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OnBaseMachine
12-23-2008, 01:32 PM
Reds' Hot Stove is cold for Christmas
Hairston deal still viable as team mulls other '09 moves

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI - Christmas is almost here but it doesn't appear that any new Reds acquisitions will be under the tree.

At least not this week.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is still talking to a plethora of free agents, however.

"I don't expect anything to happen until after Christmas," Jocketty said Tuesday while vacationing in Florida. "I'm still in touch with everyone but with everybody traveling for the holidays, not a lot will get done."

The Reds are still trying to re-sign free-agent infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. and have an offer out. Other teams, possibly the Phillies and Mariners, are also vying for Hairston's services. The veteran planned to huddle with his agent, Casey Close, on Tuesday to explore the options.

"We're still interested and we're still talking," Jocketty said. "We hope to get something done. The fact [that] there are other teams has slowed it down a bit."

Talks are also still ongoing with center fielder/leadoff hitter Willy Taveras, who became a free agent on Dec. 12 after he was non-tendered by the Rockies.

The Reds also remain interested in outfielder Rocco Baldelli, but "haven't made a lot of progress," according to Jocketty.

There have been no talks opened yet with free agents Ty Wigginton and Aaron Miles. Nor has there been serious pursuit of one of the top players on the market, outfielder Pat Burrell, as the Reds continue to exercise patience.

"We're mainly watching to see how everything flows with the market," Jocketty said of Burrell.

In recent days, the Reds have signed reliever Aaron Fultz and outfielder Laynce Nix to Minor League contracts with big league Spring Training invites. Veteran lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes was signed to a two-year, $4 million contract on Dec. 12 and right-handed reliever Mike Lincoln was re-signed on Dec. 4 to the same terms.

Earlier in the offseason, Jocketty expressed an interest in free-agent lefty starter Mark Mulder, whom he had managed before while GM of the Cardinals. Despite having no experienced lefty starters, it now doesn't appear likely that Cincinnati will try to sign Mulder.

"Our pitching at this point is pretty deep," Jocketty said. "We're focused more on offense. The first four of our rotation is set and we've got a lot of competition for the fifth spot. Our priority is offense and defense."

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081223&content_id=3726646&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

REDREAD
12-23-2008, 01:48 PM
Obviously, I wish there was more exciting news to report, but I like how Walt tells who the Reds are talking to.

edabbs44
12-23-2008, 01:50 PM
"Our pitching at this point is pretty deep," Jocketty said. "We're focused more on offense. The first four of our rotation is set and we've got a lot of competition for the fifth spot. Our priority is offense and defense."

I am glad that he acknowledges this. But that was the easy part...

flyer85
12-23-2008, 01:51 PM
a Charlie Brown present

HeatherC1212
12-23-2008, 02:01 PM
I would much rather have Walt wait and see what happens after the holidays than to make any quick bad decisions. Maybe we'll get a good 'sale' on someone or something since everyone keeps talking about all the good deals that should happen after the holidays, LOL :laugh:

Kc61
12-23-2008, 02:20 PM
I'd assume this article is accurate as far as it goes, but I still believe there is something Walt isn't saying quite yet.

I'm sure that the Reds plan to fill one outfield hole by signing a lower priced free agent like Hairston, Taveras or Baldelli. My guess is that Hairston is the first choice because he has a good OBP and he did well with the team last year.

But my guess is that there is another move, probably a trade, for a power hitter which isn't being discussed. Whether Dye or somebody else, who knows.

Walt seems to have focused the blogs on the first move, the lower cost free agent move, almost entirely. But based on everything he said about the goals for this off-season, my guess is that something else will happen as well.

Walt also mentions defense in his quote. Curious because I don't see any big defensive upgrades with the moves he's mentioned. Yes Taveras is a true centerfielder but he's not an upgrade over Patterson. Hairston isn't really a defensive specialist.

Undoubtedly it's wishful thinking on my part, but there has to be more in the plan.

Tom Servo
12-23-2008, 02:23 PM
What I wouldn't give for both Hairston and Taveras to sign elsewhere...

flyer85
12-23-2008, 02:51 PM
What I wouldn't give for both Hairston and Taveras to sign elsewhere...Hairston just had his career season and Taveras had his in 2007. Walt, go find the guy that will have his career season in 2009.

hippie07
12-23-2008, 03:11 PM
if he's focusing on offense... then why not Baldelli & Abreu/Dye... i just think this makes too much sense to get done... I know we're looking at Taveras in CF, but I can hope, right?

Abreu hits lefties well IIRC and we know dye's a RHed force.

baldelli/dickerson
phillips
bruce
abreu/dye
votto

would be a formidable offense... why walt, why... why must you toy w/ taveras..

RichRed
12-23-2008, 03:24 PM
if he's focusing on offense... then why not Baldelli & Abreu/Dye... i just think this makes too much sense to get done... I know we're looking at Taveras in CF, but I can hope, right?


That's "centerfielder/leadoff hitter Willy Taveras" to you. I swear, it's like that's part of his name now. It's like "war-torn Bosnia."

flyer85
12-23-2008, 03:27 PM
I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

edabbs44
12-23-2008, 03:34 PM
I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

Mostly agree with this, unless they are going to involve a few other material upgrades. Don't hurt yourself long term just because you want to chase the longshot of 2009. If you are going to fill out the roster this season with the future in mind, look at higher ceiling guys like Baldelli or Hermida on cheaper/shorter term deals.

hippie07
12-23-2008, 04:00 PM
I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

Well, Dye is just for 2009, FWIW.

Jpup
12-23-2008, 04:04 PM
The Yankees are signing superstars and the Reds are on vacation. :(

HeatherC1212
12-23-2008, 04:06 PM
The Yankees are signing superstars and the Reds are on vacation. :(

I don't want the Reds spending that kind of money! :eek:

What FA did you want them to sign so quickly? I don't see anything there that's worth rushing into before the holidays. The few FAs out there that might be worth something will still be there after the new year.

Jpup
12-23-2008, 04:22 PM
What FA did you want them to sign so quickly?

I would prefer Adam Dunn, but it ain't gonna happen. I would love to see them go after Sheets, Lowe, Abreu, Bradley, or even some of the lower tier guys. I'm tired of losing.

Unassisted
12-23-2008, 06:00 PM
IIRC, things were looking bleak for Reds fans about 13 months ago. Then Wayne pulled the Cordero rabbit out of his hat right before Thanksgiving. Maybe Walt will find a rabbit of his own soon?

Jpup
12-23-2008, 06:06 PM
IIRC, things were looking bleak for Reds fans about 13 months ago. Then Wayne pulled the Cordero rabbit out of his hat right before Thanksgiving. Maybe Walt will find a rabbit of his own soon?

Taveras runs like a rabbit. Does that count?

RedLegSuperStar
12-23-2008, 06:15 PM
Walt,
For the holidays; as a Reds fan I want you to trade Bailey and Roenicke to the Chicago for Jermaine Dye and cash. Then I'd like you to sign Baldelli with a option for 2010 if he plays in "x" amount of games. We all know you like the idea of this Taveras character in CF.. So get yourself your leadoff hitter and a few cases of Tylenol. I like the idea of signing Mark Mulder.. low risk/high reward. Ask Wayne Krivsky how those work. Also look into Aldino for SS.. FLA doesn't want him. Happy Holidays!

M2
12-23-2008, 07:11 PM
Hot stove? Cold Stove? The Reds have no stove.

Spitball
12-23-2008, 08:00 PM
Taveras runs like a rabbit. Does that count?

Hits like one, too.

Ltlabner
12-24-2008, 06:33 AM
"We're mainly watching to see how everything flows with the market," Jocketty said of Burrell

Translation: "We're going to see what low-cost leftovers are available towards the end of the offseason and go bargain shopping then".

I really wish the Taveras talk would go away. But, as someone else noted recently, it almost seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

mth123
12-24-2008, 07:29 AM
Translation: "We're going to see what low-cost leftovers are available towards the end of the offseason and go bargain shopping then".

I really wish the Taveras talk would go away. But, as someone else noted recently, it almost seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

I think you are right about the Reds waiting until the end of the off-season, but there are a lot of GMs out there who value 68 SBs (I don't personally) and I could see some team grabbing him. Honestly, the Yankees would be the perfect team for him. He could cover a lot of ground in CF with defensively limited guys like Swisher, Nady, and Damon in the corrners. I could actually see the Yankees putting him in CF batting 9th. They have enough offense to carry him.

WebScorpion
12-24-2008, 10:03 AM
I'll be happy with the presents we DID get...Patterson and Majewski BOTH signed with other teams! :jump:

edabbs44
12-24-2008, 12:35 PM
Translation: "We're going to see what low-cost leftovers are available towards the end of the offseason and go bargain shopping then".

I really wish the Taveras talk would go away. But, as someone else noted recently, it almost seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

Afraid you are right about Willy T...the only question in my mind would be the terms of the contract.

Ron Madden
12-27-2008, 12:49 AM
Something tells me the Reds next move will be signing Willy Taveras.


Dear God, I hope I'm wrong.


:( :( :(

GAC
12-27-2008, 06:22 AM
I don't want the Reds spending that kind of money! :eek:

The Reds CAN'T spend that kind of money. :lol:


Taveras runs like a rabbit. Does that count?

That you Dusty? So could CPatt.

And this rabbit gives the Trix rabbit a bad name with a career .668 OPS, as well as averaging 29 BBs/season, and a BB/PA of .054.

Remember... kicks are for trids! :p:

Ron Madden
12-27-2008, 01:25 PM
Something tells me the Reds next move will be signing Willy Taveras.


Dear God, I hope I'm wrong.


:( :( :(


This really sucks!!!

:(

Raisor
12-27-2008, 03:09 PM
This really sucks!!!

:(

Galactus and I blame YOU!
http://www.gamerevolution.com/images/misc/galactus.jpg

Ron Madden
12-27-2008, 03:24 PM
Galactus and I blame YOU!
http://www.gamerevolution.com/images/misc/galactus.jpg


I'm innocent! Innocent I swear!!!!!!


:scared:

membengal
12-27-2008, 09:39 PM
I wish it had stayed cold.

KronoRed
12-27-2008, 09:48 PM
The stove just blew up and set the cabin on fire.

Ron Madden
12-30-2008, 03:32 AM
The Reds next Big Move will most likely be signing Jerry Hairston Jr.

Raisor
12-30-2008, 06:22 AM
The Reds next Big Move will most likely be signing Jerry Hairston Jr.

You're just BEGGING for another visit from Galctus, aren't you? Didn't you learn your lesson from Willy T?

Jpup
12-30-2008, 02:29 PM
You're just BEGGING for another visit from Galctus, aren't you? Didn't you learn your lesson from Willy T?

How are the Reds going to handle things if they do get Hairston? They will have 2 guys they want to lead off.

mth123
12-30-2008, 02:32 PM
How are the Reds going to handle things if they do get Hairston? They will have 2 guys they want to lead off.

Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

KronoRed
12-30-2008, 03:15 PM
Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

Oh that is one awesome lineup, I bet Marty will be in heaven with it.

Raisor
12-30-2008, 06:43 PM
Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

http://www.gamerevolution.com/images/misc/galactus.jpg

Ltlabner
12-30-2008, 06:45 PM
Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/funny-pictures-about-to-fail.jpg

Highlifeman21
12-30-2008, 08:59 PM
Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

Respect bats 3rd, dude.

While Hairston is a seasoned vet, or (insert cliche about him being a veteran here), has he really achieved anything remotely near respect to bat 3rd?

KronoRed
12-31-2008, 01:37 AM
Respect bats 3rd, dude.

While Hairston is a seasoned vet, or (insert cliche about him being a veteran here), has he really achieved anything remotely near respect to bat 3rd?

He's older, injury prone, seems perfect.

puca
12-31-2008, 08:43 AM
Respect bats 3rd, dude.

While Hairston is a seasoned vet, or (insert cliche about him being a veteran here), has he really achieved anything remotely near respect to bat 3rd?

Apparently the Reds have no respect.

membengal
12-31-2008, 09:05 AM
I wish it had stayed cold.

puca
12-31-2008, 09:13 AM
Taveras CF
Keppinger SS
Hairston LF
Phillips 2B
Briuce RF
EdE 3B
Votto 1B
Hernandez C

Scoreboard led crowd chant: Run, run run! We may just score a run!

An awful offense to go with wretched defense. Nice combination. It's like a bad dream.

Ltlabner
12-31-2008, 09:14 AM
I think our stove is on the fritz. Can we return it for service please?