By ross

December 11, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

my point was the Reds didnt get many big 2 out hits and when they did it seemed like Javy was the one coming though

By Y-City Jim

December 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Valentin has a .229 lifetime average with RISP.

By ross

December 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

matt..I like Javy also..I had more confidence in him with runners in scoring position then most…I wish they would sign him and he would get at least a couple starts a week..he wasn’t terrible behind the plate and the Redlegs could sure use his stick

By Bobby Cox

December 6, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I just heard David Ross is on my team. We dropped Corky Miller. I wish the GM would talk to me about these things. David was a stiff in Cincinnati, how could he possibly help me? Well he’s cheap at $1.5 million a year and hopefully he will never have to play. Corky did not play much either. I tell the fans all the time to teach kids to be a catcher or a lefty pitcher. It guarantees work.

By David Ross

December 6, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this

Hey, remember me?! Just checkin’ in to say hi and let you know I signed with the Braves @ $3 mil for 2 years. Whew, now I can make my house payments and buy beer. It’s a good deal for me, close to my crib in Tallahassee. See, they signed me one day after trading their top catching prospect, Tyler Flowers and a few others to the White Sox for Javier Vazquez and some reliever named Boone. Yeah, heck, I guess I can get by on 1.5 mil a year in these tough economic times. So long, suckas!

By BrarHopper

December 6, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

Money is a huge issue but it isn’t always THE decider. Look at Tampa Bay’s payroll for 2008. What they had was more important than $$$. Talent, scouting, coaching, attitude, hunger, attitude, leadership, attitude, and a great mamager who the players love and respect, and I’ll bet a GM and/or owner that the players respect as well. Let’s ask ourselves if the Reds have three of these qualitiies or factors. Just curious.

By Mike-Cinci

December 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

MAC’c comments make a lot sense. He is right on target about Phillips. I would hang on to Bailey for another year only because good pitching is hard to find and the Reds have been among the worst at finding it. Regarding the money issue, I wish the Reds could spend more money but they are stuck in a small market with limited revenue resources. Considering size the Reds spending is good compared to some bigger markets. The Reds can afford about a $75-$80 million payroll. The Reds spent $75 million in 2008 about the same as the Giants who drew 1 million more fans and have a much bigger and wealthier market. The Reds are #18 in payroll among the 30 teams. I wish the Reds had the market size of NY, Chicago, Boston, LA, Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia but we don’t. There is no way the Reds can match the spending of these teams. That’s why the GM has to develop a “best in class” player development system and make smart moves with his roster. Without that the Reds are no better than the Pirates or the Royals who have about the same size market and the same issues.

By Mark

December 5, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Arroyo for Escobar? The Braves would laugh in your face. Some of the people on this blog probably think you can trade Alex Gonzalez for Alex Rodriguez.

By MAC

December 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Interesting comments by all. On Bailey, I’d agree he needs to go somewhere else to be successful; the bigger parks where he can use his FB makes a lot of sense IMO. The Reds have soured on him & it’s easy to see the kid pitches w/ the wait of the world on his shoulders; I doubt he’ll every be able to live up to the hype the Reds have placed on him? I like Phillips alot, but I doubt you help him stop swinging for the fences by keeping him in the 4 or 5 hole? I’d say 1st or 3rd where he can use his speed and take the walk when the pitcher gives it to him…narrow down the strike zone, become more disciplined and focused AB (all Reds hitters please) and then hurt them w/ your speed IMO. No doubt, Rios would be a nice addition, but the Reds won’t spend the money necessary which IS THE UNDERLYING ISSUE ON ANY REDS DISCUSSION; ownership needs to take on a partner so they can spend a little more money IMO. I don’t think our behind in the race player development system can do it all? Clearly expecting Bruce, Dickerson, EE, Hanigan one of the young SS and all the young pitchers to become above avg ML players and do it on the cheap is more than a pipe dream…wouldn’t most of U agree? At some pt. the organization has to pay the going rate for some ML players IF, IF they really want to put a WINNING TEAM on the field!!

By Mike-Cinci

December 5, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Good comments by ctownboy. I like Molina and Winn too. I just question whether the Reds have the talent to trade for them. The Giants won’t take our castoffs and unproven youngsters. A few good games on the road does not prove to me that Bailey has it. He has had trouble throwing anything but a fast ball for strikes at Louisville too. Unless the Reds have decided Bailey is a “head case” I’d keep him another year to see if the light goes on. Pitching is precious and the Reds still don’t have enough of it. MAC’s concern about Jay Bruce is interesting. Jay appeared to go to sleep in RF on occasion in 2008 but more worrisome is his tendency to swing at high fast balls out of the strike zone. 2009 should tell us a lot. Bruce should improve this year if he is the kind of can’t miss player most think he is. Rios is a special player. He would be great in Cincinnati but he would also be great with 29 other teams. It will take a package of good players to get him. Once a free agent he will get big bucks. He’s likely headed to NY, LA, Boston, Chicago if not traded before then.

By ctownboy

December 5, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

If you would remember, Aaron Harang made two suggestions last year as to how to improve the Reds and make them more competitive. One was to raise the Right Field wall so it wasn’t as easy to hit Home Runs in that direction. His second suggestion was to put together a balanced line up. One that wasn’t so focused on the Home Run and that could score Runs on the Road easier. By trading for Bengie Molina (instead of overhyped Catchers like Laird, Saltalamachia, Shoppach and others of their ilk) and Randy Winn, my line up would be balanced. My line up would be: Dickerson/Freel/Hopper CF Winn LF Votto 1B Edwin E 3B Phillips 2B Bruce RF Keppinger SS Molina C P I would have Edwin E NOT play Winter Ball but instead rest, work on hitting to the opposite field and learning how to Bunt. I would also have Phillips talk to Joe Morgan and try to emulate him. I would also tell him to STOP trying to hit Home Runs and to START trying to make more contact, hit line dirves and get more Walks. Unlike Dunn, Phillips has the speed to make getting Walked hurt the opposing Pitcher; just ike Joe Morgan used to do.

By ctownboy

December 5, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Why the Giants would trade for Bailey is because Bailey has MUCH better stats on the Road than he does at GASP. If you don’t believe me just go to ESPN’s baseball web page and compare them. Two of Bailey’s best starts were at San Francisco and at Oakland; large ball parks where Home Runs are harder to hit. At GASP, Bailey is afraid to throw his below average breaking or off speed pitches for Strikes for fear they get crushed for Hits or Home Runs. That is why he nibbles around the corners with them and thus runs his Pitch counts up. Bailey doesn’t scare anybody with his straight as an arrow 92 MPH Fast Ball and guys just sit back and wait for it. In larger West Coast ball parks, Bailey wouldn’t be as scared to throw his pitches because he wouldn’t be as likely to give up cheap Home Runs. So instead of being a three Inning Pitcher with an ERA over seven with the Reds, Bailey could be a five Inning Pitcher with an ERA of around 5. Not great but at least he would be servicable and help to save the Bull Pen unlike he has been in Cincinnati. With Bailey on the team as a fifth Starter, the Giants would be able to trade one of their other Starting Pitchers for a power hitter. Somebody like Prince Fielder, as has been noted on MLBtraderumors.com. By dumping Molina and Winn’s salaries, the Giants would also be able to sign a guy like Pat Burrell. The Giants already have five Outfielders and would have to trade at least one if they are going to get Burrell. As far as A Gon goes, if he is healthy enough for the Reds to think about him as their starting Short Stop in 2009 then he is healthy enough to be traded. A Gon is set to make $5.25 million in 2009 with an $6 million dollar option for 2010. THAT is much better than what the Giants just did by signing and paying Edgar Renteria $18 million over two years. Especially since Renteria is older than A Gon and worse Defensively.

By MAC

December 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Guys, thanks for the comments. I think it’s time for the Reds to fish or cut bait…put a “team” together or go young and let them all develop together. The Reds continue to do neither and excell at medocrity. The Reds need a core group of quality players to build around. I think they have that in the 2 young pitchers & Votto & Phillips, but I’m not sold on the afore mentioned Pitchers or EE or Jay Bruce. The latter 2 seem to be a younger version of Dunn & Kearns IMO? Even if Bruce develops into a legit ML player, I think he’ll be a lot like Casey, but not the dynamic 5 tool player the organization needs? Rios on the other hand is much closer to that 5 tool guy IMO and he’s still young, athletic, 7 a proven hitter w/ good pop. P.S. How much value will EE have if he slumps or doesn’t progress again this season?

By bobs

December 4, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Would trade Cordero in a heartbeat and use that money to sign other talent. Give Burton the job. Use Roenicke in the 8th maybe. Nobody in December is trading for Gonzales.

By Mike-Cinci

December 4, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

MAC makes good points on Molina, Winn, and Rios. All are good players that would look good in a Reds uniform. The only way to get them however is to give up something of value. The older pitchers, Harang, Arroyo, Cordero, are possibilities but either uncertainty around injury or high salaries (all make ver $10 million) make a deal hard to do. It would be a nice if someone gave us a good young catcher and/or a good centerfielder for Cordero. It would have to be a big market team with a chance to compete and be in need of a closer.

By MAC

December 4, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

I like the Molina/Winn idea and the comments on Alex Rios although I don’t know how the Reds would pay for them? They might start by moving Cordero?, Harang and or Arroyo; Cordero and one of them; not both. I realize Harang and Bronson eat innings, but neither guy is that dominating even when healthy and pitching well and they’re all expensive. The Reds need full time “players” @ SS, CF and most importantly Catcher! If you’re going young again this year and waiting on EE, Bruce, Votto and the other young players to develop, what’s the point in keeping the older pitchers?

By Mike-Cinci

December 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe ctownboy was serious thinking the Giants would trade Bengie Molina and Randy Winn for Homer Bailey, Alex Gonzalez, and a couple of fill-ins. I assume he was having fun. Molina and Winn are good players. Why would the Giants trade them for Bailey who has proved nothing and Gonzalez who has not played for over a year and may never live up to his old standard. The Giants GM would have to be an idiot and he is not. You can’t acquire good players without giving up good players. I’m always amazed when fans think some other team will give you something for lousy players that nobody really wants. If you want to get the Giants attention the Reds would need to offer up Votto, Bruce, Phillips, Cueto, or Volquez. Any of these will get trade talks going…but why would you trade them?

By timb

December 3, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Al, trading Hamilton was genius. Look, Josh is a fine player, who could self-destruct at any time, and you gave him away for a 25 year stud who might win a Cy Young Award. Hamilton’s 120 RBI’s might look nice in GAB, but the Reds would still be losing every game 9-7. Obtaining pitching is almost always a better move and this was certainly the way to go.

By ctownboy

December 3, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

The Reds need to go after Bengie Molina and Randy Winn. Molina, unlike Saltalamachia, Laird, Shoppach, Varitek, Schneider, Montero, Bako, Ross or any other Catcher out there that has been linked to the Reds or said to be available, is an ALL AROUND CATCHRER. On Offense, Molina can hit for average, both against Left handed and Right handed pitchers, can hit for power (especially if he played in GASP) and can drive in Runs. On Defense, he has won a couple of Gold Gloves and can still catch and throw the ball well and can call the game well. Also, he has been the starting Catcher on a World Series winning team so he knows what it takes to get there and be succesful. More importantly, he speaks Spanish. How great would it be if Volquez and Cueto had a veteran Catcher who spoke Spanish fluently? How much better would it be for them when going over scouting reports in the pre-game meetings? How much better for them would it be if Molina were at the mound when Dick Pole waddles out to say something to them? Now, when Pole goes out there, Edwin E has to translate. As for Winn, he hits for a good average and has speed to steal bases. He also has the speed to cover ground in the Outfield and doesn’t make many Errors. What to give up? Bailey, A Gon and another player or two. Bailey NEEDS to move on. Look at his stats. He can NOT pitch in GASP to save his life. On the Road, especially in larger, West Coast ball parks, it is a different story. If A Gon is healthy enough to start at SS for the Reds then he is healthy enough to be traded. Plus, he would be less expensive (and better Defensivley) than either Furcal or Renteria. With the Giants unloading salary, filling the hole at SS and picking up Bailey, they would be more free, in a bad economy, to sign Burrell or Dunn to play Left Field and/or trade one of their other pitchers away for a power bat. But watch, because the Reds have too many people trying to make decisions (Ca$htellini, Jocketty, Bavasi, Bonifay) and NO PLAN, the Reds will wait until it is too late and THEN they will be left to pick up scrubs and retreads to fill out the roster.

By Al

December 3, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

I said before the season started last year…HAMILTON trade was TERRIBLE and I still say that!!!!! Anybody but Josh … Heck they could of given up 3-4-5 players for that Pitcher that got worn out at the break. What the REDS need is a MANAGER that can handle a TEAM…Dusty is NOT that person!!

By Y-City Jim

December 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

They need a RH hitter on this team? Excluding pitchers, there are currently 10 RH hitters, 6 LH hitters, and a switch hitter on the 40-man roster. Add the capable bats of pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Micah Owings, which are also RH. I don’t think the Reds necessary need a RH bat. They need players who can hit and get on base. As for Milton Bradley, now that he has been offered arbitration I doubt the Reds would pursue him knowing that it would cost them a draft choice as well as a commanding salary. Bradley is a good hitter though I’m not sure he makes the Reds much better.

By Ridnaway

December 2, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

I’d love to see the Reds get Garett Adkins and Milton Bradley, even with his baggage. Dumping EE and Homer is long overdue and they need a $#%^$ right handed hitter on this team! Keep Kep and Freel for depth then go get an everyday catcher.

By Scott

December 2, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

I think Mike Brown actually owns the Reds because they are acting just like the Bungals. Maybe it’s the water.

By Y-City Jim

December 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Valentin gives you nothing offensively. Lifetime .251 hitter with a .310 OBP. Little power. Overrated as a PH.

By Matt

December 2, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Why can’t they play Valentine at 3rd. He’s proven he can play there and he brings a spark to the lineup. Then they can move Edwin the left if need be because when he’s hot he’s hot and he doesn’t have to be an everyday player. We all know he airheaded when that happens. What do you guys think?

By bobs

December 2, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Woods. He wants to be a closer and get closer money, Cincy is not an option and need not be discussed…in my lowly opinion. Rhodes is a situational lefty, he comes in to get an out or two, the best are usually old and know how to get it done. Dye would cost about what Dunn did last year and would likely have better numbers…at the cost of Baily and another minor leaguer…i say go for it. An outfield of Bruce, Freel/Hopper, and Dickerson will keep people in seats for maybe a week. I dont care “if” Bailey goes on to be a success somewhere else, he is obviously is not looking like he will in Cincy. Time for both parties to move on…just make sure you trade for a useful part. EE in left field…bad defense, low BA, high K’s, high HR’s, low RBI’s…sounds familiar??

By timb

December 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Wow, Hal’s depression really surprises me. The addition of Dye and the signing of Furcal would make all of this moot, as the lead-off hitter and big bat can be obtained for Homer and 2 draft picks. Re-building the depleted bullpen would be the only priority. Or, Walt could move EE to left and free third base for Garrett Atkins. Right there, problems solved. The idea that there aren’t decently priced free agents on the market is absurd. But, many of them are over-priced, because they don’t know what the market will be. Does Texiera get 10 years or 8? Does CC get 140 or a 160 million? Once these contracts are done, teams like the Reds can swoop in and sign the “bargain” second and third tier guys. Don’t want to move EE or trade for Dye? Well, Juan Rivera would be a beautiful fit in GAB. The Reds have a young core and it is ready to contend (how long Johnny Cueto remains attached to his body is the biggest time bomb since the last season of 24). The Cubs are fading (Zambrano and Harden can’t be counted to make 30 starts and their offensive players are getting older, not better. Careful moves can be made now, which preserve the core of the team and add decent players (1991 braves?) and Walt is the guy to do it.

By Stan

December 2, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

No matter what the Reds do, I am not drinking the Kool Aid like I did last year. All the fans heard during spring training was the way this team was going knock down the Central Div. and the league. I bought into it and was let down horribly. After years of being a Reds fan (25 years!) I bailed and followed the sport instead of a team. Actually leaning toward the Cubs this year if for nothing else than Sweet Lou!! My Reds cap and jersey are in mothballs and my home page is no longer Reds.com. Show me something from GABP, please!!!

By Sean

December 2, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

I say keep Bailey. He was the top ranked prospect in all of baseball a few years ago. I know hes struggled but you have to get more in return than just a 1 year rental that costs 11 million. Give him a full year in the rotation. He is only 22 years old. Remmember the A’s gave up on a pitcher by the name of Jose Rijo.

By Will

December 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

MAC, hate to say it, but you’re crazy if you think Keppinger is the Reds’ best all-around player - over B-Phil and Votto? Gimme a break. All your other points are well-taken, but Kep doesn’t get the nod. I love Kep, but the man is a singles hitter without very good mobility (even pre-injury), and Brandon is probably the second-best second baseman in the game. Votto will be a monster in two years tops - he’s already getting there. The Reds DO have enough everyday players: they have two holes to fill - a left fielder and experienced catcher OR permanent leadoff man for center. It’s very hard to keep a core of eight position guys around for years at a time. There will be turnover anytime you haven’t brought your whole AAA team up.

By Bill-Georgetown

December 2, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I sure do agree with Pete on Dickerson: Too many doubt what they saw from him at the end of the year. To me he looked like the second coming of Geronimo—but with a better stick!Geronimo didn’t hit all that well, with the “machine”; but they played him because of the real estate he covered—IMO. Dickerson has similar speed in CF/good glove/decent arm/did well as leadoff, when there was no one else to do it, after Hairston got hurt.Seems to me, they have to give him a big chance to succeed—especially since they are finding out how expensive any other options might be.I don’t have the stats, but from what I recall he made good contact vs right and left handers. I was impressed with him. Last remark: If, I say “IF”, BP has to move to SS what makes anyone think—it is “messing” with him? He’s a professional, who has played the position before, and likes it there. He would be strengthening his “TEAM”—because it is, right now, a weakness on this team—and he is the only player capable of doing the job well—except for “MAYBE”, Gonzales. In addition, it is easier to play a weaker arm, with less range, at second base.

By jim m.

December 2, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Hal, with the talk about Bailey for Dye, why dont the Reds offer the Blue Jays Stubbs and Bailey for Rios!!! he is young, has a decent long term contract, wont be a one year rental and culd really mesh with Bruce and Votto!!???? Then see if the Braves would take Arroyo for their young shortstop Yunel Escobar?? he wont cost as much as Furcal will and this wil help the Reds add a starter to replace Arroyo..

By HuberTucky

December 2, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Just read where the Reds made an offer to Atrhur Rhodes & Destry wants to talk to Kerry Woods & Reds have offered arbitration to Stormy. Let’s see, Woods, Weathers, Rhodes…the Reds are looking to feast on old leftovers, again? What next…an offer to Bako or Dye or shudder….bring back Griffey? Hell, who needs oldtimers games when you’ve got the Reds and the way they think (?) and spend. So far, 2009 is looking like 2008 with maybe a 10% bump, at BEST!

By ExactlyEsasky

December 2, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Hey all, I think the Reds have some flexibility—the real need is for a productive RH hitter (both power and patience), and he could fit at LF, 3b (move EE), or 1b (move Joey). Personally, I liked Nick Swisher and was sorry to see the Yanks grab him, but there are others—I like Blake, but I especially like Mike Lowell, who’ll come cheap once the Sox sign Teixeira and move Youk to 3b. 2 years remaining, great D, great clubhouse, good RH pop. (If healthy, of course.) I also think Konerko might be available relatively cheaply. As for Homer, don’t trade low is my view—if nothing’s what you’d get for him now, then you might as well get nothing later and see if he figures it out.

By Pete

December 2, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

MAC… Agree w/ you on Freel & Hairston. Bruce needs to stop thinking he’s still in the minors & can hit everything that’s thrown @ him. Hopefully, someone can convince him of that because the potential’s there. Dickerson could possibly be the leadoff if given a chance. I know end of year callup performance doesn’t count. But he gave folks a reason to hope. I say give him a shot @ everyday in LF or CF. & wehre are teh Reds gonna get a big bat from the right side??? Good luck! Gonzalez has been a major $$ bust. It would be nice to see him healthy for a full year to see if he pays any dividends. No one knows what Yolander can really do yet because he’s unproven. Don’t care what he does in the minors — what’s he gonna do @ this level?? (See Homer Bailey). So I’ll disagree w/ ya, Mac. He’s not just a few short years away. If we’re lucky, he’ll not be like Homer & I’ll be wrong — that would be a good thing.

By got milk

December 2, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

If the Reds move EdE to LF, they could sign Casey Blake to a two-year deal to play 3rd. The Reds have several good 3rd base prospects in the minors, and by 2011, one of them should be ready.

By MAC

December 2, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this

Hal, you highlight what’s exactly wrong w/ the Reds: they don’t have enough everyday “players”…a team! EE makes some spectacular plays @ 3rd, but can’t make the routine one routinely enough; my guess is he wouldn’t do much better in LF or 1st either? Harriston & Freel play well in spurts, but play too hard and R injury prone. Dickerson can’t hit LH pitching and Bruce doesn’t exactly look comfortabl against them either. Who knows if Gonzales can play everyday or for how long or how well, but @ 6M a yr, I’m sure it’s his position to lose in ST. Of course, there’s a huge whole @ catching no matter who’s playing. Keppinger is their best all around player, but he’s beat down (no love) because he isn’t flashy enough…huh? Considering how many games this organization has lost over the last 2 or 3 yrs simply because they can’t and don’t do the little things right,it’s hard for me to understand why U and others continue to beating down the one guy who can and does! Phillips is outstanding @ 2nd base…R true everyday player/All Star, yet many want to mess w/ his success & move him to SS? In contrast, Votto is the one guy who probably could move to LF and even though his Def is shaky @ times, no one @ the top is interested in moving him even though Yolander is just a few yrs short yrs away from being ready? All that being said, many Red fans don’t want to trade anyone…go figure???

By amanda

December 2, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

I thought it was going to be easy to find cheap better replacements than Griffey and Dunn. Outfielders were a dime a dozen according to most poeple.

By Kevin

December 2, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

dunno about all of this Hal. Would you really move Bailey for a one year rental like dye? he has a mutual option for 2010 and would likly use it. I say hang on to him. Put him in the rotation like you said…make or break. I would hate to see this team give up the young talent they have just to finish in third place(if they`re lucky).

By Steve

December 1, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

The Affeldt deal was $8 for two years, which is not that much out of line with the $3 million the Reds paid him last year. You’re right that he probably wanted out of GABP, but he did pitch at Coors before that.