'm pretty insanely loyal. But how someone can objectively look and say they'd rather have an every day lineup with Renteria and Gomes instead of Podsednik and Janish is absolutely beyond me.

Oh well. I'm sure that 2010 WS home run will give the Reds a boost next July.

AshlandATeam |

1/7/2011 8:26:30 PM #

I don't think you guys need to be too upset about Renteria taking time from Janish. With Rolen playing about 135 games and BP getting some ocassional rest, Edgar will be busy elsewhere for 50 or so games. Who know's? Dusty likes to keep a legitmate SS on the bench, remember? Just hope it ain't Soft-J all the time. And that 2 mil might bring NixBH back if Walt asks real nice.

Dawginnaples |

1/7/2011 9:04:42 PM #

Thanks for the compliments, everyone.

I think I like the Renteria signing.  I don't think he'll be the defensive and offensive liability that people think he is.  At least he's not Ryan Theriot, right?  Plus, I think he won't be viewed as a lead-off option, and he'll out-perform O-Cab's 2010 numbers.  Add to that the possibility that Janish is still going to be the starting SS, and this veteran could be a good influence on young infielders like Cozart and Frazier.  

I'm also not sure Castellini won't spring for someone like Lewis or Pods.  What's another mil between friends?

**Not accepting VottoLoco, eh?  What did I ever do to you, website?  Dang 1s and 0s copping an attitude.

VottoLoco1 |

1/7/2011 10:16:12 PM #

BTW, I do NOT own a minivan and still never will and still only have one child and not currently in the market for another one. And when I get a new car this spring and it's NOT a minivan, I will post plenty o' pics! Go Reds! And by the way, LOOOVE the Renteria signing, Rolen and Renteria on the left, spreading wisdom and love to all. Tell Soft J to hit better and quit whining. They're both gonna get their chance early in the year, win it fair and square baby.

DonkeyDizzle |

1/8/2011 12:21:40 AM #

I am hoping for a translation error being the reason that there are reports that Renteria thinks he is the everyday shortstop.

Otherwise, they would have been just as well off getting Theriot.

rpa |

1/8/2011 12:32:52 AM #

I will say that with what the Cubs just did to get Garza, I was starting to feel better about the Reds chances in 2013-2015...  pretty much every team that matters in the divison has emptied the cupboard.

After reading the link to Doug Gray's site that Grizz put up, it looks like I was right in thinking that way.

The NLC is filled with a lot of weak minor league systems now (as is highlighted in the link Grizz made above).  Only the Cubs really have the cash to overcome it long-term.  The Cardinals essentially need to get lucky with another Pujols to keep this up, because they really aren't going to generate THAT much more money than the Reds or Brewers or Astros.  So the Brewers and Astros have very weak systems, and the Pirates are going to suck until they get new ownership that isn't just interested in cashing revenue-sharing checks, even if they do improve their minor league system.

Key for the Reds medium-term success is going to be getting enough butts in the seats at the ballpark so that they can keep a payroll in-line with every team in the division not named the Cubs, and that ought to be enough to make them competitive on an annual basis for the next 5 years or so.

Jocketty drives me insane with some of his moves, but those are mostly the ones on the fringes of the major league roster.  If the Reds draw well, they can afford to overspend a bit on a $1-$3 million player.  Overall I still think he's doing an outstanding job.  Inheriting some of those really good drafts makes it easy for him to look smart, anyway.

rpa |

1/8/2011 1:04:31 AM #

I. like many on here, am concerned about Renteria on the roster because I have a feeling that Janish will be back in Dusty's doghouse and Edgar will be stinking it up in the field and at the plate for much of 2011.  I wonder what the heck Janish has to do to convince the organization that he's worth a shot at starting?

I hope the Reds go out and draft a high upside top-of-the-rotation pitcher this year.  The system is really lacking those types of players.  The only thing close is probably Corcino, who was in the Pioneer league last year.

Billy Hamilton is something else.  Hopefully he starts out at Dayton and steals the show there.  Just the chance to watch him would worth the cost on a minor league ticket.

timmytwoshoezzz |

1/8/2011 11:41:25 AM #

  Does anyone else think Walt Jocketty might be stocking up on marginal and fill-in type players to protect his positions for a possible trade? Could he be looking to improve by making a multi-player deal which could include a current starter or 2? I think there may be room to improve in the pen and of course, in LF. Could it be that he is accumulating talent in case a muti step plan is derailed once started? One thing is for sure. He is proving to have quite a poker face.

Dawginnaples |

1/8/2011 3:21:53 PM #

Votto, good thread.Appreciated much.

I posted on the last thread, toward the end, I think, my biggest worry was Renteria preventing Janish from betting a legit shot at the starting position. Now, his tweets bring me more worry--not that i would be surprised, given what we all know already with Dusty and veterans.

For those that think Renteria will get sufficient playing time to suit him between 3rd, SS, and 2nd, we should not forget Cairo needs plenty of playing time to keep sharp as well, and has already shown he can do it quite well.

I am all for Renteria, both as a back-up SS, veteran presence, etc., but do not want him to get the SS position by default early in the season because Janish might get off to a slow start.

The ONLY way we are ever going to know how good Janish can be, how inefficient at the plate he might be, is to let him play a extended period of time. Guy has shown some real promise when given the opportunity, but he must be given time. Then, if he does not make it, then we will know for sure. Platooning him, then giving occasional starts will not get it done. the best glove in the league deserves a shot.

genewv |

1/8/2011 6:46:16 PM #

RPA,

Agreed. All the more reason to check and see if we have more than we think we have.

If we do, great. If we don't, we just move on, or let him play back-up forever. Guy has done everything asked of him to get better--weight lifting, back-up with no back lash, been a total team guy. Give him his shot. has to be now, as you correctly state.

genewv |

1/9/2011 9:18:38 AM #

Out of nowhere... remember that Wheaties commercial last year with Pujols, and there was some discussion about if it was Cordero pitching to him?

Confirmation that it was, if there was ever any doubt:

news.cincinnati.com/.../Clooney-to-film-in-OTR-Lunken


So there you have it.  Guy made a Wheaties commercial where Pujols smacks him down, and it was filmed at Lunken.  I suppose if there were more truth in advertising, he probably would have been in a commercial where he walks Pujols with the bases loaded to give up the winning run.  But I guess that wouldn't have been as exciting for the Wheaties commercial.

Then again, is there anything exciting about Wheaties?   I think that Wheaties, as part of a balanced breakfast, has a high on-base percentage.

rpa |

1/9/2011 10:59:18 AM #

I also want to point out that I was looking at old baseball uniforms earlier today, and found a mention of Ted Kluszewski and his cut-off sleeves.

I was looking at his stats again (3 plus seasons of 40+ HR without more than 40 Ks in any of them always amazes me) and I have discovered some unsettling things:

1) Through his age 27 season, he had 74 HR in 2723 PAs - that's a rate of 1 HR every 36 plate appearances.  In his age 27 season, he hit 16 HR in 135 games while batting .320.  He was basically the Sean Casey of his day.  Then, he busts out for 171 HR in his next 2548 PAs (one every 15 PAs, more than double his old rate) at an age where most guys are declining a bit.

2) The guy's arms... just look at them!  So big he had to cut the sleeves off of his uniforms, that is how outside the norm he was.  A regular shirt just wouldn't fit the guy.

3) Career cut short by injury.

4) In 1954, the Soviets won a big international weightlifting competition - right around the time a guy with a very eastern-european sounding name starts bashing homers...


There is only one reasonable conclusion - Big Klu was on 'roids.

rpa |

1/9/2011 12:27:54 PM #

I couldn't resist taking a look at who will be on the 2012 Hall of Fame ballot.

I am starting a campaign for Tony Womack.  If nothing else, you can probably win a bet by correctly naming him as an Opening Day leadoff hitter for the Reds in the Harang meltdown against the Cubs a few years ago.

rpa |

1/9/2011 3:55:19 PM #

This comment from Dusty, as reported by Fay, makes me feel a little better that Soft J will get a legit chance to start:

“I don’t know. We don’t have a quarterback controversy at short. Everybody plays on my team.  They’re both going to play. Janish is younger. Edgar is more experienced. Janish deserves a chance to be my shortstop.”

Baker likes having a pure shortstop as a backup.

River Otter |

1/9/2011 9:04:57 PM #

I see you folks have been discussing Janish and his situation since i last visited.

Some very good points made by all--per usual.

I get that the undertone of all is that we REALLY don't trust Dusty to give him a fair shot before inserting Renteria as the regular.

I think we are right.

The mention of always calling him by his last name while always having a nick-name, pet name for everyone else just might be more telling than one might think.

WQhen i was in high school, my FB coach called everyone on the team by their first name, or had a nickname for them--except me. He always called me by my last name, with a certain amount of disgust in his tone. Never forgot it. He had real issues with me because of my family, was not able, or did not want, to hide his anger. Only reason I played was because I was the star RB, MLB. However, when he got the chance to short change me come post season honors, scholarship time, he got his revenge.

To this day, I never call anyone by their last name only when speaking to them in person.

Janish? Who knows?

genewv |

1/9/2011 9:09:09 PM #

I might also add there have been several players that have not made it as a regular in MLB until late in their 20's. Folks that immediately come to mid is Pee Wee Reese, George Foster. There are, of course, multiple others. Maybe, just maybe, Janish is one of those? Maybe not? Lets find out the first few months of this season, not the first few games.

genewv |

1/9/2011 10:59:45 PM #

Off topic, but I do love my Seahawks.  My crappy EIGHT-9 Seahawks, who if they win another playoff game can get to .500.

Saw these linked on Deadspin today.  If you had a NES in the late 80s/early 90s, you will get both of these.  Otherwise, maybe not.

BEEF MOE (Okoye stylee):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieMlSNXMR2M

SUPER MARSHAWN - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueR1TFFEt3g


I realize the ride will probably end next weekend.  But that run was almost enough to erase this from my memory:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-eiK1mlKWY

...but not quite.  I mean, I was a kid when that happened, and it just crushed me.  I still refer to that play as the run that killed the decent Seahawks teams of the 80s and sent them into a downward spiral.  Good night to the rock and roll era, indeed.

But now, "Bald Crappy Favre" has the best game of his career, Marshawn Lynch does something great, and the Saints are at home.  That's enough to keep me going until pitchers & catchers report.

rpa |

1/9/2011 11:16:36 PM #

Certainly agree on folks coming out of the service. All that has to be non-personal in the sense everyone has to be expendable for it to work. Sad, but true.

On Lynch, that has to be one of the greatest runs ever, especially if one considers what was on the line. I don't watch much NFL, but was watching that with my daughter. Wow!

Bo Jackson did that to a lot of people. Had he not had the injury, who knows how great he might have been? One of the great athletes of all time--Jim Thorpe like.

On the Seahawks, used to follow them closely when I followed NFL. I knew Curt Warner, the running back, as he was from my neck of the woods, played against several of my FB and BB teams, so I instantly became a Sea Hawk's fan when he went there. Great guy, he really was--not to mention a heck of a RB until his injury. First true freshman to ever start for Joe Paterno.

genewv |

1/9/2011 11:47:23 PM #

Wow...My last name comment was taken seriously.

Gene, I was never a favorite of my HS football coach who was also my freshman baseball coach, and later a varsity assistant. I was always called my my last name when most others received a different treatment.

Its why it stands out to me and obviously had some truth for you too. As RPA points out he seems to get names wrong except vet guys he likes.

Just the pitiful amount of playing time PJ got the early part of the past 2 seasons shows how much respect Dusty has for him.

What was the quote? "Everybody plays on my team"? Since when? Ask PJ what he thinks about that.

Champ Summers |

1/10/2011 7:36:19 AM #

To all of those on the body dimension reduction plan. Good luck, keep working on it. I've lost 33 lbs since the middle of November.I've got a lot more to go.I'm trying to get back to looking like a half barrel instead of the whole damned beer truck. It's not easy. stay disciplined and it will work out. It's worth it for health reasons, not to mention the fact that chicks dig you again.

Soccerdad13 |

1/10/2011 9:12:47 AM #

RPA,

I really enjoyed those teams as well. They always seemed on the verge, but could never quite get over the hump. Curt is still in the Seattle area, i do believe. He owns a big car dealership out there--or, at least he did.

Quick story. When Curt was in high school in little ole' southern WV, playing at a single A school, many thought he was way overblown, could never run with the "big boys." That was the WVU take, by the way. One night I go to scout a BB game at his school with a rival. Always had to get to the game by the JV game, else you could never get in. BB is really huge here.

I always thought Curt was the best athlete I had ever seen in HS--but, being at a small school my self, I was at least a little doubtful of my ability to gauge a huge D-1 prospect. I noticed one of my high school teammates at the game, then a asst. at Pitt. He comes over, we talk a little, and I ask him, "Do you think Curt can be a true D-1 running back.?"  He looks at me, says look across the gym, and proceeded to point out to me in the crowded little gym ( seated about 600-700 people, if all squeezed in real hard! ) the following people, all within speaking distance of each other--Jackie Sherril from Pitt, Tom Osborne from Neb., and Joe Paterno from Pen St., all watching a little single A BB game in the coal fields of southern WV! Then he says to me, "What do you think?" True story.

Champ,

How bout that? Once you experience something like that, you become very aware of it--as you did. It is not a meaningless pick-up. I think you are onto something. Now, we must hope WJ says play this kid, i got to find out what he can, cannot do. Of course, I doubt that happens, but it could.

Soccer,

Congrats. You can say all you want, but I know how you are losing that weight--you are making the wife cook!

Could not resist, as you once stated you married the only Italian girl that never cooked.

Keep it going, pal.

genewv |

1/10/2011 10:10:57 AM #

I know everyone is upset about Renteria instead of Janish, but I just have to wonder, do we all love Janish for the player he is, or the player we think he can be?  I know he's a good fielder, but I have no confidence in him at all at the plate.  Especially getting a full season's worth of at bats.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing him fire the ball over to first, dude has a cannon, and he knocks down a lot of balls other guys don't normally get to, but it's not exactly like he's Ozzie Smith out there either.  I don't know, I hope if he gets a chance he proves me wrong.  If, as everyone says, Renteria is going to get hurt anyway, then Janish will get plenty of time to prove his worth.

btalbert25 |

1/10/2011 1:51:34 PM #

Check out the price trends for autographs at the Cards' version of Redsfest. Poor Carp.

www.kfns.com/.../Story.aspx?ID=1340735

Amy |

1/10/2011 4:18:20 PM #

FWIW - My take on autographs. I have acquired 6 atographs in 52+ years, personally. I didn't pay for any of them. I got Pete Rose and Johnny Bench at a Superbowl party at the Precinct in 1981. Pete sat at our table for a good 1/2 hour and I thought noone would believe me, so I asked. I got Anthony Munoz on a flight from Midway to Cincy, again, 'cause I thought noone would believe me. He addressed it to my son. I took my son-in-law to a spring game in Sarasota 2 years ago. I showed him how and where to get autographs by getting Hatcher and Davis to sign a ball for me. Still got them all. Wouldn't sell them and wouldn't have paid for them. I just don't get the cash "value" concept. Personal value sure, but cash,... I don' think so.  

Dawginnaples |

1/10/2011 4:21:11 PM #

.. Forgot Joe Torre which I got at a small Valentines Day dance at my former church in rural Cincy suburbs. This one was also to prove he was actually there. I told Joe that and it made him smile.

Dawginnaples |

1/10/2011 5:24:12 PM #

WHITE DEATH APPROACHETH! Seriously, why do people still get so riled up about the potential of 3-5" of snow. IN OHIO. Gah.

How many days till pitchers & catchers report?

Amy |

1/10/2011 5:45:35 PM #

Reds sign Fred Lewis/youcangetofftheledgenowAshland

Grizzlyfox |

1/10/2011 5:53:29 PM #

Wow is all I have to say to this article, was reading about Auburn's scandals from the early 90s, learned of this guys existence.

#1 NFL draft pick despite these massive WTF warning signs, which are at the bottom of the first page of the article: query.nytimes.com/.../fullpage.html

Grizzlyfox |

1/10/2011 5:56:05 PM #

So thinking about it, very shrewd moves by Jocketty.

Renteria is your starting SS/Lead off guy v. Lefties, Gomes plays LF

Fred Lewis is your starting LF/lead off guy v. righties, Janish plays SS.

Boom. Goes. The. Dynamite.

Grizzlyfox |

1/10/2011 6:23:51 PM #

Things are rounding out nicely...Is the 40 man full? haven't checked yet? I guess you need to leave a spot or two for Hermida or Willis or some other ST non roster guy.

Champ Summers |

1/10/2011 6:39:50 PM #

Hard to complain about the Lewis signing, especially at that price.  Only concern is when/if Heisey gets a shot to play.  Who knows how the season will play out though.  Any one guy could catch fire and win the majority of starts including Heisey.  I think that's the main thing about the latest signings.  You aren't married to any one guy starting simply because you over-paid for him (see T-virus and CPatt).  Let these guys all battle it out and the best man(men) get the majority of starts.  The platoon might just work.  

I mean yeah, I'd love to have that proven leadoff hitter at the top of the lineup day in and day out - just not sure how the Reds do that on their budget.  

RedFaced |

1/10/2011 7:06:57 PM #

Dad?

Yeah Son?

I've finished my homework, can you check it out?

I dunno son! What is it? Math, science, english...? If so your mom's responsible for that. All that I'm responsible for is your Phys. Ed. Home work.

Well, it's English, but I wrote a paper about the Cardinals.

Well, why didn't you say so! that's my best subject! Let's see....... O.K., ....that's good....Pujols is not spelled "P-O-O-H-O-L-E-S", although Stinky's name is funnier that way. It looks pretty good there, son.

Dad, you need to sign my homework for my teacher to know you looked at my work.

There you go, son. That will be $40 bucks.

But dad, I'm your son?

Hey, just be glad Stinky wasn't looking over your work. That would cost you $175 bucks. Pay up!

Redwakeup |

1/10/2011 8:39:19 PM #

So, uh, autographs.  I really don't get it that much.  I have a few I got when I was a kid.  I suppose they were kinda cool.  I still have all of them.  Grown-ups chasing autographs is a bit odd to me.  Paying for them is just kinda weird, mostly.  I can really only think of one thing I'd like.  I still have my first baseball card, I got it from a neighbor kid (Phillies fan.  Blecch.)  It was a Dave Concepcion '82 Fleer.  I suppose if I ever knew I had a chance to get his autograph, I might take that card, dog-eared and beat up as it is, and have him sign it.  Beyond that?  Meh.

I like the Lewis signing, I think.  The price is right, and it rounds out the outfield OK.  I'm disappointed the Reds didn't use some of the pitching/corner IF prospects to fill out a glaring area of need and have instead decided to go with some kind of Gomes/Heisey/Lewis/Stubbs/Bruce rotation in the outfield.  But, I suppose there are still several months left where the Reds can make a deal.

The nice thing is that Lewis is another reasonably competent bat you can plug in if someone gets hurt or is just in a nasty slump and needs a couple of days off.  It's an upgrade over Nix, I think.  I can see Lewis getting a lot of work as a defensive replacement for Gomes even when he doesn't start.

rpa |

1/10/2011 10:22:45 PM #

I guess Jocketty didn't want Gomes to be lonely.  With Lewis and Renteria many Reds' bloggers will numerous whipping sticks.  I was hoping for Lewis instead of Podsednik and I'd be happy with 12-15 homers, 25-30 steals, an OBP in the .340-.350 range, and hopefully a minimum number of bonehead plays.

stlredsfan |

1/10/2011 10:51:26 PM #

One of Jocketty's quotes was that the Reds chose Lewis over Podsednik.

That's actually what I like most about the move, even if that's not exactly how it went down, you just have a feeling in the past that the GM might have said something more along the lines of: we had an offer out to Podsednik, but went another direction.

I like the direct, this was OUR pick approach. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

From Lewis' agent: "There were multiple offers but none presented the fit Cincinnati did -- from the manager on down," Lewis' agent, Scott Leventhal, said. "His ability to lead off is something everybody is excited about. He's able to do whatever [manager] Dusty Baker needs."
--And "We'll see how it plays out in Spring Training and it could potentially be [a platoon], yes," Jocketty said.

Janish is the starter: Since Renteria agreed to terms on a deal with the Reds on Thursday, there had been a lot of speculation about the status of Janish at shortstop. When the club gets to camp, he will still be the regular shortstop.
"I called Janish on Saturday to make sure he knew that," Jocketty said.

After reading the article I linked to, it's clear the Reds are done this offseason. Walt pretty much laid it all out there.

Grizzlyfox |

1/10/2011 11:58:07 PM #

The 25-man already looks set:

Starting 8:
Ryan Hanigan
Joey Votto
Brandon Phillips
Paul Janish
Scott Rolen
Fred Lewis
Drew Stubbs
Jay Bruce

Bench:
Ramon Hernandez
Miguel Cairo
Edgar Renteria
Jonny Gomes
Chris Heisey

SPs:
Johnny Cueto
Bronson Arroyo
Edinson Volquez
Homer Bailey
Travis Wood

Pen:
Mike Leake
Aroldis Chapman
Bill Bray
Jared Burton
Francisco Cordero
Nick Massett
Logan Ondrusek

Outside looking in:
Dontrelle Willis
Jordan Smith
Juan Francisco
etc.

Leake might be in AAA, or could he be the long-man out of the pen? It's going to be an interesting spring for him after I read that he's pretty much just been resting all off-season so far.

SDDennis |

1/11/2011 10:36:21 AM #

This from Fay

Five bullpen spots are pretty much set: Francisco Cordero, Nick Masset, Aroldis Chapman, Bill Bray and Logan Ondrusek. Jose Arrendondo will probably get a spot. He’s the right-hander the Reds signed just before he had Tommy John. He’s healthy and the Reds are high on him.

I think if Leake doesn’t make the rotation you could see him the bullpen because he’s such a good hitter.

Not a lot of spots to be had, but it should make for a lot of spring drama.

Seriously Fay...I don't get the logic? Leake in the pen because he can hit? Just the opposite would happen. He would be the long guy. In tight games the Long guy needs to sit there in case he's needed. Ask Owings how many AB's he got while hiding in the pen for weeks last year. It wasn't till the rosters expanded that he got AB's. Leake would get more AB's as a starter you fool.  

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 11:22:28 AM #

I have to feel that Smith makes it over Burton to start the year.  I really like What Smith did out of the pen last year.  I also feel that Leake will likely start in AAA which means both Burton and Smith could be in the pen but then you don't have much of a long man in there.  

Personally I don't see any space for Hermida on the roster.  He better have a hell of a Spring else his stay will be very very short lived.  

Also, don't give up on a mid-season trade by the Reds to fill a need.  I expect Alonso will have a great first half and his trade value should be much higher.  Maloney, Fisher, Heisey, Valaika, Francisco could all be potential trade chips.

RedFaced |

1/11/2011 11:29:55 AM #

At this point, while not overwhelmed by the moves the Reds have made I must say that I like the construction of the 25 man much more than I did to start last season.  

The starting outfield appears stronger.  The backup outfielders appear to be stronger.  The infield looks just as good if not better defensively and the the backups look good also.  The starting pitching looks much stronger than the start of last year and even the bullpen looks better with Ondrusek, Smith and Chapman beginning the year with the Reds.

Would love to see Frazier have a good Spring but he starts in AAA no matter what this year.  Here's hoping he is able to put together a solid year there along with Mesoraco and Cozart.

RedFaced |

1/11/2011 11:31:44 AM #

I must say I am very glad WJ made it clear PJ is the starting SS. Otherwise, i would have been very doubtful of his opportunity. For reasons like this, and the ones mentioned above, I really, really like WJ as a GM. He runs things exactly like i think they should go. JMO.

Now Janish either succeeds, or fails, based on his extended performance chance. That is fair enough. Now we can all be happy however it goes. I think he succeeds, but that is just me.

Nice to see a roster that leaves some guys in Louisville that we would like to see up here. That is called a real talent pool, real farm system. Been a long time.

How long is it again till ST?!!!!!!

genewv |

1/11/2011 11:31:57 AM #

The only real question I have going into this season is lineup configuration.  I guess it will be better with Lewis at the top most of the time.  Do you bat BP second and put Stubbs down around 6th or 7th?  Do you put Stubbs at the top of the lineup when Gomes starts for Lewis?  What do you all think the lineup will be against left-handers? right-handers? When Dusty gets a wild hair up his @ss? (which is most days).  

RedFaced |

1/11/2011 12:03:33 PM #

oh darn....I missed Fay's chat

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 12:20:22 PM #

He skips my question but answers what he's doing in goodyear for fun or why is marty so calm?

Tool

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 12:48:32 PM #

A little off the topics, but not really !
Major Richard Winters of "Band Of Brothers" Fame , recently died. His story is a lesson of leadership all who are involved in athletics,business,politics or countless other ventures, should be aware of. There is a certain football team owner who should try to emulate this man,but I'm sure it would fall on deaf ears.

Soccerdad13 |

1/11/2011 1:09:14 PM #

I hope they give everyone a real shot at the rotation. I get that Cueto and Arroyo are set, but why is Voltron a lock over Leake?

In my mind, Voltron, Bailey, Wood and Leake are fighting for three spots, but it shouldn't be a foregone conclusion that Leake is out.

Of course, I'm the least objective guy in the world when it comes to Leake...

AshlandATeam |

1/11/2011 1:18:28 PM #

Volquez is considered a lock over Leake because if talent and experience. If volquez can locate he's a borderline Ace. If Leake can locate he is at best a number 4 this season.

Volquez has a nice spring and he could start opening day.

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 1:27:55 PM #

Edinson Volquez stats:

Second half of 2008: 5-3, 4.60 ERA
2009: 4-2, 4.35 ERA
2010: 4-3, 4.31 ERA

Mike Leake stats:

2010: 8-4, 4.23 ERA

I get that Volquz throws hard, but if you take away his fantastic first half of 08, his numbers look eerily similar to Leake's.

AshlandATeam |

1/11/2011 1:53:43 PM #

So could the line-up look like this most days:

Lewis LF
Phillips 2B
votto 1B
Rolen 3B
Bruce RF
Stubbs CF
hernandez/hannigan C
janish/Renteria SS

or

Stubbs CF
Phillips 2B
votto 1B
Rolen 3B
Bruce RF
Gomes LF
hernandez/hannigan C
janish/Renteria SS

I'll be honest, I don't mind those line-ups.  I would not drop Bruce any lower than 5th though and I'd consider batting him 4th when Rolen does not play.  Get him as many AB's as you can and that means hitting closer to the top of the lineup.  

RedFaced |

1/11/2011 1:55:16 PM #

I lost my dad almost 30 years ago. One of his shipmates got in touch with me a few years ago and told me a lot of stories and filled in some of the blanks of what I knew of my dad's service in the Pacific. Scary stuff and routine heroism. Those guys never seem to blow their own horns. Their "brothers" have to do it for them.

Soccerdad13 |

1/11/2011 3:07:18 PM #

I think the fun battle this spring will be for the 5th OF spot. If Lewis is in the game there is no LH bat of the bench. This is to me why Heisey or even Gomes is not a lock. If Hermida impresses then Heisey will be spending some time in AAA or with a different club via trade.

Heisey hurt himself in my eyes with his performance vs LHP. Gomes kills it so he has a job. Heisey really needs to show improvement here or he won't be here. frazier is 25 and playing LF. With Lewis' ability to play everywhere Heisey is less valuable. Hermida can play both corners and Sappelt and Perez are not far behind and could be similar players to Heisey.

I think Heisey or Gomes will be dealt sometime before 2011 is over.

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 4:23:08 PM #

A while back I mentioned the Bleacher Report over here and got some negative feedback which I didn't understand.... until I read today's cr^p. How can they be so sure that Renteria hits 1st or 2nd? WJ fills a need with the best player available (my opinion) and they do a hit piece on him. 5 reasons why I will never read The Bleacher Report Again will be coming to a blog near you, soon.

Dawginnaples |

1/11/2011 4:44:29 PM #

Pardon the short memory of an old man, but do y'all recall if Wlad is still under team control for 2011?

Dawginnaples |

1/11/2011 5:15:00 PM #

www.mister-baseball.com/.../

Wlad had gone the way of little boy and fat man.

Champ Summers |

1/11/2011 8:13:59 PM #

I think that Leake is going to AAA this year to start because he has options left and did not pitch as well as Wood.  That simple.  He's really going to have the most value as a starter, and I am not sure he's one of the best 5 right now.  But all it will take is an injury or a well-timed trade or an implosion by Volquez or Cueto or Wood or Bailey (it almost seems likely to happen at some point if you look at the list all together)  and he'll be back.  But I think it's in his best interest to continue to work on starting and building stamina.  I would think that the spot in the pen is going to go to Arredondo if he pitches well, or otherwise Smith.

I think Smith can beat out Burton with a good spring based on his performance last year, which wasn't bad at all for coming straight from AA.

The only other scenario I can see is Chapman going to AAA as a starter if he struggles a lot in the spring and Willis pitches well.  There's not much reason to send Chapman back to Louisville to pitch relief.  If you decide he doesn't belong on the 25 man right now, start stretching him out again.  He needs to learn how to pitch out of the stretch and he needs to learn another pitch.  Starting will give him more opportunities to do that, as well as continue to face some adversity while he is on the mound and overcome it instead of getting rattled.

So, if you get a guy or three who end up on the 40 and there are no trades, I see DFAs in this order:

Herrera
Fisher
LeCure

Anything beyond that, and they'll try to swing a 2 for one or a trade for a minor leaguer to a team with a gap on their 40 man.  In that case, I think you can add Maloney to that list (I could see him getting traded, but not released, and he'd probably bring more in a trade than the other three if the point is to free up a roster spot).

Enough to make you wish MLB would prohibit draft signings that put guys on the 40-man, I suppose it's the modern equivalent of being a bonus baby... but I sure would rather see Herrera and Fisher stick around than have Grandal and Alonso taking up space before they need to.  Or maybe another outfielder.  I still think 6 isn't enough for the 40-man.

To me, two of the most interesting (not necessarily best...) guys of the 40 on the pitching side are Daryl Thompson and Philippe Valiquette.  I think if those guys aren't up here sometime in 2011, I could see them being traded or dumped next off-season.  Thompson is a bit old to be putting up a 3.71 ERA at AA, but then again his peripheral numbers are good.  I am not sure how you have a .961 WHIP, 9.2 Ks/9, 1.9 BB/9 and 3 HR in 12 starts and end up 0-5 with a 3.71 ERA.  Valiquette seems to be having a very long learning curve.  But lefties who throw 95 get lots of chances.

rpa |

1/11/2011 8:20:37 PM #

Weird fact... of the last 13 players to go to the majors without playing any other professional baseball (foreign or in the minors), three of them went to Arizona State:

Mike Leake
Bob Horner
Eddie Bane

No other school has more than one of the other 10.

I had never heard of Eddie Bane before.  But his brother is the CEO of Trader Joe's, and that's where the beer I am drinking came from.  Go figure.

rpa |

1/11/2011 8:48:13 PM #

Time for the annual "Verducci Effect" article:

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../index.html

Number 9 on the list?  Travis Wood.

rpa |

1/11/2011 8:57:44 PM #

I have the place all to myself, so I am just going to start spouting nonsense.

I was thinking about how iTunes has changed a few things about how I listen to music - but to me the strangest one is that it tells me exactly when the last time I listened to something was.  It's weird.  What amazes me is that I can now tell you that the last time Johnny Cash sing "Hey Porter" was May 27th, 2009.  It's also something that I could probably sing the song for you (if not play it, it's deceptively difficult to play) from memory before having listened to it again right now, even though I had not listened to it for 19 months.

The obvious takeaway from this is that I need to start writing songs about where I put my damned car keys, because I can never seem to remember that.

rpa |

1/11/2011 10:24:38 PM #

Good stuff guys and gals.

Nothing to really add to the cart, but I did enjoy reading the military stuff. Old history teacher, you know.

genewv |

1/12/2011 10:49:47 AM #

RPA,

Interesting, to say the least.

I fell in love with history after i started teaching it, actually. I always wanted to be a basketball coach, from the 7th grade on. Never changed my mind, ever. Back then, you could not coach unless you were a teacher, so I had to go to college. Once there, I decided I did not want to spend all day in the gym, then coach for another 3 hours, so I began looking around, figured out I could get a degree in history quicker than anything else, so I did.

It was not until after I started teaching history that I really fell in love with it--and fall in love I did--for 35 years. If I lived near a private school, college town, I would still teach a class for free--really would.

Chemistry, man I could not even spell it--much less understand it!

genewv |

1/12/2011 12:15:02 PM #

Since we're on the subject of school, I seem to remember someone asking me on here a while back if Coleridge was just full of it...can't remember now who that was.

I'm taking a couple British Lit classes right now, so I can report on my findings when I find out something more.  Opium tends to do bad things, but I don't want to pass judgment on the guy just yet (I like "Rime of the Ancient Mariner").

VottoLoco1 |

1/12/2011 4:14:55 PM #

Someone needs to e-mail this to Dusty.

www.fangraphs.com/.../

AshlandATeam |

1/12/2011 7:31:22 PM #

Bronson Arroyo is still a funny (not lol funny mind you) dude, from MLBTR :Bronson Arroyo tells Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that he enjoyed pitching for the Red Sox and wouldn't mind returning: "Even though I can safely say that I’ve cemented myself in Cincinnati for a while, [Boston] definitely still feels like home and in the back of my mind I know that there is no better place to play than in Fenway Park."  Arroyo said when his three-year extension with the Reds runs out after the 2013 season, he would be interested in pitching for the Rays (to play close to his family), returning to the Red Sox, or staying in Cincinnati.

Dude just speaks. John Fay will soon be reporting on trade negotiations w/ the Red Sox, in order to clear salary space.

On a non-related note, I know some (or at least 1 person)on here has mentioned Makers Mark before. Bought myself a bottle yesterday after receiving the first 2 of 4 grades for a job well done.
I'm slightly amazed by how good it actually is. Just angry that I didn't get the collectible Reds bottle they had out a few months ago in Cincy haha.

Grizzlyfox |

1/12/2011 10:35:39 PM #

Work sucks.  How many days until Spring Training?  I need a distraction.

rpa |

1/13/2011 7:32:28 AM #

Games start around Feb 25 , I think. That'd be 43 days, I believe. That still sounds too far away to start a count down. But close enough to get me looking forward.

Dawginnaples |

1/13/2011 8:34:46 AM #

I finally have our flights, hotels, and rental car booked for the final weekend of Spring Training.  We'll see the Reds on Friday, March 25 (in Goodyear) and Saturday, March 26 (in Scottsdale).  The tickets for the 26th go on sale next week.  It's the Giants and apparently they regularly sell out that park.

I am SO counting the days.

DocProc |

1/13/2011 11:58:54 AM #

Pitchers and Catchers report Feb 16th for the Reds.  IMO that's good enough to start an official count-down once it's under a month so next Monday perhaps.

Yes I'm really reaching here as nothing really good usually comes out of Ps & Cs reporting but I always enjoy seeing which position players show up early and hearing who is in great shape (and not so great shape).

Speaking of which, I hope beyond hope that Cordero comes in 20-30 lbs lighter.  

RedFaced |

1/13/2011 12:04:21 PM #

Also, I'd think we'd start hearing more news on the arbitration front in the next few weeks.  The deadline to exchange numbers is next Tuesday.  Arbitration hearings will then be from Feb 1 to 21st.  I'd expect the Reds to sign everyone prior to going to a hearing but I do worry about Votto some.  I don't know if the team and his agent will get together on a long-term deal or not and the arb numbers are sure to be way off from one another.  My guess is they will exchange numbers, both will be far apart, they'll then get into negotiations on a long-term deal and finally agree on one that will keep Votto in Cincy through his arb years plus an option for another year.  Dollar amount?  I have no idea.  

RedFaced |

1/13/2011 12:19:30 PM #

Concerning Travis Wood making the Verducci list this year.  I'm not concerned with it.  He was basically one good start above the 30+ IP difference that Verducci uses for his list.  Also Wood missed some significant time in 2007 which decreased his annual IP count growth curve.  He pitched fewer IP in 2008 than he did in 2006 as a result.  Looks to me he has had an extra year or maybe even two to strengthen his arm as a result.  Wood actually had a larger increase in IP from 2008-2009 than he did 2009-2010.  

RedFaced |

1/13/2011 4:45:54 PM #

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b7Wxb

not good news re: 1Francisco

Mary |

1/13/2011 8:49:53 PM #

Hey Guys is it time for me to see my shadow yet?

What I wanted to let you know is that a couple years ago the old grouchy fart that was one of the founders of this site posted some different Reds Christmas gifts. One of them was drawings from an artist in Maryland. They are nice sketchings and I have bought several for gifts the last two years. The reason I am bringing this up is the artist, John Yim, is trying to clean out some of his inventory and is having a fire sale. These drawings are normally $60 but he is selling them for 10 plus shipping. Thought i would let you all know in case you are interested. If you are here is the link to his site.

http://yimstudio.blogspot.com/

Ohioredsfan1 |

1/13/2011 11:14:07 PM #

In other news, just wrote a check for damn near 2K for my share of "the group's" season tix.

2011 is starting to feel real.

rpa |

1/13/2011 11:23:36 PM #

A good Strong Bad quote for the evening:

"1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1.

"You may not have understood me, but I was speaking Technology.  

"The word 'Technology' means 'magic.  It's basically anything that's really cool that you don't know how it works.   And if it breaks, you have to buy a new one."

/was: Re: Ancient Memes

//robots are technology shaped like square people.

rpa |

1/14/2011 12:20:03 PM #

Such sad news to hear Paul Keels won't be back.  He never made mistakes and was a great addition to the broadcasting crew

ndjh12 |

1/14/2011 1:37:05 PM #

The Reds should just start the fire sale - they have NO SHOT at 2011. The Cardinals just signed Miguel Batista and Ian Snell!

Color me petrified.

AshlandATeam |

1/14/2011 3:25:37 PM #

I am not doing anything. Well, I'm drinking tea, catching up here and debating what to use my iTunes cards on, but...nothing really. I can't remember the last time this happened. It feels odd.

Amy |

1/14/2011 3:36:30 PM #

cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

Sean Casey or Paul Keels--tough decision

Mary |

1/14/2011 5:38:24 PM #

So on a baseball/law school related note....trying to finish up my law review/journal article.
However, I've reached an impasse. The MLB playoff "reservation" thing they had last year technically is a lottery according to NY law. However, you can get out of lottery status (or more technically never reach lottery status) based on other issues, since it's ultimately a fact based determination. I cannot make a decision on which way I want to go. Ugh.

Anybody think it's kind of shady that MLB can have you pay $40 for the right to pay face value for something that if it comes in to existence can have a market value of quadruple or more of its face value?
On the one hand, it helps get tickets into the hands of those that really want them. On the other hand, the losers really get screwed, especially since MLB doesn't disclose seat location, seat price, availability of seats, etc., when selling the reservations. So once again, ugh. I think I've talked myself into saying it shouldn't be a lottery b/c it does serve a valid purpose. But still, the whole thing stinks if you ask me.

Grizzlyfox |

1/14/2011 8:51:42 PM #

The Rays now have 11 of the first 65 picks this june and 12 of the first 88.

This draft could be full of high risk high reward players for TB.

Champ Summers |

1/14/2011 11:25:17 PM #

This is fun:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/tk925/reds_lineups

As I am working on getting my Opening Day tix lined up, it makes me realize just how much better this team is now than it was, say, 10 years ago.

rpa |

1/15/2011 10:30:11 AM #

I had a dream last night that Redsoctober was disbanded after the fight of the century. There were threats, insults, and general tomfoolery.

The argument? Whether Mike Mussina was an 'ace.'

I have one request: if we have World War III and cease to be a board, can it at least be Reds related? Is that too much to ask?

AshlandATeam |

1/15/2011 1:12:53 PM #

BTW...doing that cool game RPA put up with the rosters I totally spaced on Adam Dunn.

I get Duncan, Taubensee, Randa, Paul Wilson, Jimenez and Crabman but I space on Dunn???

Champ Summers |

1/15/2011 2:17:12 PM #

I've literally never heard of Randy Milligan. Ruben Sierra? Jon Nunnally? Eduardo Perez?

I got 142 out of 180, and the biggest name I missed was probably Willie Greene.

AshlandATeam |

1/15/2011 6:01:23 PM #

Good news about Soft J from Fay's blog:

Paul Janish heard the rumors before it happened. When the Reds signed veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria, it was widely assumed that it was to be the starter, thus dropping Janish to No. 2 on the depth chart.

So when Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty called Janish to say that wasn’t the case, it meant a lot.

“It was pretty re-assuring,” Janish said. “Mentally, you can help but wonder. So it was a pretty big deal that they called. I know the job is at least mine to lose.  I’m pretty fired up about being in more than the utility role.”

DocProc |

1/16/2011 11:07:52 AM #

Cardinals have a month to reach a deal w/ Albert, if it ain't done, he's hitting free agency:
sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6025055

All good relationships begin/continue with ultimatums, right?

Grizzlyfox |

1/16/2011 1:07:32 PM #

THIS JUST IN: VOTTO SIGNED FOR 3 YRS, $38 MILL

marksheldon.mlblogs.com/.../...hree-year_deal.html

Amy |

1/16/2011 1:13:19 PM #

3 years, $38 mil sounds perfectly fair to me.

AshlandATeam |

1/16/2011 1:25:31 PM #

BTW, don't know if RPA is around today but I love how sports people on twitter land are already declaring the Seahawks dead after the Bears TD.

It's gonna be like deja vu all over again when they bounce back from an early deficit.

Grizzlyfox |

1/16/2011 4:43:33 PM #

I personally love the deal and don't get the commotion it's causing. The guy's the reigning MVP. There's already questions of his long term desire to stay in Cincy.

So you know what you do? You try to make the next 3 years as comfortable and amenable to him as possible. You pay guys. You lock guys that have achieved up to deals that pay them market value. You try to get Votto to believe this is a place that he wants to be. A big part of that will likely be winning and the competitiveness of the team. Another part of that will be the loyalty/you treated me well in the past so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt when we deal in negotiations in the future.

If you wanted to alienate Votto and all but ensure that he doesn't come back in 3 years, go ahead and go year to year w/ him. If there's any guy in this organization that you do whatever you can to take care of right now, it's Joey. He didn't want to give away any FA years, but he was open to getting his arb years out of the way.

That's what the Reds did, rather than acting like a******* and forcing him to either give up a FA year or go year to year. So yeah, I love the deal. They weren't going to do any better, and this is a guy that you want to keep as happy as possible.

Grizzlyfox |

1/16/2011 4:47:04 PM #

What do you guys think is fair for Voltron and Cueto? 5 years, $40 mil for Johnny and 4 years, $25 mil for Voltron?

Are those too low?

AshlandATeam |

1/16/2011 6:55:17 PM #

Oh and RPA, how do you feel about Pete Carrol's situational management today?

This question was brought on by Bellichek deciding it was time to go for 2. In the third quarter. Very different strategy as compared to what we saw in the early game.

Grizzlyfox |

1/16/2011 8:13:15 PM #

I good with the Votto deal. If he doesn't want to commit then don't push him. Get rid of the option for arb as Ash and Griz said earlier.

Anyway, I just labored through the top 75 defensive plays on MLB network. Is the most over-rated play in MLB the over the fence catch? There had to be 40 of them in the countdown.

You would think in 130 years the Reds would have a play in the top 75. Not a one.

Champ Summers |

1/17/2011 12:21:03 AM #

Incidentally, I think I would rather see Volquez or Cueto walk before I gave either one of them a deal for more than 3 years.  I'm not a big fan of long-term deals for pitchers to begin with, and with those two flakes I just see too much chance of it ending badly.

rpa |

1/17/2011 9:02:34 AM #

I would offer NO long-term deal to Volquez--he has too much left to prove.  I'd make a low-ball long-term offer to Cueto (5 years, 28 mil) but wouldn't break the bank--too many unknowns when dealing with pitchers.

DocProc |

1/17/2011 9:17:35 AM #

IMHO, never ever, ever, ever give a pitcher more than a three year contract.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 9:17:57 AM #

IMHO, never ever, ever, ever give a pitcher more than a three year contract.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 9:19:41 AM #

Agree with RPA, never ever, ever, ever give a pitcher more than a three year contract.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 9:19:58 AM #

Agree with RPA, never ever, ever, ever give a pitcher more than a three year contract.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 11:37:15 AM #

Slash...how do you feel about giving pitchers more than a three year deal?

Champ Summers |

1/17/2011 12:47:16 PM #

Well, to be perfectly honest, my computer kept telling me there was an error and the comment never displayed.  Didn't mean to be so anal about it.

I'm not real keen on having to try to decipher what I have to type to get a post up.  Aging eyes often have trouble interpreting the two words.  Wouldn't hurt my feelings if this requirement went away.  So if this post shows up multiple times you'll know why.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 1:20:28 PM #

you shouldn't have to do that anymore...

Someone tell Slash how to make that stop. I have to do it from my phone but not from my laptop.

Champ Summers |

1/17/2011 3:12:08 PM #

Thanks Mary.  Never noticed that login before.  Always went straight to the thread.  It's gone now so life is easier.

SlashX |

1/17/2011 3:58:17 PM #

  johnfayman  John Fay
Deal with Votto is official. He's doing a confidence call shortly. #reds

ah, gotta love these Fayisms.  

Mary |

1/17/2011 4:44:11 PM #

My first reaction to the Votto extension was a slight disappointment that the Reds were not able to get a 4th year or at least an option for a 4th year out of Votto.  While I do wish that could have been the case I don't feel they over-paid for the 3 years.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Votto continue to improve over those 3 years and if that turns out to be the case then certainly the Reds will feel like they received excellent return for their investment.

I feel that Walt and the Reds shoot their players pretty straight.  There doesn't seem to be a lot of posturing and war-of-words going on in regard to their player contracts.  I think this bodes well for the Reds long-term.  There just appears to be a lot of respect on both sides.  

Now it's up to the Reds to continue building on this club and put together a long string of winning seasons so they can afford the next big Votto contract in 2-3 yrs.  

RedFaced |

1/17/2011 4:50:50 PM #

My guess is the next 3 arb cases come together quickly.  I would anticipate a yearly deal for Bray and Volquez because of past injury concerns but a short multi-year deal for Cueto with a team option year.  Like others have stated, there is no reason to lock up pitchers long-term (at least not for smaller market teams).  The Reds can't afford to be stuck with a crappy long-term contract for a pitcher who isn't producing any longer.  Pitchers are far more likely to have shorter careers and fewer productive years than position players.

Volquez may get more than a 1 year but If so it better be at a low salary.  

RedFaced |

1/17/2011 5:04:37 PM #

This Pujols thing could get unpleasant (that's what she said?)

www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...ds-are-hesitant.html

Amy |

1/17/2011 8:22:26 PM #

Good article and summation from Rosenthal: msn.foxsports.com/.../St-Louis-Cardinals-must-do-everything-to-keep-Albert-Pujols-011711

"As Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz points out, only once in Pujols’ 10 years has he ranked among the game’s 25 highest-paid players, according to USA Today.
Pujols agreed to his current seven-year, $100 million deal. He is no position to complain. But then, neither are the Cardinals, who paid him below-market salaries all these years.
No excuses. No ignoring reality.
The Cardinals need Pujols more than Pujols needs the Cardinals."

Grizzlyfox |

1/18/2011 9:53:23 AM #

In my opinion, whoever signs Pujols is going to have to pay huge money this time around no matter what.  He isn't going to sign for below market value because this will be his last huge deal.  Any contract he gets will be multiple years, and by the time his next free agency rolls around he's going to be old and on the decline.  This is the best chance for him to get paid, and if St. Louis wants him, they'll have to fork it over.  

If the Reds win the division again, that's going to influence him too.  Do you want to go to a team that has a chance to win and be successful or do you want to stay with the Cards, who could be a sinking ship.  They seem to be a mess right now, their farm system isn't in great shape so there's not many young guys who will play well for cheap.   Their window could be closing for a few years.  

btalbert29 |

1/18/2011 10:30:41 AM #

johnfayman John Fay
#Reds have deal with Bray. AP says for $645,000. Nothing yet on Cueto, Volquez.

Grizzlyfox |

1/18/2011 1:01:10 PM #

Interesting read about "the next CarGo."

mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

I sure hope it's Stubbs.  He shows flashes, but rounding him out into a star will require some effort on his part (strikeouts, smart base-running, defense, etc).

VottoLoco1 |

1/18/2011 1:04:03 PM #

Its final....I'm going back to Goodyear

Can we set up a fund for you guys to send me to spring training? remember, this also must fund me to get a meal from Pizzeria Bianco

Champ Summers |

1/18/2011 1:25:53 PM #

Interesting article on pitching development--changes the Reds made, etc.

www.baseballamerica.com/.../2611139.html

Amy |

1/18/2011 1:40:46 PM #

Just saw the following posted on Fay's Blog, thought I'd pass along:

"Here’s the break down on Joey Votto’s contract, according to the Associated Press:

–$5.5 million salary in 2011, $9.5 million salary in 2012 and $17 million salary in 2013.

–Signing bonus of $6 million. He gets $2.5 million now, $1.5 million in 2012 and $2 million in 2014."

RedFaced |

1/18/2011 2:45:05 PM #

Ash, you need to submit your tattoo to Better Off Red. And the ZOMBIE Mr. Redlegs is FRIGHTENING. Why would someone want that??

http://ramsey.mlblogs.com/

Amy |

1/18/2011 4:08:19 PM #

Hard to argue with either one of those linked articles. Haven't said that in a while. Are the Reds really getting honest prss that is positive? Wow, I think I like that.  

Dawginnaples |

1/18/2011 4:36:03 PM #

More than nice of you guys and gals to keep folks like me updated on all the goings on. Love the way WJ is going about his business, as usual. For a small to mid market team, he is the perfect GM, IMO.

Agree with REDFACE in that I think he approaches all with respect and honesty, which goes a long way towards reaching the final goals of the club within the financial limitations he is working under.

We will eventually lose some guys we don't want to lose, but i think we will be well stocked enough to ride the wave to staying competitive for a playoff spot year in and year out, with number of injuries always being the joker in the deck.

Later

genewv |

1/18/2011 6:49:56 PM #

Fertility drugs must make your brain loopy. Or Volquez is represented by Waldo, who just wants to go back into hiding.

johnfayman John Fay
#Reds offered Cueto $3 million, he countered at $3.9 million. They offered Volquez $1.3 million, he countered at $1.3 million.

Grizzlyfox |

1/18/2011 7:59:26 PM #

Got a flyer from Ed Smith Stadium yesterday, trying to get me to buy Orioles tickets for Spring Training (I'm on their mailing list from the good ol' days).  It still BURNS ME UP that all these renovations are taking place after we're gone.  That city/county really screwed the Reds.

www.ballparkdigest.com/.../os-ed-smith-stadium-renovations-right-on-schedule

DocProc |

1/18/2011 9:27:45 PM #

Mary, Would seem to me Cueto scattering 3 million brain fragments on the mound would be much preferable to him scattering 3.9 million brain fragments.

3.9 million  would be much more difficult for the pen to clean up.  

genewv |

1/18/2011 10:42:40 PM #

Remember back in the day on the Post board that John Allen Jr. Is there something wrong with me?

Champ Summers |

1/18/2011 10:44:21 PM #

he was there right? that guy just isn't right. I always used to think he was a special person

Champ Summers |

1/18/2011 11:06:22 PM #

If he's the same guy, he suggested a Yonder Alonso/Armando Galarraga trade at Fay's blog. I mean... uh... I don't have to make a joke here, do I? I can just let it go and it serves as a joke itself, right?

AshlandATeam |

1/19/2011 1:14:06 AM #

just curious...anyone else having trouble with the WWL's site?

Champ Summers |

1/19/2011 11:37:38 AM #

cincinnati.com/.../

This article is probably the single best piece of journalism put out by the Fayman in the last 20 minutes.

Grizzlyfox |

1/19/2011 4:33:13 PM #

joeposnanski.si.com/.../

Interesting article from Poz. The main point seems to be that as we re-evaluate what's important in baseball (i.e. getting on base as opposed to 'getting hits'), we should re-evaluate how we perceive certain players. In other words, guys like Olerud, Martinez and Larkin 'walked too much,' hurting their batting average (which everyone looks at) and somewhat tainting their careers, even though we know those players were actually helping the team immensely.

Something to think about, and if nothing else, shows that perhaps the guys above are all HOF players.

AshlandATeam |

1/19/2011 5:54:05 PM #

I wouldn't give Volquez 3 yrs for 10 mil right now.

Pay him 1.5 for next year and see if he learns how to pitch.  His delivery looked a lot better last year, I am waiting to see if he can keep that up now that his arm strength should be back.

rpa |

1/19/2011 6:24:52 PM #

I might sound crazy (imagine that )but I would make the 3 year offer to Volquez at 10 mil and a similar offer to Cueto. 3 mil is a lot to some schlep like me, but for a decent 3-4 starter that is very lowball. If only 1 of them works out, you still have a #3 guy for 6 mil or so a year. Still a decent deal from the team's perspective. If one of them continues to improve, you migh get charged with highway robbery.  

Dawginnaples |

1/19/2011 6:58:52 PM #

Overheard at the whitehouse press pool, today:
- joint presser featuring both presidents today.
- I heard! Who's on first?
- that's right
- no! I'm asking "who's on first?"
- exactly!
- Dohhh! who is the president who's speakin first?
- That's right! Hu is he president who's speaking first!
- Alright, who's on second?
- No, he's on first.
-Who?
-Yes!
...........

Dawginnaples |

1/20/2011 10:09:19 AM #

27 days until Pitchers and Catchers Report!!

Will Chris Heisey become this year's Paul Janish?

RedFaced |

1/20/2011 1:11:21 PM #

redlegnation.com/.../

So, when you live in a city that has a team that hasn't seen serious competition from division rivals in a few years, do you just take it for granted that your team will be perennially good, regardless of the glaring weaknesses that are continually aggravated by incompetent management?  I just don't see St Louis posing much of a threat this season.  My forecast for the division is:

1. Reds
2. Brewers
3. Astros
4. Cardinals
5. Cubs
6. Pirates

But I also think that the NLC will be the tightest division in baseball in 2011.  There are a lot of wild cards, and I think it will be an exciting season.

VottoLoco1 |

1/20/2011 6:25:54 PM #

Cueto extended-- 4yrs, 27mill

www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...-year-extension.html

Amy |

1/20/2011 6:28:04 PM #

Story from ESPNdeportes:

espndeportes.espn.go.com/.../story

Amy |

1/20/2011 6:36:40 PM #

Cardinal fans are the best. First three comments on Facebook, all from St. Louis supporters:

'Classless.'

'Only player in baseball I wish would be out of baseball. If you end someone else's career, you shouldn't be allowed to stay in the game.'

'Kung Fu kicking champion.'

Fantastic.

AshlandATeam |

1/20/2011 9:07:50 PM #

I don't really like that contract for Cueto.  But, yeah, looks like the window is officially 2011-2014.  Here's hoping for a World Series in that span.

rpa |

1/20/2011 9:49:10 PM #

Here's to making a solid run at it for the next few seasons. I think its great for the Red's to know what their players will cost when it comes time to add the missing piece if we find ours selves in the right position at the right time. That who cost certainty thing they keep throwing around...

Champ Summers |

1/20/2011 9:50:55 PM #

I have deliberately stayed away from reading any other Reds board since the season ended, but all these $$$ contracts the Reds are signing should shut some of the jerks up who complain that the payroll is not high enough--or has it?  I just hope the payroll is high enough with the right contracts to become self-sustaining at even higher values by bringing a winner to GABP, and with that, large crowds and lots of season ticket holders.

Mary |

1/20/2011 9:51:21 PM #

RF, when you begin the beta test of the upgrades to the site we need to see the Nats/Reds cap that was designed.

Even with no leatherpants in town the Nats continue the ex red parade adding Coffey and now JHJ

Champ Summers |

1/20/2011 10:20:27 PM #

I really don't care what the money is on these extensions. Obviously, Walt and Bob know what they're doing and planning on financially, and I trust them.

If the Reds win, everything is okay, and they have a core in place to do just that for the next five years. I'm not going to complain about the money.

AshlandATeam |

1/21/2011 9:36:35 AM #

If the Reds can have a season similar to or better than last year, we will see a bump in attendance for sure, but maybe even more importantly the TV ratings will be high again.  Having back to back seasons with monster ratings will really help the reds bring in a significant higher amount of revenue.  Add that to the increased revenue from more butts in seats and maybe just maybe you can resign Votto when he contract is up.

btalbert29 |

1/21/2011 11:09:17 AM #

Hey RO, guys/gals,

I have been reading all your stuff, personal breakdowns, points of view, etc., on all that BC and WJ are doing in the contract areas.

Appreciated, as always.

I, too, trust they know exactly what they are doing. There is never a certainty with a pitcher ( one pitch and it could be over ), but sometimes you just have to take a little leap of faith, gamble a little. You don't really gamble unless there is a big possible bonanza at the end--and we all know that is a real possibility with this team. I think that is what they are doing here, and I totally agree with their approach.

Keep the info coming.

I gotta keep all the WVU boards sane for a little while longer.

genewv |

1/21/2011 12:26:06 PM #

RedFaced

I've been thinking about the Cueto deal a little more and as a result I'm liking it more.  In Cueto we have the ace of the staff we keep asking for.  I mean really the kid had a 3.64 ERA last year and if it were not for the awful game in his second to last start against the Brewers his ERA would have been more like 3.35.  The kid has improved in each of his 3 seasons.  He's started 31, 30 and 31 games in those three seasons.  His BB/9, H/9, HR/9 and WHIP has dropped each year.  And while his SO/9 is lower now than it was three years ago his SO/BB has actually increased = a much smarter pitcher.  Oh and he's only 24 soon to be 25.  He also had the bullpen blow saves in like 6 of his games last year (I don't recall the exact number, it may have been even higher).  So while he won 12 games he should have easily had 15+ wins.  And he had a pretty bad April getting only one win in 5 starts.  He's never gone under the knife and he isn't on Verducci's list nor will he ever be.  At 185.2 IP last year he threw 14.1 more innings than the year before.

With another year of working under Bryan Price, I would not be surprised to see this from Cueto in 2011:

Reds opening day starter
15-17 wins
ERA around 3.00
200 IP
1.1 WHIP
33 starts
2 post-season wins

If you can get that then $27MM for 4 years will look like a bargain real fast.

RedFaced |

1/21/2011 2:25:14 PM #

RF,

Totally agree. I might point out, the guy, even when not performing well, always competes. When brain fragments have been all over the mound, he still fights. I like that. Same can be said of most of our staff. I give Price, and might I say, Bronson a lot of credit for development in this area. Fighters can sometimes survive on not very much stuff on a given day, keep you in a game when they are not at their best, thus, allowing you to pick up a game here or there that a lesser competitor would not do because they quit--mentally. As much as i have complained about Cueto at times, he has always competed.

genewv |

1/21/2011 2:27:34 PM #

By the way, I still have the Central clinching game on DVR and it was almost as awesome to watch in January as it was to watch live.  Bruce's HR still gave me goose bumps.  I just wished I had it in HD.  Perhaps I can get it in HD when FSO replays it on March 3rd.  

RedFaced |

1/21/2011 2:56:54 PM #

As a frame of reference on the Cueto deal, I looked for someone to compare him to. How about Joe Blanton? Joe's career earnie is 4.30 and Cueto's is 4.27. Last year, Joe was a 4.82 ERA guy while Cueto posted a 3.65. Cueto's contract, when evenly distributed, is for 6.75 mil and Joe got 7 mil last year. Based on that, I'd buy Walt a nice cigar and light it for him. Sounds good to me.

Dawginnaples |

1/21/2011 3:43:23 PM #

It's National Squirrel Appreciation Day! I kid you not!

www.nwf.org/.../Squirrel-Day-Activities.aspx

Amy |

1/21/2011 3:47:58 PM #

Hey guys, once that Volquez deal gets done, how bout a new thread 'grading' the Reds offseason moves? Anyone down for that? Anyone want to do it (if not, I can)?

AshlandATeam |

1/21/2011 5:06:01 PM #

Amy, Fay has a list of Classic Rewind games FSO will be showing. All from the 2010 season btw.

Here's the link:  cincinnati.com/.../

RedFaced |

1/21/2011 5:07:02 PM #

Fay also posted a link to this SI article about breakout players to watch in 2011.  Guess who leads the list?

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../index.html

RedFaced |

1/21/2011 7:28:07 PM #

OH NO!!!!  Time to re-evaluate the Cardinals.  They just signed Nick Punto!!!

RedFaced |

1/21/2011 8:09:32 PM #

BRUUUUUUUCE.

news.cincinnati.com/.../Doc-Bruce-shows-generosity

Amy |

1/21/2011 8:15:07 PM #

If Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos just traded Vernon Wells to Anaheim without send cash in the deal, can we just give him the 2011 front office executive of the year award right now?  Hey, maybe they would be interesting in Mr. Pujols next year?  

timmytwoshoezzz |

1/21/2011 11:59:46 PM #

I think I have to second something Gene said about Cueto (and maybe a little bit of a reason for me to feel a bit better about that contact) is that he really is a competitor.  I wish he was a little smarter (maybe it will come with age, maybe not... seems like some guys eventually "get it" and if Cueto does he could be a bargain) but I do feel like he's going to go out there both guns blazing every time.  Sometimes he should maybe dial it back a bit, if anything.

I wish he was?  I wish he were?  I never can get the subjunctive thing right.  Especially after a 16 hour day.

Had a chat with my boss today - told him that he'd better have some help for me in place by Opening Day, because I won't be able to work 8-midnight or whatever I've been doing this winter once baseball starts up again.  Heh.  Dude is a Royals fan, so he doesn't really remember what baseball is like anyways.

As for that Jays-Angels trade... well, supposedly it's Napoli and Rivera for Wells.  I guess if you have money to burn, OK.  And the Angels do, I mean they tried to sign every big free agent this off-season and whiffed on all of them.

I know the Angels wanted to move Napoli, and he's a so-so catcher.  But if he plays every day by doing some duty at 1B and DH, I think he could hit 40 HR playing half of his games in that dome.  Maybe more.  Guy is a pure slugger.  Just give up on the catching thing.  I know if my fantasy league didn't penalize strikeouts (the K-BB category we use is fun...) he'd be on top of my draft list.  He'll be a monster if the Jays use him correctly.

Rivera is due way too much money next year, so it isn't like the Jays are not taking a bad contract back.  But that monstrosity that Ricciardi signed Wells to... ah, it's the gift that keeps on giving.  I suppose it was a crazy time when it was signed - I think it was the same winter when the Cubs signed Soriano and the Giants signed Zito.  So in that light, the contract doesn't look quite as stupid.  The funny thing is that Wells looked a lot better last year (well, until you look at that road/home split and his weird inability to hit lefties.  Seriously, check it out) and who knows?  Maybe the Angels are stupid like a fox here... but to me it smacks of desperation, wanting to get a big name because they couldn't get Crawford.

rpa |

1/22/2011 12:43:36 AM #

I am done complaining about Paul Daugherty.  I think I am going to enjoy a glass of my favorite cheap Tempranillo and listen to Social Distortion.  That sounds good.

rpa |

1/22/2011 1:23:56 AM #

This is being a fan in 2011:

The Angels just made a fantastic baseball move - they traded a problem player with a bad attitude and no place to play (Napoli) and a left fielder they don't want for a center fielder who was average defensively and hit 31 homers last year.

But because being a baseball fan in 2011 is as much about knowing salaries as it is watching games, it's being called the 'worst trade of all time' and a 'fireable offense' on Fangraphs.

I'm going to touch on this a bit in the next thread start, but at a certain point, shouldn't we as fans just want the best players on the field and not worry about what the front office is spending? The 2011 Angels just got better - who cares if the money is outrageous? Let the billionaires spend as they please (especially in a market like LA).

If I'm an Angels fan, today I'm happy.

AshlandATeam |

1/22/2011 8:35:25 AM #

Must weigh in with RPA and Grizz and say that I found Daughherty's column hard to follow, too.  I read it again in the paper this morning, and you're right about all its holes and meandering.

But sorry, I really like Mitch Albom, beginning with all the years I read his columns in Detroit.

And Chauncey Gardiner is from Being There--one of my faves.  And yes, I see the connection.

DocProc |

1/22/2011 9:41:01 AM #

ManRan and Damon together again? I may have to get some spring training tickets for Stone Crabs stadium just to see Manny take BP. Does this get the Rays back into the running in th AL East?

Dawginnaples |

1/22/2011 10:46:58 AM #

It is cold here.  Apparently it is in Detroit, too.

sports.yahoo.com/.../Photo-The-most-depressing-photo-for-a-baseball-

I like Comerica.  Great park.


Also, I was reminded of a great moment in Vernon Wells history - seattletimes.nwsource.com/.../...02365_chat11.html

rpa |

1/22/2011 1:09:40 PM #

I love what the Rays did yesterday. Madden might be the right guy for Manny on a one year deal. Damon is an Orlando guy who has wanted to play close to his off season home.

This could allow Zobrist to move into the infield to play 1st or 2B. Not sure the rays are sold on Dan Johnson at 1B. Maybe Damon could takes some balls over there too.

Champ Summers |

1/22/2011 3:37:28 PM #

My computer works again. I'll annoy everyone to the best of my ability.

Soccerdad13 |

1/22/2011 6:35:05 PM #

Argh. Someone else come take care of all the sick children. Whaddaya mean, it's my job? Where's the paycheck? Don't say "hugs & kisses"--that's b.s.! I want some freakin' sleep and a day without snot.

/end rant

Amy |

1/23/2011 11:01:21 AM #

Check out this   --www.redreporter.com/.../my-dinner-date-with-joey-votto

BubbaFan went to the BBWA award banquet last night and shot a ton of Joey Votto (in a tux) pictures.  That's one good looking dude (I'd say he cleans up well, but he usually looks pretty good in anything)

Mary |

1/23/2011 11:34:49 AM #

So... I turn on the radio this AM and Ken Broo is talking about the Reds signing Vladimir Guerrero to a one year deal to play left field and how much it would help the lineup.

Heh.

I think the price would be right and I think he could hit well enough to be a huge boost.  He's also one of my favorite players ever, so there's that.  Unfortunately, the Reds don't need a DH.

I'm convinced that Guerrero is actually 38 or 39 and his knees are actually about 50.  Watching him play outfield on anything approaching a regular basis would be incredibly painful.  Some AL team is going to get a bargain DH, though.  I'm convinced he's still got another .300/.350/.500 season in that bat.  He's been pretty durable in that role.

rpa |

1/23/2011 2:12:19 PM #

So Carson Palmer is demanding a trade. I no longer have any feelings towards the Bengals. I am so incredibly pizzed.

Grizzlyfox |

1/23/2011 4:29:15 PM #

For anyone who's interested, BP is now on Twitter, @DatDudeBP

Amy |

1/24/2011 4:11:04 PM #

My 2 Cents for Monday:

    Vlad Guerrero, Let's get it done.  The guy may be bad in the field but no worse than Gomes.  He has a cannon arm and we'd see both corner outfielders picking guys off on the bases left and right.  Not to mention his bat his better than Gomes.  I'd venture to say the run differential would be greater with Vlad than it is Gomes.  They won't sign him though so it's all just offseason filler talk.

    Let Carson go.  The guy, for a couple of years, was mentioned with the likes of Manning and Brady.  He may be the most talented player the Bengals have seen at QB and they have mostly squandered the talent.  Sure he had an unfortunate injury that was just dumb luck, but subsequent injuries are mostly a result of the team not investing in talent on the line to help him out.  Yes, he's had some rough games the last 2 seasons as well, but again, he is dealing with undisciplined players that drop balls and run incorrect routes.  Put him in a different situation and we see what kind of talent he really is.  I sense the 49ers in his future or possibly the Vikings.  I wish him well and lets see what he can do the next couple few seasons playing for a franchise that is not dysfunctional.

btalbert29 |

1/24/2011 5:21:17 PM #

Fay just did what we were discussing for new starter material. I hate when He does something first.

Champ Summers |

1/24/2011 6:01:21 PM #

Hey guys - the new thread is up. Head over there and give us your grades for the Reds offseason!

AshlandATeam |