By lb

April 3, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this

Giving up Brandon Waring is a big mistake. He is an outstanding player who will be in the Bigs a long time before it’s over.

By Huber

December 11, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Florida B — Two thangs. 1) I’m sure IF they had any interest in Rocco he’d have to pass a rigorous physical, so that’s not a worry for me. 2) I have a muscle problem as well…the love muscle…but them little blue pills works wonders!

By Wizard

December 11, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Well hell, Florida Buckeye—I got one of those muscle problems too; never fear though, the damn thing always recovers! Rocco will be OK. Go Rocco!

By Florida Buckeye

December 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Hubertuckey, and anyone else who is interested, or pro Baldelli coming to Cinci…Please consider that he has a progressive, degenerative muscle disorder and it was damn near miraculous that he came back this year…I, for one, do not want to chance that…

By Cactus Pete, Apache Jct, AZ

December 11, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

It’s no surprise Freel was delt after what Dusty did to him last spring in Sarasota. Baker right out lied to make room for his love child, CP, who faltered at the plate. I’m surprised that Hopper and Bruce are still with the Reds too as he lied about Bruce’s leg injury that failed to show up on the “radar screen”. Freel and Dusty had a falling out so the rumor goes.

By timb

December 11, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

“By the way, you don’t see any takers for either Dunn or Griffey.” Or, Mark Texiera, or Derek Lowe or anyone of over a hundred free agents who haven’t signed. You have no idea if people are talking to Dunn, since he’s not exactly the number 1 available free agent. Isn’t it enough, Ben, that you ran Dunn and his couch out of town (and he took his .900 OPS with him), do you have to wish him ill now too? Lastly, why the hell do you care where he sat in the locker room? Do you have any idea how much time players spend in the locker room? Are they supposed to stand the whole time? Have you criticized Vlad Guerrero’s constant video game playing int he Angel’s locker room? He must be lazy too. I wish more Reds players were lazy enough to play 160 games a year and hit 40 bombs. I’d take that from any player. Go back to talk radio, ben

By Ben

December 11, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

At least we will finally have a catcher that can bat over .200. As far as “lazy” goes, he can’t be any lazier than Dunn (who had a Lazy Boy recliner by his locker) or Griffey. By the way, you don’t see any takers for either Dunn or Griffey. Freel did hustle, but he was also reckless and stupid in doing so. You gotta know your limitations. Anyway, Walt is doing better by getting Hernandez than his predecessor did getting Corey Crapperson.

By I Know I Was There

December 10, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

The TRUTH behind the Frank Robinson trade was the Cincy brass and the conservative provincial Cincy elite (in those days?) were disgusted by Frank dating white women. Asdk Robby!

By BrarHopper

December 10, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

You gotta wonder about ANYBODY who the O’s would want to get rid of. They are at least as much of a suck team as the Reds. And if this catcher was considered lazy enough for the O’s to 86…well ya gotta kinda wonder.

By bigRedlegsfan

December 10, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Nope — sorry — I do not get the “similarities.” Robinson was a proven MAJOR league slugger with a full career of highlights already … when shamefully traded away. Had ALREADY won ROY plus a NL MVP. He wasn’t that young. (at least that’s what some people thought) Remember the infamous GM Bill DeWitt claim that Robinson was “an old 30” when traded? I don’t know about that … but he had played 10 ML seasons already at that point. I do agree with you that it was one of the worst — if not THE worst — trade ever in MLB history. Unquestionably THE WORST trade in Reds history. Have a good one!

By joehand

December 10, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Freel, a solid utility player when he wasn’t hurt, was quite expendable for a starting catcher. Now Jock needs to find a strong right handed bat for either 3B or OF.

By John Alcock

December 10, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Former cy young winner, and Baltimore pitcher, Steve Stone said the Reds trade got them a catcher the Orioles called “lazy” and that he could be stolen against easily. Gee, sounds perfect.

By Dyehard

December 10, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, also, just because the Reds have had many 3rd baseman flame out, does that mean they should stop trying to develop players at that position? If that’s the case, then maybe the Reds should give up on all their C’s and P’s. Because we may never develop another Bench, or Browning. Lets just field a team OF’s, and SS’s.

By Dyehard

December 10, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

bigRed: I wasnt comparing Waring to Robinson. I’m drawing similarities to the Robinson trade. They traded away a young slugger to…the ORIOLES…see the similarities? That is commonly referred to as one of the worst trades in baseball history. Not because of what Robinson did with the Reds, but because of what he accomplished after he left the Reds.

By bigRedlegsfan

December 10, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

To Dyehard — SERIOUSLY … how in the world can you compare a kid who has not played above A-ball with multiple MVP & HOF player Frankie Robinson??? Get REAL!! Plus, how many players labeled “3rd baseman of the future” have the Reds had say the last 10-12 years??? And they STILL dont have a decent Hot Corner… Sorry, but I certainly am not sweating losing a Class A player with “potential.” Now a major-league catcher the RedLegs CERTAINLY needed. They haven’t had one in quite a while — hopefully Hernandez will work out! I do hate to see Freel go. I wish they had kept him & given him a chance to win the 3B job!

By HuberTucky

December 10, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Baldelli = YES! Alex Rios = YES YES!! Burrell a total NO (an older high-priced RH Dunn)! And now there’s talk that Reds are looking at Jeremy Hermida — I hope not. .250 BA, got some pop but not a good RBI guy and has doubled his K output since 2006. Just what we don’t need…another undisciplined young swinger. We already have Bruce. I’m still lobbying for Alex Rios but also want to support the Baldelli brigade!

By Dyehard

December 10, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that no one on here knows what we really gave up. Brandon Waring would have been the 3rd baseman of the future. He fills a potential need at 3rd and has tremendous power from the right side. Look for him to be ROY contender in 2010/2011. Sadly it will be for the Orioles. Can you say Frank Robinson deja vu?

By MIke M

December 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Rocco Baldelli! Rocco Baldelli! Rocco Baldelli! Where are the Reds in trying to sign this young (27), hard hitting (did you see the AL play-offs?), right-handed hitting left-fielder? The guy has tremendous up-side. he has had some injury problems in the past, but he is young, and could be had for 4 years for probably around 14-15 million. Jermaine Dye is a great player, but singing Baldelli and resigning Jerry Hairston Jr. would shore the Reds up for years, and, not to mention, make a pretty intimidating righty-lefty batting order. He made 2.25 million last year with the Rays and didnt play that much, but he showed what he could do in the Play-offs. This guy, who was considered the franchis player for the Rays before Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford showed up, could be had at a bargain! Mr. Jockety, please?

By jim m.

December 10, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I think Hernandez will be a big help to Cueto and Volquez, as well as Rameriz.. Now the Reds need to go hard after a big outfielder.. Burrell is to much like Dunn, and I honestly hope the Reds call Toronto about Rios.. A Bailey/Stubbs/Thompson for Rios would be a perfect offer.. Rios has power, steals bases, hits and a good outfielder. with speed.. Anyway Thats who I would target as he is making 8 million a season and thats cheaper than Dye 11.5 mil. and who knows what Burrell will command!!

By tom

December 10, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Catching is the key to defense and we now have two serviceable catchers, one with some righthanded power. Freel has played with passion but is erratic and too prone to injury. All the best to him in Camden Yard.

By HuberTucky

December 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I figured Freel put himself on the market after his drinking problems, ongoing injuries and when he rewarded poor Paul Janish w/a big old bloody nose following Paul’s first big league hit (AND game winning RBI). I liked Freel’s energy, but as others have said he was injured too much and was predictable only in his boneheadedness. Sadly, too many of us were seeing a Pete Rose type in Freel and we all want another Rose. Freel’s like a big dumb galoot of a kid, sorta retarded like an Old English Sheepdog or Irish Setter.

By Mike-Cinci

December 10, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

The Reds desperately needed a catcher. They got one for a bench player and 2 prospects who won’t be major league players. Catchers are in short supply. That’s why they get premium money. The Reds are now improved behind the plate. Ross and Bako contributed nothing in 2008. Paying Freel $4 million to sit on the bench would be a waste of money. He was fun to watch but he struck out far too much, had no power, and was in Cory Patterson’s league for making dumb mistakes on the basepaths and in the field. On top of that he was injured all the time. They still need a right hand hitting outfielder with some pop.

By Dyehard

December 10, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Baaad Trade! I dont so much care about losing Freel, even though I really liked him, but the Reds gave up a stud in Brandon Waring and a solid Justin Turner. If money were not an issue, I wouldnt have traded Waring for Hernandez straight up. Also, Jock has always talked about changing the environment in the clubhouse. So why trade for a guy who’s effort on the field has been questioned when his team has played bad in the past?

By Steve

December 10, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Even an average catcher is an upgrade. We carried 3 below avg. backstops last year. Now we have one that will play almost everyday with a little pop in his bat. Not great, but not bad. A move needed to be made at this postion. The Reds just got a little better. I’ll take it. Last I heard J.B. and Gary Carter were not available.

By Brian

December 10, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I will miss Freel’s hussle as much as anyone. But this was a good trade from the Reds perspective. It’s not like we traded a young prospect for an old and washed up veteran - they are basically the same age. We have enough utility players the way it is and Freel was injured too often. Also, Hernandez brings veteran leadership and can groom Hanigan and our young pitchers.

By im3rd

December 10, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Very depressing. This guy is our catcher for a while? This team’s standards are so low. I understand trading Freel, but for this guy? Catchers of his caliber are a dime a dozen. Our standards are so low. Mediocrity. Front office accepts it with no problem.

By bobs

December 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Again, some of you amaze me. We just got rid of a utility player for a major league catcher…and some of you are disappointed. Wow. Again, 8 million for an offensive catcher is not bad. Fans wants to win, but only expect to pay a million dollars for any player. If you want a winner in Cincy, you will have to pay some money. Even Tampa has to pay some people. No need to go crazy like the Yankees, but talent takes money. Good trade Walt, keep up coming.

By timb

December 10, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

“By amanda December 10, 2008 1:17 AM “catcher of the future”? Hilarious. A 28 year old who’s had less than 100 at bats with the reds. There is a reason Hanigan didn’t make it to the majors until he was 28-he’s not that good. Some people are acting like he’s 22. Freel was part of the losing era. Hustling alone does not make someone a winner.” This is the best comment of the year. Freel’s terrible judgment on the baseball field made him almost as dangerous with the glove as Dunn. Walt, go me Rios or Dye and do it now.

By Tom

December 10, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Well, if this is the kind of improvement the Red’s management is going to make, look for them to finish even lower than last season. Also, Valentin didn’t get nearly enough playing time this past season.

By Pete

December 10, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Billy… What wrong w/ Valentin? Really? He couldn’t throw me out @ 2nd if I were crawling backwards. Valentin can go away because he’s an below average pinch hitter @ best, not an everyday player, & an even worse catcher. Consistency doesn’t apply in his case.

By Smitty

December 10, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

There have been many dumb things i have read about this trade on this post… Sorry for you folks that love Ryan Freel, but im glad to see him gone. He was injury prone and though he was a hustler, his age was beginning to get to him.. On the other hand we got a pretty darn good catcher.. I have followed his career and his stats are quite solid except for last year. Coming to cincy is just the thing this guy needs. Our stadium is smaller than Camden so I expect him to do great with the bat and with the communications of our “soon to be great” young pitchers

By Billy

December 10, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

He did have 10 passed balls and 9 errors. On top of that he only threw out 20% of runners stealing bases (24 out of 123). Not good. Also, Hernandez gets 8 million for .257 15 HR and 65 RBI. Hanigan, Valentin, and Bako cost us around 2.7 million last year and combined averages we got .248 12 HR and 62 RBI from them. Doesn’t make sense. The only thing Jocketty can argue is that Hernandez brings consistency behind the plate, which may be priceless if he communicates well with all the pitchers. I don’t think Harang or Arroyo care who they’re throwing to, but Cueto and Volquez being young may benefit from having the same guy back there day in and day out.

By Rachel

December 10, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

I love Ryan Freel, but I knew when he got hurt last season they would trade him! It sucks cause he has so much energy when he plays, but I understand trading him! Ryan will be missed!!!

By patrick

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

I am afraid what will be communicated between Volquez and Cueto to Hernandez is “Catch the ball”. 19 passed balls last year. While he should be a big improvement offensively, middle defense is really weakened. Starting pitching looks to be a strength for the reds future, but a teams pitching is only as good as it’s defense.

By Billy

December 10, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I love Ryan Freel. The guy gives 110% at all times on the baseball field. He will be missed. I’m not sure I understand the trade? Hernandez has the ability to drive in runs, but 8 million dollars worth of RBI’s? The trade makes no sense when you look at the numbers. What’s wrong with Valentin? Will he be backing up Hernandez? It will be nice to have some consistency behind the plate, instead of 3 guys all playing about a third of the season each, but 8 million? Ramon better be good or else he’ll cost another million to buy out. There are other moves that need made. I’m suprised they moved on a deal for a catcher.

By Tom

December 10, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

”..and most important communicate with Volquez and Queto” Great point Rick. A catcher who can communicate with your two young starters is key.

By dickg43

December 10, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

good riddance!! Freel is a danger to himself, his teammates, and any fan at the game. He is totally out of control. Hernandez is someone that can play catcher provided Hanigan does not beat him out and until Mesoraco arrives.

By dickg43

December 10, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

good riddance!! Freel is a danger to himself, his teammates, and any fan at the game. He is totally out of control. Hernandez is someone that can play catcher provided Hanigan does not beat him out and until Mesoraco arrives.

By Sean

December 10, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Bad trade? How? Freel played 48 games last season and 75 in 2007! Don’t get me wrong, I am a Freel fan, but, he can’t stay healthy. The Reds needed a catcher, and got a pretty good one at that. All I can say is Good Trade! They filled a need buy getting rid of a player they couln’t rely on!

By Oldtimer

December 10, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of the Reds during the 1940s. After winning championships in 1939 and 1940, they went into a nosedive and started trading for players nearing the end of their careers like catcher Walker Cooper and outfielders Augie Galan and Danny Litwhiler. It didn’t help. It was 1961 before they were champions again.

By Pete

December 10, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

I don’t think this is a bad trade. Freel is an OK utility guy to have on your team, yet not an everyday player. Too bad to have him hurt as much as he’s been the past few seasons. Hopefully Hernandez can shore up the defensive side of the plate. & for Mike…. You’ve gotta point regarding Freel’s efforts. However, it never rubbed off on anyone else on this team or equated to wins. & for red…. your comments show that you’re an absolute idiot.

By rick

December 10, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this

Why would you get rid of the spark plug on your team for a useless catcher,that is why Cin.SUCKS wake up, you need guys like him and get rid og the manager.

By The Spendid Splinter

December 10, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this

This is a move much like the move the Reds made last winter when they really needed a closer. They went out and got one and he was almost what we needed. You have to keep poeople off the basepaths with this guy. We’ll freak out, but he’ll end up being a better deal than we had before. And if you like stolen bases you are in for a treat.

By HuberTucky

December 10, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

Shout out to Cactus Pet! I LOVE Apache Junction and the trails out there around Superstition Mtn. and Apache Lake and the harrowing drive out there. Have a great winter, friend! You’re a lucky guy to be out there, that’s for sure.

By HuberTucky

December 10, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

Okay, Freel is gone. That leaves the Reds w/ 3 outfileders — Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson and Norris Hopper. And Stubbs chances at making the team just improved. Is Walt done? Not with this gang. Dye is still on the table. Jocketty said. “We’d prefer to find a right-handed hitter…a right-handed-hitting, run-producing outfielder would be perfect next move. It would be easier to fill our needs that way,” Jocketty said. “That primarily what we’re looking at.” PLEASE be looking at Alex Rios, Walt. He IS the real deal and would be awesome in the Reds OF.

By amanda

December 10, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

“catcher of the future”? Hilarious. A 28 year old who’s had less than 100 at bats with the reds. There is a reason Hanigan didn’t make it to the majors until he was 28-he’s not that good. Some people are acting like he’s 22. Freel was part of the losing era. Hustling alone does not make someone a winner.

By Future Reds Crew Ex-husband

December 10, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

This guy is 4 million better than Bako and Valentin? Doesn’t look like it from his stats. Good luck in B-more, Ryan! Your hustle and effort were appreciated! Nevermind the negative comments of fools on this thread.

By Clammy - Mason City, IL

December 9, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is we needed a catcher and all the guys we traded were quite expendable.

By Mark in Sun Valley

December 9, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Where will this leave Hanigan? You do not platoon a 8 mil a year catcher, and you should not let your “catcher of the future” sit on the bench and catch 1 game a week.

By NickM

December 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Im sure there are enough bars in baltimore for freel to get drunk in after going on the DL about 3 weeks into the season. See ya Ryan. Dont let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya. Just sad we had to give up Brandon Waring to get a 32 tr old catcher who cant throw out a runner and hits for a slighly better average than LaRue did.

By ac

December 9, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Patterson is done with the team, whoever thinks he’s gonna be the starting CF. Jocketty said that at the beginning of the year. It’s gonna be Dickerson in LF, Bruce in RF and prob Hairston in CF unless we can trade for an outfielder

By redsfandownunder

December 9, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the memories Freel. Your hustle and energy (supported by Phillips) are what made it worthwhile to watch this losing team the last several years.

By rob in stl

December 9, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

What I want to know is why did Hernandez have a bad attitude last season? Baker is supposed to be a player’s manager, so lets see if he can make it work. Hernandez is in his walk year, so he should have plenty of motivation.

By Matthew

December 9, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Timb, I saw that they were paying part of the salary but how much? the reports I’ve seen have said that the Reds are only receiving 1 million in the trade. which still leaves the Reds paying 3 million more in salary than they would have paid with Freel. and like i said before, this guy just does not seem like he is worth that much. he only hit .262 (decent for a catcher), and threw out something like 20% of baserunners. I just think that’s a lot of money to be giving a guy with average numbers.

By Cactus Pete, Apache Jct, AZ

December 9, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

This guy, “RED” should know since he does more drugs than Freel ever did. This has to be the most stupid remark from a “nobody” I have ever read. Goes to show you how someone will judge everyone by the man in the mirror.

By Y-City Jim

December 9, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

It seems like a nothing trade. I don’t think it makes the Reds any better, and I don’t think it even puts them into a position to becoming better. Does anyone think the club will pick up his option in 2010?

By Wizard

December 9, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Please see “Dying To Hear About Dye” by Wizard. I’d like to hear pro and con!

By Kevin

December 9, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Good job boys…..don`t stop there. P.S. Thanks Ryan for your hustle…good luck!!

By Rob

December 9, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

I like tihs trade. While Freel is a gamer, he could never make it through an entire season. Also, this allows Jeff Keppinger, who is 4 years younger than Freel to take over as the “any position” player every NL teams needs. As for the catchers the combination of Ramon Hernandez & Ryan Hanigan give the Reds their best combination of catchers in the last 4 or 5 years.

By red

December 9, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Freel has a drug problem that has gotton him in trouble with the law mutiple times. Good to see the “good ol’ boy” go! (drug is alcohol) “legal” or not a drug is a drug folks.

By timb

December 9, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Matthew, the O’s are paying part of his salary

By Rick

December 9, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

It’s a great trade now we have a solid catcher who can hit and most important communicate with Volquez and Queto

By Matthew

December 9, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand how this is a good trade. I think we are picking up a better player at a position we need. but the salary is twice what we were paying Freel. I don’t think Hernandez’s stats are worth his salary. he doesn’t seem to be anymore than average at defense or offense.

By timb

December 9, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Awesome trade. Hopefully, Hernandez will make less of the stupid, absolutely brainless defensive dives and plays Freel was so prone to do.

By Amanda

December 9, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Freel will be hurt within the first few weeks of the season. He’s not worth 4 million dollars a season and we needed a catcher. We never won with Freel on the roster either.

By jerry Dowling

December 9, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

The tools of ignorance for the ignorant fool? Great trade!! The Reds team IQ just skyrocketed!

By ShockMonkey

December 9, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Freel couldn’t stay healthy plus his body is 33 going on 43. Good move. He won’t be missed.

By Mike

December 9, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Now Corey Patterson has a better shot at starting centerfield next year. Ryan Freel has put out more effort than any Red since he has been here. Terrible trade!

By Billy

December 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah I always enjoyed watching Freel play too, but a catcher is what we need and you have to give something up

By ryanslady

December 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I am sorry to see Freely go. He always added such spark to the line up! I will miss him! Lets hope this catcher can fill in some gaps.