Are we getting Alex Gonzalez?

[Patrick Bateman]

Oh OK, so the one with the lower OBP. Thanks. It does look like he has some pop in his bat and considering this FA market, it may be a good deal.

Yeah, he's basically a .700 OPS type of hitter. His value lies in his strong ability to field, while also being able to hit for some power considering his position.

[flyer85]

if true it would solve the 8th place hitter problem.

Strike that, Narron might bat him 2nd

[Patrick Bateman]

if true it would solve the 8th place hitter problem.

Strike that, Narron might bat him 2nd

That's my biggest worry. As an 8th hitter he's not so bad since he can hit for a little power and could knock in some runs and his poor OBP skills wouldn't be shown as much as other areas in the line-up.

[marcshoe]

I heard one of the people who runs defensive numbers say on XM that he was the best defensive shortstop and one of the best defensive players in the AL, iirc. I can't recall the details. I wouldn't mind this at all, in spite of his offense. If the Reds do it, it'll be a major step toward building up-the-middle defense.

[captainmorgan07]

sign him now pitching and defense win titles we will have enough offense good glove at short is hard to find keeping phillips at second aint so bad either

[redsfanfalcon]

Isn't Uribe accused of murder outside of the country? I would think his stock would go down! Might as well sign Ugueth Urbina while we're at it too!

[flyer85]

2006 fielding http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/...s_as_i_see_it/

[Patrick Bateman]

I heard one of the people who runs defensive numbers say on XM that he was the best defensive shortstop and one of the best defensive players in the AL, iirc. I can't recall the details. I wouldn't mind this at all, in spite of his offense. If the Reds do it, it'll be a major step toward building up-the-middle defense.

The only guy that I think is well ahead of Gonzalez is Adam Everett. He can keep pace with basically everyone else IMO.

[Joseph]

Where is someone to talk me out of thinking this is not a bad signing?

[blumj]

Sox fans called Gonzalez "Auto-Out", meaning it both ways, but he's not quite as much of an auto-out as Everett, on either side of the ball.

[flyer85]

Where is someone to talk me out of thinking this is not a bad signing?

since it hasn't happened there is no need to ... yet

[Spitball]

Jack McKeon sure liked Gonzalez in this Boston Globe article from last winter.

Gonzalez is McKeon's Pick
By Gordon Edes | February 5, 2006

Boston.com
Jack McKeon has had Ozzie Smith early in his career, Garry Templeton, Barry Larkin, and Pokey Reese, among others, play shortstop for him.

''Alex González is the best I've ever had," said McKeon, insisting he's not just blowing a cloud of cigar smoke about the free agent the Red Sox just signed last week. ''Definitely the best I've ever had, defensively.

''He's the whole package, man. He and [second baseman] Luis Castillo were together for over four years, and he was the greatest guy I've ever seen on the pivot, just spectacular.

''People say, 'Oh, this guy can't replace [Edgar] Renteria. For my money, he can. Yeah, Edgar might hit 20 points higher, but he ain't going to field with this guy. This guy is special.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal..._mckeons_pick/

I hope this rumor comes true. Phillips and Gonzalez would certainly strengthen the defense up the middle.

[Krusty]

If Krivsky is serious about improving the defense, signing Gonzalez to a three year deal is a smart move. Solid defense up the middle is one of the keys to having a championship team. Plus, the Reds don't have to rush prospect Paul Janish.

[mth123]

if true it would solve the 8th place hitter problem.

Strike that, Narron might bat him 2nd

There are plenty of options to hit 8th on this team. Need some one to hit 5th and 6th.

[Patrick Bateman]

Plus, the Reds don't have to rush prospect Paul Janish.

If that's the guy we're wating on, we're screwed.