Owings, Richar, Castillo

by Reynard on Jan 22, 2009 8:53 PM EST Comment 49 comments

I made the below post like a week ago, and for some reason it published tonight by accident since it was a draft. Since it is kind of pointless and putting up another post would just be crowding the site I decided to change the topic.... What should we be expecting from our end of the season pick-ups? These guys are on the roster as if they are ready to go, everyone has heard of Owings,and as the best out of the three he isnt sure to have a spot. Should we expect anything from the other two? I`ll play optimistic for a second and think we didn`t make big moves this offseason because we will have the most powerful infield that has ever graced the face of the Earth at the plate. That Wilkin Castillo is a man`s man that can play every position, and Richar`s glove is the same as a black hole signed by Ozzie Smith. Or since neither is listed at short and B-Phil isnt getting moved there, why are they even here? I won`t delete what is below out of principle because I spent time typing it out

In the past week I have been stuck without cable, and the choppiest internet that you can imagine, so I decided to bring back an old medium of entertainment...Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball on Nintendo 64. After playing a couple games on my previous season I decided the tv was burning my retna rather extensively, so I quit.

Every now and then I play the same season with the same team. I think the year was 1995 or 1996 when the game came out, so take this time to reflect on Reds players of that year.....

My line-up was as follows....

1. Deion Sanders CF

2. Barry Larkin SS

3. Reggie Sanders RF

4. Fred McGriff 1B (I traded Ed. Perez and 2 others I cant remember)

5. Paul Sorrento LF (Also acquired in this 5 person trade)

6. Brett Boone 2B

7. Javier Valentin C (Picked up from Free Agency to humor myself)

8. Pitch

9. Pokey Reese

Four man starting rotation Bullpen

1. Dave Burba Norm Charlton (Free Agent)

2. Brett Tomko Jack McDowell (Free Agent)

3. Pete Harnisch Jeff Shaw

4. Mike Remlinger David Weathers

Danny Graves

Bench:

Brooke Fordyce, Chris Stynes, Willie Greene, Phil Nieves, Lenny Harris, Dimitri Young

So far this team in 50-0.....even though I bunt every time with Valentin and his BA is .000 on the season....I load the bases every time with Weathers and then take him out in the 8th inning of every game, put Sorrento on my team because of his name, and picked up an old McGriff solely to make sure the team has him around to teach the fundamentals of baseball, and hopefully beat that little league team in his commercials on tv.

Im undefeated, how do you think this team would finish?

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It's only because my team of Shawn Kemp and Detlef Schrempf can't buy a bucket

But wait until I get three in a row and have unlimited turbo!

by Brendanukkah on Jan 22, 2009 9:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was always a Reggie Miller Rik Smits fan

The DUNKIN DUTCHMAN!

by Reynard on Jan 22, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ALL about Detlef

been know to drop 100 with him… props on my man reggie miller too

by kennythered on Jan 22, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In all honesty

The more I look at the website, and the more this Nyquil kicks in……our season may not be bad, and the if list is only two things long….

IF Dickerson can just continue like 80% of his last year and…
IF Gonzalez is healthy in the first month.

I think we can get some decent run production. Speed may not count for much slg% wise, but it helps cover ground on defense, and defensively in the OF were not looking too shabby with Dick, Bruce and Willy, and that IF for Gonzalez makes a good defender at short. He had a good offensive year the last time he was healthy, more than should be asked from him…if you have 4 accident prone people on your team in Kepp, A-Gonz, Dick, and Hairston, there is a percent chance you can have two playing at all times.

Not many teams have a solid 1-4 like we do in our rotation…..having said all of that, if that all works, we would probably just have the worst bullpen in baseball, just because….Im watching Fear right now, and this movie makes everything look brighter by the way

by Reynard on Jan 23, 2009 12:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is the nyquil you drink

Really Grape Schnapps? You have been a bipolar poster tonight, but kept me entertained needless to say haha.

by kennythered on Jan 23, 2009 1:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

bad is relative

I really think Dickinson is going to be a pleasant surprise

I really think Sea Bass is finished

If this team can finish at .500 or greater it would have a huge impact on ’10 and ’11 by maybe enticing a quality free agent or two to give Cincy a little more of a chance if they can develop and winning attitude and culture within the organization.

90 wins in 09!!

by Caleb on Jan 23, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Caleb I completely agree, both on C-Dick and a halfway decent record

However the problem is that on another team C-Dick would go into Spring Training as the clear leader in the clubhouse for CF and the leadoff position, given his superior defense and OBP. He earned that in 2008. Now, his best chance on the Reds is as a half-time LF. And he better bring it in Spring Training too, because I think Dusty’s gonna be looking for any excuse to send Dickerson to patrol the outfield confines of Slugger Park.

As for the record, it’s obviously a large point of contention around here. Perception is incredibly important, however. There’s no doubt that an 83 win team is viewed much more favorably around the league than a 79 win team. Also, this team’s had a culture of losing for such a long time that a modicum of success could only be beneficial, right?

Scotland in January... A brilliant choice

by chesirecat on Jan 23, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

regarding your sig

i know exactly what you mean. i spent the winter of ‘06-’07 in central England. no coincidence that it was the only time during my relationship with my wife that i seriously questioned it. the weather is simply frightening.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I’m glad I’m completely alone over here, as I surely would’ve destroyed any pre-existing friendships by now. It was sunny for the first time today for about 2 hours. I went outside to celebrate, and it was sleeting 10 minutes later. Kill me now.

Scotland in January... A brilliant choice

by chesirecat on Jan 23, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

stop it. the memories are flooding back...

it rained everyday for about 2 solid months, blocking out all sunshine – which is only out from about 9-3 anyway. it was liking living in a swamp. the geese loved it. i grew to hate those geese.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't as far north as you

But Cambridge in November can be plenty bleak. During the “day,” the skies are always gray, and then it’s dark by 4:00pm, and all the shops close at 5:00. I remember seriously wondering why the suicide rate wasn’t higher over there.

Conversely, Ireland in the summer, the sun doesn’t set til after 10:00 pm. So that’s pretty rad.

by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

we lived there from September to June

those last few weeks were unforgettable.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Odd

Scotland is one of the few places I’ve ever actually been. Visited a friend that was studying at St. Andrews… last january. Very dreary. Great time though. Plenty of Tennants and TesCo Brand Cider flowing.

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Jan 23, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

mmmmm, Tennants....

That was my beverage of choice as a 17 year old USNA midshipman in Scotland (too many years ago). Odd that Boddington’s and Beamish are UK brews readily available over here (aside from the Guinness family), but Tennants isn’t.
Side note— none of these are an ideal ballpark brew, but tasty nonetheless

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

by "Red" Moskau on Jan 23, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If you live in Columbus (and I'm pretty sure I remember you saying you do not)

there’s a place in Easton called Fado that has Tennants. Nice little pub, but it gets really fun during Crew games.

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Jan 23, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There are Fados all over this land

I would bet if there’s not one in Wilmington, then there’s probably one in Philly.

by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Confirmed...

The Philly location is 29.4 miles from work (40 minutes) according to Google maps. Many thanks.

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

by "Red" Moskau on Jan 23, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Fado is a chain

but at least the ones I’ve been to have good Guinness.

Blessed be baseball.

by Daedalus on Jan 23, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I assumed it was, but I still enjoy the place.

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Jan 23, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fados is good

The Guiness ice cream brownie dessert deal is real damn good

by Reynard on Jan 23, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

TesCo!

Discount Grocery/Liquor store of the Gods!

Scotland in January... A brilliant choice

by chesirecat on Jan 23, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No beer/wine/liquor sales in PA or DE groceries

GD East-coast elitism!

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

by "Red" Moskau on Jan 23, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not elitism

That’s oppressive, hypocritical puritanism.

There are only two seasons - winter and Baseball. - Bill Veeck

by PeteyHendrix on Jan 23, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

this makes me glad i didn't spend a winter in Wales

like I was considering

"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.

by justin007000 on Jan 24, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly!!

Not only will it entice but it’ll also tell me and us that we are progressing and we are only maybe one or so additions from being true playoff contenders. What drives me absolutely bonkers is knowing that Dusty truly is costing us a couple of wins.

Bob don’t you wanna be a CONTENDA?! THEN FIRE DUSTY!!!

by kennythered on Jan 23, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I really think Dickinson is going to be a pleasant surprise

Me too Caleb, except that Dusty may not play him.

Dear God please make tHommy get better…..

by Madville on Jan 23, 2009 9:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Chris Dickinson

He puts his pants on just like you do, except once his pants are on, he makes gold gloves.

"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter

by BK on Jan 23, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Sigh

by Reynard on Jan 23, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

His sister, Emily, writes some damn fine poetry...

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

by "Red" Moskau on Jan 23, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Richar

had a decent but unspectacular winter with Vólquez’s team the Toros del este:

.290/.377/.362

He was 15 of 16 in stolen bases and plated 21 runs in 138 AB over 40 games.

Does he make this team over Janish if Agon isn’t healthy?

Tanzen!

by Verka Serduchka on Jan 23, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

correction, 42 games.

This is from MLB’s coverage.

The interesting thing is that Richar didn’t hit any “Jonrones” this winter after hitting 11 over about 100 games in the minors last year. Maybe he adjusted his swing and became more selective? He seemed to be walking more and his OBP reflected that.

What is our 23 man like infield-wise if Agon is out when camp breaks? Thinking out loud here…

5 outfielders- Bruce, Taveras, Dickerson, Hopper, Gomes
5 Infielders- Votto, Phillips, Keppinger, Hairston, Encarnación
2 Catchers- Hernandez, Hannigan

5 starters- Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, Vólquez, 5th starter
6 relievers- Cordero, Weathers, Rhodes, Bray, Burton, 6th reliever

Ok, so Richar obviously doesn’t make the team whether or not Agon is there. But who goes if Agon is healthy? The problem I see, and was recently put quite poetically, is having Hopper and Taveras on this roster.

Tanzen!

by Verka Serduchka on Jan 23, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i dont know if Hopper is going to make it

i think he will start in AAA and have to “prove” he is recovered from his injury. all the better. i think Hairston is a better alternative and Richar can slot in as the 25th guy. or maybe Castillo. but i prefer Richar.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ahh, since the roster is indeed 25 men

and not a wee 23, like a was thinking for some odd reason.

I should have known that it was too easy to justify having only 2 catchers.

Tanzen!

by Verka Serduchka on Jan 23, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Castillo, theoretically, gives us our third catcher

by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Also its typically 12 pitchers right?

So we have the seven relievers and either Richar, Castillo, Janish… one of those other young outfielders.

And this assumes that Gomes and Hopper and Dickerson make the team.

Tanzen!

by Verka Serduchka on Jan 23, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So, to recap...

5 outfielders- Bruce, Taveras, Dickerson, Hopper, Gomes
5 Infielders- Votto, Phillips, Keppinger, Hairston, Encarnación
2 Catchers- Hernandez, Hannigan
PLUS one more…

5 starters- Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, Vólquez, 5th starter
6 7 relievers- Cordero, Weathers, Rhodes, Bray, Burton, 6th and 7th relievers

On the bubble from the above list: Gomes and Hopper, possibly Dickerson. Everyone else is all but guaranteed a spot.

If AGon is healthy, he’s the “plus one” and Cherry Jr. is freed to play more OF.
I think the Spring Training drama is around the #5 and the last two ‘pen spots.
Also, assuming Gomes sticks, who is going to lose their spot on the 40-man? I was going to speculate, but it’s pretty useless until you find out which 3 guys start the season on the DL, legitimately or otherwise. (The GM’s best friend can be that March 28th “hamstring pull” that buys another 15 days)

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

by "Red" Moskau on Jan 23, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty won't play Castillo at C

for some reason. He might hit too many doubles or something like that.

There are only two seasons - winter and Baseball. - Bill Veeck

by PeteyHendrix on Jan 23, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously

the reason is because he thinks Castillo’s a decent hitter, and doesn’t want to bat him 8th.

"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter

by BK on Jan 23, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why dont we try to trade Hopper

We wont get much from him, but christ, the dude deserves to get a chance somewhere

by Reynard on Jan 23, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We dont need him, and he hurts us if anything being on the roster

by Reynard on Jan 23, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopper is an excellent 5th OF.

A great bunter can be an asset, especially if your manager likes to bunt.

He seems like a decent enough defender, can play all 3 OF spots, and he doesn’t have an ego that gets in the way, which is important for his post on the pine. Plus, the price is right.

If he’s anything more than a 5th OF, though, I believe he is miscast.

There are only two seasons - winter and Baseball. - Bill Veeck

by PeteyHendrix on Jan 24, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not that keen on Hopper

He plays all three outfield positions, but he really doesn’t have the range for CF. IMVHO, a reserve outfielder who can’t hit the ball out of the infield should have a plus glove. His baserunning hasn’t been that great, either (though I suppose that could improve – he was considered a good baserunner in the minors).

Though I gotta say, that putting the ball into Freel’s glove thing was scrappy beyond belief. Bonus points for that.

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

by BubbaFan on Jan 24, 2009 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs