Several Reds' notes from Jayson Stark

[Brutus]

Pretty informative Rumblings & Grumblings from him today...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/column...mblings1000909

Some highlights:

* There's talk of adding one additional wild-card team in each league to have a wild card round of either 1-game or 3-games, with the winner playing the team with the best record in the first round

* If Dusty Baker doesn't accept the extension, there's a real possibility of Tony LaRussa coming to Cincinnati (ugh)

* Jayson Werth is almost assured of not being back in Philadelphia (you listening Walt?)

* More notes on Aroldis, including a quote from one scout saying he believes Chapman will wind up being the Reds' top-end closer for the future instead of a starter.

[OnBaseMachine]

No thanks on adding another wildcard team. One is enough, IMO. Let's not turn this into the NBA where half the teams make the playoffs. Eight playoff spots for 30 teams is perfect, IMO.

No thanks to LaRussa. He's the last guy I want managing this team.

Jayson Werth? Yes, please, assuming the price isn't outrageous. But if it comes down to an ace or Werth, get me the ace.

Another no thanks on keeping Chapman in the bullpen. He is way too talented to waste in the bullpen. The guy has Cy Young potential as a starter, I don't want to waste that in the bullpen.

[HokieRed]

Agree that one wildcard's enough. I'd like to see Dusty return but I'll be happy with Tony any time.

[Brutus]

No thanks on adding another wildcard team. One is enough, IMO. Let's not turn this into the NBA where half the teams make the playoffs. Eight playoff spots for 30 teams is perfect, IMO.

Actually his explanation makes perfect sense. By adding a single extra wild-card, and making it a 1-game playoff of sorts, you put MUCH more emphasis on the regular season and winning the division.

The Yankees-Rays race would be more exciting if the loser wound up having to face the Red Sox or White Sox in a 1-game playoff.

[kbrake]

No thanks on TLR want no part of that here.

[RedsManRick]

Werth is going to get Jason Bay money. He'll probably be worth it for a few years before his defense falls off. I'd definitely love to have him in LF, but I don't see it happening.

As for LaRussa, no thank you.

[Brutus]

Werth is going to get Jason Bay money. He'll probably be worth it for a few years before his defense falls off. I'd definitely love to have him in LF, but I don't see it happening.

As for LaRussa, no thank you.

I don't think he'll get that big of a contract, to be honest. I could see him getting 4 years, definitely, but not $66 million. Not with the market as it is now.

I honestly think 4 for $44 mil... somewhere in that park.

[blumj]

Actually his explanation makes perfect sense. By adding a single extra wild-card, and making it a 1-game playoff of sorts, you put MUCH more emphasis on the regular season and winning the division.

The Yankees-Rays race would be more exciting if the loser wound up having to face the Red Sox or White Sox in a 1-game playoff.

So, the Yankees win 101 games and the Rays win 99, playing in what is obviously the toughest division in MLB, and the Rays potentially are out of playoffs after one game? Seems to go against the main purpose of the WC, so you get a better chance to get the best teams into the playoffs.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Don't want TLR, I'd be heartbroken if Dusty doesn't accept. Don't want Werth. He's not that young, he's going to be a poor man's Jason Bay somewhere for too much money, we can find a better fit; and he's not a good guy in the clubhouse. And I figured Aroldis or Bailey would be groomed to be the heir aparent for Coco.

[Brutus]

So, the Yankees win 101 games and the Rays win 99, playing in what is obviously the toughest division in MLB, and the Rays potentially are out of playoffs after one game? Seems to go against the main purpose of the WC, so you get a better chance to get the best teams into the playoffs.

I know it's not perfect, but at this point what are these teams playing for? It would be nice to put back some meaning in winning the division. By giving back additional incentive to winning the division, it at least puts the emphasis on some more of these games in September.

[Brutus]

Don't want TLR, I'd be heartbroken if Dusty doesn't accept. Don't want Werth. He's not that young, he's going to be a poor man's Jason Bay somewhere for too much money, we can find a better fit; and he's not a good guy in the clubhouse. And I figured Aroldis or Bailey would be groomed to be the heir aparent for Coco.

On what basis is he not a good guy in the clubhouse?

In fairness to Werth, RE: the Bay comparison, unlike Bay, Werth is actually regarded as a good defensive player so he could make up for a possible loss in offensive production.

[The Operator]

If Larussa comes to Cincinnati I'll die inside. Please accept the extension, Dusty.

[BCubb2003]

It would be quite a sight to see Reds fans holding up sign pleading for Dusty to stay.

[Will M]

No thanks on adding another wildcard team. One is enough, IMO. Let's not turn this into the NBA where half the teams make the playoffs. Eight playoff spots for 30 teams is perfect, IMO.

No thanks to LaRussa. He's the last guy I want managing this team.

Jayson Werth? Yes, please, assuming the price isn't outrageous. But if it comes down to an ace or Werth, get me the ace.

Another no thanks on keeping Chapman in the bullpen. He is way too talented to waste in the bullpen. The guy has Cy Young potential as a starter, I don't want to waste that in the bullpen.

if the Reds could sign Werth this offseason that would be a huge boost to the offense. A 3-4 punch of Votto-Werth surrounded by guys like Phillips, Bruce & Rolen is a nice offense.

I too would love to add a TOR starter. However, thats a tougher find than a power hitting left fielder. plus its possible one can emerge from within. i feel Cueto's ceiling is likely as a #2. maybe Volquez regains his pre injury form. or Chapman gets control of a 3rd pitch.
Volquez-Chapman-Cueto-Wood-Leake-Bailey has some serious potential. plus the team can bring back Arroyo as a solid #3 guy.
there are certainly some in house guys with TOR potential but i don't see an in house guy that can OPS 900 in left next year.

[HeatherC1212]

Forget about the fans for a minute. If TLR is seriously in the discussion to replace Dusty as manager (if Dusty doesn't stay and personally, I think he does stay), we could possibly see the first ever all out revolt from an entire baseball team (and I'm only half kidding).