Red Reposter - Redsfest recap; winter meeting rumblings
by ken on Dec 5, 2011 2:00 PM EST
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Print- Jocketty's going elephant hunting for a starting pitcher
At Redsfest, Jocketty announced that "there are six pitchers that we've targeted that we feel are top-of-the-rotation guys, potentially. They might be threes now, and could be twos. We've talked to all the clubs and exchanged things with some, not to the point we're close to anything." Jocketty of course could not identify any of them in accordance with the league's tampering rules. - No mo' Coco?
Fay speculates that the Reds "hold little hope of re-signing Francisco Cordero. The way the closer market has settled, the Reds might be able to get Cordero back at one-year deal in the $7 million range. But I wouldn't even do that. I'd stay in house. Try Bill Bray first. If he doesn't work out, turn to Sam LeCure or Jose Arredondo or Brad Boxberger." Fay suggests Edinson Volquez as another candidate, which is a sensible idea that we've been kicking around here. One suggestion that won't fly with Baker is closer-by-committee. It's truly amazing how baseball survived before the Save era. - Fay also writes that the Reds are likely to extend Brandon Phillips, but not Dusty Baker. An extension for El Beeperino will likely defer some dollars. I'll withhold judgment until I see the years and dollars, but without an heir apparent at the keystone I think this is a good idea. Jocketty told Fay that it's a "complicated contract" and will take some time to complete. As for Baker, Fay believes that David Bell's promotion was a telling move by the organization. Agreed. Baker has vowed not to speak about contract issues this coming year. Good idea.
- Arroyo feels the need for more speed
Bronson Arroyo thinks he has the cure for his woeful 2011 season: velocity. "All I'm looking for is more velocity. They can say all they want that velocity doesn't mean anything. But there's world of difference between 86 and 91. I'm not going to lose the ability to get people out and the feel for my breaking ball. I'm trying to my body strong and get that velocity back." BA's fastball averaged 87.0 mph last year, down 1.0 from 2010 and 1.5 from 2009. We shall see if the back and hip exercises Arroyo discusses are of any help. - Mike Leake is resolved to pitch more innings
He'd like to throw 200 innings in 2012. To work on his endurance, Leake built a gym inside the garage of his house this winter and will start throwing earlier. "I felt strong last year coming off of the end of the year. I'm sticking to the same routine. I'm throwing about a half a month earlier this time. Last year ended with a little bit of tightness." - No Coz for concern about the elbow
Zack Cozart's promising call-up was cut short when he fractured his non-throwing elbow. It sounds like the TJ surgery and rehab have gone well: "I can start swinging, throwing, taking groundballs. I'm pumped. I told my wife I was so excited. People still want there offseason, but I'm ready to play in like a month." Baker said he won't fully commit to Cozart as the starter until he sees in ST how well the elbow has healed: "But No. 1, we want to reserve that a little bit to see how his health is and how his arm holds out." This sounds more like lip service because the team is actively shopping for a backup SS. The team made a bid on Ramon Santiago, who elected to re-sign with Detroit. - In other medical news, Chris Valaika was cleared to run and throw following surgery to repair his ruptured ACL. Also, future Reds' SS Billy Hamilton apparently fractured one of his hands in winter ball.
- Meso is humble, hungry
But Devin Mesoraco not taking anything for granted: "Hanigan's proven what he can do and I haven't really done anything yet. I can't imagine I'm just going to jump to the top. I've got to prove myself before I get any starts." - Alonso must be really hungry, because he's lost 18 pounds
"I've been working really hard. Ever since I went home, I started doing my thing. So far, it's been working out. I start on Monday with my outfield stuff. I started my hitting last week. It's going to be fun." Sheldon notes that Alonso recovered quickly from arthroscopic surgery to clean out his knee and healed from a sore ankle that cut his 2011 season a little short in late September. - Stubbs is ready to put a frustrating 2011 behind him
He also notes that he and several other teammates were in the Bahamas a few weeks ago for Laynce Nix's wedding.
- Joel "Sofa King" Luckhaupt ponders the Reds' offseason decisions
Whatever they do, the FSO Stat Czar suggests that they make a big push for the short-term to prevent losing all of the goodwill generated in 2010. Glad to see The Hardball Times reach out to Joel for this piece. - Whither Hiroki Kuroda?
This was kicked around in one of the threads last week, but the Dodgers have appeared to saysayonara to Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda will be 37 next season, but he's had an impressive four-year run since coming over from the NPB. According to the LA Times he wants to pitch for one more season. I've seen a lot of speculation that he'll simply go back to Japan, but I don't think that should be a foregone conclusion. Kuroda moved his family over here and has successfully adapted to life in the States, both on and off the field. Maybe it's time for him to dusty off his Hiroshima Carp hat for a run in Cincinnati. Assuming that he'll pass on Cincinnati because of its size and location is lazy and self-defeating thinking, in my mind. - Speaking of the Dodgers, Magic Johnson and Mark Cuban are reportedly a couple of potential buyers
Cuban's explanation for why he's interested in L.A. when he passed on Atlanta makes a lot of sense: "I like franchises that need a lot of help. The Braves have a great franchise." - Dan Driessen, a Cincinnati immortal
JT at The Writer's Journey takes a look back at Dan Driessen, who was inducted into the Reds' HOF last week: "Driessen broke into the big leagues in 1973 and made an immediate impact, batting .301 and tying for third place in Rookie of the Year voting .... In 1974 he became the regular third baseman for the team and finished the season with a respectable .281 batting average. However, with the emergence of Foster as an offensive threat, Rose was moved from the outfield to third base and Driessen found himself playing a utility role and giving the other players a rest in the World Championship years."
I don't think this is quite right. I don't know the full story, but Sparky or Howsam must not have been happy with Driessen's defense at the hot corner. The Reds acquired slick glove/no hit 3B John Vukovich in the offseason, and he began '75 in the starting lineup. Sparky couldn't stand "balsa", however, and soon convinced Rose to switch to 3B. Driessen never played 3B again after '74. - Big League Stew revisits rappin' George Foster
Foster the person proved to be much less of a rapper than a ball player: "I'm George Foster, I love this team The Mets are better than the Red Machine I live to play, and that's my thing This year we're gonna win the Series ring." - With the Winter Meetings coming up, here's a look back at the franchise's best trade
A final bit of BRM nostalgia. At the '71 winter meetings, the Reds flipped Lee May, Tommy Helms and Jimmy Stewart to the Astros for Joe Morgan, Cesar Geronimo, Ed Armbrister, Dennis Menke and RHP Jack Billingham. Geronimo hadn't done anything up to that point, and Joe Morgan wasn't yet JOE MORGAN. Still. Just looking at that trade boggles the mind.
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Santo elected to the HOF
The VC denied all other candidates. Kaat was second with 10 of the 16 votes, falling a couple shy.
Holy threads!
I guess I’ll hold off on Trade Targets – AL Central until tomorrow.
Also, I found Walt’s comments interesting, and I hope that means he is looking at guys like Latos or Pineda, but I’m afraid he men’s guys like Danks, Floyd, or Guthrie…which would just piss me off.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 2:29 PM EST reply actions
Homophobe
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
by jch24 on Dec 5, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
After this one, i officially turned off autocorrect.
Why it thought that was supposed to be “men’s” instead of “means” is beyond me!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
As in
Justissarian dreams about having mens with Votto to get rid of his student loans?
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Brandon McCarthy is the single best athlete twatter out there
Shaq was great for awhile, then apparently lost interest. McCarthy is gold
Joey Votto on Colin Cowherd: "I don’t know who he is"
Not for what theyre asking.
$7 million 4 ERA guys shouldn’t cost the equivalent of Banueloa and Montero, but thats reportedly what the Yankees were asked to give up. No gracias.
If they drop their asking price, I’d listen, but he is still a bit down my list.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that's just posturing by Williams.
He’s crazy, but there’s no way he actually thinks that’s what Danks is worth.
My guess is that because it was put out there that the Sox are “open for business” on everyone, he’s trying to send the message that players aren’t going to be given away.
It feels so nice to be back to normal
yeah, I mean Wren wants a ton for Jurrjens too
not gon’ happen
Joey Votto on Colin Cowherd: "I don’t know who he is"
A bit pricey for his production i think.
Hes an improvement, sure, but not as good as we need.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Cueto is a huge wild card, he needs to stay healthy
Cueto, Danks, and Leake would not be a bad 1-3.
Contributing little more than than snark and wittiness to SBN since 2007.
Not at all
those three would keep us in a postseason series, though not make us a favorite I’d say.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
I guess after thinking it through I feel basically the same about Danks as I do about Jurjens
I think they would include the team, but I would hope that either one wouldn’t be the only starting pitcher the Reds get the off season.
Contributing little more than than snark and wittiness to SBN since 2007.
exactly.
If he was a league minimum, pre-arb guy, I’d be all over it…since that would leave space under the budget top to get a closer or another starter. But if he’s all the Reds are going to get with their $7ish million, I’m not a fan.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Mark Sheldon is reporting the Reds outrighted Jeremy Horst.
That gets the roster down to 39…either for the Rule 5 or a trade, I’d presume.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 3:29 PM EST reply actions
x
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
by Cy Schourek on Dec 5, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
interesting timing
Hoping the other teams have their rosters set, and he’ll clear waivers?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
He already cleared waivers.
Like btcoop said on twitter, a Juan Pierre signing is probably right around the corner!
It feels so nice to be back to normal
Jack Mufuggin Wilson, y'all!
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
oh shit, you're probably right. It's probably for a flippin' UT infielder.
I was thinking that both of the main trade chips, Alonso and Grandal, are on the 40 man, so a trade probably doesn’t require a roster spot.
This is for Jack Wilson.
Sigh.
It feels so nice to be back to normal
I was so happy when Barmes signed, but I won't rest easy until Jack Wilson has a job outside the 513 area code
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
I guess their plan worked, then
From what I can tell, this is the first time he’s been outrighted and he’s not eligible for minor league free agency yet. So he has to report to Louisville.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Ken...how could you Mention Laynce...just like that...with no warning...
Ah but Brook has here priorities in order:
NAME: Brooke Ann Sorenson
AGE:19
HAIR:Blonde
HEIGHT: 5’7"
BIRTHPLACE: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
OCCUPATION: Student
DCC STATUS: 2nd year Veteran (She’s Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader = DCC)
CAREER GOAL: To become a sports broadcaster or wife of a rich pro athlete of some sort.
LIFETIME GOAL: To have a wonderful family with a house in Texas and another on Miami Beach.
Scott Roland should retire tomorrow.
does Laynce count as a "rich pro athlete"?
"The USA despite its flaws and corruption and overall messiness is still a great and powerful instrument of freedom and hope for the entire world." - Madville
According to Sheldon
Jocketty is still targeting a righty hitter. But who’s out there? Seriously? Willingham, Cody Ross? Not many intriguing names free-agent wise, and I haven’t heard much about any trade targets who aren’t starting pitchers. The only name that comes to mind, seriously, is Hanley if he is unwilling to move to 3B.
And this is doubly weird because he specifically said he wanted an INF who could play SS and hit lefty.
I’m sure they’d take a righty masher, but it doesn’t seem to be a very high priority. Walt said today that their Willingham interest is ‘on the back burner’
It feels so nice to be back to normal
Yeah, im a bit confused.
Maybe theyve got one deal in place provided another one grts done/signed. Who knows? BJ Upton, maybe?!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
lefty-hitting shortstops aren't exactly thick on the ground
Shortstops in general are in short supply this year. This guy thinks the Cards might be hoping the Reds non-tender Janish.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Tell the Cards to take a number, there's a whole website full of people in front of them
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
by jch24 on Dec 5, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
how badly do you want to see Arroyo get embarrassed?
Contributing little more than than snark and wittiness to SBN since 2007.
BTW - Dan Driessen was a rotten fielder, a space cadet in the field and a very streaky hitter.
Sparky once said that Driessen rarely knew what town the Reds were playing in let alone who they were playing until they got to the ball park. But when Danny got a hold of one he could drive it.
Scott Roland should retire tomorrow.
Olney's latest tweet
Reds are said to be talking about a lot of trade possibilities… Offering a whole range of players.
The Reds Have No Money But Are Talking To Everyone
It feels so nice to be back to normal
by nycredsfan on Dec 5, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
this is my new favorite.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
So basically, the Reds are the crazy panhandler you try to avoid on the way in to 7-11
by ken on Dec 5, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
COMMON
how does this get greened but a Jurassic Park .gif doesn’t?
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
you there, dawg.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
sad.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
by Cy Schourek on Dec 5, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
a veritable pu pu platter of 25-year-old utility infielders
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
Good luck getting home, local folks
Seems the rain’s causing havoc. The ramp from Montana to 74 is closed due to a mudslide, there’s a huge tree down in Glendale, and it’s still pouring.
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
oh, great
I tried Googling Cincinnati mudslide, and got “Chattanooga mudslide” as the first hit.
You’re trouble, even when you’re trying to be helpful!
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
interesting
It’s a pretty small mudslide. But it came complete with trees!
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
It rained about 2.5" here today, and it was already soaking wet
My backyard has 4" of standing water in places, there’s just nowhere else for it to go.
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
ugh
I hope we’re not getting that next. We still haven’t recovered from Irene.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I remember my boss last year spelling out "Libya" in English for the Turkish graphic designers to do a GIS
Of course, he spelled it “Lybia” which was then autocorrected to “labia”. Fun times!
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
I'm hope bitches
Time to head back to ky for cheer and hoops, then nypdpizza at nine pm.
Let it rain!
"the only place they lost was the scoreboard"
Todd Coffey?
At least one team (maybe two, it’s ambiguously phrased) in the NL Central is pursuing Todd Coffey. Our future closer?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Shouldn't be a hard to catch him
It’s not like he can outrun anyone for long . . .
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Dec 5, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Coffey vs. Yonder in a footrace
Who would win?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I'd have to go Yonder
Yeah, he’s a big boy too, but Coffey still looks like he could be 2 Yonder’s together – 1 normal and one tied around the waist.
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Dec 5, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I was afraid
you were going to say “two tied to his chest.”
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
No no, of course not
Yonder ain’t no bitch
"Aroldis Chapman is a seven course meal followed by four hours of sex on the table with a nymphomaniac model heiress who owns her own brewery." - jch24
by BK on Dec 5, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Our Once and Future Closer?
Contributing little more than than snark and wittiness to SBN since 2007.
by Yossarian22 on Dec 5, 2011 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Dusty's staff and pitching
Some teams have a way of improving their pitchers. The best the Reds can hope for is they don’t get worse. I can’t think of any real positive growth. In fact it seems most if not all the pitchers keep getting worse. As Lombardi once said as he looked afield " what the hell is going on out there".
Cueto? Leake?
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Dec 5, 2011 11:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
and for that matter
Masset (based on his White Sox performance) and Ondrusek…and I’m pretty certain Arroyo had the best season of his career as (drumroll please…) a Cincinnati Red under Dusty and his staff.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Dec 5, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Bronson Arroyo had the best year of his career on a Cincinnati Red staff under Jerry Narron and his staff.
Contributing little more than than snark and wittiness to SBN since 2007.
Bray, Bailey, Volquez (one and only good year), even Dontrelle
yeah, it’s more of a myth than reality
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
So...
who’s going to be the first to comment on Bronson’s “back and hip exercises”?
Still not a candidate.
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