Reds Still Looking At Joe Blanton

Who would they trade?

I'm okay with Blanton if it doesn't require more than one of the big 4, and honestly, I'm not sure I'd give any of them up. Bruce is a definite no-no, but I think Krivsky knows that. I doubt Votto gets dealt unless Beane is comfortable with him in the outfield (the A's already have Daric Barton at first base).

The question for me is, is Blanton moving from a major pitcher's park to GABP really an upgrade over Bailey or Cueto in the long-term? I'm not sure of the answer on that, and I think that is the biggest risk of dealing for him. He's a decent ground ball pitcher, but not so much that I'd consider him safe in GABP, especially since he doesn't strike out many batters. Seems like he'll be awfully dependent on a weak defense to be successful.

I'll take him, but I wouldn't give up much to get him.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply actions

You sound like my foster parents on adoption day

by Brendanukkah on Feb 7, 2008 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

is that how your mom...

...explained all your siblings being different races?

"Sure, I'd like to tape a baseball game without the express written consent of Major League Baseball, but that's just not the way it works." -Hank Hill

by jacob brumfield on Feb 7, 2008 3:30 PM EST up reply actions

Brendan...

Who is this guy?

And why is he so mean to your mom?

Put in a quarter...Turn out the lights...Magic Fingers makes ya feel alright!

by chandrathan on Feb 7, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

As the dad of five adopted kids,

that's one of the best I've ever heard! Good one.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 7, 2008 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

five?

is adopting children kind of like getting tattoos? ;)

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 7, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

Every bit as painful and,

as with tats, sometimes I wonder what in the world we were thinking! Overall, though, very rewarding.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 7, 2008 7:58 PM EST up reply actions

five?

awesome.. congrats

Hope Springs Eternal! Go Reds

by Caleb on Feb 7, 2008 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

59 years ago I was adopted,

best thing that could have ever happened to me. (Except that my sister who is 4 years older was also adopted and she came with a very peculiar semi-human genome.You may have read about her in earlier post so mine.)

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 8, 2008 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Great to hear.

All of ours are brothers and sisters by birth. We've had them for 12 years. And they're all Reds fans.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 10, 2008 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

Kudos to you and your family.

You'll never know how much it means to those kids to have a great Mom and Dad like you and Mrs. Turtle.

My Mom is now 97 and is still a fanatic Reds fan and that just one of the many wonderful reason that I love her. Where would I be without her...

What are your kids ages..any ballplayers among 'em?

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 10, 2008 7:23 PM EST up reply actions

Gonna chime in:

Also adopted. Eternally grateful to all those who adopt in the world. Race hasn't mattered. The fact that my sister is my parents biological child hasn't mattered.

We're a family.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Feb 10, 2008 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

Adoption is cool

My brother has 2 adopted children and he's in the process of adopting 2 more. One of my good friends just adopted a son. Both families are outrageously happy. It's great to hear so many positive stories from here as well.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 10, 2008 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

my wife and i have thought about adopting

just to make sure we get one boy and one girl. yeah, so we are shallow and self-serving, but at least its constructive.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 10, 2008 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

also

get those who project to be very attractive.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 10, 2008 11:10 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah ut the downfall is,

as with our daughters, boys tend to come around a lot when you have pretty girls. I tell each boy who visits that I own a shotgun, a shovel and 400,000 acres. Two of those things are true, but the boy doesn't need to know that.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 11, 2008 8:29 AM EST up reply actions

thats why we are looking into asian kids

good at piano and rarely ever terribly ugly.

its not racist if you are saying something good about them, right?

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 12, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

"rarely ever terribly ugly"

is right around "butter face" in the compliment spectrum.

by ken on Feb 13, 2008 8:08 AM EST up reply actions

That's tremendous!

There can be unusual challenges, but that's true I guess with birth children, too. God bless 'em.

Maybe the Reds can adopt a pitcher or two.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 11, 2008 8:31 AM EST up reply actions

'Nother one here

I was in foster care for a couple of weeks, and ended up being adopted by my (maternal) uncle. As with others here, it was the single best thing to ever happen to me.

Odd question for those affected: do any of you or your kids know their birth parents? I know my birth mother obviously, but have never had the inclination to track down my birth father. I've meant for some time to find my foster mother to say thank you, but haven't succeeded yet.

by jch24 on Feb 11, 2008 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

For the simple reason that I already have a mother

and father, I've never been interested in chasing down my biological mother/father. The idea of poking around to find who, what, what or what-if doesn't work for me. Although none of my kids are adopted my son-in-law has adopted my oldest daughter's son (his dad has some serious drug issues etc.) and my daughter's family seem to be pretty darn happy. Romulus and Remus were raised by wolves and did OK. Just think if they'd been adopted by loving parents....would would have had the great cities of Rome and Ream!

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 11, 2008 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Our kids know their birth parents

and we allowed contact by phone once per year and a heavily supervised visit in a neutral place once every other year. For about a week after each visit, the kids treated us as if we were ogres, but in the long run it was very beneficial in bringing to them a sense of reality. That's shown up in a huge way as the kids have grown older. They no longer view with rose colored glasses the life thrust upon them when they were very young. They now realize that they can become productive, giving, successful adults if they choose that path.

Our kids' birth parents, well, let's just say they weren't capable of caring for children.

Before they came to us, our children had wonderful foster parents. We are eternally grateful to them. Foster parenting is a difficult task that takes people with a real heart for kids.

Wow, there are terrific people posting here. I have to make it a point to meet many of you in person this season.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 11, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Almost impossible.

Though when I went back to Korea, I read my mother's file. Orphaned and made it through high school while raising two younger siblings.

My father on the other hand is evidently married...somewhere. I think the weirdest thing is to think of the shadow family you have somewhere in the world. Maybe I have a couple half-siblings somewhere on the other side of the planet.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Feb 11, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

Well although I've never run down my biological

parents - through the process of elimination I believe my father was Frank Sinatra Sr. and my mother a French waif who was lost in the desert hitchhiking. In 1949 Frank was driving to Vegas for a show and Sammy said'Hey, Man, like check out that broad" and the rest is history.....or maybe--

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 12, 2008 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

Funny

I've jokingly asked my biological mom if I was David Cassidy's love child. I had no idea of a resemblance until being told I looked like 'Partridge Family' era Cassidy twice in a week. A quick GIS confirmed my greatest fears.

by jch24 on Feb 13, 2008 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

Your mom thinks she loves you

So what are you so afraid of?

by Brendanukkah on Feb 13, 2008 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks Madville.

Your mom sounds like a great lady. That she raised a great Reds fan speaks well of her.

Our kids are 24, 23, 20 (all boys) and 19 and 18 both girls). All played baseball or softball at various points. Two of the three boys played football. All but one child played basketball.

Our oldest just got out of the Navy and works as an electrician near Columbus. Our 23-year-old works at Marshall University. Our 20-year-old attends Ohio University-Southern. Our 18-year old plans to attend Marshall.

They're a good bunch. They drive us crazy, but they're a good bunch.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 11, 2008 8:26 AM EST up reply actions

Sounds like you've done well T.T.

How many jobs are you holding down to pay for all those college eds? Believe me I know it ain't cheap.

Keep up the good work.

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 11, 2008 10:04 AM EST up reply actions

I'd trade him for Votto straight up

and maybe throw in a lesser minor league prospect. I think Votto is going to be a good player, but I don't see him becoming a great player, like Bruce, Bailey, and Cueto can become. Plus Hatteberg is still here, and can hopefully anchor first base for another season.

I think Blanton's numbers will get worse, but not that worse I would predict an ERA around 4.20 or something like that, because he is going to a hitters park, but the N.L. is an easier league to pitch in. Plus Blanton gives the Red's rotation 1 excellent pitcher, and good pitchers, and it takes some of the pressure off of Bailey, Belise, Cueto, and Maloney. If the young guys appear to be ready at some point this year, Cincinnati can then flip Blanton or Arroyo during the offseason, next year, to make room for the young guns.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

But why would Beane want Votto

when he's already got Barton, who is 2 years younger and just as good right now? I understand he could try him in the outfield, but Votto really wasn't all that good in LF last season and I would think that would not make his value worthy of a straight up deal for Blanton. I would guess it would take a mid-range prospect like Stubbs and a lower prospect as well, like Viola.

Even if they trade Bailey or Cueto it is going to take another decent prospect to get Blanton. Probably not one of the big guys, but maybe a Frazier or Stubbs. That's my guess.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

i wasn't really thinking about what the A's had

to tell you the truth. I read that after I made the comment. You are probably right. I was more looking at it from the Red's perspective, and I don't want to see them trade Bruce, Bailey, or Cueto.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Frazier

can't be traded yet unless he's a PTBNL.

by pw on Feb 7, 2008 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

yeah

I realized that after I posted it, but I figured it's not that big of a deal to make him a PTBNL. Besides, I was really just throwing names out there of prospects that I could think of in the 5-10 range. You could replace him with Maloney or Dorn.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

And I forgot to mention

that PECOTA has him at a 4.40 ERA next season, even while pitching in Oakland. And if you adjust his 2007 season numbers to Cincinnati instead of Oakland, his 3.95 ERA becomes 4.39, so while the change in leagues might help him, the change in run environment is huge.

I just think it needs to be clear that the Reds won't likely be getting a pitcher with a sub-4.00 ERA, so hopefully they don't give up players with that belief in mind.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

I am looking at him as a mid rotation type pitcher

Cincinnati doesn't need him to be great. If they don't give up too much for him, he will fill a need in the rotation. Imagine Harang, Arroyo, and Blanton combining to pitch 650 innings or so, that would be a huge boast to the rotation, and the bullpen.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

He doesn't need to be great. And I don't expect him to be great. That's why I wouldn't give up too much for him.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

We're talking about only 1 yr of Blanton right??

"Sure, I'd like to tape a baseball game without the express written consent of Major League Baseball, but that's just not the way it works." -Hank Hill

by jacob brumfield on Feb 7, 2008 3:33 PM EST reply actions

3 years of blanton

I think this was his first arb-eligible year. He's already signed for $3.7M this season.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 7, 2008 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

I'd love to get this guy

I'm not sure what it would take to get him, but he threw 230 innnings in the AL last year. If we assume his stats stay the same or even get a little worse, IMO he'd be our #3 with a possible claim at #2. It would also take some pressure off our bullpen having 3 guys with a legitimate shot at 220+ innings. I wouldn't give up Bailey, Cueto or Bruce, but beyond that, this deserves a long, hard look.

by Lakeman on Feb 7, 2008 3:35 PM EST reply actions

I think 3 pitchers who can throw 200 innings is a+

Plus it gives the team more depth. If there is an injury to the big 3, there would be about 4 or 5 pitchers who could be considered "big league ready" to step in.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

Any idea

Are the pitchers we picked up this offseason, specifically Volquez definitely off the table? I have no idea if they're considering dealing him, but should his name be considered in these discussions?

by Lakeman on Feb 7, 2008 3:42 PM EST reply actions

Kinda feel we should have saved Hobbs for Blanton

and tossed in Maloney.

"Sure, I'd like to tape a baseball game without the express written consent of Major League Baseball, but that's just not the way it works." -Hank Hill

by jacob brumfield on Feb 7, 2008 3:43 PM EST reply actions

my thoughts exactly

AthleticsNation turned their nose up at Hamilton for Blanton because they worried about injury issues. This would've been the ultimate win-win for a big A's/Reds fan!

The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part

by JJ on Feb 7, 2008 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

blanton

i didnt think about volquez. i dont see why he would be off the table. i think it will still take bailey, ceuto, or votto plus another throw in or two. i think if it can be done smartly it would be a great move. it would definitely give the reds the best rotation in the division

Go Reds!

by benfcwallace on Feb 7, 2008 4:03 PM EST reply actions

i'll pass on blanton

the A's will definately want one of our big 4, and i think thats too steep a price. perhaps we can give them a whole slew of our mid-range guys, which i would be up for. but none of the big boys. this team isnt built to win right now, but it will be soon enough. lets not do anything rash to get just a #3 starter.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 7, 2008 4:25 PM EST reply actions

offer

roenicke, stubbs, farney, and a middle infield prospect

by obc2 on Feb 7, 2008 4:35 PM EST reply actions

Blanton analysis

POSITIVES

3 YEARS, cheaper-than-free-agent, of slightly better-than-average pitching
INNINGS, and lots of them. This will do wonders for a bullpen that has a strong back end and a so-so middle by minimizing the middle-relievers' innings.
HR RATE. Out of 28 pitchers who threw over 100 innings on the road last year, his HR rate was 9th best, better than guys like Harang, Arroyo, Sabathia, Hamels, Santana, and Zambrano, to name a few.
COMMITMENT. Getting another proven starter shows that Reds' management is committed to winning. I think you'll see a response from the community.
K/BB - Of 62 pitchers over 180 innings, Blanton was 12th with his K/BB rate of 3.5. Harang was 6th at 4.19.
GB/FB - Blanton has a 1.58 GB/FB rate - great for GABP! Again, out of 62 pitchers over 180 innings, he was 13th.

NEGATIVES

CEILING. Blanton's ceiling is dramatically lower than Cueto's or Bailey's. It sucks giving up a prospect to see him flourish in another uniform.
VOLATILITY. Blanton's a little like Arroyo, where when he gets on a roll, he's incredible, but when he's not, you're looking at 5 runs given up per game. But, overall, you pretty much know what you're going to get, and it's certainly better than average.
MOVING. Both to GABP and to the Reds' defense, both of which have the effect of jacking up one's ERA, especially given that he isn't a big strikeout pitcher.
PRICE. Maybe not so much in $'s, but in prospects. Again, it sucks giving up prospects when we just are now getting them.

My opinion is that it would be worth 1 of Bailey/Cueto and someone else. I think 650+ solid innings at the 1-3 spot are incredibly valuable. Not only does it make the bullpen better by removing much of the workload, it also makes the 4-5 starters better by taking some pressure off to go deeper into games. I think we end up holding more leads with the bullpen because our 1-3 starters pitch so many innings.

I am also of the opinion that Blanton is underrated on this board and that he certainly would be a great addition to the team, even if the price is one of Cueto/Bailey.

The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part

by JJ on Feb 7, 2008 5:15 PM EST reply actions

I'm not particularly interested in Blanton

but I haven't seen EdE's name mentioned as a player the A's might be interested in. Chavez seems to be in a pretty clear decline offensively and is injury prone. Is there an heir apparent at 3b for the A's?

(JJ?)

Superbike World Championship is the worldwide superbike championship.

by Man Mountain on Feb 7, 2008 5:18 PM EST reply actions

no real 3rd base prospect in Oakland

What they have is lots of pitchers, outfielders, and 1st basemen.

I'd love to have Encarnacion in Oakland given Chavez's decline and the A's lefty-heavy lineup, but Chavez is signed for at least 3 more years. That's an expensive contract for the A's to eat, and I can't imagine them doing it. Plus, I agree with Marty in thinking that he is going to be the pivotal hitter for the Reds' success this year.

I'd love to have Frazier in the Oakland system, but I love having him in the Reds system too!

The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part

by JJ on Feb 7, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

is there an heir

at third for the Reds?

Hope Springs Eternal! Go Reds

by Caleb on Feb 7, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions

Keppinger

Some would argue Keppinger could handle 3B everyday, I guess, but I'm going to be disappointed if they don't let EdE have his break out season as a Red this year.

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City"... (-Deion Sanders)

by satyanaas on Feb 7, 2008 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

Also

Trading one of Cueto/Bailey will allow us to keep the Maloney/Frazier-level prospects. I think that by gutting the system of the mid-level prospects, we're going to be hurting in a few years when we're going to be needing replacement players to take Encarnacion's place and others' places who are too expensive. Part of keeping a minor league system well stocked is having good prospects at all levels, not just the ones ready to help at the big-league level.

The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part

by JJ on Feb 7, 2008 5:20 PM EST reply actions

Blanton

We know what Blanton's Home and Road splits look like (not good). We also know that he doesn't do as well against Left Handed batters (not good in GASP). So, here is the key question, in my opinion, that has to be asked: coming off a year where he set career highs in Innings Pitched, batters faced and Pitches thrown, hwo is he going to do??

Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo have had career highs in the same three categories within the last couple of years with the Reds and their performances the following year was different. Harang came back and Pitched just as well, if not a little better. Arroyo, on the other hand, was worse (though, he wasn't helped very much by the Offense). His high was in 2006 and he had a dead arm during the middle of 2007.

With Blanton coming off his career highs, moving to GASP and Pitching for toothpick Baker, I would be scared to trade very much for him, unless, that is Adam Dunn was the main piece coming from the Reds.

Now, if Blanton were a Free Agent, I wouldn't mind having him. That way, if he sucked, the Reds wouldn't have given up any prospects to get him. If he were injured, then they could recover some money because of insurance.

by ctownboy on Feb 7, 2008 7:49 PM EST reply actions

Thats a big if

I agree with the earlier poster that said Blanton is underrated on the board. If Blanton was a free agent, he would've been the number 1 free agent pitcher available this offseason IMO. He also would've commanded way more that 3 mill a year. Remember Carlos Silva? Kyle Lohse was a top five FA pitcher. One of the things that makes him so valuable is that he is in his first year of arbitration eligibilty, so the Reds can have him for the next couple years at below market value. I'm not sure who's being discussed, but I would love to sign this guy.

by Lakeman on Feb 8, 2008 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

it certainly would be a good thing

to have this guy in our rotation. but the price is the sticking point. Fay says the A's are asking for one of bailey/cueto + votto + another prospect. thats stupid crazy. if thats his price tag, then let him rot on the shelf.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 8, 2008 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

As long as it doesn't require

Votto, Bailey or Cueto (obviously Bruce is out of play) then I am all ears.

I have a very hard time believing that Blanton can give the Reds a sub 4.50 ERA though given the park and defense and how much his entire game relies on those two things.

Matt Maloney, Danny Dorn and Drew Stubbs? Lets talk.

Matt Maloney, Adam Rosales and Josh Roenicke? We have a deal.

Anything involving Cueto, Bailey or Votto and I am asking for Barton back in return.

www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Feb 7, 2008 8:17 PM EST reply actions

Barton?

I think we'd be better served talking Huston Street.

by Geki on Feb 8, 2008 12:05 AM EST up reply actions

No.

Do not trade any of the big 4 for this guy.

Based on his home/away splits and relative hittability, I think that Blanton will be a right-handed version of Eric Milton once he gets to GABP.

At least it wasn't Grady Little.

by Paul Householder on Feb 7, 2008 8:27 PM EST reply actions

Freel, Volquez, and Maloney

This has a couple layers involved. First it would give a better shot of Bruce making it of ST. I Think he will be just fine on OD in the line-up, hence the Josh Hamilton trade. Freel should also help at 2b/3b/OF for the A's. Does Beane like scrappy?

Right now we all hope for the best out of Volquez but he still a question mark. Also most fans are pretty indifferent about him until we see some results. He may get Harang Love or Stanton Hate. I think we could get this done without giving up any of the big four. We can even throw in Hatteberg for good measure, I know Beane thinks positive of Hatte and he is cheap too.

Rotation- Harang, Arroyo, Blanton, Belisle, Affeldy/Homer

by gocolts on Feb 7, 2008 8:34 PM EST reply actions

one: i dont think freel is going anywhere

hobbs was the CF that got traded this winter. trading two CFs in one offseason is just as stupid as it sounds. i know the wayner word is that CF is a race between four guys, but really its freel (if healthy) or bruce (if awesome).

two: i would slot volquez right in between cueto and votto on the young stud depth chart. because he's from outside the system, we dont have the same love for him as the other 4, but this dude was the rangers minor league pitcher of the year last year. he aint chopped liver. if he had a tad fewer innings in the bigs last year he would still be considered a "hot prospect" rather than a "question mark". so i would not trade him for blanton.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 7, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

If Bruce makes it out of ST

Then we will have very little use for Freel and will underutilize him. What position is he gonna steal playing time from. Bruce - NO, Dunn -No- Griffey - No unless he gets injured and then we have hopper, dickerson, and Andy Phillips for that. Is he gonna take time away from Brandon Phillips - dont think so or Encarcion - Not gonna happen with Keppinger on the team. Only way Freel Plays if the reds have multiple injuries he's not that good anymore. I like the guy but we have every position covered with a superior player.

Because Volquez was the best pitching prospect in the Rangers Minors does not mean that he is any better than the reds top 4. I hope Volquez does well, but Blanton is not a question Volquez is.

by gocolts on Feb 7, 2008 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

freel is still useful as the super-utility guy

that won him that contract. whereever there is a reds team with injury concerns, ryan freel will be there. i dont think we can under-utilize freel; 3-4 days a week is all im willing to give this guy. he can be one of the best 4th outfielders in the league. he is depth and we need it.

how is volquez a question? here are the man's minor league numbers from last year:

144.2 innings, 3.67 ERA, 1.09 WHIP

here is cueto:

161.1 innings, 3.07 ERA, 1.12 WHIP

each guy threw at three minor league levels, but volquez also threw 34 innings of league-average baseball in the big leagues. and his minor league ERA is artificially inflated by the 35 innings spent in A+ ball throwing nothing but his developing curveball and getting knocked around a bit.

volquez is bona-fide. he most likely would be an anchor in the texas rotation by now if they hadnt fucked up his development. now, i know some of this argument is based on "ifs" and "buts", but look at those stat lines again. this guy aint a question mark anymore than bailey or cueto is.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 7, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

I highly doubt that

Griffey, Dunn, Bruce, EdE, and Phillips will each play 162 games. Freel was at his best when he "underutilze" him. His versatile makes him valuable. He is useful for a late inning double switch, or as a pinch runner of the bench, or a pinch hitter to start the inning. I think Freels decline on the depth chart is as much a compliment to how much better this team is compared to 3 or 4 years ago, than how much Freel has declined.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 9:43 PM EST up reply actions

if the price is right do it

they could trade juan fransisco a third baseman who could be the third baseman after eric chavez is gone and then trade matt maloney and throw in josh roenkie and then we have a DEAl!

by RedsFan4Life on Feb 7, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions

I've always wanted a DEA!!

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 10:20 PM EST up reply actions

Like this?

At least it wasn't Grady Little.

by Paul Householder on Feb 8, 2008 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

Imagine you're a dea

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser?BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Feb 8, 2008 11:30 AM EST up reply actions

Fay thinks...

...the A's want Bailey or Cueto, plus Votto and a lesser prospect.

Though he says that price is too high.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Feb 7, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions

that price is too high

now that the Red's finally have 2 big time major league ready pitching prospects I want to see them in a Reds uniform. Blanton is a slightly above average Arroyo-level pitcher. Bailey and Cueto can be much more than that.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 7, 2008 10:54 PM EST up reply actions

do we have any wily mo pena's laying around?

cuz that would be fair.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 7, 2008 11:21 PM EST up reply actions

Me? I don't know if I'd be cool with this trade.

But I know Bronson would likely be opposed to bringing a new Sinatra into the clubhouse.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 7, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions

Nothing? Aww, c'mon Red Reporters!

Howabout:

"Now we all know about Joe's home-and-road splits."

Or:

"Hey Geki, Joe's clearly not out of options, eh?"

Proceed.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 8, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

My favorite comment:

Just so you know, you don't have to be 4'10" with a size 3 foot to be considered "attractive".

36-24-36? Only if you a size 3.

by ken on Feb 8, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions

I always thought it was "Only if you 5'3

Have I been getting that wrong all this time?

by Brendanukkah on Feb 8, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

no

but ken has

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 8, 2008 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

No, you (and boobs) are right

That was me making a bad (trying to be consistent) Mix-a-lot joke. I mean, other than pedophiles, who targets women that are 4'10" with midget feet?

by ken on Feb 8, 2008 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

Target women

(Can we make a Full Metal Jacket joke here? I think we can.)

"How do you do it? How do you shoot women? And children?"

"It's easy. You just don't lead 'em as much."

by Brendanukkah on Feb 8, 2008 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

My Favorite Post

"Damn... you guys dont quit... seriously! Do you have your own lives to worry about or just soooo concern on what the hell Joe Blanton is up to! So sad!!! "

Apparently this poster has no interest in Joe Blanton, they only have an interest in policing how posters on the Joe Blanton girlfriend feed spend THEIR time.

And now to blatantly contradict myself... Joe Blanton's girlfriend feed? Who are these people?

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser?BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Feb 8, 2008 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

I wish Joe Blanton's Girlfriend posted here.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 8, 2008 2:07 PM EST up reply actions

what do they feed her?

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 8, 2008 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

it'd better be rss

by ken on Feb 8, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

at least

Bronson's groupies can spell. he's far from a pothead, you know...

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 8, 2008 1:12 PM EST up reply actions

This entire commentary is disturbing.

"Men are ruled,this minute by the clock, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. G.K. Chesterton 1917

by Madville on Feb 10, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

Volquez's value

I'm not sure what I think about this, but I'm interested in how everyone values Volquez vs. Bailey and Cueto. It seems, from browsing recent postings, that people would prefer to trade volquez instead of bailey or cueto. Does everyone feel that they are both better and higher ceilings, or is it more of wanting to keep guys from our system? How do you rate them?

by Lakeman on Feb 8, 2008 10:16 AM EST reply actions

Personally

I would put Cueto and Volquez on the same level, but Volquez just slightly ahead of him. Both are behind Bailey.

www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Feb 8, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

Personally

I'd put Cueto ahead of both of them, and Bailey ahead of Volquez, mainly because of their age difference.

I know Bailey has the most upside, but I like the fact that Cueto already has his control figured out. That's what gives him the leg up over the other two for me.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2008 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

that last part sounds hawt

Superbike World Championship is the worldwide superbike championship.

by Man Mountain on Feb 8, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Cueto

Cueto doesn't quite have the command thing figured out. He is around his spots, but he doesn't hit them all too often. He is also much more hittable than the other two. Basically, I don't see Cueto getting much better than he is right now. Not that it is a bad thing, but the amount of improvement he can make is very minimal at this point and I don't think he is any more ready than Bailey or Volquez at all in terms of succeeding in the big leagues.

www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Feb 9, 2008 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

how bout edwin for blanton straight up?

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 8, 2008 11:07 AM EST reply actions

That makes no sense for the A's

The whole idea of trading Blanton would be to get younger in terms of service time, as much as age. Only getting EdE back essentially buys them one more year of a player, which really isn't a smart deal on their part. Not that I care if they make a smart deal, but I just don't how Krivsky would sell such a deal to Beane or how Beane would sell the deal to his fans. Plus, they still owe Eric Chavez $34 million over the next 3 seasons, so I'm pretty sure he'll be playing 3B if healthy.

I would guess the Reds would have to include one of the pitching prospects in order for the deal to happen. I don't see any other way that it makes sense for the A's to make the deal.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2008 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

Our -anton quota has been met. Good day.

I said, "Good. Day."

by Brendanukkah on Feb 8, 2008 12:38 PM EST reply actions

Fay says the Reds have signed Mercker.

Meh.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 8, 2008 1:58 PM EST reply actions

what?

he retired i thought

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 8, 2008 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

He retired because

He was coming off of surgery and old enough that no one would take a chance on him. When he was in the booth last summer though he said that he was feeling really good and thinking that he might make a comeback if he could get healthy.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2008 2:01 PM EST up reply actions

they're bringing him back for the jokes

which means they're looking to trade Dunn.

/ctown grabs the lubriderm

Superbike World Championship is the worldwide superbike championship.

by Man Mountain on Feb 8, 2008 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

He's kinda like Roger Clemens.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 8, 2008 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

he's being deposed by the feds?

Superbike World Championship is the worldwide superbike championship.

by Man Mountain on Feb 8, 2008 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

I kinda expected that

it was rumored toward the end of last season that they would. I bet he becomes some sort of coach in the minors or a consultant.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 8, 2008 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

That's what I was thinking.

That dude must know nearly everyone in baseball and have "the book" on most of the National League. So I guess it couldn't hurt to keep him in the family.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 8, 2008 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope you're right

another 40 year old in the bullpen would just push out another 20-something like Bray, Mcbeth, Coutlangus, etc. that I'd much rather have out there.

"Just remember, it's not a lie if you believe it." - George Constanza

by beasleymachine on Feb 8, 2008 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

he said he won't coach

he said the worst part about being a ball player is the traveling, and being away from his family so much.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 8, 2008 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Beat me to it.

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 8, 2008 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

It's not worth it

If we can reasonably expect Blanton's numbers to worsen (PECOTA has him a bit worse even if he stays in Oakland, plus a move to GABP wouldn't help), making him a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher. Does that really improve what we've already got in Bailey/Cueto/Belisle/etc? I don't think it's more than a moderate expectation of Bailey to provide m-o-t-r numbers, with far more upside and more control over his contract over more years. It seems to me that a move for Blanton doesn't improve us that much for this year, nor for the long term.

If we could trade for him using minor leaguers, it definitely helps us for this year, but a trade for major league ready players just doesn't make sense to me.

by ben nevis on Feb 8, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions

The Denver Post reports:

"Oakland's asking price for pitcher Joe Blanton is steep. From the Dodgers, the A's want Andre Ethier, Andy LaRoche and a prospect. Cincinnati also is pushing hard for the right-hander."

If that's so, then the asking price from the Reds likely is far too steep.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 10, 2008 1:13 PM EST reply actions

What if this deal is more than Blanton

for prospects?

Is there a chance that it's Blanton and Chavez for Encarnacion and, I don't know, maybe Maloney and/or Stubbs or some varying combination?

This could get into one of those hairy multi-player deals. Does Huston Street get in the mix? Dan Johnson? Oakland has a lot of LHP in the bullpen. Does Alan Embree wind up a Red?

Can you imagine a swap with Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Eric Chavez, Dan Johnson and Alan Embree coming to Cincinnati for Encarnacion, Cueto, Votto, Keppinger and Roenicke?

I don't even drink and I'm coming up with this stuff. Not that I'm advocating such a trade by any means, but I can envision something like that taking place.

Any thoughts?

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 10, 2008 8:26 PM EST reply actions

It would be fun at least

It would blow my mind trying to figure out if I liked that deal or not (first thought is no), but that would really shake things up, wouldn't it?

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 10, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

No multi-player deal for Krivsky!!!

The more players involved, the worse it gets.

See "Trade, The."

At least it wasn't Grady Little.

by Paul Householder on Feb 10, 2008 9:36 PM EST up reply actions

The Reds will NOT trade

Bailey, Cueto or Votto to get just Blanton. Unless of course they are insanely stupid. Now I hold Krivsky in rather low regard, but I don't think he is THAT stupid.

TT's scenario of some multi-player deal is possible, but I doubt that happens.

My prediction: Valaika and Maloney or Watson for Blanton. Beane can ask for the world, but he isn't going to get it.

by cesarhernandez on Feb 10, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions

problem is

He can ask for the world because he doesn't have to accept anything less. I'd bet that he'll get at least one top 50 prospect in the deal, whether it be from the Reds or somewhere else.

I'm not superstitious...but I am a little stitious.

by Slyde on Feb 10, 2008 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

the Dodgers appear to be in on it, from all the

accounts we've heard so far. and by all accounts they are far more stupid than the reds. by far. so i imagine if beane wants an outlandish ridiculous haul for blanton, it will come from LA. and im ok with that.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 10, 2008 10:29 PM EST up reply actions

Why are the Dodgers so hot for Blanton?

They've got a rotation of:

Bred Penny
Derek Lowe
Hiroki Kuroda
Chad Billingsley
If Healthy Jason Schmidt

Maybe Esteban Loaiza or
If Healthy Hong-Chi Kuo

Down on the farm there's
James McDonald, who could be there best 5th starter if they were of a mind to rush prospects

and Clayton Kershaw, uberprospect.

They've also got Didn't-You-Used-to-be Chan Ho Park somewhere in the system for what that's worth.

by Red Menace on Feb 11, 2008 12:19 AM EST up reply actions

i didnt say they need him

i said they are stupid.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 11, 2008 7:50 AM EST up reply actions

The A's are said to have

signed Mike Sweeney, possibly meaning the end of either Dan Johnson or Jack Cust in Oakland. How, or if, it impacts any deal with the Reds for Blanton and others remains to be seen.

If the Reds sign Lofton, that further frees up the ability to trade Hopper, who appears to me to be a Billy Beane kind of player.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 11, 2008 7:34 AM EST reply actions

Hopper seems like a Dusty Baker kind of player.

He seems like a very un-Billy Beane like player, to be honest.

by Geki on Feb 12, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

Livan Hernandez to the Twins,

Rosenthal reports. On a lesser note, Tony Armas signed with the Mets.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 12, 2008 8:16 AM EST reply actions

kind of an odd signing

i guess Minnesota still feels they have a chance. I guess their pitching staff could be alright, and this gives them veteran presence. The Twins seem to love to sign old guys, give them a job out of spring training, watch them fail, demote/dfa them and let their great young players take over.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 12, 2008 9:31 AM EST up reply actions