Options

Out of options

In case you were wondering, the following Reds players head into 2010 Spring Training out of options:

RHP Bronson Arroyo, RHP Homer Bailey, IF/OF Wladimir Balentien, RHP Francisco
Cordero, RHP Mike Lincoln and RHP Nick Masset.

This should only really affect Balentien, and possibly Lincoln. But remember, Lincoln is owed $2 million this season and pitched well for most of 2008 before his neck injury limited him to 19 games in 2009.

As a short explainer, players that are out of minor league options and sent down get 10 days to clear waivers. By the end of that period, they must either be traded, sent down outright or released. Most players get three minor league options that begin once they are on the 40-man roster. One option is good for one whole season's worth of multiple call-ups and demotions.

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So, Miles and Sutton both have options?

That pretty much sets out Outfield in stone with Stubbs, Dickerson, Bruce, Balentien and Owings. Of course, Owings could just be a pitcher only with pinch-hitter duties leaving open a spot for another Outfielder like Heisey or someone else who proves worthy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kingspoint

That pretty much sets out Outfield in stone with Stubbs, Dickerson, Bruce, Balentien and Owings. Of course, Owings could just be a pitcher only with pinch-hitter duties leaving open a spot for another Outfielder like Heisey or someone else who proves worthy.

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If Gomes signs who do you think goes down?

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Originally Posted by DannyB

If Gomes signs who do you think goes down?

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Heisey, while Owings remains a pitcher. I'd give Owings a legitimate shot at the #5 spot out of Spring Training. He can fall back to middle relief if that doesn't work out. It's really nice having Owings on the team. Some power off of the bench without using a bench spot.

I hope Gomes does sign. We'd have a nice Outfield with Gomes, Stubbs, Bruce, Dickerson and Balentien. Heisey can be the first call-up when there's an injury. However, it's very possible that Heisey plays so well in Spring Training that they end up trading/letting go Balentien. If Heisey's hitting .400 and slugging .600, he's obviously going to make the club and then Balentien would have to go. It wouldn't shock me a bit if Heisey puts up some decent numbers and makes the REDS think about it. In the end, though, I think he goes down to AAA until the first Outfield injury causes him to be called up.

Some other teams may end up with injuries in spring training or find they have deficiencies they weren't expecting. Plenty of time for a trade still to be made.