OFFICIAL: Cordero a Red

[WMR]

Originally Posted by Austin Kearns

Well this is shocking. It never occurred to me that the Reds would be big players this year.

Now the contract terms aren't ideal, but they almost never are through free agency. SO if you are going to go the FA route, then you aren't going to get a great contract in terms of length. So I think the Reds overpayed a bit, and a 3 year deal would be ideal, but that just wasn't going to happen.

One thing I don't mind is A couple of extra million to get a great player sure beats giving the extra money to a Stanton. So to me, this contract is a no-brainer from the Reds standpoint. I just didn't realize that the payroll was going to oncrease, or that we would be able to offer the best contract to a legit player. I mean we just pulled away with the best free agent pitcher available. Really shocking.

Cordero, Burton, and Bray is a good start IMO. Weathers can go back to middle relief where he belongs. We have our relief 'ace' and another strong addition to the pen would make it become pretty formidable.

Plus this signing might be the move that signals a big turnaround. The Reds hav finally shown the willingness to spend ig money to get a big player. Last time they tried, it was on a completely wrong target. This time, they got it right. There wasn't a better pitcher available. There will be better bargains handed out, perhaps with a risk like Kerry Wood, but his pitcher will improve the Reds more than any other pitcher would have. And that is an astoning feat for this team. Something we haven't been able to say for a long time.

[Aronchis]

This move will help, but I can't help think Weathers is about done though Bray's development may ease that fear. We need guys like Pelland and Roenicke to step up and help with depth.

I have a feeling most of the money was shot on this deal the Reds had to spend this offseason.

[Patrick Bateman]

Ya I don't think Weathers has much left. But at the same time I'm a big fan of Bray. Evens out. Pelland shouldn't be far off, at least from contributing as a left specialist. Having a uy like Roenicke stepping up like Burton did last year would make the pen pretty darned good.

[WVRedsFan]

Originally Posted by Aronchis

This move will help, but I can't help think Weathers is about done though Bray's development may ease that fear. We need guys like Pelland and Roenicke to step up and help with depth.

I have a feeling most of the money was shot on this deal the Reds had to spend this offseason.

That's what I've been trying to say. Good move, but at that price you have to wonder if we're done. If we are a "small market" team, then we have no more money to spend and we have to dump some salary by trading to stay in that mode.

I think (and I swear to all that's wonderful that I'm wrong) this may be the piece that Castellini and Krivsky thinks we need to compete. Remember it was always some player who is all we needed and it never worked out? Now, they've found that player and paid dearly for him, so that means World Series, right?

I'm being sily here because hiring Dusty Baker just might have been the swift kick in the rear that Castellini and Krivsky needed. I hope so but remain a little skeptical.

[Kc61]

Winter Meetings should be pretty exciting for Reds fans, more than in years. Thing is that the Reds have a lot of young talent now and some of it is movable in trades. Now that it is clear the Reds are "going for it" I wouldn't be surprised to see a Votto or Hamilton included in a deal. Reds have a glut of left handed hitting outfielder/first basemen and it's the obvious place to trade from.

I find it really annoying when website commentators say the Reds shouldn't have signed Cordero because they aren't close to winning. With some acquisitions, some growth by youngsters, and some necessary departures, the team will have a talented roster.

The other thing I like about this is that the Reds are gradually shifting their resources into pitching. After next year, Griffey or Dunn or both will be gone replaced by a cheaper player.
If that helps create even more salary room for pitching, that's good, particularly since the Reds have a good track record of developing position players to fill any gaps.

[harangatang]

I was reading the Cordero thread earlier and I just logged on to see if they signed him yet. It's a gutsy move by the Reds and I absolutely love it. Signing a quality player that makes the club better definitely shows me that this club is going in a different direction.

[Spitball]

Great news! He moves every bullpen role earlier so he really creates a ripple effect through the depth of the entire pen.

Despite the Brewers' lack of depth in their pen, I believe Cordero was never used for more than four outs last season. I wonder if Baker will have that kind of restraint.

[Red in Chicago]

Wow, I'm remotely looking forward to March now

[Raisor]

I get home from work and find out I've been in the Twighlight Zone all day, and didn't even know it.

[edabbs44]

Still shocked and bewildered. I can't believe that they actually got a top-tier FA.

Here's to a few more guys (another good reliever, a middle of the rotation guy, a RH bat) and this team will be looking pretty sweet.

I keep seeing people talking about Garza. I would love that move.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Oh. My. God.

Redszone Brothers, we are headed to the playoffs in '08. I REALLY like the way this roster is shaping up. Going out and getting the best closer on the market sends a huge message. And how many teams have a set-up man who is coming off a 33-save season??? (Weathers)

Plus we have Burton who was excellent as the set-up man last year and Bray (who struggled last year but I bet he has a good year in '08).

Man, I am ready for spring training. Oh, it's only late November. I guess I can wait. I guess.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

They need a centerfielder something fierce. I'm guessing Dusty's telling them that very thing.

A better defensive catcher wouldn't hurt either.

I disagree that we need a CF. Hamilton can get the job done and Bruce is the CF of the future (and Hamilton will eventually move to RF since Griffey will be somewhere else in '09).

But I agree about catcher. Would love for them to sign a good catcher so there is a three-man race for two spots in spring training (or perhaps you keep all three if they are performing well).

[reds44]

Originally Posted by Blitz Dorsey

I disagree that we need a CF. Hamilton can get the job done and Bruce is the CF of the future (and Hamilton will eventually move to RF since Griffey will be somewhere else in '09).

But I agree about catcher. Would love for them to sign a good catcher so there is a three-man race for two spots in spring training (or perhaps you keep all three if they are performing well).

Bruce really isn't a CF either.

[Patrick Bateman]

Originally Posted by reds44

Bruce really isn't a CF either.

I think he could be for a few years while he has young legs. After that he can settle back in as a RF, but for now his range should be pretty nice.

[remdog]

My opinion:

The good part: The Reds actually ponied up money for a blue chip player. Potentially, this has the chance to turn the bully completely around with one fell swoop. As Spitball pointed out, it rearranges the bp in an order that most clearly mirrors the talents there. The other thing that this says is that the Reds intend for '08 to be the year they win the division and become a serious threat in the playoffs.

The bad part: $46M makes the Milton signing look minuscule and the four year term to a 32 y.o. means that, in all likelihood, the Reds will be carrying around a monetary albatross early in the next decade---a lot of relievers sink that way.

The middle ground: Nabbing a dominant closer (and the ripple effect Spitball referred to) makes all of the starting pitching a little bit better. But the Reds still dearly need a #2 or #3 starter. Does this deal blow the budget for the year or is this offseason when Castelllini goes Steinbrenner on us (in a mini fashion) and pays the tab to dance with the most beautiful woman in the place? (famous shrug)

Rem