IMO, the best way to look at this contract is as a back-loaded deal. The Reds just signed Ludwick for $12 million in 2013. If he earns that then whatever he delivers for $3 million in 2014 is gravy. The key is next year. The Reds need an .800+ OPS from him.
I'm not a system player. I am a system.
Let's just hope he doesn't turn back into a pumpkin now.
“Every level he goes to, he is going to compete. They will know who he is at every level he goes to.” -- ED on EDLC
He was a fine hitter until being exiled to San Diego. Upon escaping, he kept on hitting. I'm more worried about aging than him not being able to hit.Originally Posted by RedEye
Sometimes age turns people into pumpkins, too.
“Every level he goes to, he is going to compete. They will know who he is at every level he goes to.” -- ED on EDLC
Ludwick needs just enough days off to keep the 4th and 5th OF fresh.
Considering that Shane Victoriano just got paid 39M for 3 years I think this is a great deal. To get a solid LF who can hit 25-30 HRs a year under 10M a year is a steal compared to what a lot of teams are having to pay for outfielders.
I would agree with that, absolutely. I think Ludwick is a huge upgrade over Gomes. I have no idea what Cherington is doing over there in Boston. I suppose he's got more money to play with though, so he can take more risks.
“Every level he goes to, he is going to compete. They will know who he is at every level he goes to.” -- ED on EDLC
LOL. I came here to see if there were any updates, and the Fowler thread happened to be above this one. And for an instant, I thought there was a deal for Fowler.
Did my second take and nada.
Now we are tied to Stubbs until Hamilton is ready.
Attended 1976 World Series in my Mother's Womb. Attended 1990 World Series Game 2 as a 13 year old. Want to take my son to a a World Series Game in Cincinnati in my lifetime.
How so?
"I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." Stephen Hawking
For the record, I'm fine with this deal. Ludwick was a solid producer, decent defender, and good clubhouse presence.
Given the insane money being thrown around this offseason, this deal is actually fairly reasonable -- especially considering the alternative options weren't attractive at all.
Cincinnati Reds: Farm System Champions 2022
Because that's what ESPN.com says. Tend to agree our budget won't allow for a FA in CF. Trade could do it. So we'll see.
Attended 1976 World Series in my Mother's Womb. Attended 1990 World Series Game 2 as a 13 year old. Want to take my son to a a World Series Game in Cincinnati in my lifetime.
Many of the cf options aren't free agents. I'm not sure which ones, other than Bourn, this might preclude. It shouldn't affect the pursuit of Fowler, De Aza, or Parra, for instance.
It is on the whole probable that we continually dream, but that consciousness makes such a noise that we do not hear it. Carl Jung.
This is a good deal. If Reds went into open market for a new cleanup hitter, they would have given up more money and maybe prospects in a trade.
IMO it is now MORE likely they make a modest CF acquisition.
Reds can't be far off budget, Ludwick cost what should have been expected, give or take a modest amount.
This is true....IF Ludwick hits like last year and gets around 25-30 hr's. Considering that last season he hit 26, in '08 he hit 37, and only hit in the 20's one other season (22 in '09)...I think planning on him going for 25-30 is a bit overly optimistic.
'07 .818 ops / 14 hr
'08 .966 ops / 37 hr
'09 .775 ops / 22 hr
'10 .743 ops / 17 hr
'11 .674 ops / 13 hr
'12 .877 ops / 26 hr
I'd love to think he's turned back around, but after 3 straight seasons of trending downwards RAPIDLY, I'm not holding my breath.
That being said, I still like the signing. Just not expecting a repeat season.
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