Reds Tidbits (2008 season)

[CookyPuss]

Originally Posted by Jaxbuck

I know one thing I'd like to see them do to get a little better, trun Freel into something other than a sunk cost.

Hopper and Keppinger make Freel redundant, older and expensive. I don't know how they could or what they could get back but they could still use plenty of help.

Especially a RH bat and or a true leadoff hitter. Still a lot of work to do before April Wayne.

I couldn't agree more, unfortunately I'm betting they have Freel penciled in as the starting CF this year. He'll do his best Bump Bailey impression and end up on the DL sooner rather than later and that will be that. Maybe we get to see Bruce by July. I would be okay with Kepp playing SS if they could somehow move AGon as a salary dump. With the Hamilton trade, it looks like they are committed to Dunn. Might as well ink him to a LT deal. Hopefully, Griff's band aids and duct tape hold up long enough for him to make a serious run at 700 HR and 3K hits. The Cubbies are still the team to beat in the division but at least the Reds should be able to make some noise with a little luck.

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by MuckFich06

I couldn't agree more, unfortunately I'm betting they have Freel penciled in as the starting CF this year. He'll do his best Bump Bailey impression and end up on the DL sooner rather than later and that will be that. Maybe we get to see Bruce by July. I would be okay with Kepp playing SS if they could somehow move AGon as a salary dump. With the Hamilton trade, it looks like they are committed to Dunn. Might as well ink him to a LT deal. Hopefully, Griff's band aids and duct tape hold up long enough for him to make a serious run at 700 HR and 3K hits. The Cubbies are still the team to beat in the division but at least the Reds should be able to make some noise with a little luck.

With Dusty at the helm I think Hopper and Freel are both going to have to go all Bump Baily on us to get Bruce into CF to start the year.

All in all the new moves are nice but as far as on the field 2008, this is still a .500 team at best. SP is still a crapshoot after Harang and Arroyo and Arroyo isn't all that. The pen is still a mess even with a closer. The lineup is still very susceptible to LH pitching and from where I stand the defense(especially OF) still sucks.

The big advantage is we are still in the NL Central.

[coastalbuck]

The big advantage is we are still in the NL Central

Very important point, that and it's three months until April!

[DaytonBuck]

What are the odds that the Reds resign Dunn?

[Jt4prez]

IMO,very likely. Dunn gives you 40 HR and 100 RBI a season as well as 100 BB.
He is a force in our lineup and if not resigned our offensive production will severely decline. We have to sign him to a LTC if we have any chance at competing in 09 or beyond. Guys like Dunn don't grow on trees.

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by DaytonBuck

What are the odds that the Reds resign Dunn?

well lets see

a) its a good idea
b) its the Reds

I'd say less than 50%.

[BuckeyeMike80]

Originally Posted by Jt4prez

IMO,very likely. Dunn gives you 40 HR and 100 RBI a season as well as 100 BB.
He is a force in our lineup and if not resigned our offensive production will severely decline. We have to sign him to a LTC if we have any chance at competing in 09 or beyond. Guys like Dunn don't grow on trees.

He clogs up the bases, so it won't happen....

(and if you don't know what I mean, you soon will)

[Jt4prez]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

He clogs up the bases, so it won't happen....

(and if you don't know what I mean, you soon will)

I have absolutely no clue what you mean? A high OBP? He is a horrible base runner?

[BuckeyeMike80]

Originally Posted by Jt4prez

I have absolutely no clue what you mean? A high OBP? He is a horrible base runner?

It is (or was) part of Dusty Baker's philosophy to not have guys who "clog up the base paths" on this team......

essentially meaning no slow guys.....

As for re-signing Dunn, I'd do it, but I also would want him at first base, where he really doesn't seem to want to play.

[Jt4prez]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

It is (or was) part of Dusty Baker's philosophy to not have guys who "clog up the base paths" on this team......

essentially meaning no slow guys.....

As for re-signing Dunn, I'd do it, but I also would want him at first base, where he really doesn't seem to want to play.

If that is or was his philosophy it doesnt make sense. Every team has players who are slow, especially power hitters. It is part of the game and something that you deal with. I would imagine Baker liked speed at the top of his lineup, rather than in the 3-4-5 spots. Dunn while not slow(think Casey) is below average when it comes to speed on the base paths, however more crippling than his lack of speed is his base running ability. His instincts stink and he doesnt know situations well.

You re-sign Dunn no matter what position he is playing at. I remember either last year or 2 yrs ago Dunn was tried at 1B in Spring Training and it didnt work out well. Contrary to popular belief, first base is not an easy position to play. While it might not seem like it, Dunn is a better LF than 1B(and we all know how horrible he is in LF).

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

He clogs up the bases, so it won't happen....

(and if you don't know what I mean, you soon will)

Oh you dirty bastard.

Here I am trying to change my spots and be all positive about the Reds 'n [censored] and you go and remind me the new manager thinks walks are bad and just clog up the bases.

[schwab]

The Official Site of The Cincinnati Reds: News: Cincinnati Reds News

01/02/2008 4:28 PM ET
Reds announce key spring dates
Pitchers, catchers report to Sarasota, Fla., on Feb. 16
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Reds fans eagerly waiting for the 2008 season now have some dates to circle on their calendars.
Pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., on Feb. 16. Position players are scheduled to report on Feb. 19.
Two-game ticket packages for Reds Grapefruit League games go on sale via reds.com and other outlets on Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. ET. Single-game tickets are available for sale the following week on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. A 34-game Reds exhibition schedule opens on Feb. 27, and includes 17 games at Ed Smith Stadium.

Cont...

[schwab]

The Official Site of The Cincinnati Reds: News: Cincinnati Reds News

01/02/2008 12:47 PM ET
Mailbag: Examining Hamilton trade
Beat reporter Mark Sheldon answers Reds fans' questions
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

It's been a while since the Josh Hamilton-Edinson Volquez trade went down, but it happened right before a break for the holidays. Since so many e-mails poured in about it, we'll tackle it now. Better late than never.
Here's a sampling of the reader response: Do you like the Hamilton for Volquez trade? Do you think they could have gotten a little more out of this?
-- Alex P., Binghamton, N.Y.

Cont...

[schwab]

The Official Site of The Cincinnati Reds: News: Cincinnati Reds News

01/01/2008 10:00 AM ET
Reds head to 2008 with clear intentions
Sights set on winning season with new manager at helm
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI --- Tired of always waiting until next year, the Reds have made every indication they expect to contend in 2008.
Coming off a 72-90 record for their seventh straight losing season, the club didn't hesitate in signaling its intentions this fall.
First, Cincinnati bucked a longtime trend of hiring managers from within the organization. Owner/CEO Bob Castellini and general manager Wayne Krivsky instead chose a proven big name by picking Dusty Baker on Oct. 14. Take Baker's penchant for taking teams from pretender to contender in his first season and combine it with the weaker National League Central Division, and the Reds could have reason to be optimistic.

Cont...

[schwab]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

It is (or was) part of Dusty Baker's philosophy to not have guys who "clog up the base paths" on this team......

essentially meaning no slow guys.....

Originally Posted by Jaxbuck

Oh you dirty bastard.

Here I am trying to change my spots and be all positive about the Reds 'n [censored] and you go and remind me the new manager thinks walks are bad and just clog up the bases.

Talkin' bout this feller?