At least Jocketty talks to the media
I don't have a whole lot for today. Until the Reds make their final cuts or possibly sign any of the recently released players, I doubt we'll hear much from them outside of some build up for the two games against the future Reds this weekend.
You know what's nice though? Even when we don't have a lot of news, at least we have a GM that doesn't try to prevent every little tidbit from getting out to the media. He hasn't done a whole lot to reshape the Reds to this point, but I will say that I at least like how Walt Jocketty is willing to answer the questions he gets from the press. This is a far cry from what we saw from Wayne Krivsky, who spent a lot of his time not saying anything about any rumors.
For instance, let's compare two Spring rumors and how each GM handled them. In the most recent rumor involving Gary Sheffield, Jocketty has been very open about the situation. From Wednesday:
"Perhaps, it’s something we’ve talked about," Jocketty said. "We’re going to at least explore the possibility. He’s still a threat in the lineup … if the price is right."
And Thursday:
Walt Jocketty spoke to Gary Sheffield's agent and Dusty Baker spoke to Sheffield today. Both were phone conversations. There was no meeting.
"He's talking to two or three other clubs," Jocketty said. "He'll play for the minimum (salary). It's a matter of playing time."
Compare that to last February when there were rumors that the Reds were interested in free agent Kenny Lofton:
Actually, I have nothing from Wayne Krivsky on Kenny Lofton. In a stunniung upset, Krivsky would not confirm or deny the foxsports.com report that the Reds are talking to Lofton.
This despite the fact that 6 days later, Dusty Baker was more than willing to admit that he had talked to Lofton about coming to the Reds.
I think the thing that Jocketty understands that Krivsky never really got was that there isn't a whole lot of benefit to denying interest in free agents. Sure, you don't want to sound desperate for them, but you've already talked to them, so they know you are interested. On the other hand there is some benefit to the fanbase to allowing a little bit of transparency. How hard is it to say, "Yes, we've had conversations with him, but nothing is imminent." Krivsky never seemed to see the value in that for a fanbase that just wants something to talk about.
So I tip my hat to Walt Jocketty. He's done two things this off-season that have impressed me. First, he held on to the key youngsters in the system. And second, he hasn't avoided letting us know what is going on. When a rumor has legs, he usually admits that something is in the works, and when it's bunk he's quick to put the kibosh on it. For dedicated fans like ourselves who follow the team all year, there's something to be said for that openness.
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16 comments
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Comments
First
"strikeouts are alot sexier than groundouts"
by smitty3 on Apr 3, 2009 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dude
“Firsts” are for game threads only.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Apr 3, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know
i was just bored
"strikeouts are alot sexier than groundouts"
by smitty3 on Apr 3, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what she said.
We want to build long period of time. I didn’t come here for the shot run.
by Gray on Apr 3, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
It’s nice that the Reds have been more forthcoming. In the past, the Reds made the CIA look like a bunch of blabbermouths. And often, there was no reason for the secrecy. I suppose that’s better than outright lying to the fans and the press, like the Yankees do, but still.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Apr 3, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
on the topic of the Sheffield saga
the word out of NY is that Sheff is going to be a Met. just speculation at this point though.
My millions are unconventional!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 3, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its interesting that the Phillies' players are lobbying Sheffield to sign with the Mets,,,,
Well that how it reads…
Its probably going to happen - bend over
by Madville on Apr 3, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huge Sigh of relief for a any Reds fan
Sheff would have had the effect Adam did with even less talent and more candles on his cake. I thought The Reds wanted to get younger, not older, less mobile, and on the backside of a 10 year roid binge.
Sheff to The Mets is a good thing.
*Side note, who hits more HR’s in 09, Votto or Bruce ?
by baggs on Apr 3, 2009 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it'll be Bruce
He has more raw power. I think Votto is the much more polished hitter and will probably have the better peripheral numbers.
Wear something sexy to my funeral.
by Pops Daniels on Apr 3, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce has more HR, Votto has a better OPS
I miss the old days of the internet when men were men, hot girls were middle aged men, and hot underage girls were FBI agents.....
by jch24 on Apr 3, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but who has a better VORP or WARP?
"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21
by obc2 on Apr 3, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ashtoothpicklovechild
It's all fun and games until someone gets herpes. - Fox 4 News
by PeteyHendrix on Apr 3, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummmm Bruce is really still acclimating
I will not be surprised to see Joey Votto hit 33 – 35 HRs
Brucer 28 – 30HRs
Sheffield – 9 HRs
Its probably going to happen - bend over
by Madville on Apr 3, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On a thread-jacking note
there are no exhibition games on TV this weekend? I heard rumblings that the worldwide leader was picking one up.
"I usually shoot it pretty straight."- a boating enthusiast
by Colin Auscapee on Apr 3, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
By which I mean Reds games
"I usually shoot it pretty straight."- a boating enthusiast
by Colin Auscapee on Apr 3, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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