Paul Daugherty says Reds are seriously pursuing Joe Blanton

[red-in-la]

I'm not so sure Blanton could put up those numbers in the GAB. He's spent his whole career pitching in the pitcher friendly Oakland Coliseum.

And I am not sure he could either......but he at least has shown he can.....some where. Bailey has shown bupkiss so far.

[reds44]

I'm not so sure Blanton could put up those numbers in the GAB. He's spent his whole career pitching in the pitcher friendly Oakland Coliseum.

True, but he also did pitch in the better hitters league.

[KoryMac5]

I'm thankful that Wayne Krivsky is the GM and not some of the folks on here. Homer Bailey for Joe Blanton? No thanks. IMO Bailey would put up similar numbers to Blanton in the GAB this year, and I definitely like Bailey's future better than Blanton's.

I love a lot of our prospects, but you can't hold on to everyone. There has to be someone you would be willing to give up in order to get something. We know Bruce is off the table, but Beane will ask for one of the big three in this deal.

[RedsManRick]

If the Cubs land Roberts, I'd lay up and go for par hoping that the young guys come up big rather than risking the water in an effort to go for the cup.... I think the Cubs are too far out front anyway but with Roberts, there is no way the Reds should be hoping 85 would be good enough this year. They need to be shooting for 90-92 wins and Blanton isn't going to be nearly enough of an upgrade over in-house to get the Reds there.

I agree 100%.

[Mario-Rijo]

Mark me down for Blanton as long as it doesn't cost Cueto/Bailey/Volquez or obviously Bruce. Votto I'd be willing to part with assuming Beane would take in addition to Votto only lower tiered guys.

Votto, D. Thompson, Francisco plus a real young pup would be reasonable. He could even sub Stubbs for Votto and I would toss in another like Valiquette.

Or how about this deal?

Votto, Stubbs, Wood, Francisco & Valiquette to Oakland

Blanton and Street to Cincy

We've got Hatteberg and Kepp/A. Phillips for 1st this season. Blanton goes into the 3rd spot in the rotation and Street sets up Cordero.

Then send Freel & Stanton plus cash (to cover half of Stanton's '08) to Boston for Crisp

It looks like so:

Harang
Arroyo
Blanton
Belisle
Cueto/Bailey/Volquez/Maloney

Cordero
Street
Affeldt
Weathers
Burton
Bray
Coffey

Lineup:
Crisp CF
Hatteberg/Kepp 1B
Dunn LF
Phillips 2B
Griffey RF
EEE 3B
Gonzo SS
Ross/Valentin

Bench:
Bruce OF
Hopper OF
Kepp IF
Valentin C
A. Phillips IF

Cut Castro and Majewski

That team looks improved in every facet. Granted it's a longshot those deals get done but it's nice to dream.

[red-in-la]

Freel and especially Stanton have virtually NO value.

And Bruce does not sit on the bench.

[RedsManRick]

While I like our depth, I worry that we're going a little heavy on the depth and a little light on the quality. We can't afford to pursue the quality from quantity approach while carrying low ceiling veterans at the same time. We need to be able to give opportunities to those guys who earn them. Stanton absolutely HAS to go, and if Weathers slides, the same for him. Majewski, sorry you had your turn. Affeldt, you're on a short leash. Freel, Hopper, you guys better keep those OBP in the .370+ range because without any power, that's the only way you bring value.

[Reds Nd2]

Blanton looks like another pitch-to-contact type. I detest low K/9 pitchers, especially when they're only slight groundballers. I certainly wouldn't want the Reds to give up real value for him.

I like guys who can end an inning in under 16 pitches for their career. I like guys who have made a career of ending AB's in less than four pitches. I like guys who have a slight uptick in their K/9 combined with a slight downtick in their BB/9 rates. I like guys who, at the age of 27 had an increase in his G/F ratio.

If I say that I like guys one more time in this post, I'm going to begin questioning my own sexuality, but Joe Blanton is only going to make $3.75M next season. Jeremy Affeldt is going to make $3M plus performance incentives based on starts and inninings pitched. Just sayin'...

[jojo]

Freel and especially Stanton have virtually NO value.

And Bruce does not sit on the bench.

It's likely that some serious talent would have to go back to Oakland for a package deal of Blanton/Street.

[WMR]

If it means losing Votto with a corresponding move of Dunn to 1st base I am IN BABY!!

[Caveat Emperor]

Did Eric Milton teach this franchise nothing? Don't chase guys with low ceilings and deep basements.

If the Reds trade real value for Joe Blanton, they deserve to have this entire thing blow up in their faces. For this team, in this park, with these players, acquiring a pitcher that doesn't strike batters out and relies on defense to record his outs is the height of stupidity.

[Johnny Footstool]

I like guys who can end an inning in under 16 pitches for their career. I like guys who have made a career of ending AB's in less than four pitches. I like guys who have a slight uptick in their K/9 combined with a slight downtick in their BB/9 rates. I like guys who, at the age of 27 had an increase in his G/F ratio.

If I say that I like guys one more time in this post, I'm going to begin questioning my own sexuality, but Joe Blanton is only going to make $3.75M next season. Jeremy Affeldt is going to make $3M plus performance incentives based on starts and inninings pitched. Just sayin'...

Don't get me wrong, I think Blanton has potential. His minor league K/9 was good, and he did take a step forward last season. If the Reds can get him for some B-list prospects, I'd say go for it. But if the cost is Votto or better, I'd walk away from the deal.

[jmcclain19]

I'd rather sign Lohse to a one year contract - you'll likely get the same result and he'll only cost you one season's worth of cash.

[Aronchis]

Daugherty is mumbling up a storm, much like with Bedard. Give it up Paul.

[red-in-la]

It's likely that some serious talent would have to go back to Oakland for a package deal of Blanton/Street.

Huh?