Winter Meetings Day Three

Jim Brower on board today.

Twincities.com reports that the Reds will sign Jim Brower to a minor league contract today. Welcome back to Cincinnati, Jim. Well, probably more like welcome back to Louisville, actually.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 10:43 AM EST reply actions

BOOMER!

David Weathers was just telling me how the Reds road to success was being blocked by a lack of white-trashiness

by jacob brumfield on Dec 5, 2007 10:58 AM EST reply actions

harang-bedard-arroyo-boomer

that's a pretty exciting thought.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 10:59 AM EST reply actions

About Brower?

Jim Brower actually showed some promise the first time he was a Red. What has happened to him since then? Does he help our bullpen?

by nighthawk32 on Dec 5, 2007 11:23 AM EST reply actions

Since Brower left the Reds in the middle of 2002

He's thrown 317.2 innings, posting a 4.76 ERA, striking out 6.5 batters per 9 IP, while walking 4.1 per 9 IP. But those numbers are misleading as he's been atrocious the last 3 seasons, putting up a 8.39 ERA over 83.2 innings. Last year he only threw 3.1 innings in the Majors, with the Yankees. While he put up pretty good numbers in the minors, he's always been a fringe pitcher. He's more likely an emergency guy than someone who will fill a needed role on the Reds.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 11:33 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks, Slyde

Appreciate it.

by nighthawk32 on Dec 5, 2007 11:34 AM EST reply actions

When is the rule 5 draft?

Give a, give a, give a, give a Garmin...

by Red Menace on Dec 5, 2007 11:38 AM EST reply actions

Tomorrow

December 6th.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

The Reds have 40 already on the roster,

so unless a move is made today to clear space, the Reds won't do anything in the MLB phase of the Rule 5.

They're fairly likely to lose RHP Carlos Guevara, but he's a bit of a longshot to stick with a team and probably would be returned to the Reds before opening day.

There are a handful of players available whom I like -- RHP Randor Bierd from Detroit, RHP Shane Lindsay from Colorado, SS Diory Hernandez from Atlanta and RHP Fernando Hernandez from the White Sox, in particular.

I wonder if anyone will take a chance on Josh Allison, whose story is very similar to, yet worse than, Josh Hamilton's.

The Reds probably will take some players in the AAA and AA phases of the draft, but those guys rarely are more than minor league roster filler. There are exceptions. Eugenio Velez is a promising 2B the Giants snagged from the Blue Jays in 2005. Brian Buscher contributed at 3B for the Twins last year after they grabbed him from the Giants.

Now, that I've offered a mess of information you probably don't give a hoot about, back to the pursuit of Erik Bedard.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 12:01 PM EST up reply actions

Guevara's chances

Guevara is less of a longshot to stick than Jared Burton or Joe Smith, IMHO. In fact, he's exactly the type of player who can be stashed away on a 25-man roster all year.

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Dec 5, 2007 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Could be, if selected by the right team.

I've never been as high on him as some, though. I could be wrong, of course, but other than his screwball, which I think MLB hitters will figure out after seeing it a few times, I don't see him as having anything special in terms of pitches. He reminds me of Rangers prospect Danny Ray Herrera.

Smith wasn't a Rule 5 guy, for what that's worth. He was a third-round pick by the Mets.

Could be interesting if the Reds make a deal that creates roster space and then selects Guevara in the Rule 5. They then could keep him in the organization without the need to retain him on the 25-man roster. It's unusual, but has been done before.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

But...

...I thought Rule 5 selections had to be kept on the 25-man?

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 5, 2007 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

40-man roster

Coats was on the 40-man roster, right?

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Dec 5, 2007 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

Cordero took his place.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Nope.

He was DFAd Nov. 28. The Reds still have 40 listed:
Pitchers (20): Arroyo, Bailey, Belisle, Bray, Burton, Coffey, Cordero, Coutlangus, Gardner, Harang, Livingston, Majewski, McBeth, Pelland, Ramirez, Salmon, Smit, Stanton, Thompson and Weathers.

Catchers (4): Hanigan, Ross, Tatum and Valentin.

Infielders (10): Cantu, Castro, Encarnacion, Gil, Gonzalez, Hatteberg, Janish, Keppinger, Phillips and Votto.

Outfielders (6): Dickerson, Dunn, Freel, Griffey, Hamilton and Hopper.

I'm not sure why Gil is listed as an infielder rather than an outfielder, but he's on there either way.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

not sure why gill is worth a roster spot

he spent last year on the dl with TJ surgery. I would remove him and Castro. I feel like those a spots that can be better used by others, or for the rule V draft.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Scratch Cantu. See below.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Oh mercy.

From mlbtraderumors.com:

Glendon Rusch is attempting a comeback, and the Reds, Astros, and Cardinals are interested. Rusch played under the Reds' Dusty Baker in Chicago.

This morning Tom Krasovic said the Padres were close to terms with Rusch, so I guess we'll see. The Royals are another club that has been linked to him.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 12:12 PM EST reply actions

He's an innings-eater.

But he's a sloppy eater.

Terrible table manners.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

so you're saying he...

Rusches through the meal?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

If he was a Red....

Would he pitch Batting Practice to Arroyo?

My karma just ran over your dogma

by Lonesome George on Dec 5, 2007 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

HUGE HUGE TRADE!!!

BUCK COATS TO THE BLUE JAYS FOR CASH OR A PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WHERE YELLING ABOUT!!! LOUD NOISES!!!!

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 12:44 PM EST reply actions

WHAT?!?

WHERE?!?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

*ALL

SORRY I WAS SO EXCITED I TYPED A NON-SENCSICAL SENTENCE. I MISPELLED SENSICAL. TWICE! AND I MISSPELLED MISPELLED.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

If the Reds trade EdE

I wonder what it might take to steal away Andy Marte? Will Carroll reports:

Several teams have asked after the former top prospect in deals. He's still very cheap, and many believe that he could thrive in the right situation. Of course, no one seems to be able to articulate what that 'right situation' might be, nor will they give up much for him, but he's a cheaper option than Scott Rolen.

I'd imagine the Indians would be reluctant to give away another stalled blue-chipper to Krivsky, a la BP, but Marte's still only 23 and once considered the best prospect in baseball.

Fun fact #1: His top PECOTA comp is Ron Santo. Fun fact #2: His fifth PECOTA comp is Edwin Encarnacion.

by TravisG on Dec 5, 2007 1:22 PM EST reply actions

This is from the comments section

on MLB Trade Rumors, but I thought it was a fun idea unrelated to the Reds. It's exactly one of those types of things that Stephen A. Smith hates, but it's what makes the internet so fun:

Reported on ESPN 1050 radio a proposed 3 way deal between Mets, A's and Twins. The meat of the deal looks like this:
Johan Santana and Bobby Crosby to the Mets, Dan Haren to the Twins and Jose Reyes to the A's. Other players are believed to be involved but as for now this is all that's been reported.

With all of the talk about Santana and Haren, wouldn't it be wild if they were involved in the same trade?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 1:36 PM EST reply actions

weird, wild stuff

speaking of, did you guys see what happened at fjm when they turned on comments? fucking disaster.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

By the way

I just put Red Reporter through The Blog Readability Test and...

That sounds about right.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 1:43 PM EST reply actions

sorry

i spell and rite the best i lernt how.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

Everyone here should thank

Shortstop2 and I for that ranking.

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

Shortstop2 and ME...

"I" is the appropriate first person pronoun only in the nominative case, that is, when it's the subject of the sentence. "Me" is used in virtually every other case, as in the predicate position in which it's used above. It could be said, "Shortstop2 and I are responsible for that ranking; everyone here should thank Shortstop2 and me."

by ben nevis on Dec 5, 2007 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

Dude you killed it

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:14 PM EST up reply actions

I dunno, actually.

Like, it could have still been funny until you said that he killed it. But by you saying that, it automatically became true that he did kill the joke...

It's kind of Schrodinger's cat, but not really at all.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

What?

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:24 PM EST up reply actions

And yet

you will both soon have a bachelor's degree.

Higher education is as nefarious an industry as Big Pharma or tobacco.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

Dude you are such an English Professor

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

Dude.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 10:54 PM EST up reply actions

To be fair.

I might not graduate.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

Like...

it was ambiguous whether it was continuing the joke or not getting the joke.

But once you said that he killed the joke the joke totally died anyway - did you kill it? Or was it already dead? Does it matter?

Anyway, our observation of jokes change their humor so we'll never know if they are inherently funny or not.

Obviously, I don't actually know anything about physics.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

Man Fuck Physics

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

and THAT is why punctuation is important!

Unless you're talking about a class about the mechanics of gay sex.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

that is some funny shit right there

Physics is Phun!

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 6:54 PM EST up reply actions

Who says I wasn't...

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 6, 2007 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

dude you killed it

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 6, 2007 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

Well since it has been dead for awhile

it would be overkill

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 6, 2007 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

That's actually perfectly acceptable

IIRC most papers shoot for a sixth grade reading level. As a forum that exists for all kinds of Reds fans, RR should probably hover around junior high. You can communicate almost everything you need to at that level.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

'It ain't what you do..its how you do it"

J. Giles c. 1969

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

how did i get draged into this

ill try to get us up to high school
Did you know...."The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Other omega-3 fatty acids called ALAs are found in certain plant foods, including walnuts, flaxseeds, and spinach."

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Dec 5, 2007 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

Drage, Drage aganst the dieing of the lite

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 9:01 PM EST up reply actions

Who's next?!

by Brian B on Dec 5, 2007 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

do you think we could trade for

dylan thomas?

He would be a good addition to this blog. Scrappy! Metaphorical! Awesome!

Confession: the first time, I typed edition, and then sat around for a minute wondering why it didn't seem quite right.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 6, 2007 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Pretty cool

I wonder what criteria they use, though. My blog ranges from elementary school to college, depending on what page I submit.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 5, 2007 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

Cantu released.

C. Trent reports it. That likely means roster space is being cleared either for a trade or a Rule 5 acquisition.

I would liked to have kept Cantu and have seen what he could do, but I've never been sure exactly where he fits.

Interesting.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 2:53 PM EST reply actions

released?

well, huh.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Kind of solves the logjam at 1B

Surely either Hatteberg or Cantu could have been moved for something? It'd be nice to see them protect Guevara then, unless this is just clearing the way for a trade that Wayner's made.

by Brendanukkah on Dec 5, 2007 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

Also probably rules out Votto in a trade

He would have been a big piece in any large, splashy trades, I would have thought. I guess there are still others (Hamilton, EdE, Homer, Cueto), but it seems like the likelihood of a big trade is diminished now.

by Brendanukkah on Dec 5, 2007 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Why not?

They can still move Dunn to first and make room for Jay Bruce.

by LooseCannon on Dec 5, 2007 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, but when I brought this up during the season

many RRs said no way that Dunn would play 1st. I think it is the perfect solution. You can trade Votto and freel and ___ and still have a stonger out field defensively w/out giving up power. Bruce - LF Hobbs- CF - Jr - RF.

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 10:03 PM EST up reply actions

Dunn

I really think someone needs to sit down with Adam and convince him that first base is his future. Not just with the Reds, but if he wants to succeed as a ballplayer in the National League (translation - unless the Red Sox trade for him, left field isn't a good idea anymore).

First base wasn't pretty the first time around, but I think with some motivation, it would work. Of course, I also thought third base would work for Kearns (I still think it would work for him, btw). But if he tried, he could come around. That's reallly best case scenario.

But since it won't happen. I would really like a Dunn, Hamilton, Bruce OF for many years to come. There's no reason that shouldn't happen. So what if they're all lefties?

by Brian B on Dec 5, 2007 10:59 PM EST up reply actions

I know how to motivate Dunn

Show him a picture of Cecil Fielder and tell him that if he moves to first, he can drink during the off-season and develop whatever beer gut he wants so long as he keeps the offensive production up and doesn't let his batting average dip too low.

by LooseCannon on Dec 5, 2007 11:06 PM EST up reply actions

But don't let the Yankees know any of that.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 11:08 PM EST up reply actions

just dont let him play golf

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

Still can't protect Guevara.

Teams may subtract players from the 40-man roster between the time they are required to submit their final roster in late November and the Rule 5 draft on Thursday, but they can't add anyone already in the organization. The Reds could pick Guevara themselves, though, or maybe they're targeting another player.

Fay reports Cantu was released to make room for a Rule 5 selection.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

It would be ironic (or would it?)

if they picked Guevara to replace Cantu after trading Medlock for him just a few months ago.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

so is there anyone promising out there?

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

My money is on Braves SS Diory Hernandez.

He went 7-59-.307 .370 .418 at AA Mississippi. He's fast, although he was caught stealing 20 times in 42 attempts, and is smooth in the field. He has some pop for a little guy (5-10, 170).

If he makes it, it could spell the end for Juan Castro. Still, I have to think Krivsky is thinking reliever.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

What?

I can't believe that. Why? I mean, not that I cared one way or the other if he were on the team, but I'm just surprised. Hmm.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

Trent says...

...it's because Cantu is arbitration eligible. It would have cost the Reds big bucks to keep him.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 5, 2007 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

arbitration

First year arbitration...how much you think it would have cost to keep him?

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Dec 6, 2007 9:16 AM EST up reply actions

wow

Could that mean that Votto ain't going nowhere?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

"ain't going nowhere"

I think we've found our culprit

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

I figgered I needed to speak to everyone's level

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

the double negative "rule"

is a relic of eighteenth century wankers. Much like the sticks up their asses that kept their wigs on straight.

Fie upon them! Fie!

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, and he couldn't possibly be released!

Cantu.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

Cannot!

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

Damn....

.... all this great Cantu humor will end I suppose. We can't possibly keep doing it even though he's no longer on the team.

Quick! Somebody make a Cincinnati loves Ken Griffey Jr. too! video

by TheC on Dec 5, 2007 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

uh

Cantu.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

CanNOT!

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

cantu

unlike the more easily annoyed, i enjoy this game.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

MOMMMMMMM!!!!

Boobs is putting his shoelace on my side of the car!

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

did anybody else do this...

when i was little i apparently would smack myself really hard and start crying and blame it on my older brother. he used to get into a lot of trouble.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

No, I didn't start self-mutilating until..

..my first college girlfriend dumped me and this fat girl in my art history class made me a tape of The World Won't Listen.

But on another note...

Does anyone with kids know how to remove a Fisher-Price farm dog from the wind tunnel of a Playskool Busy Ball Popper?

Oh, and the Spurs plus points at home tonight?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

Photo..

Where is you Google photo of that one? I won't ask HOW it got in there..

-Wake me when it is aught eight.

by snohio on Dec 6, 2007 12:28 AM EST up reply actions

The dog ended up in the wind tunnel...

..in much the same way that my cellphone ended up in the toilet. Here's the sabermetric formula:

14 MONTH OLD BABY + ABILITY TO WALK + ABILITY TO PICK UP AND CARRY OBJECTS - ANY ABILITY TO DISCERN THE VALUE OF AN OBJECT = HOUSEWRECKER

And I was able to find a picture for ya:

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 6, 2007 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, and yes..

..take the Spurs and points at home. Even when Tim Duncan is on the bench wearing a $16,000 suit.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 6, 2007 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

Cantu!

Oh.... crap... that didn't work there, did it?

To answer your question, no. But I was the oldest. So the trick was to hit the younger brother just enough, but not too much to elicit tears and tattling.

Yours was a good strategy though. Of course, it could have backfired. Your older brother may have decided... Fuc& it! I'm going to get in trouble anyway. I might as well deck him.

Quick! Somebody make a Cincinnati loves Ken Griffey Jr. too! video

by TheC on Dec 5, 2007 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

very strange

im a little upset that they busted the platoon, unless they plan on drafting a RH first baseman and trading votto or hatte.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

Or they just want to start Votto full time.

Which would be sweet.

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

word

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

So..

..we could see a trade involving Votto that might be contingent upon Wayne getting a Rule V firstbaseman tomorrow?

Am I on to something or is that too farfetched and conspiratorial?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

its crazy

but the cantu move came out of nowhere

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe I misunderstand...

But that would leave us with a Hatteberg/Rule 5 guy platoon at 1st. That sounds really risky to me. I mean, are there any guys who have really shown that they can play at the major league level that are unprotected by the time Rule 5 comes around?

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

and are better than Cantu?

It must be a pitcher that they are going after since it's doubtful they could find someone that hits better than Cantu as a Rule 5 pick. Unless there's a catcher, what other position would they be covering that Cantu doesn't play?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

The Orioles

Kevin Millar and Erik Bednard to the Reds for Homer, Hamilton and Guevara??? Since Cantu is now gone????

Millar then becomes the RH of the 1st base platoon?

Or maybe they would take Shearn instead of Homer?

My karma just ran over your dogma

by Lonesome George on Dec 5, 2007 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

Perhaps we're being prepared to enter

the Fukudome.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

hes a lefty

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

He's a lefty...in Japan.

Which is on the other hemisphere - that exactly mirror-images ours. Therefore, Fukudome will fit in great.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Fay says it's for a Rule V guy.

I'm not surprised after Burton and Hamilton were so successful last year. I'm betting we see another power arm or possibly an infield type.

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

What? I'm still protesting the trade of Medlock.

Sure he's 25 and put up pretty bad numbers in AAA.

But I'm still protesting. Which means I'm going to place unproximal blame on whomever we select in the Rule 5, and hate that player forever.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

what if he's hot

I mean hotter than Bailey the Hunter?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

Is that possible?

Homer Bailey is so hot, everything on him is a gas: iron, copper, aluminum and many others.

http://artists.letssingit.com/they-might-be-giants-lyrics-why-does-the-sun-shine-r3pb7n4

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Unless there's something else in the works

I don't understand.

Both Hatte and Votto need a platoon partner.
The RH bat off the bench becomes...who? NoHo? Keppinger? The Reds had a .733 OPS vs. lefties last year; this doesn't seem to help that.

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Dec 5, 2007 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

platoon partner

Why does Votto need a platoon partner?

Was the .733 OPS vs lefties a team number or a PH number? If it's a team number, then they need improvement out of the fulltime RH starters (Phillips, A-Gon, EdE, & Ross) to budge that number much.

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Dec 5, 2007 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Neither Votto or Hatteberg NEED to be platooned

The concern is having your back up 1st baseman be a right handed bat off the bench...with some pop, I might add. The Reds are LH heavy.

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

Hatteburg doesn't need to hit

against lefties.

Career OPS vs. LHP: .637
Last year: .577

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

As a team

Those you mentioned individually, vs. LHP:

BP: .984
EdE: .804
Ross:.761
AGon:.675

Of course, Cantu only put up a .635 OPS vs. LH, so maybe it's not such a bad move afterall.

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Dec 5, 2007 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

Hamilton speculation from TampaBay.com

"The free agent market isn't very promising and the trade market doesn't appear particularly deep, but one interesting name being speculated upon in the media room is former Ray Josh Hamilton.

The Reds need starting pitching, which the Rays have in some excess, but the question would be whether the Rays want to revisit Hamilton's past, as the No. 1 draft pick whose career was nearly ruined by drugs, then resurrected after he was lost in last year's Rule 5 draft as he made an amazing comeback to play in the big leagues."

The Rays have some very promising young pitchers. Could be interesting.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 3:21 PM EST reply actions

there was earlier speculation

that the rays would trade kazmir for the right price. wouldn't that be something?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

maybe we could sign victor zambrano

and then trade him for Kazmir. That's his price, right?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

nice one, bruv.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

wait, what does "released" mean?

they just cut ties completely? he couldn't have been traded? is he out of options? does he have to go through waivers and we can pick him up again?

it just seems like a waste.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 3:24 PM EST reply actions

My guess

Cantu's arb-eligible. The Reds offered him a deal, he declined, and they decided he wasn't worth whatever he'd end up getting in arb.

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

makes sense

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

looks like youre right

from trent: A clarification on the Cantu deal: he was arbitration eligible, which could have cost the Reds a chunk of change. Cantu's agent said he and Jorge appreciate the opportunity the Reds gave them and had nothing but good things to say about the Reds and the front office. Cantu can be claimed off waivers until Friday, and then he'd be a free agent. It's doubtful the Reds would resign him, because if they did, he wouldn't be available until May 15.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

Cantu

But does it cost them as big a chunk of change as Juan fucking Castro?

by Brian B on Dec 5, 2007 11:02 PM EST up reply actions

i think

it definitely would have been worth the, what, $1.2M they would have had to cough up to keep him on, just considering his upside.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

Ask Bob Dylan

He probably is as coherent as Joe Morgan on that issue.

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

I asked Bobby Dylan

I asked the Beatles. I asked Timothy Leary, but he couldn't help me either.

They call me "The Seeker." I been searching low and hiiiiiigh... for a front-of-the-rotation starter and some quality middle relief. Maybe a back-end rotation guy and some right-handed bench help too.

by Brendanukkah on Dec 5, 2007 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

Speculate on who we could get

If we traded Hamilton to the Rays, who would be some realistic players we would want in return? I know Kazmir would be great, but it would take more than Hamilton. Who are some of their other guys we would like to have and can you give me a quick scouting report on those guys?

by nighthawk32 on Dec 5, 2007 3:31 PM EST reply actions

Loads of pitching options

Their major league rotation has Kazmir, Shields, and Garza. Kazmir's unlikely to go because he's just that good and Garza's unlikely because they just dealt Delmon Young for him. James Shields is the most likely, and he's interesting. He has great control and pretty good stuff, but he puts the ball in the air a whole lot as well. I'm not sure what I'd project for him if he came to the reds, but I can see him being the most likely Hamilton-trade candidate.

Beyond that, the Rays have tons of nice pitching prospects. David Price tops the list, but he can't be dealt until the summer so he's probably out. Jake McGee and Wade Davis are both prospects on the same level as Cueto, and they aren't far behind him at all in terms of development either. They've also got Jeff Niemann and Jeremy Hellickson, among others, as interesting second tier arms. The Rays are freaking loaded.

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

I would like

-- Jeff Niemann, 6-foot-9, 260-pound RHP from Rice. Age 25.
12-6, 3.98 1.45 in AAA last season.
Throws in mid-90s. Has had injury problems, but has front-of-the-rotation ability.

-- Jacob McGee, 6-3, 190 LHP. Age 21.
3-2 4.24 1,37 in AA last season.
Low 90s with a good feel for pitching. Promising curve and change.

-- Wade Davis, 6-5, 220 RHP. Age 22.
7-3 3.15 1.30 in AA last season.
Low-to-mid-90s fastball, although it sometimes is too straight. Sharp breaking pitches and a solid change.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Here's a question

Why wasn't it Castro?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:43 PM EST reply actions

That's what I was thinking.

Don't we have enough middle infielders?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

Unless..

..as someone else (Geki?) suggested, Cantu was perhaps about to become relatively expensive.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

is the timing right

for arbitration offers? Im asking because i have no idea

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

I hope you're not asking me.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

i wouldnt dare, motherfucker

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 4:15 PM EST up reply actions

I guess

they felt it was better to pay only 900k for Castro's services than to pay approx. $2 million for Cantu's (that is, whatever Cantu would get in arb plus the $900k that is guaranteed Castro).

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 5, 2007 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

seems like a waste

he had an .873 OPS with Cincinnati, granted it was in a limited number of at bats, but I liked him. After his monster season a couple of years ago, he could bounce back to somthing decent.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 4:11 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, but...

..the Reds seem to already have their share of guys who we're hoping will "bounce back" or recover from injuries or "round into form" or just plain not suck so much:

Hamilton
Freel
Griffey
Ross
Coffey
Stanton

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

Stanton is fat enough to bounce back.

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

Jon Lieber, anyone?

From an ESPN blog:

* "Free-agent pitcher Jon Lieber is attracting interest from the Royals, Astros and Reds. The Mets and Rangers have also inquired about him as a potential fallback option. Lieber missed the second half of last season, but not with an arm injury. He ruptured a tendon in his foot running to back up home plate, but he's expected to be fully healthy by spring training."

I'd be OK with that if he's near the back of the rotation and another front-end starter is acquired.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 4:36 PM EST reply actions

I definitely like him more than Wells or Tomko

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

I hear ya.

Anyone care to speculate as to what he would cost?

And there's no way he could ask for/get a two-year contract, is there?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

didn't he go from

starter to bullpen to starter to bullpen last year? i have a vague recollection of something like that.

oh, and can anyone explain to me the point of facebook? as it was freezing and rainy today, i've stayed in and have done nothing all day except be online, wait for trades, and create a facebook page. but i have no friends to add to it because i don't know anyone who uses it.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Probably doesn't have much point for you.

However it's quite useful if you're still a student, and will probably be useful after all the present Facebook-using students graduate from college.

by Geki on Dec 5, 2007 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

Feel free to add me

Good way to keep up with old friends, or friends who live in different cities. I log in a couple of times a week but my wife is on there all the time.

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. --Oscar Wilde

by JD Arney on Dec 5, 2007 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Could there be a red reporter facebook group?

Not that it would serve a purpose or anything, but I'd be in favor

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

We should start a blog.

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

i can haz frind?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Ahem.

JD's wife
"on there all the time"

Anyone?

"Motherfucker, I want more iced tea!"

by Fat Vegas Alan on Dec 5, 2007 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Lieber

mostly started when healthy last year. It looks like he pitched a couple of games in relief in April; he may have been coming off an injury but I don't remember. I'm fine giving him one year. Anything else is asking for trouble because of his age, HR rate and reputation for staying in poor shape. I'm not sure if it's warranted, but it's a concern.

Facebook has become a guilty pleasure. Hey, it's worth it for Brendan's witticisms alone. I second the RR group idea.

by ken on Dec 5, 2007 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

My what now?

And yeah, I'd be down for Leiber as a back end of the rotation guy for one year.

by Brendanukkah on Dec 5, 2007 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

since the motion has been seconded,

it's done. check it out all, and join at your lezzure.

http://indiana.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20686590651

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

No "Lads Love Red Reporter"?

by ken on Dec 5, 2007 5:57 PM EST up reply actions

but how are we going to know who is who?

i mean, real names? come on.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 5:57 PM EST up reply actions

Make everyone an officer

under their s/n?

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Dec 5, 2007 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

back to Lieber

He started out in the bullpen because coming out of spring training the Phillies had Myers, Garcia, Eaton, Hamels, Moyer, and Lieber. Lieber was the odd man out. He joined the rotation after Myers moved to the 'pen. I know after watching the Phillies try to piece togeather a rotation last year it is hard to remeber that at one point they had a surplus of medicore and bad starting pitchers, to fill in behind Hamels.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

That's right

Hard to believe that the Phillies had too much rotation depth at the start of last year. Garcia's shoulder and Eaton's crapulence took care of that. They were kicking themselves for giving away Justin Germano by May.

by ken on Dec 5, 2007 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

gee I wonder what that is like?

Harang
Arroyo
Belise
Germano
Bailey
Cueto
Maloney

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

yeah

germano would really give us a dominant rotation.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 10:48 PM EST up reply actions

he would give us another solid arm

he is a number 3 or 4 type of pitcher.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 6, 2007 12:00 AM EST up reply actions

i agree with another

i dont really find germano 'solid' though. he probably hit his ceiling last year with his 91 ERA+. to me he's just another soft-tossing righty, though i could be wrong.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 6, 2007 12:21 AM EST up reply actions

but

i dont think we 'took a kicking' by letting him go. we took much more of a kicking by allowing rheal cormier play for our team.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 6, 2007 12:23 AM EST up reply actions

Fo' rheal

Germano pitched decently in the first half (though it looks like he missed April), when PHL really needed another arm. He regressed some in the second half but a 91 ERA+ for a 5th starter would be fine by me.

by ken on Dec 6, 2007 7:52 AM EST up reply actions

hey slyder

mlbtr is going bigtime with the three-way haren-reyes-santana deal:

Just got an incredible rumor from a trusted New York sportswriter. Stay with me, because this one's crazy. But rest assured that if the source wasn't good, I wouldn't post it. ...

Mets get Johan Santana, Bobby Crosby and Dan Johnson
A's get Jose Reyes and Kevin Mulvey
Twins get Dan Haren and Hector Pellot

this would be the biggest deal i can ever remember.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 4:53 PM EST reply actions

who is hector pellot?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

a very unimpressive second baseman

judging by his pro stats. he was an a-baller last year

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

woody paige just said

the willis-cabrera deal is a good one because willis would be a great bat off the bench. he was serious

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 5:08 PM EST reply actions

I'm still suprised Paige

hasn't yet had a featured spread here.

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 5:32 PM EST up reply actions

i heart blogs

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

ATH

Those guys are getting paid to Bullshit good for them. I watched the show a few times and Paige seems to be the only one to not learn the art of BS. He will make jokes that no one understands and he always gets players names wrong. PTI is even worse those guys act like they are know it alls but they basicly just repeat the story and have a fake arguement about nothing.

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:27 PM EST up reply actions

Sending this through the fukudome...

"Those guys are getting paid to b.s. Good for them. I've watched the show a few times and Paige seems to be the only who hasn't learned the art of b.s. He will make jokes that no one understands, and he always gets players' names wrong. PTI is even worse; those guys act like they are know-it-alls, but, basically, they just repeat the top stories of the day and have a fake argument about nothing."

by Man Mountain on Dec 5, 2007 6:41 PM EST up reply actions

A Marlins fan...

...who posts at my blog had this to say about it:

These GM's are morons. Willis may be the greatest hitting pitcher active today (Ankiel doesn't count), and now he'll be lucky to get 10 at bats the entire season.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 5, 2007 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

Laughed out lesbian

"It's not savvy. But it's not Mike Stanton." andromache

by Madville on Dec 5, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions

shortstop:

a gentle fyi... check out the new material before posting a diary that may be redundant.

good?

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Dec 5, 2007 5:44 PM EST reply actions

I might miss some insight though

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

ok sorry

didnt even know that cantu thing was in here...the first time i posted and it was deleted i though i had posted it wrong

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Dec 5, 2007 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

now it reads at an

<small>Get a Cash Advance</small>

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Dec 5, 2007 6:27 PM EST reply actions

My bad guys

I have posted way too much today

Killer Tucans all the way!!!

by Zach K on Dec 5, 2007 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

can we get it to preschool?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 5, 2007 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

Reds sign Jon Adkins.

Today's Reds transactions from MLB.com:

Signed to Minor League contracts and invited to Major League Spring Training camp RHP Jon Adkins, RHP Johnny Cueto, RHP Justin Lehr, LHP Matt Maloney, RHP Tom Shearn, C Alvin Colina, C Chris Kroski and OF Jay Bruce.
Placed IF Jorge Cantu on unconditional release waivers.
Traded OF Buck Coats to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

The Adkins signing is a good one. He was very successful with the Padres in 2006 before being dealt to the Mets in 2007, where he spent most of the season in AAA. He's from Reds country (Wayne, W.Va.) and is a good guy. Jon's cousin, Tim, spent some time in the Reds organization and is an assistant coach at Marshall, now.

Jon's a decent groundball guy and could be a nice addition to the pen.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Dec 5, 2007 7:21 PM EST reply actions

Well

It's not that savvy, but it's not Stanton, but, but, well, okay, I guess.

Time to go back to your lives, citizens. The show is over for now.

My karma just ran over your dogma

by Lonesome George on Dec 5, 2007 8:46 PM EST reply actions

Jose Guillen...

...may be suspended for juicing.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 5, 2007 11:43 PM EST reply actions

You think the Royals

slipped in a Giambi clause into the contract?

by ken on Dec 6, 2007 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

It's official

MLB announced 15-game suspensions for Guillen and Jay Gibbons for violating the drug policy. MLB also closed its investigations of Scott Schoeneweis, Gary Matthews, Jr., Troy Glaus and Rick Ankiel.

The Royals were apparently aware of this possibility during negotiations. The suspension is unpaid, so the Royals save about $1mm. Still, $35mm is an absurd amount to spend on a 32 year-old, slightly above-average corner OF with a history of injuries and a reputation as a malcontent. Good luck with that.

by ken on Dec 6, 2007 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

What about...

...Brian Roberts? He was named, too.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Dec 6, 2007 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

Not sure

I think these suspensions were all related to a raid on a Florida pharmacy that resulted in an investigation launched by a DA in Albany. I don't remember if Roberts was originally targeted. This article about Roberts (yeah, the Cubs need another 2B) doesn't mention an investigation.

by ken on Dec 7, 2007 8:31 AM EST up reply actions

Andruw Jones signs with the Dodgers

2 years, $36 million. That's a pretty good contract on both sides since it's short, but has good money.

It's funny to me that two teams that signed center fielders to huge contracts last season (Dodgers - Pierre and Angels - Matthews) have signed two more center fielders to big contracts this year (Jones and Hunter). I guess when you've got money to burn...

By the way, in that article, Tony Jackson hypothesizes that the Dodgers might trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. I'd gladly take Kemp off their hands, but it looks like they are in the market for a frontline starter.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Dec 6, 2007 8:19 AM EST reply actions

Since

Dusty Baker played CF for the Braves and then went to the Dodgers, and now Andruw Jones has done the same, will Andruw be the Reds' mananger in 2036?

Remember that you read that here first. Now, back on your heads.

Slyde-r,

All this proves is that a fool and his money are soon parted. Juan Pierre is 'over the hill', and Gary Matthews Jr never got up the hill in the first place. He had ONE good year, and he's riding the expectations that generated. Thank horseshoes and hand grenades that Stanton was Krivsky's dumbest signing and the Trade was his dumbest move (which may not seem quite as dumb by next year, IMAO).

My karma just ran over your dogma

by Lonesome George on Dec 6, 2007 8:44 AM EST reply actions

was stanton his dumbest?

yeah, probably. but cormier was pretty dumb. (or was that a trade - my memory fails me.) pretty much every bullpen move he's made has been dumb except keeping coutlangus out of spring training, though it was dumb when he got sent down for no reason. seems he finally did something right in signing cordero, though that contract...

burton was just luck.

and now i'm off to dinner, but not without first leaving this for your viewing pleasure.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Dec 6, 2007 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

Any Rule V guy that makes a contribution

in the year he was drafted is luck. To have 2 in the same year is phenominal luck.

All rule V guys are gambles, but the potential loss is so minimal that it is a worthwhile gamble. What is not luck is that Krivsky was bright enough to take a flier on 2 high-ceiling guys. I give Wayner his props for that

The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part

by JJ on Dec 6, 2007 10:08 AM EST up reply actions