Cincinnati Reds general manager Dan O'Brien announced the signing of free-agent LHP Kent Mercker to a two-year contract.
Mercker, 36, enjoyed one of his finest seasons in 2004, finishing 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in a career-high 71 appearances for the Cubs. He held opponents to a .205 batting average, including .237 by lefthanders and .172 by righthanders.
In 138 relief apps during the last 2 seasons for the Reds, Braves and Cubs, Mercker has posted a sterling 2.24 ERA.
Money Guesses?
IIRC Redread was willing to go 4 million to Kent a week ago.
I say 2.3
I'm hoping not more then 500K a year, but I know it'll be more.
Kinda low, 2 years of good numbers, LH... you have to think market price.Originally Posted by Raisor
Probably triple that figure, I imagine.
which is why I know he'll get more money. I'm just saying what I would have paid for him.
The REDS may not have the best bullpen in baseball this year, but they'll be fighting for the oldest in baseball soon.
John Franco next? He fits the minimum age requirements for this club. Is Jesse Orosco available? Can Hume still pitch?
I would be willing to go 2 years, $1.5MM total, and that's stretching it, IMO. Anything above that is a bad signing, IMO.
Grape works as a soda. Sort of as a gum. I wonder why it doesn't work as a pie. Grape pie? There's no grape pie. - Larry David
You don't suppose they gave him a no-trade clause do you?
naaaahhhh...
Merker makes number 41 on the roster - someone has to go!
How can you guys complain about this signing? You can't get a lefty with those numbers for nothing and you know it. If you want quality, you've got to pay.
Like someone in an earlier thread said, "Padilla is Spanish for pile of crap."
We get one of the better lefty relievers in the game and you complain about it?
Why?
"Strickland Propane... Taste the meat, not the heat." - Hank Hill
I predict Loaiza will be the next for DanO to sign.
If there is one position you can sign the old guys at, it's relief. We improved, that's all I care about... but the cash he's getting could change things...
The complaints aren't directed so much at Mercker, who is a nice pickup, or Ortiz, or Weathers or any of these role players the Reds have acquired. The complaining is because the number 1 issue, a true top of the rotation starter, or at least a kid with real ace potential, has not been acquired. It's like the car dealer who loads up on parts, washes the showrom windows and forgets to order the cars.
Maybe they want to see a second audition of Norton?
Very good signing by the Reds. Maybe we can lure Millwood or Milton to the Reds too?
If you think small, you'll go nowhere in life.
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