Reds' Hot Stove is cold for Christmas

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds' Hot Stove is cold for Christmas
Hairston deal still viable as team mulls other '09 moves

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI - Christmas is almost here but it doesn't appear that any new Reds acquisitions will be under the tree.

At least not this week.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is still talking to a plethora of free agents, however.

"I don't expect anything to happen until after Christmas," Jocketty said Tuesday while vacationing in Florida. "I'm still in touch with everyone but with everybody traveling for the holidays, not a lot will get done."

The Reds are still trying to re-sign free-agent infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. and have an offer out. Other teams, possibly the Phillies and Mariners, are also vying for Hairston's services. The veteran planned to huddle with his agent, Casey Close, on Tuesday to explore the options.

"We're still interested and we're still talking," Jocketty said. "We hope to get something done. The fact [that] there are other teams has slowed it down a bit."

Talks are also still ongoing with center fielder/leadoff hitter Willy Taveras, who became a free agent on Dec. 12 after he was non-tendered by the Rockies.

The Reds also remain interested in outfielder Rocco Baldelli, but "haven't made a lot of progress," according to Jocketty.

There have been no talks opened yet with free agents Ty Wigginton and Aaron Miles. Nor has there been serious pursuit of one of the top players on the market, outfielder Pat Burrell, as the Reds continue to exercise patience.

"We're mainly watching to see how everything flows with the market," Jocketty said of Burrell.

In recent days, the Reds have signed reliever Aaron Fultz and outfielder Laynce Nix to Minor League contracts with big league Spring Training invites. Veteran lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes was signed to a two-year, $4 million contract on Dec. 12 and right-handed reliever Mike Lincoln was re-signed on Dec. 4 to the same terms.

Earlier in the offseason, Jocketty expressed an interest in free-agent lefty starter Mark Mulder, whom he had managed before while GM of the Cardinals. Despite having no experienced lefty starters, it now doesn't appear likely that Cincinnati will try to sign Mulder.

"Our pitching at this point is pretty deep," Jocketty said. "We're focused more on offense. The first four of our rotation is set and we've got a lot of competition for the fifth spot. Our priority is offense and defense."

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...=.jsp&c_id=cin

[REDREAD]

Obviously, I wish there was more exciting news to report, but I like how Walt tells who the Reds are talking to.

[edabbs44]

"Our pitching at this point is pretty deep," Jocketty said. "We're focused more on offense. The first four of our rotation is set and we've got a lot of competition for the fifth spot. Our priority is offense and defense."

I am glad that he acknowledges this. But that was the easy part...

[flyer85]

a Charlie Brown present

[HeatherC1212]

I would much rather have Walt wait and see what happens after the holidays than to make any quick bad decisions. Maybe we'll get a good 'sale' on someone or something since everyone keeps talking about all the good deals that should happen after the holidays, LOL

[Kc61]

I'd assume this article is accurate as far as it goes, but I still believe there is something Walt isn't saying quite yet.

I'm sure that the Reds plan to fill one outfield hole by signing a lower priced free agent like Hairston, Taveras or Baldelli. My guess is that Hairston is the first choice because he has a good OBP and he did well with the team last year.

But my guess is that there is another move, probably a trade, for a power hitter which isn't being discussed. Whether Dye or somebody else, who knows.

Walt seems to have focused the blogs on the first move, the lower cost free agent move, almost entirely. But based on everything he said about the goals for this off-season, my guess is that something else will happen as well.

Walt also mentions defense in his quote. Curious because I don't see any big defensive upgrades with the moves he's mentioned. Yes Taveras is a true centerfielder but he's not an upgrade over Patterson. Hairston isn't really a defensive specialist.

Undoubtedly it's wishful thinking on my part, but there has to be more in the plan.

[Tom Servo]

What I wouldn't give for both Hairston and Taveras to sign elsewhere...

[flyer85]

What I wouldn't give for both Hairston and Taveras to sign elsewhere...

Hairston just had his career season and Taveras had his in 2007. Walt, go find the guy that will have his career season in 2009.

[hippie07]

if he's focusing on offense... then why not Baldelli & Abreu/Dye... i just think this makes too much sense to get done... I know we're looking at Taveras in CF, but I can hope, right?

Abreu hits lefties well IIRC and we know dye's a RHed force.

baldelli/dickerson
phillips
bruce
abreu/dye
votto

would be a formidable offense... why walt, why... why must you toy w/ taveras..

[RichRed]

if he's focusing on offense... then why not Baldelli & Abreu/Dye... i just think this makes too much sense to get done... I know we're looking at Taveras in CF, but I can hope, right?

That's "centerfielder/leadoff hitter Willy Taveras" to you. I swear, it's like that's part of his name now. It's like "war-torn Bosnia."

[flyer85]

I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

[edabbs44]

I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

Mostly agree with this, unless they are going to involve a few other material upgrades. Don't hurt yourself long term just because you want to chase the longshot of 2009. If you are going to fill out the roster this season with the future in mind, look at higher ceiling guys like Baldelli or Hermida on cheaper/shorter term deals.

[hippie07]

I can't imagine the Reds are interested in Abreu because I would think it would take at least a 3 year deal to sign him.

Personally I would like to see Baldelli. Neither Abreu or Dye would help the defense which IMO should rule them out. Focus on 2010 and beyond and hope you catch lightning in 2009.

Well, Dye is just for 2009, FWIW.

[Jpup]

The Yankees are signing superstars and the Reds are on vacation.

[HeatherC1212]

The Yankees are signing superstars and the Reds are on vacation.

I don't want the Reds spending that kind of money!

What FA did you want them to sign so quickly? I don't see anything there that's worth rushing into before the holidays. The few FAs out there that might be worth something will still be there after the new year.