Does netting at least one win next season, possibly even two, justify postponing Chapman's development as a starter for a season?

If the Reds are over-leveraged in the bullpen, the problem is solved entirely by Cordero's contract coming off the books and further by Aroldis Chapman moving into a starter role. Given salary and pro-rated bonuses, those two make nearly $16M together, while no one else in the bullpen stands to make more next season than Nick Masset at $1.55M.

Though I think Votto is fully capable of upping his game, 2010 is more likely to be the best season, compared to the next three, than the worst. That could tilt the negotiation in the Reds' favor, however slightly. The team has now set the baseline - with certainty - to which Votto's contract could hew.

MLB Trade Rumors has the following "needs" listed for the Reds: "Lefty reliever, left-handed hitting outfielder/leadoff hitter, backup shortstop, Joey Votto extension." This is probably a...

Post-Christmas musings.

We've heard all offseason (ever since sweep week when the gang from Philadelphia bumped us out of our time slot) about the mutual interest between the Reds and Arthur Rhodes. It's been like a regular Ross-and-Rachel, Pam-and-Jim, Frasier-and-Niles will they/won't they plot arc.

What do Dan Uggla's and Orlando Hudson's contracts mean for Brandon Phillips?

It's hard to feel anything other than abject hopelessness and fear as a Reds fan, sitting on the sidelines as the Phillies signed Cliff Lee to a deal two years and $28M shorter than what the Yankees offered. Aren't there natural forces that prevent this kind of thing from happening?

If the budget is flat from last year at $76.2M (guaranteed salaries plus pro-rated bonuses), then this claim could check out. Using reasonable estimates for arb-raises and the 2011 salary provided in Bruce's extension, the Reds may well only have around $2-$3M to throw at Arthur.

Jay Bruce: Barry Bonds, Harold Baines or anti-Dukakis ad?