FanGraphs: Johnny Cueto’s Sophomore Season
Cueto didn't quite make the strides I wanted to see last year, but I think the winter ball and WBC innings definitely took its toll after his hot start. The author here points out that Cueto lost quite a bit of horizontal break on his slider and continues to shy away from his changeup. What the article doesn't mention is Cueto's increased groundball rate. Cueto seemed to consciously pitch to contact more last year. With a good infield defense hopefully behind him all year in 2010, that is a wise strategy.
Reds Interested In Ben Sheets: MLBTradeRumors.com
Speaking of power pitchers, the Reds are reportedly one of several teams that will see Ben Sheets throw this week, as early as Tuesday. Sheets didn't pitch at all in 2009 after elbow surgery a year ago. After Aroldis, I'm not sure what to expect from us.
Reds agree to terms with Jared Burton
The Reds avoided arbitration with Jared Burton by signing him to a one-year deal for $810K. With guys like Rhodes and Masset likely to regress after outstanding years, it'd be nice to have Burton return to his '08 form next year. With Burton settled, the Reds will not have any arbitrations this year.
Dusty Baker Destroys Aroldis Chapman's Arm Within Minutes Of Arrival | The Onion
iheartchrissabo posted this gem from The Onion. They still got it! Unlike this guy, who earnestly trots out the same old chestnuts about Baker that we've all heard.
Doug Gray's looking for a little help out West
Do you plan on seeing the Reds affiliates in Arizona or Billings this year? If so, you may be able to help Doug take a hard look at the Reds system. I'm happy to hear that Doug may be producing a Reds Prospect Guide after the 2010 season based on his travels and studies.
C. Trent's Going to Spring Training
I'm pleasantly surprised to see that C. Trent exceeded his fundraising goal to send him to Spring Training. A victory for the independent media.
Cannons in the bushes: rating minor league outfielders’ arms - THT
Our own Denis Phipps tops the list. Along with the top arm rating, Phipps also showed great range last year in Sarasota, with a great +15 TotalZone rating. Unfortunately his light bat (237/285/385) makes it unlikely we'll ever see him in Cincinnati.
Jim Edmonds 'challenges' La Russa, wants back on Cardinals
With McGwire back in St. Louis, Jim Edmonds is getting aggressively nostalgic: "I'm challenging [Tony LaRussa] to let me come back and play for the Cardinals again for free," Edmonds said to the crowd at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. Just be sure not to challenge Uncle Walt, Jim.
Chicago Cubs plan massive restructuring of Wrigley Field
"The project, called "Wrigley 20-14" for its completion date, includes construction projects during the season so the Cubs can use it "for another 100 years," according to President Crane Kenney. The focal point of the massive restructuring will be the long-talked-about "triangle building" to the west, a project that will include knocking down the outer wall on the third-base side to form a large open-air courtyard that would include concession areas and shops."
Padres Obtain the Hairstons
After a weekend trade in which they obtained Scott Hairston and minor leaguers from Oakland for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, the Padres also obtained Jerry Hairston Jr. as well. The $ figure I'm seeing for Cherry is 2.125M for one year, which sounds kind of high. But there's no price on family fun. The Gileses are so 2007!