One our stronger lists so far, and a healthy argument as to who should be first. What do you think?
5. Tim Birtsas (0.2 WAR)
World Series winner alert. Tim Birtsas came to the Reds from Oakland, where he broke in as a starter, winning 10 games his rookie year. He reinvented himself as a reliever the next year, and was traded to the Reds in the same trade with Jose Rijo. He pitched for the Reds from 1988 to 1990, the latter being arguably his best season. He had a 3.50 ERA in 27 appearances that year, but was a little dinger-prone with 7 homers given up in 51.1 innings. His next season was in Japan, and he was done after that.
4. Ross Grimsley (4.0 WAR)
Grimsley was a solid starter for a long time, starting for the Reds from 1971 to 1973, He won 10 games as a 21-year-old, and looked to be a force to be reckoned with. The Reds traded him in 1973 in a deal for Junior Kennedy and Merv Rettenmund, and Grimsley would be an all-star with Montreal in 1978. He pitched until 1983.
3. Francisco Cordero (5.1 WAR)
Coco is the most recent member of this list, with current Red Ryan Ludwick finishing just out of the running. Coco was the Reds' closer for 4 seasons, from 2008 to 2011. Despite more seasons with Texas and the closing gig with Milwaukee, his 150 saves with the Reds are his most with any team. He ended his Reds career 32 saves behind the Reds' all-time leader, Danny Graves.
2. Ted Power (7.2 WAR)
Teddy Power was the rock of the Reds bullpens from 1983 to 1987. He led the league in appearances with 78 in 1984, and took over as closer (on a team with John Franco on it) about halfway through the season. In 2014, he's probably best known for being a coach in the Reds organization, and has worked with many many Bats over the years.
1. Scott Williamson (8.2 WAR)
Williamson is the last Reds rookie of the year, winning the award in 1999. He put up a 2.41 ERA in 62 appearances in his rookie season, which included a trip to the All-Star Game and 19 saves. He kept a K/9 between 10 and 11 in all 5 of his seasons with the Reds, eventually traded in a deadline deal to the Red Sox in 2003. Trivia: what pitcher (and former guy who appeared on a list) did the Reds acquire in that deal?
Did we get it right? Let's discuss in the comments.