Bronson Arroyo signs contract extension!

by RedEye on Feb 8, 2007 11:27 AM EST Comment 109 comments

This from RedsZone.

Bronson Arroyo agrees to two-year contract extension
02/08/2007 10:52 AM ET
MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds and All-Star RHP Bronson Arroyo have agreed to terms on a 2-year contract extension through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011.

On Tuesday, the Reds and RHP Aaron Harang avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 4-year contract through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011. Last season, Arroyo and Harang became the first duo in Reds history to produce at least 200 innings and 184 strikeouts each. They tied for the Major League lead in starts (35), while Arroyo ranked first in the majors in innings pitched (240.2) and Harang finished third in the National League in that category (234.1).

Arroyo, 30, last season was a National League All-Star and was voted by the Cincinnati chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America the winner of both the Johnny Vander Meer Award as the club's Most Outstanding Pitcher and the Joe Nuxhall Good Guy Award. He led the Major Leagues in innings pitched (240.2) and ranked among the NL pitching leaders in starts (35, T1st), wins (14, T12th), ERA (3.29, 4th), complete games (3, T5th), strikeouts (184, T6th) and opponents' batting average (.243, 8th).

In each of the last 3 seasons Arroyo established career highs in starts, innings pitched and quality starts, and in each of the last 2 seasons he recorded 14 victories and at least 200 innings. On January 19 of last year, while with Boston, he avoided arbitration by signing a 3-year contract through the 2008 season. On March 20 he was acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for OF Wily Mo Pena and cash.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Actually...

I should say that the TOTAL deal (this one combined with his old one) = 33 million. Sorry for any confusion.

by RedEye on Feb 8, 2007 11:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

So in other words,

The brass see 2010 as our year now?

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 11:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Woohoo!!!!!!!

Wow, really, wow. Maybe the Reds really are committed to winning...but the bigger thing is that with all of the talk about Bronson not liking Cincy, I thought he'd be gone.

Yay!!

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

On the surface, it looks like a decent move, but I have 2 concerns. First, Arroyo threw a lot of innings last year and I'm concerned that his body may not hold up. His motion isn't as smooth as Harang's, so Arroyo's innings worry me a little more than they do for Harang. I don't believe we have any evidence so far of wear and tear, but 4 years is a long time.

My second concern is how the money is spread out. If they just added 2 years at 12 million to the contract, then that means that the Reds will be spending almost $25 million on 2 players in 2009 and 2010. Hopefully the money is spread so that they aren't hamstrung those years, but I guess we'll have to see how it is laid out.

My overall reaction is that it's not a bad deal, but I like Harang for 4 years more than Bronson. The thing I really liked about Bronson was that he was cheap, so he was very low risk. Now he's not so cheap, so his risk just went up. Let's hope he didn't just turn a career year into a big paycheck.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

SHUT IT

and celebrate for once

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

I celebrated Harang's deal. I thought it was an excellent move.

This is a good move, but not excellent like Harang's. That's all I'm saying.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

mlb.com is saying 25mil not 33

great deal

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

$25 million

It's a $25 million extension, on top of the $8 million he makes over the next 2 seasons.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oh

33 with option year

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

still

when was the last time we had a tough 1-2 punch that could go nine innings any day.

I'm going to celebrate by getting all my hair braided and playing other people's songs on my guitar

Arroyo if you want to come over, the side door is unlocked

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

braids

I think we will all need to see pictures of that when it happens.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you're absolutely right

On the surface, the move looks great because it signals that Reds management is willing to spend the money, and it locks up another pitcher longterm.

However, Arroyo was a pretty good pitcher making peanuts for two years, and that's incredibly valuable. Now he's an expensive pitcher. But don't get me wrong--he's worth it if he continues to pitch like he did in '06.

Like Slyde, I'm not as thrilled as I was with the Harang signing, but I'm glad the Reds made this move.

by greg456 on Feb 8, 2007 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

OEPORHIAEPOFIHANPOFhi

oawiefh oawe opawe fopawiefp oawie
sweet moses!

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Numbers

According to Fox Sports:

Arroyo's previous contract contains $8,075,000 in remaining guaranteed salary: $4,125,000 this year and $3.95 million in 2008.
His extension calls for a $2.5 million signing bonus, payable in 2008, and salaries of $9.5 million in 2009 and $11 million in 2010.
Cincinnati has an $11 million option for 2011 with a $2 million buyout. The price of the option can escalate to $13 million, based on innings.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

At least we didn't sign...

... Gil Meche or Ted Lilly for those numbers.

Bronson does have a funky delivery, but I don't think it necessarily projects to be unhealthy. He doesn't throw that hard, and he's remarkably consistent with his different arm positions. In fact, that's what makes him a good pitcher: deception. He can dial it up to 91 once in awhile when he needs it, but usually he sits between 88 and 90. If Homer pans out, this guy is going to be even more effective throwing junk balls between two power arms. 2010 is looking more and more interesting from where I'm sitting.

by RedEye on Feb 8, 2007 12:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

This is better than what Meche or Lilly got. And I believe that there is also a very good likelihood that Arroyo will be one of the three best starters on the Reds in 2009 and 2010. I'm just not a huge fan of long-term money, that's all. The Reds went from having no money spent after 2008 to having $44 million spent for 2009 and 2010 with options (which I like) for around $25 million in 2011, all in the matter of a week. The dynamic of the future has changed quite a bit, and I think I'm justified in taking a look at the risk rather than getting super excited.

Again, I don't hate this deal, and I'm not being critical of Krivsky, but I think this is different than Harang's deal.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

i didn't even think about harang and arroyo being here through homer's development. HUGE.

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well said.

The Reds are spending, but spending prudently. I like it. And, yes, I think it says something about the owner and the GM.

Smart moves.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 8, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha...

We now have two very good pitchers for the next four to five years, as well as Homer Bailey!

Of course, with these contracts being backloaded the way they are, I think they speak volumes about the chances of Adam Dunn still being around then...

"Hominy is just retarded corn." ~ Chandra

by chandrathan on Feb 8, 2007 12:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

On a positive note

Since I've been slightly negative so far on this, I will say that Castellini seems to have a plan which will hopefully involve new revenue streams (cough local cable network cough). Part of my problem is that it's hard to take off my Carl Lindner glasses and see the world through the new ownership's eyes. But it really makes a difference that Castellini seems to look at the team as his baby, where as Lindner tended to treat it as a thing in his portfolio. This gives me every reason to believe that Castellini will make sure that these aren't the only two big contracts on the team come 2009, but I don't think Dunn will be another one. My guess is that they become players in the free agent market once Griffey and Dunn are gone.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah !

you mentioned the key word plan

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kind of crazy

to think this team may finally have direction.

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

to what you said about castellini

here here

by KAredsfan on Feb 8, 2007 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To the critics

We all like job stability, and so do ballplayers. There is no way we could get Harang and Arroyo to stay in cincy without showing our commitment to them. Now instead of having to be bidders in FA or trade off our youth, we have two of the best NL pitchers last year buckled down. If we could give them one or two year contracts every year be guaranteed they would stay, I would be all for it. We take a risk on the long term deal and Arroyo and Harang take a risk by passing up a shot at huge $$$ in a ridiculous FA market that cincy cannot compete in.

Great Deal

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i don't think the money is the issue

Why? Because winning brings in more money, and more money means more to spend on players.

I'm willing to bet these two signings are going to put more butts in the seats this year, because this ownership is definitely showing that it wants to win.

Just think, in addition to having an awesome rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Bailey, and Cueto, we have a power hitting 1b in Votto, a great DP combo, a stud at 3b, and Dunn, Freel, and yes, even Griffey for 2008. The winning doesn't start in 2010, it's already starting.

I haven't been this excited to be a Reds fan in years.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 12:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"I haven't been this excited"

and it is about pitching!!

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

excitement

I remember being pretty excited about the Milton signing, for no other reason than that it was the first time I could ever remember the Reds spending enough to actually get a free agent.

The only thing that has excited me this much in the offseason that I can ever remember is the Griffey deal.

by greg456 on Feb 8, 2007 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ummm...

Wait a minute... you're excited, I'm excited, but nothing about the team has really changed. It's still the same team with the same holes, but it's just that a few players are going to be here longer than they were before.

I think signing Harang and Arroyo was the least management could do to stay competitive. We are getting excited because it didn't seem like management wanted to do that in the past. That's a sad commentary on where this franchise has been, eh?

Now, let me tell you what would really get me excited. I'll really get excited when this team starts developing minor league prospects into major league players, signing them to long term contracts early, and making prudent forays into the free agent market to bolster existing strengths.

Let's hope this is a sign of things to come... and not the climax of the Krivsky era.

by RedEye on Feb 8, 2007 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You're excited?

"You're excited? Feel these nipples!"

Not sure if anyone has used that one for bonus points recently..

by snohio on Feb 8, 2007 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baseketball?

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bob Costas?

One of the most underrated comedies of all time. If it weren't Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it would have gotten more credit. Instead, it's that "South Park guys' movie."

by Brian B on Feb 8, 2007 9:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Decent deal...

But I agree with Slyde. Not as good a deal as Harang for 4/$36.5, but we'll take it. There are concerns about Arroyo (lots of innings, tired himself out about halfway through the season, etc.), but it sure beats five years of Gil Meche at $55 million.

The contract also takes away a lot of Arroyo's trade value over the next two years, should that ever become relevant.

Don't mind me...just thinking positive and pitching to contact, that's all...

by Paul Householder on Feb 8, 2007 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Krivsky

I've said on other sites that I think Krivsky does a pretty good job with the long-term deals. I thought Dunn's deal was well-positioned for the Reds, and I loved Harang's deal. Heck, I'm even satisfied with Gonzalez's deal. I think, given the contracts that were given out this off-season, this deal with Arroyo probably can be considered a feather in Krivsky's cap. But while Harang's deal was a slam-dunk no-brainer, Arroyo's is more of a layup or three-footer from the lane. I think the best thing about it is that the Reds haven't increased the cost much for the next two seasons. Hopefully that means they have room to make a move if they are still in it in July.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mid-season deals,

not our forte. But here's to hope!

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Other sites?

What are you saying Slyde?

by Brian B on Feb 8, 2007 9:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Health

I've heard that Arroyo has a rubber arm and is one of those guys that doesn't ice after games. I hope that's true - the man threw a lot of innings last year.

I also think that his '06 was not a huge fluke. His k/9, k-bb, and hr/9 were actually better in '04 when he threw 178 innings. The rates took a nosedive in '05 but that may be injury related. He performed his FIP last year by a bit, but hopefully that balances out with an improved defense behind him.

Unfortunately, Glendon Rusch is out for the year, so I don't know where Arroyo's home runs will come from.

by ken on Feb 8, 2007 12:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

performed = outperformed

by ken on Feb 8, 2007 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

'05s were because he was coming out the pen in the AL east. Is this right? Unleash the stat Hounds!!

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

2005

He threw 4 innings in relief in 2005. It may be that he tired as the year went on in 2005. Here are his splits by month:

I Split G GS GF W L IP ERA H R ER HR BB IBB SO HBP BA OBP SLG OPS BAbip K/9 BB/9 +-+------------+---+--+--+--+--+-----+------+---+---+---+--+---+---+---+---+-----+-----+-----+-----+ -----+----+-----+ April/Mar. 5 5 0 3 0 31.2 3.69 32 13 13 3 7 0 15 2 .258 .306 .379 .685 .271 4.26 1.99 May 5 5 0 1 2 30.1 4.45 28 19 15 2 8 1 20 4 .246 .315 .412 .727 .280 5.93 2.37 June 6 5 0 2 2 32 4.50 32 18 16 5 7 0 23 2 .260 .311 .455 .766 .284 6.47 1.97 July 6 6 0 3 2 42.1 4.25 42 21 20 6 9 0 12 1 .255 .297 .461 .758 .245 2.55 1.91 August 6 5 1 1 3 30 5.40 38 24 18 1 8 1 15 2 .306 .353 .476 .829 .336 4.50 2.40 Sept./Oct. 7 6 0 4 1 39 4.85 41 21 21 5 15 1 15 3 .270 .347 .434 .781 .273 3.46 3.46

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love this move

Arroyo is a competitor. This is a completely unexpected move, and Kriv earns some bonus points in my book.

I think some of us give him a hard time based on his entertainer persona. I'm a little jaded based on meeting him with the family, but he was real nice to the kids and kept his hands off the Bobkitten. Two huge points in his favor.

Fire up the STP, the PJam, Alice and Chains, et al. 2007 is officially the Year of Grunge, v2.0

So now you know...who got mystified

by ohiobobcat on Feb 8, 2007 1:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

O.k., Krivs may be a gentleman,

but let's hold off on the scholar moniker. No doubt a good move, but I see this as a %100 Castellini deal. I think he knew something needed to happen to stave off the re-building stigma. I'll take it.

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Part of a good plan

I've got no problem with this signing. Even if Arroyo reverts to his old league-average self, $12M/yr may not look too bad in 3-4 years (I can't believe I just typed that!). Having him and Harang in the rotation the next 4 years is a good foundation.

But "the plan" has to have many parts. The second part (good, cheap talent) will be around, also - Bailey, Votto, Bruce won't be arb-eligible yet; EE and BP won't be free-agents. This will allow the GM at that point ('09-10) lots of financial freedom, as I assume Castellini will keep the payroll in the "competative, but not stratoshperic" range.

It's the third part that causes some caution. Past the "big three", the minor league cupboard gets bare quickly, and the most recent draft doesn't give reason for much long-term confidence. A strong minors is what keeps your team strong.

So I'm happy they made this move, and the pieces are starting to come together for a run much sooner than I think anyone assumed. This year is going to be a struggle I fear, but at some point the Reds will quit acquiring every has-been or never-was, and we'll be celebrating titles before we know it!

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Feb 8, 2007 1:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

empty cupboard

Fortunately, hoping Cueto and Wood can be 4 and 5 starters isn't shooting for the moon. Hopefully they can fill those roles or someone else can surprise.

Stubbs should be ready to be a major league CF not too far from now.

The guy I wanna know about is Loo. Anybody?

by greg456 on Feb 8, 2007 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The cupboard is not bare past the big three

Sure, they are the anchors of our system, but there is plenty of talent past them.
Milton Loo
Chris Valaika
Drew Stubbs
Paul Janish
Cody Strait
Johnny Cueto
Travis Wood
Josh Ravin

The Reds system is far from bare... the talent is just a little bit aways with Janish, Cueto and Strait probably the only guys in AA next year.

www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Feb 8, 2007 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I should add

I think someone down there is doing a great job of selling the team to the players.

In the 12 months they've been in charge, they've signed the three most important guys to long term deals that (1) were for what look like below-market values, and (2) added team options to each contract, again at below-market values.

Whatever Castellini & Co are doing to convince these guys, it's working damn well.

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Feb 8, 2007 1:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We signed Aurilia to a LTC!?!?

This is a great day!

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Aurilia?

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

Bad/snarky joke. There were some that considered him THE most important player here, and they let him slip away, yadda, yadda

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Not a bad joke but Daedalus' signature makes complete sense now

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

llamas

i just noticed a pattern of some comments going over people's heads (and rightly so, given that whole conversations can sometimes be based on some obscure comment from a year ago), hence the signature. it's kind of a reminder to me to not make comments that people won't get are tongue in cheek, but it doesn't work because i still do it all the time!

;)

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

excellent point

It is a little weird that players like these want to stay with a team that hasn't had a winning record in 6 years. I give Castellini credit. He's an excellent salesman. And I give Krivsky credit in that he's not throwing money at anything that moves like DanO did with Milton.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 1:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

free groceries

"You my friend, are hardcore." - Krivdawg to the bathroom mirror

by rose2hall on Feb 8, 2007 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They're giving them money

No more, no less.

by RedEye on Feb 10, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This pleases me..

Wow, like many of you I thought Bronson was marking the days until he could bring his Alice in Chains songbook back to Boston. I'm quite pleased with this signing even though (as has been stated) the Reds do have a sordid history in keeping their star pitchers healthy. I see a lot of similarity between Bronson and Jamie Moyer who I had the pleasure of watching for a few years. Hopefully Bronson will be able to have that sort of longevity, I guess we'll see.

by RiverfrontDave on Feb 8, 2007 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

health of pitchers

Let's just hope Kremchek pokes these guys with a stick often enough.

by KAredsfan on Feb 8, 2007 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

This one caught me completely by surprise. A lot of people seemed to take Arroyo's pining for Boston pretty personally, but it didn't bother me a bit. I was fine with beating him like a rented mule for three years. Now that he's ours for a while I'd rather he not lead the league in innings.

His salary might not be that much come 2010, but we're still sinking that money in a pitcher and that worries me. There's always the chance of injury.

Still this is a pretty good move. It feels like Arroyo has officially become a Red now. It will be fun to have that character around. I've got to hear him play Wonderwall sometime.

by Red Menace on Feb 8, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

but think about this

Milton and Lohse will be gone by then and Bailey and Cueto, perhaps, will be making little. So really it isn't much more money.

I'm listening to Wonderwall right now in celebration.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good News for Bandmates.

I guess this is really good news for his Cincinnati band-mates. I know the drummer and guitarist he used at Redsfest from way back in the day. Nice to know they are still working it and maybe will make a little extra scratch in the coming years should they stick with him..

by snohio on Feb 8, 2007 3:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Can't believe he's staying

I'm delighted to say the least. I think it's a good deal and I'm pleased he's decided to stay. I was one of the many who thought he'd be outta here in a couple years and begging to go back to Boston. Really happy he feels at home here.

Spring, please.

by NYRed on Feb 8, 2007 3:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's a good move if

you're a believer in Arroyo, which I'm not. Harang deal made perfect sense. This doesn't. Arroyo is a good guy to have cheap, but that's it. I believe he was bit lucky last season, especially early in the season with the hitters not as familiar with him. (And his .274 BABIP bears that out somewhat).

I fear that Arroyo just had his career year, and a better move long-term would have been to trade him now. His value will NEVER be higher.

by cesarhernandez on Feb 8, 2007 3:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you'll eat your words

one october in the near future...

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Reds get to October

with this clown Krivsky running the show, I'll be stunned.

And if they get to October, it will be on the strength of guys that Krivsky didn't draft (Bailey, Bruce, Votto). They are the future core. Arroyo will NOT be a major contributor to a Reds championship team.

by cesarhernandez on Feb 8, 2007 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't...

disagree more!

Reds fan for 40 years!

by gejoe on Feb 8, 2007 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And then go out and buy a mediocre pitcher?

Given the market, this move is smart.

by Billingsfan on Feb 8, 2007 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

im happy about this

although bronson's fastball is about as lively as anna nicole smith.

too soon?

And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.

by boobs on Feb 8, 2007 4:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

wow

by Red Menace on Feb 8, 2007 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

um

Since this was the first I heard of it, I would say yeah, it's a smidge too soon.

Can I get a hooha?

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yikes

News to me as well..

by snohio on Feb 8, 2007 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently

boobs has already moved through all of the stages of grief. It only took two hours.

Reds fandom: A study in futility and masochism.

by Ash on Feb 8, 2007 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

There's more death in her story than a seedy soap opera:

Smith's son, Daniel, died last year in her hospital room in the Bahamas shortly after she gave birth to a daughter. She has been embroiled in legal fights over her child's paternity.
She was also locked in a legal fight over the estate of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, whom she married in 1994 when she was 26 and he was 89.
Marshall died the following year.
Smith ended up in a long-running battle with Marshall's son Pierce over her late husband's estate. He later died.

Can I get a hooha?

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2007 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Channel 12 has deemed

this news story worthy of breaking into regular programming. (Seriously?)

Reds fandom: A study in futility and masochism.

by Ash on Feb 8, 2007 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The whole thing is wierd

Ever since she was preggers something hasnt been right. Maybe someone drugged and killed her and her son.

I can't wait for the Maury Povich Who's The Daddy show to figure out who gets the baby.

Find me on MySpace- http://www.myspace.com/mixfmkyle

by MixFMKyle on Feb 8, 2007 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think it's pretty obvious

that howard k. stern is a serial killer.

And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.

by boobs on Feb 8, 2007 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

actually

Being involved in a high stakes death pool, I heard about it when she collapsed. My cousin, who had her on his list, says he feels like a princess today.

by Red Menace on Feb 8, 2007 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rimshot

Classic boobs.

Seriously though, who gets her Thinkpad?

"Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, kids.....even when you're eating cake"- obc

by sukr on Feb 8, 2007 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

it is a tragic waste of silicone

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nope

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

from an expanded story

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/baseball/4537968.html

"Last year in the beginning of the season, I was still watching a lot of Sox games and I was kind of still caught up in the middle emotionally about being traded," Arroyo said. "After being here a year and going through what we went through last year with having a chance to make the playoffs, I'm a Red through and through now."

Ahhh! Bronson's adorable. Then came this:

The singer-guitarist has played several concerts in the area, the first of which was sponsored by the Reds' community fund.
"I think the team here definitely has embraced that part of me a little more than Boston did," he said. "I think Boston discouraged it from the fact that they thought it was a little bit of a distraction to me."

Rawk! All we had to do was clap when he sang Wonderwall...

And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.

by boobs on Feb 8, 2007 6:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Some people are just easy...

What a dividend!

Spring, please.

by NYRed on Feb 8, 2007 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hey drsprong...

do you think the last two days change the direction the Reds are going?

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 8:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This week

I think this past week sends a positive message I hope the Reds are still trying to find one more above average starting pitcher.

I'm also hoping that some of the kids make the trip North out of Spring Training. I'm starting to feel a little better about the upcoming season.

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 8:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

question

I hope the Reds are still trying to find one more above average starting pitcher.

Do you mean for 2007? Where are they going to find that at this late date?

by Red Menace on Feb 8, 2007 8:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

trade?

I guess through a trade. Are there any free agents still available?

I think a rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Bailey is a pretty good start they just need to get one more guy. Where, and how, they find him I am not sure.

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

isn't trachsel still available?

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 9:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Chan Ho Park

is he still alive, or available?

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 9:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

He can't be both?

Anyway, he isn't.

The Mets nabbed him just yesterday.

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Feb 9, 2007 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cuba??

what happened to that kid from there that teams were looking at last year. Linaris maybe? He got sick or something.

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 9:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

linaris is like 800 years old

he probably retired.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 9:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

really?

I thought he was mid to late twentys

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

nice spelling

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 9:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i said "like"

Linares started playing ball for Cuba in the late 80s. He was too old to play in the World Baseball Classic.

Yulieski Gourriel was the stud infielder. Marti was the pitcher - can't remember his first name.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Linares

This is the guy I was thinking of. From the Beaver County Times:

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed a Cuban defector for the second time this winter Monday.

The Pirates agreed to terms with right-hander Serguey Linares on a minor-league contract and invited him to major-league spring training, which begins Feb. 16.

In December, right-hander Yoslan Herrera was signed to a three-year major-league contract worth $1.92 million.
Linares, 23, is considered a harder thrower than Herrera but not as good of a prospect because of control problems. Linares was just 7-10 with a 5.59 ERA in his career in Serie Nacional, Cuba's professional league, striking out 111 and walking 86 in 163 innings.

Meanwhile, right-hander Franquelis Osoria cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Indianapolis. He will be in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Osoria was dropped from the 40-man roster last week when right-hander Tony Armas Jr. was signed as a free agent. The Pirates claimed Osoria off waivers last November after he went 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA in 12 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season and 2-2 with two saves and a 4.35 ERA in 44 games with Class AAA Las Vegas.

The Pirates also invited minor-league catcher Steve Lerud on a non-roster basis. He hit .239 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs in 117 games for low Class A Hickory last season.

Also Monday, right-hander Dan Kolb was officially signed to a minor-league contract after the veteran relief agreed to terms last week. Kolb, who pitched in the 2004 All-Star Game, wanted a major-league contract, but the Pirates included a provision that allows him to become a free agent if he is not on their opening-day roster.

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 10:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ahh

See Linares and just think of Omar. Always wish he could have played MLB. He's definitely one of the baseball greats, no matter what league you're talking about.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

too bad

the Reds can't re open the pipeline to Cuba that they once had.

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 10:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Castro will be dead soon

Then the Yankees and Red Sox will have their way with that island.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 10:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sad but true

both of them suck

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes." - Crash Davis

by Caleb on Feb 8, 2007 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

all three of them suck

by Red Menace on Feb 8, 2007 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have this theory

that the whole reason Castro hates the US is because he sucked as a pitcher and didn't get signed. And during his time, the best way to get back at the US was to be a commie.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2007 11:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good theory

However, the US sugar embargo of 1960 probably had a little bit more to do with his ultimate decision to go red. His brother and Guevera's deep love of all things Stalin probably didn't hurt either.

Also, the idea that when Castro goes, the Cuban pipeline opens up is bunk. Anti-Castro people want to believe it, and more power to 'em, but that country is clearly staying communist for the forseeable future, and long after the old man dies. No luck for MLB

by Brynhoe on Feb 9, 2007 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it may stay commie

but it might go the China route. The US policy is not much more than a grudge against Castro, and in this day and age where markets trump ideology, human rights, and pretty much anything that gets in their way, a Castroless Cuba could become just another place for ultra cheap indentured servitude for that leviathan known as US capitalism.

He who laughs last obviously didn't get the joke.

by Daedalus on Feb 9, 2007 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's possible

But I don't get the impression that the US is going to change it's Cuba policy, and the WTO and IMF avoid Cuba like the plague. Jamiaca has already gone the China route with literally Chinese workers being shipped to the country to work in Tariff free sweat shops on the island. I think Cuba is likely going to stay the way it is.

I think the Cubans are likely to stick to an aggressive farming/overpriced European resort island model and try to squeeze by.

by Brynhoe on Feb 9, 2007 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh Happy Day!

My smile just got bigger, and my confidence in the higher-ups increased quite a bit, as well (though I believe it was already quite a bit higher than most who post here).

It's 6 degrees outside right now, and spring just seemd to get farther away with these 2 signings. I can't wait!

Reds fan for 40 years!

by gejoe on Feb 8, 2007 10:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great news

We got the one-two punch. Alot depends on Milton and Lohse to solidify this staff. There are enough prospects for the 5 spot that someone should emerge.
Harang and Arroyo got to be happy with Gonzales and Phillips in the field. And a strong bullpen will mean less wear and tear on the starters.
Can't wait for spring. I'm curious to see what Hamilton can do.

Did I say that?

by dmcgee on Feb 8, 2007 10:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Arroyo Quote

I just read this quote from Bronson on C. Trent's blog...

"To come here and know where I'm going to be for the next four or five years and not have to worry about getting traded anywhere. It's comforting. There's a comfort here."

Does anyone know about a no trade clause in the deal, or is Bronson assuming we won't trade him? He won't be a 10/5 guy until 2010.

by indy on Feb 9, 2007 11:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Veteran

I think Arroyo would now qualify as a "5-year veteran traded in the middle of a multi-year contract." This means that if he's traded, he could demand a trade before the start of the next year.

(This was the clause that Hal McCoy reported was actually triggered when Bronson came here - it turns out that Arroyo didn't have 5 years' service when he signed his last contract with Boston).

by cggarb on Feb 9, 2007 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Backloaded contract

Some of the doubt regarding Arroyo's deal revolves around the amount of money he'll be making in '09 & '10 (9.5 mil & 11 mil, respectively). Let's take a look at other pitchers around the league who made at least 9.5 mil this last year.

Mike Hampton - 14.5
John Smoltz - 11
Matt Clement - 9.8
Curt Schilling - 13
Kerry Wood - 12
Jose Contreras - 9.5
Javier Vazquez - 12
Eric Milton - 9.8
Roy Oswalt - 11
Andy Pettite - 16.4
Bartolo Colo - 14
Eric Gagne - 10
Derek Lowe - 9.5
Ben Sheets - 9.6
Tom Glavine - 9.9
Pedro Martinez - 14.8
Billy Wagner - 10.5
Randy Johnson - 15.6
Mike Mussina - 19
Mariano Rivera - 10.5
Chan Ho Park - 15.5
Jason Schmidt - 10.5
Roy Halladay - 12.7

That's a pretty good club, but keep in mind that this was for 2006. Two years from now, Arroyo will still be a steal at 9.5 mil, especially if FA money keeps rising the way it has been.

by ben nevis on Feb 9, 2007 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If I may

The amount of money doesn't make the quality of pitcher. If Bronson turns into Eric Milton, Chan Ho Park, or Eric Gagne (version 2006) then he's being over-paid at 9.5 million, no matter what the market does between now and then. Now, I don't expect that to happen, but it's a risk you take with signing any player to a longer deal. That's where my concern lies.

I understand you have to take risks to keep good players, and I'm not mad that the Reds made this deal. But that doesn't mean that I am comfortable with it too. I've admitted that I am still jaded from the Lindner years, but I have this fear that the back-end dollars will prevent the Reds from being able to do what it takes to fill a need later on. We've had years of having the Griffey contract sit as a yoke around the Reds neck. I hope these two new contracts don't do the same for the future.

BTW, did any one else laugh like I did when they saw that Chan Ho Park was the 4th highest paid player on this list?

Can I get a hooha?

by Slyde on Feb 9, 2007 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not especially

That's a pretty good club

You forgot Roger Clemens.
If you add him in, that leaves 21 starters and 3 relievers.
Of the 21, Hampton was paid to stay home, Clement, Wood, and Colon pitched fewer than 66 innings, and Sheets and Clemens totalled less than 115 each. They averaged a 4-5 record, with a 4.07 ERA, 3/1 k/bb, and 1.27 WHIP.
The rest averaged 196 IP, 13-8.5 record, same 3/1 k/bb, 4.00ERA, and 1.25 WHIP.
Arroyo last year was 14-11 in 240 2/3 IP, with a 3/1 k/bb, 3.29 ERA, and 1.19 WHIP; over the past 2 years, he's averaged 223 IP, 2.41 k/bb, 3.85 ERA, and 1.24 WHIP.

Even if the economics of the game stay the same (which you know they won't), he will only have to pitch as well as the average of his last 2 seasons, and he'll outpitch this bunch.

just....wow.

by sidnancy on Feb 9, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs