Ryan Freel signed - 2 years

by JD Arney on Dec 19, 2005 1:09 PM EST in News

From Marc:

The Reds have avoided arbitration and agreed to a two-year deal with utilityman Ryan Freel. No terms available yet, but Freel made $405,000 last year. This is his first year eligible for arbitration; he made it as a "Super 2" player.

Freel is a guy who's really won me over the past two years, and I'm glad to see him get paid. Hopefully we'll see alot of him leading off this year, especially considering the Womackian alternative. Money: $1.3 million in 2006, $1.7 million in 2007. There are plate appearance bonuses in the 2007 money that could bump it up to $2.65 million.

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Freel

Easily the best signing by the Reds this off-season. He's got the two most important traits for a lead-off hitter - patience and speed. Here's hoping he stays healthy and beats out Womack in spring training for the starting 2B job.

by ken on Dec 19, 2005 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Aurilia

I think Aurilia still has to accept arbitration. Rumor has it that there was a deal between the Reds and Aurilia that he would not accept arbitration so that the Reds could get a first round pick when he signs with another team (because he is a Type-B free agent).

If that's true, then I'm not too worried about Aurilia. Still don't understand the Womack trade, but at least the Reds shouldn't have both Aurilia and Womack.

"No matter what happens, someone will take it too seriously."- Dave Barry
Reds (and Blues)

by Slyde on Dec 19, 2005 3:20 PM EST reply actions

Go ahead and spin "Who Let the Dogs Out"

From mlb.com:

Free agent infielder Rich Aurilia declined the Reds' offer of arbitration near Monday night's deadline, but his agent said talks about a new contract would continue with the club.

It makes way too much sense NOT to sign Aurilia. I bet he signs by Groundhog Day. Any wagers?

by ohiobobcat on Dec 20, 2005 2:33 PM EST reply actions

Groundhog Day

He has to sign by Jan 8th or the Reds can't sign him until after May 1st. I think he's gone. He wants to start, and I don't see him getting much of an opportunity in Cincinnati. Unless...

One possibility is that the Reds will trade an outfielder, put Dunn back out in left field and then sign Richie to play first base. I think the Reds may still be interested in Rich because of that .343 RISP average last year. Let's just hope that Rich doesn't share the same affection for the Reds.

"No matter what happens, someone will take it too seriously."- Dave Barry
Reds (and Blues)

by Slyde on Dec 20, 2005 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

edit

oooops.....

i meant way too much sense to NOT sign Aurilia.

by ohiobobcat on Dec 20, 2005 2:33 PM EST reply actions

HA!

It took me a good 2 minutes to figure out the difference. Yeah, I'm a sharp one.
I'm not sure what the up side to this situation is for Aurillia. Can anyone fill me in on why he'd agree to do this?
As far as Freel goes, isn't part of their reasoning for keeping him utility the fact that he's too rough-and-tumble? Well, how much is there to run into in the middle of the infield, (besides other players)? If Freel played second, and Olmedo was utility, we'd have saved some cash right? I know Freel's glove speed isn't the greatest, but surely a deal for the money considering we'd have a viable leadoff hitter. I just don't get all this, I half expect Wombat to be involved in some hair-brained trade to bring Graves back or something.

"It can't end like this. Tell them I said something."-Poncho Villa

by sukr on Dec 20, 2005 2:53 PM EST up reply actions