Paul Daugherty says Reds have talked about Kemp

[LoganBuck]

This assumes that things stay exactly the same as they are right now until 2016.

A smart team builds a strong foundation and continues to build on that foundation every year. Sacrificing future talent to take advantage of a window, only makes that window close more quickly.

In December of 2012, the Reds traded for Shin Soo Choo, since then they haven't done anything to build on that foundation.

[RedTeamGo!]

A smart team builds a strong foundation and continues to build on that foundation every year.

Yes, but they haven't built on the foundation.

[REDREAD]

In December of 2012, the Reds traded for Shin Soo Choo, since then they haven't done anything to build on that foundation.

Disagree.
Not a lot has happened, true.

But they brought back Parra
They traded a veteran no loner in their plans for Holmberg.

That's two moves to build on the foundation. I don't really consider Schumaker a "foundation" piece, but that helps too

[757690]

In December of 2012, the Reds traded for Shin Soo Choo, since then they haven't done anything to build on that foundation.

Yes they have.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/dr...t_type=junreg&

Plus, other players in the organization have developed further both in the majors and minor leagues.

Some years are going to provide better chances at winning championships than others, but history tells us the best way to run an organization is to be as competitive as possible each year, and let the chips fall where they may. Do you think the A's or Braves or Tiger or Ranger fans would rather be Astros fans?

[Kc61]

This assumes that things stay exactly the same as they are right now until 2016.

A smart team builds a strong foundation and continues to build on that foundation every year. Sacrificing future talent to take advantage of a window, only makes that window close more quickly.

The Reds foundation isn't all that great. Every team can list a bunch of pitching prospects. The Reds have their share but they are not an unusually excellent group.

Even Stephenson is so overhyped around here that it's hard to imagine him living up to expectations. Folks, the guy may not be another Verlander.

The answer is balance. A few smart major contracts. Solid veterans, even platoons at several spots. And, yes, some excellent kids added gradually over the years.

The problem I see with the Reds is that they draft low and don't have many stud prospects; they don't acquire players by trade for whatever reason; and they can't spend on free agents.

So they are always hoping for current player turnarounds, good luck, better health, and uncontrollable (sometimes long shot) events.

As far as Kemp is concerned, given Jocketty's constant references to budget issues and given Kemp's injuries, it's hard to see a match. Unless the Dodgers pay his salary, which seems unlikely to me.

[mth123]

A rebuilt shoulder and micro-fracture surgery on his ankle. His power, speed and defense are all likely to be much less than the player from 2011 that everyone remembers. If the Dodgers were to pay most of his deal and only take bad contracts in return, it may be worth a shot. Otherwise, I'd spend the money on something else. Ludwick is a safer bet to be productive IMO even if the money was equal.

[LoganBuck]

Yes they have.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/dr...t_type=junreg&

Plus, other players in the organization have developed further both in the majors and minor leagues.

Some years are going to provide better chances at winning championships than others, but history tells us the best way to run an organization is to be as competitive as possible each year, and let the chips fall where they may. Do you think the A's or Braves or Tiger or Ranger fans would rather be Astros fans?

The A's, Braves, Tigers, and Rangers all do things to improve their clubs!

Last years draft has done very little so far, other than to illustrate just how desperate the situation is at the MLB level, because of how desperate people are to claim that it was a great draft. I am usually Mr. Positive on the Reds minor league guys. Right now I see too many people hoping and dreaming, instead of being realistic.

[TRF]

The Reds don't need a body for the rotation. 5 spots filled, depth added at AAA, A prospect needing a bounce back season in Corcino, another ready to take a step forward in Stephenson.

The bullpen is set with Chapman closing, and a bunch of high leverage arms setting him up. Plus depth at AAA.

1B, 2B, C, RF, SS, 3B are set. C was fortified with a depth move to make Mesoroco the primary guy. The infield is one of the best defensively. BP is coming off wrist surgery, so I expect his power to be down till June. Cozart had a strong second half. Frazier needs a bounceback season to his professional career norms (.780ish OPS).

The Reds are gambling on CF hoping Hamilton's MLB time was enough to push him to maintain something like 80% of what we saw. Shumacker and Heisey are waiting in the wings as the backup.

Where the Reds have failed... again... is LF. It has gone unnoticed, ignored by the media and the FO. Expecting an erratic player to perform at a high level at age 35 coming off a major injury is... foolish at best.

But really, there is nothing the Reds can do. The roster is pretty set, there is no one wanting the BP contract. Nobody wants Ludwick either. And even if the Reds managed a trade of BP for Kemp, there is NOBODY to play 2B and no guarantee that Kemp will ever be healthy again.

Honestly, my best hope is the Reds do sign Grady Sizemore. At least that's low risk/high reward.

[Alpha Zero]

It would definitely be nice to find a guy on the cheap who can platoon with Ludwick. LF has been a glaring weakness for years now and it's just inexcusable. It should be one of the easiest positions to fill. With the current budget restrictions, I'd look at a guy like the Mariners' Michael Saunders. He's left handed and wouldn't cost much in terms of prospects. He has posted an OPS+ over 100 the past two seasons while playing in a massive pitcher's park. He's entering his prime and could improve a bit. I think it would be a better move than nabbing Grady Sizemore or some castoff retread on a minor league deal at least.

[wolfboy]

A rebuilt shoulder and micro-fracture surgery on his ankle. His power, speed and defense are all likely to be much less than the player from 2011 that everyone remembers. If the Dodgers were to pay most of his deal and only take bad contracts in return, it may be worth a shot. Otherwise, I'd spend the money on something else. Ludwick is a safer bet to be productive IMO even if the money was equal.

I'd rather make a cheap bet on Sizemore than a very expensive bet on Kemp.

[kaldaniels]

The Reds don't need a body for the rotation. 5 spots filled, depth added at AAA, A prospect needing a bounce back season in Corcino, another ready to take a step forward in Stephenson.

The bullpen is set with Chapman closing, and a bunch of high leverage arms setting him up. Plus depth at AAA.

1B, 2B, C, RF, SS, 3B are set. C was fortified with a depth move to make Mesoroco the primary guy. The infield is one of the best defensively. BP is coming off wrist surgery, so I expect his power to be down till June. Cozart had a strong second half. Frazier needs a bounceback season to his professional career norms (.780ish OPS).

The Reds are gambling on CF hoping Hamilton's MLB time was enough to push him to maintain something like 80% of what we saw. Shumacker and Heisey are waiting in the wings as the backup.

Where the Reds have failed... again... is LF. It has gone unnoticed, ignored by the media and the FO. Expecting an erratic player to perform at a high level at age 35 coming off a major injury is... foolish at best.

But really, there is nothing the Reds can do. The roster is pretty set, there is no one wanting the BP contract. Nobody wants Ludwick either. And even if the Reds managed a trade of BP for Kemp, there is NOBODY to play 2B and no guarantee that Kemp will ever be healthy again.

Honestly, my best hope is the Reds do sign Grady Sizemore. At least that's low risk/high reward.

I'm perfectly happy heading into the year with a healthy Ludwick in LF.

Now, if he is not healthy and the front office knows this, that is a problem.

[NeilHamburger]

I can see it now. May 25th. Sunday Night Baseball against the Cardinals.

Bottom of the 9th. Reds down 2. Votto, Kemp, Bruce due up. Back to back to back jacks and we burn down the entire city of St. Louis.

[TRF]

I'm perfectly happy heading into the year with a healthy Ludwick in LF.

Now, if he is not healthy and the front office knows this, that is a problem.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/...6/ryan-ludwick

too erratic for my tastes. one good year since 2008.

He's the devil we know, and frankly... I'm not impressed. his age, injury history and erratic performance tell me all I need to know about him.

I prefer to whine about someone new. At least then the story is fresher.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Shawn Kemp, actually. We couldn't afford Matt after all.

One of Shawn Kemp's 37 kids is probably a good athlete. Give him a glove and bat and see what happens.

[westofyou]

One of Shawn Kemp's 37 kids is probably a good athlete. Give him a glove and bat and see what happens.

He has a son who plays for UofW