Luis Gonzalez Still Wants To Play

[redsfan4445]

per mlbtraderumors:

"Luis Gonzalez Still Wants To Play
By Drew Silva [April 12 at 2:06pm CST]

Free agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez told Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse Saturday that he still wants to play, but hasn't recieved a phone call since spring training began.
"I don't know if it's the economy," Gonzalez told FanHouse. "I wasn't out there trying to get a $4 million contract. I just love to play. I want to play."

The 41-year-old hit .261 with 26 doubles, eight home runs and 46 RBI in 337 at-bats for the Marlins last season, but he understands that there's a new mindset among MLB general managers. "This isn't the '80s or the early '90s any more," Gonzalez said, "when a lot of GMs would like to go for guys like myself. GMs used to want to have those veteran guys around." The Braves and Pirates showed mild interest this winter, but never extended a contract."


If he would come here for 1 million or less, isn't he a better option off the bench over Nix? curious on others thoughts

[camisadelgolf]

As long as he's actually a bench player, I wouldn't be completely opposed to bringing him in. I figure he has to be a big upgrade over Nix and McDonald.

[Ron Madden]

PASS.

[TheNext44]

I wish him luck.

Really not much to offer these days, offensively or defensively. I'd rather go with a guy with at least a chance of an upside.

[Raisor]

If Gonzo is the answer, I don't want to hear the question.

[KronoRed]

He'd be the starter in LF.

No Thanls.

[westofyou]

Luis Gonzalez Still Wants To Play

So does Pete Rose.

[GAC]

So does Pete Rose.

You read my mind on that one.

Most former MLers would still love to be playing.

"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"

We can't allow our roster spots to be taken up by these types of players and taking away opps from the younger ones IMO.

[Tom Servo]

If Gonzo is the answer, I don't want to hear the question.

What if it's "Name a washed up player who the Reds shoudn't sign?"

[OnBaseMachine]

Pass. I'm all for improving the bench, but Nix is a better option than Gonzalez at this point. JMO.

[BoydsOfSummer]

More Dickerson, less Gonzo!

[membengal]

membengal still wants to play.

[Heath]

You read my mind on that one.

Most former MLers would still love to be playing.

"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"

We can't allow our roster spots to be taken up by these types of players and taking away opps from the younger ones IMO.

Truer words have never been spoken on Easter Sunday.

[mth123]

I'm probably in the minority, but I think Gonzalez would be an upgrade on the bench over Nix. But if we're going the bench route he'd be back in line behind:

3. Frank Catalonotto - Lefty bat can get hits but really has no position. If he could play a little second and third, he'd be a great fit because he hits the opposite hand from Phillips and EdE, but I don't think he can play there even for a game or two any more.

2. Geoff Jenkins - Lefty bat who still can play defense in LF or RF. His problem is that his positions (LF, RF and maybe 1B) are already occupied by Dickerson, Bruce and Votto who also happen to hit left handed. There really won't be much of a chance to get him a start here or there to keep him sharp since when those guys rest it will be against lefty pitching making Jenkins a non-factor. If he's only going to be a pinch hitter, it probably won't matter who it is. Nobody will be any good without a start every week or two to stay sharp, but he'd be better injury insurance than Nix or Gonzalez.

1. Ray Durham - He's a switch hitter who can still run a little. He can play second so he can spot in when Phillips sits to stay sharp and could even spot at 1B as a RH hitter. He may be able to play 3B or even LF as well (but maybe not). Durham had a good year.

[Highlifeman21]

If Gonzo is the answer, I don't want to hear the question.

The question is "Who had some talent in 2001?"