Freel traded for Ramon Hernandez

[Ltlabner]

Even if the catching tandem is mearly medicore at the plate, and behind it, it represents a quantom-leap improvement over the black-hole of awefullness that was Bako.

While we'd all love to have Bench v.2009 out there, going from the depths of horrable to meh is actually a big step in the right direction.

[Chip R]

I'm not going to believe this is happening until I hear from Hal McCoy.

[HeatherC1212]

Originally Posted by Chip R

I'm not going to believe this is happening until I hear from Hal McCoy.

So what are you going to do until Christmas?! Hal's probably so fearful of reporting anything now that he'll wait that long to run the story, LOL

[corkedbat]

Originally Posted by redsfan30

This improves the catcher position. Go trade for Jermaine Dye, bring in one more starting pitcher and let's go to work!

I've about given up on the idea of the Dye deal happening, so it will probably pop tomorrow.

I'm guessing the next move is the signing of a LH reliever. I belive we'll end up with one from Rhodes, Reyes, Beimel or Ohlman.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Originally Posted by Ltlabner

Even if the catching tandem is mearly medicore at the plate, and behind it, it represents a quantem improvement over the black-hole of awefullness that was Bako.

While we'd all love to have Bench v.2009 out there, going from the depths of horrable to meh is actually a big step in the right direction.

While I agree that Bako was pretty awful offensively, I wouldn't bash him. He was not signed to be the number one catcher--Ross was hurt early and the only other option was Javy--and Bako hit pretty well in April, so Dusty being Dusty kept writing his name onto the lineup card as Bako reverted to Bako. The problem was with management that provided no other options other than Javy and Ross until the Reds were well out of it. Bako just showed up, did what the team asked him to do and reverted to his career norm.

[Ltlabner]

Originally Posted by Strikes Out Looking

While I agree that Bako was pretty awful offensively, I wouldn't bash him. He was not signed to be the number one catcher--Ross was hurt early and the only other option was Javy--and Bako hit pretty well in April, so Dusty being Dusty kept writing his name onto the lineup card as Bako reverted to Bako. The problem was with management that provided no other options other than Javy and Ross until the Reds were well out of it. Bako just showed up, did what the team asked him to do and reverted to his career norm.

Maybe I'm miss-remembering this, but didn't the Reds release Ross after his return from injury, thus thrusting Bako into the starting catching role?

Yea, Bako can't help it if The Dusty is a dolt, or the FO doesn't deliver a replacement. But I don't think it's "bashing" to point out that he's a really, really, really poor catcher.

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by Strikes Out Looking

While I agree that Bako was pretty awful offensively, I wouldn't bash him. He was not signed to be the number one catcher--Ross was hurt early and the only other option was Javy--and Bako hit pretty well in April, so Dusty being Dusty kept writing his name onto the lineup card as Bako reverted to Bako. The problem was with management that provided no other options other than Javy and Ross until the Reds were well out of it. Bako just showed up, did what the team asked him to do and reverted to his career norm.

Very true.

It looks like at least we got the best Bako money can buy.

[Roy Tucker]

Originally Posted by Ltlabner

Even if the catching tandem is mearly medicore at the plate, and behind it, it represents a quantom-leap improvement over the black-hole of awefullness that was Bako.

While we'd all love to have Bench v.2009 out there, going from the depths of horrable to meh is actually a big step in the right direction.

I'll never get why they rode the Bako horse for so long. He had a decent April when Ross' back was ouchy. But why they used him for the rest of the year, I will never know.

I sometimes use the name "Gabor" at restaurants for reservations.

[*BaseClogger*]

Originally Posted by reds44

Like who? It's not like I want Hairston to be a starter or anything, just a utility player who platoons with Dickerson.

Well, he's not a young guy but I'd prefer Gabe Kapler.

Plenty of guys will become available just like Hairston last spring...

[lollipopcurve]

Redman15 has the two prospects being Turner and Waring. He knows what he's talking about.

I liked Turner a lot, always thought he'd make it up to the Reds in some capacity. But he'll have a better shot in Baltimore, I think. Waring never did much for me, and we've got Frazier and Soto ahead of him anyway.

[icehole3]

Turner and Waring are the 2 prospects

[dougdirt]

Good pick up for them with Turner. He will play a role on that team from 2010 and moving forward. Waring I am not so sure on.

[membengal]

Pretty happy about this, glad to be out of Freel's contract, and like Hernandez to solidify the C spot. Also really like that he will easily be able to communicate with Volquez and Cueto with the Spanish and what not.

I am also curious about his possibility for a power spike in GABP. Camden isn't as power friendly as people suppose, nor were his prior stops, and he has had decent power.

I could see him hitting 20-25 next year and providing a bat that makes decent and consistent contact. Really pleased about this.

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by icehole3

Turner and Waring are the 2 prospects

Turner is solid but Waring, ehh i'd say we did alright.

[*BaseClogger*]

That is great news!