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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > November > 13 > Entry
Economy won’t hinder Reds’ payroll
The dismal national and world economy won’t have an immediate impact on the payroll of the 2009 Cincinnati Reds, but it most likely will have an affect on free agency.
Owner Bob Castellini is committed to a payroll in the mid-$80 million range, a slight uptick from last season’s $73 million, says general manager Walt Jocketty.
“We know it is a very tough economy and it will affect revenue for every club,” he said.
While many fans believe the Reds have a lot of wiggle room on their payroll after the trades last season of Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, approximately $30 million what, they don’t realize is that a significant portion of that must go for contractual raises for second baseman Brandon Phillips plus pitchers Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Francisco Cordero.
That alone limits what the Reds can do on the free agent market, but Jocketty also says, “It is not really a good free agent crop this year. There are a couple of top-level guys, then it falls off quite a bit. There are a couple of players we might pursue, but their prices could knock us off.”
The Reds have nine free agents on the market and Jocketty said the club has made offers to a few.
“We’re interested in a handful,” he said. “We’ve talked to (pitcher) Mike Lincoln and (infielder/outfielder) Jerry Hairston Jr. Some of the other have indicated they want to try the free agent market.
One of those is pitcher David Weathers, who Jocketty is interested in bringing back, but late last season Weathers said, “No more hometown discounts. I’m going to see what’s out there.”
In addition to Lincoln, Hairston and Weathers, Reds who field for free agency are pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, catcher Paul Bako, pitcher Josh Fogg, pitcher Kent Mercker, outfielder Corey Patterson and catcher Javier Valentin.
Jocketty said the team is not interested in bringing back either Bako or Patterson and Mercker most likely will retire.
“It look as if the best way for us to go is through trades and from our system,” said Jocketty.
Jocketty is talking with several teams about trades, one of which is Colorado. Names that have surfaced include outfielder/leadoff hitter Will Taveras, catcher Yorvit Torrealba and third baseman Garrett Atkins.
All three fit into needs as the Reds search for a righthanded power hitter (Atkins — .286, 21 homers, 99 RBIs), a catcher (Torrealba — .246 in 70 games, most in a back-up role) and an outfielder/leadoff hitter (Taveras, who led the league with 68 stolen bases, but hit only .251 with a .308 on-base average).
The Rockies are searching for starting pitchers, but are not interested in Homer Bailey.
“We’ll do what we can to improve our team by any means — free agents we can afford, trades or within the system,” said Jocketty.
REDS FREE AGENTS:
Y - Players the Reds are interested in re-signing.
N - Players the Reds are not interested in re-signing.
Y-Jeremy Affeldt, LHP.
N-Paul Bako, C.
N-Josh Fogg, RHP.
Y-Jerry Hairston, Jr., INF-OF.
Y-Mike Lincoln, RHP.
N-Kent Mercker, LHP.
N-Corey Patterson, OF.
N-Javier Valentin, C.
Y-David Weathers, RHP.
Permalink | Comments (82) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Pujols
December 10, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
The Reds dont have good players..when was the last time you guys had a winning season..ha that franchise is a joke..u guys blast each other..who is this Dickerson you guys think is the next Willie Mays..the Card fans think Cincy is a non factor..u have no talentBy larkin
December 10, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
mo mo mo or more more more losing..Mo you dont know how to spell baseballBy Mo
December 9, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
Probably safe to say you’ll never get a scouting job in Reds Land-Larkin. You should find another name-that one is way over your head.By larkin
December 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
best you got to play CF..whats that say about your organization and team..no reason to get excited Reds fans I would take Hopper/Freel over him anyday..can the Reds hold off the Buc O’s another seasonBy Wizard
December 5, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Git down Huber!Cream always comes to the top, don’t it?By HuberTucky
December 5, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
Good gawd, Dickerson was fine for the 31 games he played as a Red. Give the guy a chance! .304-BA; 6-HR; 15-RBI; OBP-.413, SLG-.608. What do you want from a call up? Sure, he may not be your every day guy (yet)but give him a shot, he’s only 26! Unless you go out and pay for a name, he’s gotta be it, right? He’s got a terrific attitued (much needed) and hustles and plays like he wants to be there and seems like he truly enjoys the game (again, mcuh needed on this team). Yes, he made a few boneheaded plays, but he’ll just get better. He didn’t make any more boneheaded plays in the field or as a base runner than Dunner!By BroadwayBilly
December 4, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Larkin:Just who is your savior in CF going to be? Until the Reds draft better people and improve their minor league people, Dickerson is the best we have— Unless we want to give up something to get something! We don’t have enough people to trade, to come out ahead.If we trade to improve one area, we weaken another area of this team. There is Not enough talent. I agree with Dickerson playing CF, until you come up with a trade that we don’t hurt ourselves somewhere else.By larkin
December 4, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I agree with Ross..If you think Dickerson is the answer you love to finish 5th every yearBy ToRossTheBoss
December 2, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Ever heard of mental and PHYSICAL maturity? You been watching a different game than I have. I saw a hitter making lots of contact with the baseball; and running the bases{with speed} pretty well, with a couple mistakes. They let an over-the-hill Griffey do it for an entire season—if you want to call that running…26? He could possibly play eight or more years—unless, he is judged by yo-yo’s like yourself.By ross
December 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
you gotta Rub somebody..oh thats u gotta love somebody by Springfield..if u think Dickerson can play then thats your opinion,,hes 26 never been up for a reason..he swings and misses alot and is a bonehead on the basepaths..u need to get a clue rub a dub tubBy Y-City Jim
November 30, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Maybe management thinks it is okay to sink the same kind of money into an aging OFer if he is RHed. From the looks of this Tribune article, it looks as if finances may axe the deal. It also sounds like they are trying to unload him as well. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-01-white-sox-chicagodec01,0,686757.storyBy HuberTucky
November 30, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
Uh, Dye? Didn’t the Reds just finally get rid of a fading star outfielder and his huge annual stipend? Why the hell would you want back in that mess? Gads. Go with the young guys before you waste money on another soon-to-be has-been.By Mike-Cinci
November 27, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
The only reason to make a trade for Dye is if you thought you could actually contend in 2009. I don’t think the Reds will. Clearly Dye is near the end of the line and won’t help in 2010 and beyond. The Reds need to keep their young players unless they can trade for other young players who are a better fit. The Reds need to improve catching and find 1 or 2 outfielders who can play everyday. Dickerson might be a find but I think it is a longshot. Ordonez is available from the Tigers but he is both expensive and injury prone. He is in the same mold as Dye. You have be suspicious when other teams want to trade their expensive old players for your young players. Bill-Georgetown made good comments on Harang. Hopefully he can comeback in 2009. He will make a big difference if regains his form. He will be an expensive bust if he does not.By Y-City Jim
November 27, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.By Mike-Dayton
November 27, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Y-city - you are a politician aren’t you. Instead of talking about the stupid point you tried to make that Adam Dunn has MORE range than Dye which is absurd and shows your baseball knowledge as zero, you now have changed the game to barking about Dye “slowing down” … nice try but you’re wrong about everything you have written about Dunn having more range. I also have grown weary of typing so you eat all your vegetables and believe whatever you want.By Rubbabubbadubba
November 27, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
What is spelled out for me—is that you have no idea what you are talking about,Ross.Your attempt to judge talent is “awe inspiring”. But,go ahead, keep on wasting all of our time with your prophesy.By Y-City Jim
November 27, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Just the MLB RF data, which takes into account the 160 more innings that Dye played. In fact, Dye’s range dropped dramatically last year indicating either injury or time catching up to him.By Mike-Dayton
November 26, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Whatever … you have no case that Dunn has more range than Dye … none. zip. Keep posting though. It’s good theater.By Y-City Jim
November 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Also consider that the White Sox RFers have fewer POs than any AL team (and maybe NL team but I didn’t check), and you certainly cannot attribute that to their CF play , which was so weak they have KGJ playing there for 32 games.By Mike-Dayton
November 26, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Oh that’s right … no way Dye actually has more range, it was the manager, the batters, the weather, the pitchers, the DH, the ballpark - you running for Congress or something as you sound like a Politician.By Y-City Jim
November 26, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Data- Dye (RF 1.86), Dunn (RF 1.89). So either he did get a lot more balls hit to him or Guillen does a better job of positioning his outfielders. Plus remember their are nine legitimate hitters in the AL due to the DH rule.By Mike-Dayton
November 26, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
In the last two years, Dye has 550 PO’s in 286 games in the outfield and Dunn has 454 PO’s in 277 games in the outfield … either Dye magically gets flyballs hit directly at him more than Dunn or Y-City has no clue what he is talking about … because to me catching 96 more flyballs than someone else would indicate better range. But what do I know, I only went out and looked at the data. I guess I could have just blurted out something dumb without data … perhaps later.By ross
November 26, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
A 4th or 5th OF is a sub, a non starter..does that spell it out for u…in other words he cant playBy Y-City Jim
November 26, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
The scientific formula is how good are the other outfielders. With the current roster, Dickerson may be the No. 2 OFer. As for Dye’s defense, Adam Dunn had more range than Dye.By Rubbabubbadubba
November 26, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
What make determines whether someone is a 4th or 5th outfielder—is this a scientific formula, or a wild guess?By Bubba
November 26, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed that the Reds have only 4 outfielders on the 40 man roster. And three of them are Hopper, Freel and Dickerson, none of which can be counted on as everyday players. They REALLY need to aquire outfielders. This must be first priority. Oh yeah, and a catcher.By ross
November 26, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I agree with not acquiring Dye..but I think they need an upgrade…dont feel Dickerson is more then a 4th/5th OFBy crosley
November 26, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
Once again——Bailey for Saltalamacchia.By Bill-Georgetown
November 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Dickerson is a lot less expensive.By Mike-Dayton
November 25, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Dye has only made 4 errors in the last two years (286 games) … he can still field but he is not the answer …By Mike-Dayton
November 25, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Agree you don’t trade a 22 year old pitcher for a 35 year old outfielder … but Dye can still field.By Y-City Jim
November 25, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
So what are the thoughts on the rumored Dye for Bailey plus another trade? Personally, I find it incredibly stupid to trade a 22-year-old 95 mph pitcher for an aging 35-year-old that can’t field.By Bill-Georgetown
November 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Always great to hear Mike-Cinci’s comments. I agree with your Phillips predictions; except I think they will move him to short sooner, rather than later—and as a result will not trade him. If Furcal comes to the Reds, or Gonzalez is healthy, Brandon will stay at second. It seemed to me, that Harang lost his downward movement on his out pitches last season. Being up in the strike zone, as opposed to previous seasons, seemed to be his downfall—location,location, location! How old is he? Seems to me that he still has some good years. His location in previous years was outstanding.By Mike-Dayton
November 24, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of what you wrote Mike-Cincy except for the Phillips trade for prospects. Phillips is a fine player and a leader in the clubhouse. He is a great fit for this team and city. He delivers more to Cincinnati than you would ever get in prospects. And you would have a huge defensive hole in the middle of the infield. You have to keep Phillips, Votto, Bruce, Volquez and Cuerto - the remainder are fair game for trading if you can upgrade.By Mike-Cinci
November 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Jack Wilson is a mediocre player. He did nothing to move the Pirates out of last place and he would do nothing for the Reds. Joe Crede is an average player moving toward the downside of his career. Harang is not tradeable until he proves he can pitch. He was awful in 2008. He could be injured or he has become easy to hit. No team will give anything for him until they see him return to top form. If he was still good I would trade him for prospects. Brandon Phillips could play SS. I bet he moves there in 2010 after the Gonzalez contract or in Spring of 2009 if Gonzalez can’t play. Phillips might be the best guy to trade for prospects. He would get something in return. I agree with the comments on free agents. The Reds can’t afford the top guys. They have to overpay for the middle guys to come to a losing team and this type of player won’t help in any case. This type tends to be a better fit as role player on top teams where they go for less money and a chance for a World Series ring. Reds and the other small market teams compete for the 3rd tier free agent. These players sometimes help…Hairston, Weathers, Affeldt, Hatteburg, Gonzalez, Valentin, Fogg…but most often they just fill out the roster. Being in a small market and losing is not fun.By Y-City Jim
November 24, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Furcal’s agent is stating that there is a “surprise team” in the mix for SS Rafael Furcal. Could Dusty’s charm being luring him to Cincinnati?By AP-FLORIDA
November 24, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
any truth to the rumor that rusty is a bengals special asst coach??????By Mike-Dayton
November 23, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Free agents signing with the Reds because Dusty is here??? Why? What possible motive would any player have to come to Cincinnati to play for Dusty other than he knows he won’t be worked very hard. Two reasons free-agents sign: 1. For money - which the Reds won’t spend … 2. To win - which the Reds have not done in years. They might get a few over the hill type players (like Eric Milton) but with the Reds’ reputation as losers and the Reds’ being cheap, they will never sign a tier one or tier two free agent. And they will overspend on the tier three players … the Reds can’t convince the fans to wait three more years for a .500 team and they don’t have the manager or the plan in place to win anytime soon. They might be able to trade for some players but eventually Walt will have to fire Dusty as he has been wrong for this team since Day 1 and then we get to start all over again.By Y-City Jim
November 21, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I tend to agree, bobs plus I think Jocketty might steer clear of free agents that will cost the organization draft picks. If Jocketty is a smart man, he sees that this team is making progress due to good draft picks.By bobs
November 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Y-City, no action on free agents until the Top Tier signs, establishing a price for the second tier, which will then set the price for the third tier…which is where we shop for blue light specials.By Y-City Jim
November 21, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Beautiful story about Reds ownership doing a wonderful thing - http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/oh/story/sports/pro/reds/2008/11/20/ddn112008spaudible.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=35By Y-City Jim
November 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Where are all the free agents that were suppose to flock to Cincinnati since Dusty Baker is here?By Wizard
November 20, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Sorry Brar—how could I forget THE MAN? Always, and forever…By BrarHopper
November 20, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
Awww, now heck Wizard … I’ve always agreed with you on BP at SS, his natural and preferred position, and also that Affeldt shoulda got a shot as a LHSP. Where’s the love? Here it is! We been missin’ us some Wiz!By Wizard
November 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Indeed, it was the Wizard who suggested throughout all of last season, that Affeldt should be a starter—none were heard to agree at that time. His stuff was as good as,anyone on the staff. His biggest problem was control/accuracy. None agreed, either, that BP should be at shortstop…It is STILL insanity, in my opinion, to spend money, or expensively, work a trade for a SS—when we already have a player who says it is his favorite position. If Brandon were to move, any of three, or four players, including Hairston, could move to second, as a regular next year—second being the less important position of the two!BP has better range and arm{especially for relay throws} than any Reds infielder. A fielder with his capabilities {gold glove at second}should not be bothered by this move—considering the afore mentioned abilities/and would help his team get better! Why make it difficult, when all management has to do is talk to Brandon about making the move, so as to solve the problem? This all based, of course, on Gonzales not being able to, sufficiently, fill the spot at Short, in the spring.By Y-City Jim
November 19, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
The free agent market is crazy right now especially after the Yankees insane offer to Sabathia that may become even more insane. It appears the Red Sox and Dodgers may be joining the insanity soon. Jocketty needs to remain calm and not make any rash moves. There is no one player out there that is going to make the Reds a contender next season.By dave
November 19, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
I wish that the Reds would do something and fast.I am getting tired of them not re-acting.What about Jack Wilson or Joe Crede one by trade one by free agency.By MAC
November 19, 2008 5:37 AM | Link to this
Agree; Affeldt should have been given more of a shot to start; the Reds need a SLHP IMO. Props to Bobs: the Reds will have to trade talent to get talent! No way I move Cueto or Volquez, but Bronson and or Harang for a rising position player…I’d consider it very strongly! Harang has had two yrs of forearm problems now which comes from over throwing his out pitch = slider. Does anyone remember how he pitched coming back from his injury this past season when he wasn’t throwing his slider? As for BA, look at his history. Both R little more than 500 pitchers, they eat up a lot of salary and this team is not ready to win now…so what’s the point in keeping both of them around if U can acquire a good young position player w/ 1 of them? It seems as though everyone wants to keep sitting on the fence in fear of another Hamilton type move? If the Reds are going to go young (and it looks like they R sitting & hoping for the best again in 09) then lets go young and hope they all gel together. Keeping Harang, Arroyo and Coco on a team that’s not ready to win and is lacking quality position talent seems like a waste of money to me?By Y-City Jim
November 18, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Maybe Affeldt sees more of an opportunity in SF. Maybe he feels the Reds never gave him a legit shot to be in the rotation. The draft pick is worth it. In fact, the Reds need to select carefully when dipping in the free agent market since any signing will cost them some type of compensation. That’s okay if it is a good pick.By mike cahill
November 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Here’s the deal: You put the same product on the field and manage to make the post season and I’m an idiot and you’re a genius. Otherwise, I’ll not visit your pretend ballpark again until you spend the money to get some players.By bobs
November 18, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Did I read ESPN’s keith law right when he said the Reds would get a sandwich pick between 1st and 2nd since Affeldt signed elsewhere? I’ll take that.By REDS ARE NOT GOOD
November 18, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Its simple. Who cares!! The Reds are no good.By Mike-Cinci
November 18, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Affeldt got $3 million from the Reds in 2008. The Giants are giving him $8 million for 2 years. That is a lot of money for a guy who was a situational lefty for the Reds. The Giants have more money due to higher attendance and a bigger and more affluent market. This gives them more resources than the Reds and they can pay more. Small markets find it hard to compete on $. Life in San Francisco for a ball player is not bad either. SF drew 2.9 million fans and played to 85% of capacity in 2008. The Reds drew 2 million and played to 60% of capacity. The Reds won 74 games. The Giants won 72 games.By Joe
November 18, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Mark - it does make one wonder if the Reds are discarding expensive talent that is not that talented … or that the Reds are viewed as a pitcher’s nightmare … or a horrible organization … Affeldt did get a two year deal for 3 and 4 million and a million dollar signing bonus. Perhaps the Reds were talking one year onlyBy brarhoppersCousin
November 18, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
They are probably bored, now that Matt is no longer ruining the blog.By Mark in Sun Valley
November 18, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Affeldt’s quick signing with SF for a minimal raise and Weathers declaration he will not give the Reds a discount anymore and look elsewhere seems to indicate there are players who do not want to play in Cincinnati right now. Whether they are being low-balled on salary, or have no confidence in the club or it’s leadership is anybody’s guess.By Joe
November 18, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Y-City - you know when the defining moment for Dusty was last year? It was when Patterson was in an 0-23 slump batting leadoff and a reporter asked him why Patterson was still batting leadoff when he was 0-23 and Dusty said “Really? 0-23? He’s been hitting the ball hard.” That’s Dusty for you … not too detailed or curious with things like getting on base or scoring runs … you know Walt has to be going nuts with Dusty after having the genius LaRussa in St. Louis all those years.By BrarHopper
November 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Joe are you really Matt? Your shrunken skull must make that itty bitty brain of yours hurt enough to be nasty. Shame on you, punk! And how funny that you think you are so important! LMFAO at your infant weeny.By Joe
November 17, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
BrarHopper - yes you missed something like K-12 but that’s a different subject. Dusty entered the conversation when Y-City and I decided to post out thoughts on him. The four years in 8th grade didn’t help you much did it?By HuberTucky
November 17, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Okay, Affeldt is gone…signed a 2-year deal with the Giants. He was one of the few Reds free agents I’d like to have seen return (PLUS Hairston & maybe Valentin). And possibly Limcoln and Weathers depending on what’s out there. Looks like it’s gonna be slim pickins this off season. I still say Reds of 2009 will be Reds of 2008 + 10%. Maybe a 3rd place finish? BTW, would hate to see Cueto go…he has such potential and he was down right good this year. Just needs a few tweaks, but not from the Dick Pole.By Mike-Cinci
November 17, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
bobs, I respect your opinion that supports trading Cueto for a proven everyday player. The reason I would keep Cueto is he will be inexpensive for the next 2 years and reasonable in his arbitration years(4 through 6). Also pitching is so hard to get that giving up what seems to be a good young arm would be a huge mistake. I believe it is easier to find an everyday position player than good pitching. That said, I know there is no guarantee that Cueto will turn into a #1 or #2 starter but I would take a chance on it. You are right about Homer Bailey. He was once the “next coming” but it seems other teams won’t give the Reds a cup of coffee for him. He may just need more seasoning or sadly he may be a bust. On a different note Affeldt will be a loss for the bullpen but I sense he was determined to leave.By bobs
November 17, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
While I am with you Mike-Cincy in regards to not trading young pitchers, to get talent, you will have to trade talent. Homer was deemed untouchable a year ago, now, he is not wanted. While you never want to trade away the next Rocket, Maddox, etc…the Reds will have to take a gamble on trading somebody. We will not be signing any good free agents, so anyone that we bring in will have to come through a trade. If Cueto brings us a legit everyday player, I would take the chance.By Mike-Cinci
November 17, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
One player, even a good player like Holliday, won’t make the Reds a winner. Trading good young pitching is the worst mistake any baseball organization can make. Teams win with a balance of pitching, defense, speed, and hitting. The most important is pitching. You can’t have too much of it. MAC pointed out the places where the Reds have question marks..catching, SS, LF, CF, middle relief, maybe starting pitching. Getting Holliday would help the Reds no more than Griffey Jr. did. Holliday might be the answer if the Reds were only one player away but they need more than one more hitter. Giving up their rare young talent for that hitter would be worse and the Reds would be regretting it for years to come.By BrarHopper
November 16, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Y-City and Joe…did I miss something? When did Dusty enter the conversation? BTW, thank gawd Dusty ISN’T the GM, he’d be gining Corey and bako 3-year contract at about $15 mil each.By Joe
November 16, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Y-City, Walt can’t fire him but since Dusty needs this job more a lot than the Reds’ need him, then Walt should be ale to tell him exactly what to do. Will he? I hope so.By Y-City Jim
November 16, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Dusty isn’t the GM of this team and I would love to see Jocketty make that clear to him ASAP.By Joe
November 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
MAC - I believe most people would disagree with you that Arroya and Harang nothing in the tank. Arroya was 15-11 in 2008 for a team that was 14 games under .500 Harang had a down year and had forearm issues but he was dominant for the three years prior. He will be back in 2009. Couple them with Cuerto and Volquez and find a fifth with the Griffey/Dunn savings and the five is set. Aktins is wrong for this team. So is Manny . So is Mulder. Y City Jim - Dusty is not a fan of onbase% - which is remarkable actually - so there will be no signings of anyone that Dusty can’t figure out is good by looking at his baseball card.By MAC
November 16, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
I’d agree w/ much of what Y City and Mike Cinci have said, but I think U also have to consider that Harang and Arroyo don’t appear to have much left in the tank and that Thompson, Bailey and the other AAA pitchers appear to be more than a yr or two away IMO…it puts the Reds in a delimma of sorts…wait too long to make a serious move at contending and there’s a real chance Harang & Arroyo won’t be able to help any longer. Cincy wants to improve the Def and R looking at other 3b prospects, but EE appears to be the big RH bat the organization is looking for when he’s hot; could he move to 1st, Votto to LF and Kepp or someone else @ 3rd? Do Harriston and Dickerson platoon in CF? There just seems to be a lot of oblong pieces the Reds keep trying to fit into round holes? At some pt IMO, the organization has to have some more true blue position players @ CF, LF, C, SS and perhaps an upgrade even at 1st and or 3rd; I don’t think they are currently within the organization and doing nothing this off season to change that doesn’t seem to make sense either? If they’re going to continue to wait on the young guys to gel as a group, I would think Harang or Arroyo and or Coco and or one or two of the young pitchers MIGHT bring at least ONE position player the team is in need of?By Y-City Jim
November 15, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Holliday cannot fix what is wrong with this team’s offense. Management must focus on a roster that relies on OBP. Couple that with pitching and improved defense and this team becomes the next Tampa Bay. It will take more than one season for that to occur.By im3rd
November 15, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
If Reds could have traded Cueto for Matt Holliday and signed Holliday long term, they should have. Cueto is very good, but with his physical stature, I’m afraid he’ll develope arm problems quite soon. Remember rookie of the year Scott Williamson? Holliday was the longtime PERFECT fit to the Reds. Mr. Castellini, if you won’t go after the good ones, please sell the team to someone who will. I am incredibly tired of losing because for whatever reason, ownership will not do what has to be done.By Mike-Cinci
November 15, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
MAC, I don’t disagree with your recent comment. The Reds can improve through a good trade or free agent pickup. I only hope they do it with an eye on being better over the long term. Getting a veteran that fills a need is OK but it is not good if it costs too much that it prevents them from doing something else or keeps a young player on the bench. I wish this team was only a key player or two away from contention but it is not. I hope Jocketty can make a couple of smart moves and make the team better in 2009. I’d love to get a young catcher who could start for the next 5-10 years. Add a CF, SS, a 5th starter, and some good middle relief and we may have something. Unfortunately it took a lot of dumb moves to put the Reds where they are and it will take a lot of smart moves to get things fixed.By HuberTucky
November 15, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this
I’m remaining hopeful, however, the names I’ve heard so far (from Colorado) do not instill much reason for hope. But, Walt is a sharp guy and the off season is long, so I’m gonna hang on. Otherwise, I see maybe 10% improvement over 2008.By MAC
November 15, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
I think any baseball fan knows it’s not the amount of $ that really makes a team good or bad, IF U have a core group of young players that aren’t making that much $$ that is…like Tampa for instance. Unfortuanately, the Reds don’t have the same level of talent that the better teams do and simply resigning a bunch of guys from last year’s team isn’t likely to make the team much better IMO. Sure, they all could have career years, but it isn’t likely. In fact, it’s much more likely for our young guys to struggle IMO. I don’t expect Cincy to go on a spending spree, but one would think they would add at least ONE quality veteran (SS, C, CF, LF, SP) to give Reds fans at least a small glimmer of hope?By donb51
November 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I wonder if there is any money left after the pay raises and after Jockety brings in his buddies in the front office. The decade is almost over and for every step we take forward, it seems we take two back. Get us a great right handed hitter and a good hitting catcher, NOW! Or the recession/depression won’t keep us away, but the rebellion will!By bobs
November 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Not sure why the angst against Weathers. He pitched pretty well this year. I like him as our 7th innning guy. While I would love a new third baseman, not sure Atkins is the guy, away numbers are bad. Non-hitting/non getting on base center-fielder, no interest there either and a catcher that stopped hitting, no interest there either. Not sure why we would trade anyone for these guys when we already have similar people here. Maybe Joe Crede from the White Sox, as long as we have someone like Kepp or Freel to be able to play if/when he back acts up.By Mike-Cinci
November 14, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
It is not the money. The Reds spent $113 million on Junior; $13 million per year on Dunn; $25 million for 3 years of Milton; $44 million for 4 years of Cordero; $14 million for 3 years of Gonzalez; $20 million for 2 more years of Arroyo; $30 million for 3 more years of Harang; $20 million for 3 more years of Phillips; $3.5 million for Freel in 2008. Money can buy a lot of stiffs. Build the farm system. Spend wisely. Cincinnati is a small market. The Reds will succeed by being smarter about signing and developing players. They can’t outspend the big markets.By null
November 14, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Move Phillips to short. Move Dusty to Ueker’s seat.By Jim (not that Jim)
November 14, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
They should sign Mercker as a minor league pitching coach of some sort.By ShockMonkey
November 14, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this
The Reds spend enough bank so I don’t think that’s the issue. Your mis-guided to think we need to spend more to field a better team. Ask the Yankees! Look at the payrolls for the Fish, Rays, Twins and usually, the A’s. Jocketty will mold this team through trades and minor FA signings. Not worried about quality of players next season but another year of Dusty’s crass lineups makes me nervous.By HuberTucky
November 14, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Shhhhhhhh…everybody listen real close it’s… that… old… familiar … sound… the Reds are rebuilding…again…still…well, there’s always 2010. MAC, I hear ya and I’m afraid yer right.By MAC
November 13, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
The economy may not, but Reds management is an entire different story. They (management) don’t seem interested in spending ENOUGH money to make much of a difference IMO. Frankly, it seems like more of the same in 2009 if you ask me?By Michael in Monterey, CA
November 13, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Jocketty wants to bring back Weathers?! Nooooooooo!!