Who's next up for an extension?

[Scrap Irony]

They're most likely tapped-out at this point, but I've been wondering if it might make sense to approach Madson. He obviously can't expect the Reds to exercise that $11 million option for next year; but at the same time, he can't be expecting a windfall free-agent contract, either. It will already cost the club $2.5 million to let him walk. I wonder if he'd do three to five years at around $5-7 million per. I don't know whether it fits the club's budget plans, but it could be a nice value.

That's a clever move, IMO.

And, because of the injury, one that may work out.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Mat Latos.

[Caveat Emperor]

At risk of making this board explode, the answer might be Dusty Baker.

Not with TLR sitting on the sidelines, methinks.

[Cyclone792]

At risk of making this board explode, the answer might be Dusty Baker.

I'm thinking the early returns on this season may go a long way toward whether that becomes a reality or not. If the Reds start off well these first few months, my hunch is Baker is retained. If the Reds struggle, I think he might be let go.

One thing that's obvious now is the front office is making it known that the tools are in the toolbox. There's talent on the roster that should be producing wins in 2012 and beyond. The team is locking up its core and has a decent compliment of others to surround the core. If the wins show up, it'd be difficult from a PR perspective to let Baker go (this comes from someone who's not Dusty's biggest fan). If the team underperforms and languishes for a second consecutive year, the hammer will fall on Baker.

[AmarilloRed]

You see if you can lock up both Cueto and Bruce-at the last year of their contracts for a extension-10-15 million per year for each of them.

[redsmetz]

At risk of making this board explode, the answer might be Dusty Baker.

I pointed this out at the time of the Votto extension press conference & no one seemed to notice it. Castellini made clear that an extension for Dusty is something he desires. Not everyone around here dislikes the guy, so I wouldn't be surprised. Frankly, I've said this numerous times, I'm glad to see the merry-go-round managerial chair gone.

[RichRed]

I'm thinking the early returns on this season may go a long way toward whether that becomes a reality or not. If the Reds start off well these first few months, my hunch is Baker is retained. If the Reds struggle, I think he might be let go.

One thing that's obvious now is the front office is making it known that the tools are in the toolbox. There's talent on the roster that should be producing wins in 2012 and beyond. The team is locking up its core and has a decent compliment of others to surround the core. If the wins show up, it'd be difficult from a PR perspective to let Baker go (this comes from someone who's not Dusty's biggest fan). If the team underperforms and languishes for a second consecutive year, the hammer will fall on Baker.

My thoughts exactly. I wonder too, with the extensions given to the core vets, if the front office figures that a good way to recoup some dollars is to let Dusty go and sign a lesser "name" for less money. The spending spree might be For Players Only.

[klw]

Somebody on Twitter posted:

Reds announce signing of Gapper to 10 year $1.5 million contract

[WildcatFan]

I pointed this out at the time of the Votto extension press conference & no one seemed to notice it. Castellini made clear that an extension for Dusty is something he desires. Not everyone around here dislikes the guy, so I wouldn't be surprised. Frankly, I've said this numerous times, I'm glad to see the merry-go-round managerial chair gone.

I'm firmly in that weird place where Dusty drives me nuts with his decisions sometimes, but I also truly believe he manages players themselves as well as anyone in the game. If it's to be believed that managers can affect a season around 2-3 games a year, which Dusty is on the wrong end of, I'm sure, I can't argue with wanting to keep him around. 2010 went a long way toward me coming to that conclusion.

That said, if this year is a serious disappointment, I think you have to go another direction. And third place in the division would be a serious disappointment.

[marcshoe]

I've been working as a fan on a lifetime contract for over forty years now. My current contract was a little too front-loaded for my taste, and I'm hoping to renegotiate and get a payout similar to the one I received back in the seventies.

[RedsBaron]

Somebody on Twitter posted:

Reds announce signing of Gapper to 10 year $1.5 million contract

I wouldn't have gone more than five years. Was Gapper's contract front loaded or back loaded? Any incentives?

[OldRightHander]

I've been working as a fan on a lifetime contract for over forty years now. My current contract was a little too front-loaded for my taste, and I'm hoping to renegotiate and get a payout similar to the one I received back in the seventies.

I hear you. We're apparently on the same contract.

[Danny Serafini]

Somebody on Twitter posted:

Reds announce signing of Gapper to 10 year $1.5 million contract

Makes you wonder if that means no extension for Mr. Redlegs. I'd hate to see him walk and become Mr. Astro or something.

[_Sir_Charles_]

At risk of making this board explode, the answer might be Dusty Baker.

Personally, I think this is spot on. It's gonna happen.

[Benihana]

No one.

Time to take on some year-to-year risk and keep players incentivized. Re-evaluate after the season.

Potential candidates could include Mesoraco, Cozart, Latos, Leake, and Cueto- probably in that order. But probably more likely no one gets an extension until 2013 or even 2014 at the earliest, and that's how it should be IMO.

And if it's up to me, that includes Dusty Baker. Unless of course, the Reds win the Pennant this year.