1/14/2013 5:59:46 PM #

I hope to see a lot of Billy Hamilton in AZ.  The game in Scottsdale (for which I still don't have tix) is a split-squad game, so I'm guessing he'll play in that one.

DocProc | Reply

1/14/2013 6:04:50 PM #

The Reds just signed Cesar Izturis.

He seems like the perfect backup infielder... and the perfect guy to gain our ire on a random Thursday afternoon when he's in the lineup and 2 hole instead of Cozart.

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/14/2013 8:08:09 PM #

Ah, you guys and gals getting rived up for Arizona, I see.

Good to hear.

Just checking in.

.genewv | Reply

1/14/2013 10:13:56 PM #

Izturis is just what the doctor ordered. He is a true SS that can fill in over an extended period if anything goes wrong. He fills the Valdez role and Hanahan fills the Cairo role.

Now Frazier will have the Rolen role so who gets the Frazier role?

Champ Summers | Reply

1/14/2013 10:27:29 PM #

I guess no one gets the Frazier role. If they carry Hanahan, Izturis, Mes, XP, and HZ thats about all the reserves one could handle.

If the rumors are true and we treat Chapman like Medlen so we have Chapman in October then the bullpen will be the most interesting part of ST along with Choo's D in CF.

I count 7 spots with 9 leading candidates. I think it was brought up on the last thread somewhere. Hoover, Lecure, Chapman(in whatever role), Marshall and Broxton are locks. Massett may not be ready so he is a question. If thats true then Simon, Arredondo and Ondrusek fight it out for the last 2 spots. They make it sound like Arredondo is the RH LH specialist so if Chapman ends up in the rotation in April the Jose would hold an advantage.

Good stuff. The juices are flowing.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/14/2013 10:31:28 PM #

Great Reds facebook post. Oliver posts and some ex reds pop up in the comments field.

Joe Oliver
The commercial from Volkswagon with Father and son playing catch is hilarious!

Lisa Johnson Shuck Love it but maybe he needs one of your camps. Lol
49 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Brian Hoff I almost peed my pants when I saw it JOE.....its so funny
48 minutes ago · Like
Lavon Grizzle My husband just pointed that commercial out to me today.
46 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Glenn Braggs Dude I couldn't stop laughing... You're right hilarious... I am going to post on my timeline...
45 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Carolyn Deeb I just saw it.....very funny!
42 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Amanda Ingram Brennaman Agree. They have some of the best commercials. So funny!
42 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Ricky Mags Magdaleno That's not how you throw...lol
41 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Herman Winningham And I wonder why my kids cant throw
33 minutes ago · Like

Champ Summers | Reply

1/14/2013 10:40:23 PM #

Non roster guys are not too exciting besides the obvious.

Hamilton will likely be reassigned by the time I get there but there is a good chance we'll see him out there late in a game. A couple of the pitchers throw gas and LaMarre is a decent prospect...HZ like with less power but more contact.

The 40 man has some fun guys to watch though. Lutz, Soto, HROD and Yorman will be interesting...dont expect Yorman to be around long.

As for pitchers seeing Corcino, Cingrani, Lotzkar and Contreras should be interesting.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/15/2013 12:49:21 PM #

Good breakdown. Forgot about Donald. I guess it's a battle between Donald and iZturis

Champ Summers | Reply

1/15/2013 2:43:46 PM #

Been thinking about this Hall of Fame stuff, and something hit me: we will never, EVER again trust a Major League player.

Take for example, the career of someone I'll call 'Pitcher A.' This is, roughly, the career arc of that pitcher:

- He broke in at 19, and up through his age 24 season, he was a less than league average pitcher.

- Suddenly, at the age of 25, he hit his prime and became one of the dominant pitchers of his era up through the age of 30. Then, during his age 31 season, he did what everyone does when they age - he leveled off, suddenly pitching like a shell of himself and beginning his decline phase. For the next three seasons, he's good, but not great.

- But wait - at age 34, Pitcher A has suddenly not just returned to form - he's better than ever, leading the league in ERA, H/9, and HR/9. For the next three years, he's dominant, until his age 38 season, where he's the guy he appeared to be in his early 30s. Done, right? Right.

- Pitcher A's most dominant season was at the age of 40 - on the heels of two of his most pedestrian. He set a career high in K/9, of course leading the league, and for the next five years, he'd lead the league in that category. He was the best strikeout pitcher in baseball - at 44! He'd pitch for two more years before finally retiring.

Pitcher A is, of course, Nolan Ryan - a player that has NEVER been linked to any type of PEDs. And yet, his career course looks just like a juicer; his early and late 30s both looked like the end, but they weren't. Somehow, he pulled out his finest career work after people wrote him off twice. How? He was a freak of nature, an all-time great in the game of baseball.

Today, though, Nolan Ryan would be assumed to have cheated. He would be guilty by the fact that he was great. Period, end of discussion.

That's the worst part about baseball today. We can't believe anything we see that's great - any greatness is suspicious. And if you can't enjoy greatness in baseball without questioning it, what's the point of watching anymore? No one goes to the ballpark and says, 'I want to see an ordinary, forgettable performance by average Major League players tonight.'

I don't know what the point of this rant really is. All I know is that it sucks because we've lost what makes sports so much fun to watch - the joy of seeing otherworldly performances. The HOF voting has proven once and for all that since the mid-90s, nothing we see on a baseball field is truly great or meaningful, and anything we think is worth remembering is, instead, ignored and swept under the rug - whether or not there's proof that PEDs were involved.

I guess my point is this: God help the next Nolan Ryan.

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/15/2013 4:17:57 PM #

I hope you're right, Otter, about the handwringing being limited to the steroid era. I really do.

Because while the HOF is typically choosy, they've never been choosy when it comes to a 3,000 hit player (Biggio), or the best hitter at a given position (Piazza) or players recognized as being the top five at their position all time (Bagwell).Those three, specifically, have all been painted with a broad brush of 'Steroid Era' players, and their biggest crimes seem to be 'they were good in an era when people cheated.'

(note: Bagwell is a bit different than the other two, given the fact that, by his own admission, he wanted to turn his body into that of a bodybuilder, and used all sorts of drugs that were technically legal, but probably not altogether different than those who weren't.)

My point is this: if baseball's narrative is that the best players all retired no less than 20 years ago, then why watch baseball now?

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/15/2013 4:22:25 PM #

By the way, Otter, I just looked up the Poz articles you mentioned, and holy crap. It took nine years on the ballot for Hank Greenburg to get into the HOF!? And Jimmie Foxx seven!?

Maybe the takeaway here is that we never should have been paying attention to HOF voting in the first place.

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/15/2013 4:32:21 PM #

Speaking of those articles that Otter talked about, they alerted me to this existing:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/ratings.cgi

I'm always down for a listing of players to argue about. And I LOVE one that ranks Scott Rolen as the 81st best position player ever, even if he IS ahead of Barry Larkin.

Here's hoping he can get some support down the road one day!

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/15/2013 5:44:26 PM #

This is pretty awesome.

sports.yahoo.com/.../...s-reds-164400688--mlb.html

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/15/2013 5:45:36 PM #

This is very cool of them:

dallaslatos.mlblogs.com/.../

DocProc | Reply

1/15/2013 10:03:42 PM #

The Soriano signing is a big one for the Nats. If they have the lead in the 7th their opponent is screwed.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/15/2013 10:26:23 PM #

Champ,

Yep. They tied us for the best record in baseball, upgraded Michael Morse with Denard Span (which is more than simply the two-three WAR bump, because, they, like us, played last year without a decent lead off guy) added a potential ace in Dan Haren, and now have given themselves the best bullpen in the NL.

We could win 100+ games next year and very easily lose out on the top seed in the playoffs. The Nats are that loaded.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/16/2013 1:25:30 AM #

Not touching the HOF discussion. My feelings are way out beyond the Left Field played by Barry Bonds. Love the Cesar Izturis signing. Stops my hand wringing. Problem is, now I'm right back to hoping Dusty will be responsible enough to handle the lineup card. At least, if he doesn't, it will make for lively debate here. Ryan being a chem lab experiment is not beyond the realm of possibility. Not likely, but not out of the question. One thing is for sure. The case on 'roids is not closed. It is a book just beginning to be opened. Stay tuned for more details.

Dawginnaples | Reply

1/16/2013 9:30:53 AM #

I think Walt and Bob have basically Dusty proofed the lineup.  The bench is actually really good now.  There is not a Stubbs to fool with at the top of the lineup.  Choo won't bat anywhere but first, and the only guy who he would insert in the top 3rd who shouldn't be there is Cozart, and he'll probably improve over last year.  There's no one as bad as Stubbs to completely screw this lineup over.

btalbert25 | Reply

1/16/2013 4:26:35 PM #

Anyone want to make any predictions about Spring Training before it gets started?

RedFaced | Reply

1/16/2013 5:26:13 PM #

Hey gang, great so see all the enthusiasm within the RO family.

Ash, really good stuff above on how the steroid era has changed the game, games, forever. Its like all the users stole something from the fans as well--something that will never be totally recovered. Nice comments by the rest of the gang on their takes as well.

Spring does bring excitement, especially when the prior season was so good, and improvements seem to have been achieved by the front office.

On cheating being cheating. I have a different thought process than some.

First, I am totally, totally on board with the steroid thoughts of most. Those guys will always be cheaters to me. Does not mean i hate them all as people ( though, some, like Bonds and Clemens, with their attitudes to go with it, I do borderline hate)-- but, I do in baseball terms.

Now, as to "cheating being cheating." I have always separated anything you can do within the game itself-- as in the 9 innings of play, 4 quarters of play, etc. to gain advantage, as being somewhat different than things you do outside the game itself to cheat.

For example, if you scuff the ball, steal signals via eyesight, fake being hit by a pitch, steal the ball from a player under the pile on a fumble, fake contact in basketball when there is none to get a charge, etc., more power to you. All of these are done in plain sight--kind of--within the game being played. Yet, all are less than honest. However, maybe not outside the realm of competition?.



Now, if you cork your bat, place a camera in the wall of a baseball wall to steal signals, shoot up on steroids, and other things you can do away from the game itself, with no one watching, being present, that is a much higher degree of cheating in my book.

Splitting hairs, I know. Still, somehow, I see a difference. maybe Father Time has just passed me by?

Anyway, good to see the excitement on the board.

.genewv | Reply

1/17/2013 10:40:57 AM #

Reds ‏@Reds

@DatDudeBP named to Team USA's @WBCBaseball provisional roster.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/17/2013 10:49:59 AM #

Jeremy Affeldt – San Francisco Giants – LHP
J.P. Arencibia – Toronto Blue Jays – C
Heath Bell – Arizona Diamondbacks – RHP
Willie Bloomquist – Arizona Diamondbacks – UTL
Mitchell Boggs – St. Louis Cardinals – RHP
Ryan Braun – Milwaukee Brewers – OF
Steve Cishek – Miami Marlins – RHP
Tim Collins – Kansas City Royals – LHP
R.A. Dickey – Toronto Blue Jays – RHP
Luke Gregerson – San Diego Padres – RHP
Derek Holland – Texas Rangers – LHP
Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles – OF
Craig Kimbrel – Atlanta Braves – RHP
Jonathan Lucroy – Milwaukee Brewers – C
Joe Mauer – Minnesota Twins – C
Kris Medlen – Atlanta Braves – RHP
Chris Perez – Cleveland Indians – RHP
Glen Perkins – Minnesota Twins – LHP
Vinnie Pestano – Cleveland Indians – RHP
Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds – IF
Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies – IF
Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins – OF
Mark Teixeira – New York Yankees – IF
Shane Victorino – Boston Red Sox – OF
Ryan Vogelsong – San Francisco Giants – RHP
David Wright – New York Mets – IF
Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays – UTL
Read more at www.sportstalkflorida.com/.../#vYBGxEiDAr50JjSj.99

Champ Summers | Reply

1/17/2013 7:28:26 PM #

Bob,

Just got back to my computer. Thanks.

Like I said, I do see a difference. Between the lines, outside the lines--that will be my and your rally cry.

.genewv | Reply

1/17/2013 9:55:07 PM #

Two-year deal for Ondrusek.  I'm a bit surprised--I thought he had fallen a bit out of favor.  www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...k-agree-to-deal.html

DocProc | Reply

1/18/2013 11:25:44 AM #

Doc,

Can't say that I am surprised. Relievers, especially younger ones that have not been in the league as long, tend to have good years, off years, jump up and down a little, often. As long as they have not lost their stuff, had major arm issues, you might as well take a bird in the hand. He has his stuff, is still young enough, and has had success. JMO.

Of course, I am being a little prejudiced here, as I have predicted Big O to be the comeback player of they year for the Reds this year--based mostly on what I said above. So, I might not be totally trustworthy!

.genewv | Reply

1/18/2013 3:13:58 PM #

Two things:

1.) Did the DR announce their entire roster for the WBC? If so, does that mean Cueto's not going? Because that would be beyond awesome.

2.) Does Ondrusek's 2 year contract mean that Arredondo/Simon won't make the ML roster next year? Assuming Masset's healthy, our bullpen seems to be overloaded:

Broxton
Marshall
Ondrusek
Masset
LeCure
Hoover
Arredondo
Simon
Leake/Chapman odd man out

That's nine guys, right? Which is what - two too many?

I would put Ondrusek, Arredondo and Simon all on equal footing myself - they all looked great at times and just horrendous at other times, and you never really knew what you'd get. Obviously, though, the Reds feel better about Ondrusek.

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/18/2013 3:22:16 PM #

Also this: the Reds out performed their expected win/loss record (given their runs scored and allowed) by a whopping 6 games last year. I don't think that was 'luck' or an accident; I think it's a byproduct of having the best bullpen in the league.

With Chapman in the rotation, that makes the bullpen decisions undoubtedly the most important Spring decisions. We'll need a great bullpen again to be as good as we were last year, and we can't afford to swing and miss on this.

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/18/2013 9:03:22 PM #

I had a college send me a letter of interest once--can't remember what college it was. I would imagine they have folded tent by now, or gone totally internet.

Just having some fun.

Amy,

It is great to have a child that someone is interested in because of academics. Takes after his mom, I bet?

Congrats.

.genewv | Reply

1/18/2013 10:13:16 PM #

I just hope to make it to the high school and college years.  The past few nights I've been up most of the night with my 5 day old beautiful new baby girl.  She's damn near perfect, except for the fact that sometime in the past 4.5 years I forgot how tough the first few weeks were.  I do have to say, though, that while there isn't much sleep, what sleep I do get is amazing.

I just wish the Reds were playing right now.  It would be so nice if there were a 10 day West Coast trip to watch right now.  I'd have it made.  I'm already over the NBA and I've only watched parts of 2 games that were on because that was the only thing worth watching that late.

bjsReds1 | Reply

1/18/2013 11:28:13 PM #

Doc - The NKU Lady Norse basketballers were on my flight home this afternoon. They play Florida Gulf Coast Univrsity tomorrow night. I'll miss the game. Going to the Sunshine Blues Festival in Boca. Not a real tall looking bunch but they got some lookers. ;)

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/19/2013 1:03:16 AM #

I realize that I'm late to the game, but my son received his acceptance letter from NKU today (yesterday?). For those of you who have been out of the area for a while, NKU is the most desirable local university. I don't know what exactly it is that they are doing, but it certainly is working.

SilentBob | Reply

1/19/2013 9:08:41 AM #

Doc, one of our local BB players got a scholarship to NKU about 12-14 years ago, but played only 1 year, I believe, before coming home. He had major "daddy pressure" to be more than he was, could be, finally quit BB completely rebelling--against said father. John West was his name.

Don't know if you were there then, or remember him?

Anyway, he is now a PA at the local doctor's office, so, looks like he made the right choice.

Has nothing to do with anything, it just passed through my head, so....

.genewv | Reply

1/19/2013 9:11:23 AM #

I see I continue to butcher the posts. It's tough to always get the -- in the right place.

Also, I just assumed you went to BB games, which may not be the case either.

Like I said, just rambling.

.genewv | Reply

1/19/2013 9:14:05 AM #

Amy,

My line about calculus was always "I can't even spell calculus."

Well, that would not get the point across so well on this site, as all know that is not the only thing I can't spell.

.genewv | Reply

1/19/2013 11:35:44 AM #

How terrible would it be to have been on the O's fantasy cruise where your hero dies? You save for years to go on the cruise with legends and then one doesn't make it back.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/19/2013 11:42:54 AM #

Corey Hart out 3 to 4 months with Votto like injury. They still have a potent offense but this will hurt. The lack of pitching will hurt too.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/19/2013 1:28:02 PM #

Calculus! The people who were always good in higher math said it was like doing a puzzle. I get that, but to me it was like doing a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle with a blindfold on and wearing mittens.

Soccerdad13 | Reply

1/20/2013 12:30:55 PM #

CALCULUS?  CALCULUS?  YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT CALCULUS?

(Read in the voice of "PLAYOFFS?  PLAYOFFS?"

DocProc | Reply

1/20/2013 12:48:34 PM #

Hard to argue with this assessment.  I think this is the team the Reds will have to beat for the next five years to get into the World Series.  www.cbssports.com/.../core-values-washington-nationals

DocProc | Reply

1/20/2013 10:38:50 PM #

Nfl playoffs get me through January but after that I can't take it. I start going to college baseball games to help pass the time

Champ Summers | Reply

1/21/2013 8:25:47 AM #

Doc, not surprised you do not remember John .

Heck, he could have bowed out before the end of the first year--obviously, we would not know down here. I was not close to the family--matter of fact, his dad hated me. We beat them 2 years in a row in the regional finals to advance to the state tourney, and he played at a school where I coached BB before I left the profession the first time (came back 8 years later.) Long story, just leave it there.

Anyway, he was a really good kid, heck of a PG as well. Size was a issue, so maybe he never saw the floor at NKU?

.genewv | Reply

1/21/2013 8:46:44 AM #

I missed out on most of the higher math discussion, so I will throw my math skills in the pot once more.

In high school I got a "B" in Algebra 1, allowing a friend, who I felt sorry for, to cheat off my work several times so that he could pass the class with a "D-."

Next year, we both moved on to Algebra 2. I realized early on I was in a world of trouble, had no clue what the heck the teacher was talking about. I dropped out of the class, as I was failing anyway, went to Underwater Basket Weaving, or some such class.

The guy I helped get through Algebra 1 went on to get a B+ by himself, later all 'A's" in the higher math classes. He became a Engineer in Fairmont, WV, now owns his own very successful business, which is Engineering related.

Now, my question has always been, did I save a Engineer, as I have often claimed, or, did I get taken for a ride?

Unfortunately, I think we all know the answer to that question.

I did get Geometry, for some reason, but never higher Algebra, and knew better than to even stick my head in the door of a Calculus class.

In college, I got by because a new professor,  a huge Notre Dame FB fan (just graduated), made the mistake of talking about them all the time. I knew Jimmy Smithberger, one of the team captains, All American, who was from Welch, WV. While I did not know him well, before I left that class the professor thought I was his best friend.He "gave me" a C. God Bless the Irish--for one year only.

Matter of fact, I think that might have been the year they tied with Michigan St. in the National Championship Game--10-10? Of course, there was no championship game per se, but that one matched up 1& 2 at the end of the year--bowl game or regular season, I don't remember. I think that was the Bubba Smith team? Now, I am rambling again.

Anyway, that is the complete story of my math history.

.genewv | Reply

1/21/2013 10:00:38 AM #

I love me some higher Math.  Missed my calling a bit I fear.  Sometimes when I actually get to program something I feel like I get to flex a little of the math skills but running a business doesn't give me too many opportunities for higher math these days.  

Had a scholarship offer from Purdue back in the day just because I listed them as one of my colleges on the ACT test.  I've always regretted not taking that one.  I was a bit too young, and didn't want to be that far from home.  Didn't have a lot of parental guidance on things back then and as a result often made the wrong decisions.  

The good that came from it all was that I took the knowledge I gained through my own mistakes and was able to give my little brother the guidance I never received.  He went on to earn his mechanical engineering degree and at the time was the first of 6 to graduate college.

Never underestimate the power and responsibility that each of us have as parents in regard to influencing and encouraging our children in their own success.  They need mentors, guidance, and encouragement and as parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and so forth it's up to us to make sure they get it.  

OK - when's baseball start?

RedFaced | Reply

1/21/2013 10:01:38 AM #

BJ - congrats on the new daughter, that's awesome news.  I pray for continued health and increasing sleep.

RedFaced | Reply

1/21/2013 1:35:58 PM #

Doc - and others for that matter -

Read that article on the Nats - said they were the only A+ rating handed out.  Found the same break-down for the Reds whom they gave an A.

www.cbssports.com/.../core-values-cincinnati-reds

RedFaced | Reply

1/21/2013 1:41:11 PM #

Reds arbitration numbers:

I have not seen these numbers posted by anyone else yet so I apologize if I'm repeating anything previously posted.

Homer Bailey, Reds: player $5.8 million, team $4.75 million

Shin-soo Choo, Reds: player $8 million, team $6.75 million

Chris Heisey, Reds: player $1.65 million, team $1.05 million

Mat Latos, Reds: player $4.7 million, team $4.15 million

Mike Leake, Reds: player $3.5 million, team $2.65 million

Alfredo Simon, Reds: player $1.05 million, team $750,000

Also in case you missed the details of the Ondrusek contract:

Ondrusek and the Reds have agreed to a 2 yr contract worth $2.35MM.  He gets $950,000 this year and $1.35 million in 2014.

All arb numbers and Big O's contract info taken from cbssports.com  

www.cbssports.com/.../headleys-103-million-is-tops-as-arbitration-numbers-are-exchanged

RedFaced | Reply

1/21/2013 6:35:48 PM #

Hey everybody, keep TLG in your prayers. He lost a friend today in a chain reaction crash today on I 275. She was the twin sister of one of his really good friends. He's pretty shook up. Its been a tough few months around the Soccer house.

Soccerdad13 | Reply

1/21/2013 7:45:38 PM #

Soccer,

My wife was telling me about a chain reaction crash in Ohio.

Never thought it might affect someone I know.

Prayers indeed going up.

PS: I sent you a little joke before I got on here, did not know. Sorry abut that.

.genewv | Reply

1/21/2013 9:14:07 PM #

A little joke is always welcome and needed more than ever. I told TLG I posted it on RO and he said he appreciates the prayers and thoughts. In typical TLG fashion he said about RO," It's kind of like I know them and are friends, but they're old."

Soccerdad13 | Reply

1/21/2013 10:08:45 PM #

2015 All-Star game in Cincy?!?!?!?!

news.cincinnati.com/.../Baseball-sources-All-Star-Game-coming-to-Cincinnati

RedFaced | Reply

1/21/2013 10:11:39 PM #

I wonder if season tix packages will give access to All-Star tix?

DocProc | Reply

1/21/2013 10:19:54 PM #

Soccer, sorry to hear about TLG losing a friend. Always tough, even tougher when you are as young as he is.  

RedFaced | Reply

1/22/2013 9:06:05 AM #

BJ - A belated congrats on your new daughter!

River Otter | Reply

1/22/2013 10:28:39 AM #

I like to hear about signings like these:

The Reds signed Dominican left-hander Jacob Constante for $730K, Ben Badler of Baseball America reports. The Reds watched Constante pitch in the International Prospect League All-Star Game last week, when he showed good life on a fastball that registered in the 92-94 mph range. Constante turns 19 in March and has a potentially above-average slider, according to Badler. The prospect's signing marks the biggest bonus for the Reds during the 2012-13 international signing period.
Read more at www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...jacob-constante.html

DocProc | Reply

1/22/2013 12:04:34 PM #

The Reds sign the former Tigers pitcher robbed of a no-hitter:  www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...mando-galarraga.html

Always good to have more pitching depth in Louisville.

River Otter | Reply

1/22/2013 12:46:08 PM #

Jayson Stark ‏@jaysonst

Scott Rolen still hasn't made a final decision but has told people that if he plays, his 1st choice is to return to #Reds

Champ Summers | Reply

1/22/2013 12:56:42 PM #

Doug Gray ‏@dougdirt24

If you have a free moment, I would appreciate your feedback in a poll/comments on the site - http://goo.gl/spRUj

Champ Summers | Reply

1/22/2013 3:20:49 PM #

Some good-ish stuff on Brandon Phillips, and trying to pigeonhole players.

www.fangraphs.com/.../

AshlandATeam | Reply

1/22/2013 4:23:56 PM #

Why did I think visiting Ohio in January would be a good idea?  I am flying into Dayton tomorrow for a few days to see my mom and it looks like it may be snowing. I hate driving in the dark when it's snowing (particularly on 2 lane roads), so I hope it holds off until later in the evening before it starts.

Mary | Reply

1/22/2013 4:58:27 PM #

I heard on the radio this morning that last night's temperature was the lowest here in 2 years.  It's hard to complain about the mild winter so far but the last few days have made me forget some of the warmer weather we've been having.  

RedFaced | Reply

1/22/2013 5:33:33 PM #

On the bright side, it was a wonderfully sunny day and my solar panels were busy making electricity.

DocProc | Reply

1/23/2013 12:15:24 AM #

Here's my take on the Rolen situation:  This has gone on too long for him to come in for the spring.  I honestly don't see him playing anywhere other than Cincinnati so I think it's the Reds or nothing.  Rolen has been too big a part of building this franchise back to where it is so I don't see Walt turning him away if he truly wants to play.  My personal opinion is that Rolen and Walt are totally on the same page here.  

Rolen lives close by. Spring Training is just more opportunity for him to get injured than anything.  

My prediction is that the two sides will hold off through most of the spring and maybe even into the season depending on how the roster plays out, injuries, and the season starts for guys like Frazier, Hannahan, etc.  When he's needed, the Reds will sign him, send him to Louisville for 10 days, and then bring him up.    Skip the cold.  Bring him in fresh for the dog days.

I just think Walt is up to something here.  This team doesn't need Rolen right now to win or make the playoffs on paper.  However, can the Reds really count on Hannahan, Donald, and the like to do much?  What if Frazier regresses or worse yet struggles defensively?  Rolen can still pick it at 3rd with anyone, despite the errors in the playoffs.  He still hit when it mattered last year with a good RISP avg.  If this team goes into a pennant race late in the season and then the playoffs, who would we all rather have as a late inning defensive replacement at 3rd, spot starter if needed, or pinch hitter in those crucial situations - Scott Rolen or Jack Hannahan?  Right now, no big deal.  Playoff time this is a no brainer, and you know Rolen doesn't want to end his career the way it ended in Oct.

Soc, prayers for TLG - been thinking about you all as I keep hearing about what happened on the news down here.

bjsReds1 | Reply

1/23/2013 12:18:44 AM #

One more thing, I want to see Rolen get a ring with the Reds.  Whether it's this season or 3 years from now, other than Dusty Baker, there's no other individual that has meant more to the rebirth of this team than Scott Rolen.  If it happens, he deserves to be a part of it.  

bjsReds1 | Reply

1/23/2013 8:04:44 AM #

Hey Brandon:

Yesterday, I was lauding you.

Today, please STFU.

cincinnati.com/.../?source=nletter-nletter-sports

DocProc | Reply

1/23/2013 8:51:53 AM #

How is what BP said any different from what Bronson Arroyo said?j

mary | Reply

1/23/2013 10:34:11 AM #

Some snide comments there about Choo playing CF also.  Gotta keep those negative comments to yourself.  Better off not even thinking them.  Be positive BP, Come on man.

RedFaced | Reply

1/23/2013 11:58:21 AM #

BP and BA certainly don't pull any punches.  I don't think he said anything that should create any problems with Choo and Chapman as teammates.  It would have been better if he didn't say anything, but that's BP.  You have to take the bad with the good.

River Otter | Reply

1/23/2013 1:00:44 PM #

Arroyo, LeCure, and Phillips have all said the same thing about Chapman. And you know what? It's pretty much exactly what we've said around here several times (personally, I agree with them).

I don't have a problem with any of them having an opinion. I hope it ends up wrong, but remember what Ludwick said about this clubhouse. I can't imagine anyone really cares about these guys expressing their viewpoints.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/23/2013 1:03:13 PM #

Also, there's nothing Brandon said about Choo that isn't true also. He's a great player who hasn't played center - hopefully it works out.

This whole thing just seems like nothing.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/23/2013 1:32:09 PM #

Hi everyone!

Hope the offseason has been good for all! I know it's been good for BJS. Congrats on the daughter! Sorry I've been so absent. I need to get back on top of the Reds news though. I'm also hoping to make it to Spring Training this year, but I can't plan it yet due to some possible other things happening.

Sorry to hear about TLG's friend, Soc. That is a harsh, harsh thing to happen in a young life. All the best thoughts and prayers coming his way.

No baseball talk from me yet, as I'm still catching up on all the links you guys have posted. Here's to a great 2013 season!

SDDennis | Reply

1/23/2013 6:00:38 PM #

This made me chuckle:  hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/.../

River Otter | Reply

1/24/2013 9:56:52 AM #

I hope he has a monster year and perhaps gets called up in September to be a pinch hitter/runner for the playoffs.  cincinnati.com/.../

DocProc | Reply

1/24/2013 11:34:29 AM #

Redfaced,

If the Reds are even thinking about trading Choo at the deadline, the season will have been a disaster. We can wait a few more months for Hamilton.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/24/2013 12:31:41 PM #

Trades are fun. This Arizona/Atlanta trade on the surface looks like a huge win for Atlanta. Then you see this:

Martin Prado, 2007-2012 - 15.8 WAR
Justin Upton, 2007-2012 - 17.1 WAR

Is Upton better? Sure. Is he three prospects (minus a very bad Chris Johnson) better? Eh...

Amazingly, Atlanta has added the Upton brothers, and may be worse after losing Chipper, Bourn and Prado.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/24/2013 1:15:13 PM #

Amy, Francisco and Johnson will platoon. But yeah - they're banking on Francisco to be a major part of a World Series contender, which I think is fairly insane.

If I'm a Dbacks fan, I'm delighted. Given his position flexibility, I'd rather have Prado than Upton straight up. And if the other rumored trade happens (one of Atlanta's prospects for Rick Porcello), they'll be making out like bandits in this.

Most people probably don't agree, but I think Arizona has done a great job this offseason (if you include the Ross and McCarthy signings too).

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/24/2013 7:12:01 PM #

hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/.../

Saw this article that mentioned the Juan Fran situation at 3rd base.  Nope--I don't miss him one bit.  I'll take JJ Hoover everyday in that trade.  Walt pulled off a good one there!

"In addition to Upton Atlanta gets Chris Johnson who may form the right-handed side of a platoon at third base with Juan Francisco.  At least if no one tells Fredi Gonzalez that Johnson has hit righties better than he’s hit lefties in his career. For his part, Francisco is basically helpless against lefties.  Not the best third base situation in the world for the Braves".

Hebron Reds Fan | Reply

1/25/2013 5:01:36 PM #

We received double the predicted 3" here in southern Delaware County.  I am done with snow.  I used to get through the winter thinking of the time I would spend in Sarasota.  Now, I think of Goodyear, but not with the same enthusiasm.

On the bright side, I got a great workout today shoveling!

Statmom | Reply

1/25/2013 5:16:45 PM #

77 degrees when I got home, today. Feels like baseball weather.

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/26/2013 9:15:06 AM #

Hey boys and girls, just catching up on the posts. Good stuff as always.

BJ,

Great take on the Rolen situation. Maybe you ought to send that piece on down to WJ? Nice blueprint for all concerned.

Congrats on your daughter, too. I think I forgot to mention that last time I was on here? Sorry about that.

Dawg, Champ,

You guys could get hurt for mentioning that nice warm weather on here. That is  especially true since I have been without a heat pump for about a week now!

Later

.genewv | Reply

1/26/2013 9:18:43 AM #

SonOfDoc and I are going down to the Select-A-Seat event at GABP today.  We might change to a different 20-game plan and perhaps get slightly different seats.  Can't wait to be in the ballpark, even if it's 26 degrees out.

DocProc | Reply

1/26/2013 10:04:01 AM #

Sounds like my next assignment is in beautiful, sunny, ...Detroit. Y'all can laugh at me while I'm freezing my buns off up there. If memory serves me right, a couple of y'all lived there for a while. Is there any iconic meal I need to try or a particularly awesome restaurant in the affordable category that should be investigated?  

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/26/2013 11:58:23 AM #

Ahhhh- the southern lifestyle. While most of the country is freezing their cans off, I'm headed to the Swamp Buggy Races and an outdoor dinner at Crackling Jacks.
www.facebook.com/.../321823687884678
Y'all stay warm, now!  

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/26/2013 12:40:49 PM #

It was great to be at the ballpark today.  The Reds Caravan was there, and we got to hear Bob Castellini, Todd Frazier, and Billy Hamilton for a few minutes before going in quest of seats (we decided to stick with the same as last year).  

Frazier said he wants to add muscle weight in the offseason.  I think he plans to be a power-hitting 3rd baseman.

Hamilton seems very, very young (because he is).  It's clear that Castellini wants him in the lineup in 2014.

DocProc | Reply

1/26/2013 1:46:23 PM #

TLG and I want to thank all of you for the thoughts and prayers. It has been a very difficult week here. Sammy was very much loved by all who knew her. Over 4000 people showed up at her visitation, a tremendous tribute to her and her family.
Hopefully this run of bad luck has ended and I can continue with my usual nonsense.

Soccerdad13 | Reply

1/26/2013 10:21:54 PM #

Well my brother and nephew took in the Reds Caravan today but I elected to not make the trip to Bowling Green as my daughter didn't really want to go and I'd rather stay home with her.

At any rate, I'll get a full report from him on Monday but he did call and give me the good news that my nephew was able to coax an extra autographed baseball out of Hamilton for his uncle RedFaced.  Good kid, thinking of his uncle like that and using his youth to take advantage of a young major league hopeful.  

I'm not much of an autograph seeker but I appreciate the thought from the guys. My brother did say that they got there about an hour before it started and that it still took them 2.5 hrs to get through the line so sounds like it was a pretty good turnout once again.

RedFaced | Reply

1/27/2013 8:57:30 AM #

This is the first I've heard of this--tweeted from the Reds Caravan yesterday:

Phil Castellini expects Aroldis Chapman to pitch out of the bullpen in April and maybe start in May

DocProc | Reply

1/27/2013 10:49:38 AM #

I'm not sure this sounds like a good idea. If someone is going to go 5 innings in May, he'll usually need to be going 3-4 in April. Also, building up innings for a pitcher is far less risky if you can keep them on a routine pitching schedule. Something like pitch,rest,throw,rest, pitch. How can this be done while using up a BP spot? Also, if DustBag wants to keep him in the pen, it would certainly be easier to accomplish if he can control when he pitches. In the bullpen he could do just that. Why not just plan on 30 starts with an average of 5 innings per?

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/27/2013 2:03:50 PM #

Poor ol' Charlie Brown. Looks like RO'ers aren't the only ones pining for baseball.

http://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/2013/01/27

SilentBob | Reply

1/27/2013 7:24:16 PM #

Dodgers courting Rolen?

www.mlbtraderumors.com/cincinnati_reds/index.html

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/28/2013 10:08:49 AM #

It's a Balk! Man, I hate the 3rd to 1st fake pick off. Word is now it's a balk for the upcoming season. Good stuff.

Champ Summers | Reply

1/28/2013 2:25:26 PM #

C'mon AL teams...you think these guys couldn't help you?

Jayson Stark ‏@jaysonst

I could practically do an All-Unemployed DH team: Hafner, Thome, Damon, Giambi, Abreu, Nick Johnson, Vlad, Cust. Does Manny still count?

Champ Summers | Reply

1/28/2013 4:01:49 PM #

www.minorleagueball.com/.../2013-baseball-farm-system-rankings

Sickles ranks the minor league systems

Champ Summers | Reply

1/28/2013 10:30:22 PM #

For everyone who hates Sabermetrics and concepts like WAR, the Philadelphia Phillies should be your favorite team. They've acquired this offseason 5- 5!- players who accumulated negative WAR last season. Their solution to having their worst season in years was bringing in Michael Young, Chone Figgins, Delmon Young, Joe Mather, and Yuni Betancourt. It's conceivable that they could play on the same field as Howard in a game, and have the single worst lineup in MLB history.

What's amazing is that the Reds haven't even acquired 5 players this offseason. It's almost like Philly is doing this on purpose.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/28/2013 10:32:35 PM #

Btw - Ryan Howard was worth -1.0 WAR last year. And he's making $25 million a year. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Ashlandateam | Reply

1/29/2013 9:47:45 AM #

The best I can find that is recent:
espn.go.com/.../mlb-investigating-south-florida-ground-zero-ped-war

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/29/2013 9:51:17 AM #

High of 70 today in NKY.

High of 59 in Goodyear.

Makes waiting for Spring Training a little more bearable.

Just a little.

DocProc | Reply

1/29/2013 9:53:09 AM #

Here's a link to those who, I think, broke the story:  www.miaminewtimes.com/.../

I see that Yasmani Grandal is among the names listed, along with other Miami grads.  Didn't see Yonder's name listed.  A-Rod, of course, is implicated.

River Otter | Reply

1/29/2013 10:38:17 AM #

I am starting to see a pattern developing in all these doping scandals. It would seem that Walt and Bob have been doing a pretty good job of avoiding the players who have been implicated (Gio is an example) and ridding the team of the ones they already had (Yasmani). Thats just 2 examples but it looks like Walt is at least trying to take the high ground.

...Dawginnaples | Reply

1/29/2013 11:03:59 AM #

For those who don't have an opportunity through season tickets:   cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/.../index.jsp

btalbert25 | Reply

1/29/2013 11:21:21 AM #

On Ryan Howard, it's crazy to me his best year, with 58 homeruns and 149 RBI's his WAR was only 5.  Joey, missing 50 games last year was basically as valuable to the Reds as Ryan Howard was in his best year.

btalbert25 | Reply

1/29/2013 1:07:54 PM #

in my opinion it is past time for MLB to increase the penalties for PED use.  1 yr ban should be the initial penalty as well as automatic contract termination.  I know the player's association will never agree to such terms but I feel it's needed and justified.  If a player gains a contract based upon PED enhanced performance then said contract should be voided once a positive test result has been verified.  

RedFaced | Reply

1/29/2013 1:18:40 PM #

I just posted a new thread. For fun.

AshlandATeam | Reply

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