Mr. Castellini Reportedly, Said The Fans Should Assume

[RedLegSuperStar]

I've never been more happier to see a FA list like that for the Reds (Reds players that filed)

[Krusty]

If the Reds have 25 million to play with, they could possibly go for shortstop Alex Gonzalez or second baseman Adam Kennedy. As for starting pitchers, Jason Schimdt might be out of their price range but Adam Eaton, Randy Wolf, Vincete Padilla could be in their range. Closers? I could see this team gambling on Eric Gagne with a one year deal loaded with incentives.

[Spring~Fields]

Originally Posted by Krusty

If the Reds have 25 million to play with, they could possibly go for shortstop Alex Gonzalez or second baseman Adam Kennedy. As for starting pitchers, Jason Schimdt might be out of their price range but Adam Eaton, Randy Wolf, Vincete Padilla could be in their range. Closers? I could see this team gambling on Eric Gagne with a one year deal loaded with incentives.

I am concerned after seeing some of Mr. K's pitching last year that he might focus on Meche of Seattle or Redman of KC, maybe they could help but, he can do better depending on what the competition by the other clubs does to effect his efforts.

[Tony Cloninger]

Why do some people assume that just beacuse they did not up the payroll during August....that it means he really is just talking, just to talk?

How does getting overpriced....non-performing talent during the trade deadline equate to not really wanting to enlarge the payroll?

So just make a trade for some overpriced stiff ....at the cost of more talent in the minors that they can afford to give away?

So if PHI offered Abrue and Lidle for Homer, Votto, Denorfia and Wood...you would have said OK?

[edabbs44]

Originally Posted by Tony Cloninger

Why do some people assume that just beacuse they did not up the payroll during August....that it means he really is just talking, just to talk?

How does getting overpriced....non-performing talent during the trade deadline equate to not really wanting to enlarge the payroll?

So just make a trade for some overpriced stiff ....at the cost of more talent in the minors that they can afford to give away?

So if PHI offered Abrue and Lidle for Homer, Votto, Denorfia and Wood...you would have said OK?

The NYY got Abreu and Lidle for much, much less than that. It's not even a contest. If PHI offered Abreu and Lidle for 4 fringe guys in the minors (say BJ Szymanski is the best of the bunch), would you have said OK?

[Tony Cloninger]

Yes i would have.

BJ and the Bear......and whoever was not named Bruce, Votto, Bailey and Wood.

[Jpup]

Originally Posted by 37red

Teach Phillips to seriously focus on his fielding and throwing, he's got the rest.

he's the best fielder the Reds have.

[CougarQuest]

For some reason, I think there will be a lot of trades this winter involving the Reds. The kinds Krusty dreams of.

[edabbs44]

Originally Posted by Tony Cloninger

Yes i would have.

BJ and the Bear......and whoever was not named Bruce, Votto, Bailey and Wood.

Then that would have equated to what NY gave for them. I didn't expect WK to go and get them, but Lieber or Maddux wouldn't have hurt.

[37red]

Jpup, I think you're right. My point was that if he can be coached to seriously concentrate and focus on his fielding and throwing every single time it comes to him he's headed for some real numbers. It seems to me that sometimes he's just not ready and he blunders a play that he's sooo capable of making. I think he's great, I'd like to see him digging in and pouncing on every ball like I've seen him do. Some fabulous woman must be up in the seats across from him, and of course, we all know being distracted from the game won't do.

[Spring~Fields]

Originally Posted by SpringfieldFan

"Should fans assume that the Reds will be just as aggressive in pursuing players this winter as they were in targeting two national broadcasters?"

"Absolutely," Castellini said, without hesitation. "Absolutely."

Mr. Castellini,

I know that it is still early, but, something is looking strangely familiar and I am starting to worry about your assertion above.

[Topcat]

The next person who says the Red's need an experienced closer is going to make me a million times. Most closers are failed starters and who have sopme gas and a secondary pitch. To spend excessively on one is beyond stupid unless your a dead certain lock to win or compete for the World Series. Only 2 worth $$$$$ are Rivera and to a lesser extent Billy Wagner.

How about being realistic? What a novel thought, don't ya think ? Fill the shortstop gap and need for a outfielder with power and average. A starting pitcher who can produce 190 innings plus, solid reserve players who can be pressed into starting duty if necessary and what the hell a 2 more guys for the pen with the high emphasis on 1 being a 4 million solid mid reliever. Seems odd you say? Do not kid yourself come playoff time if we are not in contention the Majik's and Claussen's of this ilk can net a serious loot of prospects when it comes down to the fish or cut bait time.

I am realistic and realize the Red's future has to come from inner development, unlike some who bash I rejoice in our boys and hope for a magical season but the answer is not thru free agency it is thru what we can develop for us and trade to fill in the gaps.

[Redsland]

Agreed. First a pitcher, then a shortstop.

(That is, now that we've already gotten the Bubba Crosby signing out of the way.)

[GAC]

Originally Posted by SpringfieldFan

Mr. Castellini,

I know that it is still early, but, something is looking strangely familiar and I am starting to worry about your assertion above.

There is a huge difference though between aggressively pursuing player(s) and getting those players signed.

I know it will be interpreted as making excuses for this FO by some (so be it); but the competition within that market, especially this year's, is great.

Fine..... we would like to see the Reds pursue so-and-so. How many other teams are also aggressively pursuing that player(s)?

Is a FO's efforts then deemed insincere, or the owner lying, because even after the most aggressive of efforts they weren't able to win the bidding sweepstakes over a player(s)?

And as Spitball said on another thread (basically).... alot of teams don't jump into the winter market right away until after initial moves are made over the big name FA's, and the dust has kind of settled.

Before the FA season even began, and players names were being thrown around, what teams were being mentioned as viable contenders/spenders for those players?.... LA, Boston, NY (Mets and Yank).

Lets revisit this thread in about 2-3 months, and then take a look-see back at WHO is throwing/spending all the money at players. For the most part it's the same handful of organizations that can do so.

Hypothetically - the Reds could be real aggressive/serious in going after a Barry Zito. But if you were Barry, and you know the cards are stacked in your favor and you can pretty much dictate where you want to play and for how much..... would Cincy even be in the equation?

[WebScorpion]

Originally Posted by Redsland

Agreed. First a pitcher, then a shortstop.

(That is, now that we've already gotten the Bubba Crosby signing out of the way.)

I was thinking Zito and Soriano. Soriano plays second and Phillips moves to SS...Zito, Arroyo, Harang...That's a really nice 1,2,3. Mmmmmmmm.