Of the FA listed...who should the Reds target?

[brm7675]

Gonzalez, Alex
Linebrink, Scott
McLouth, Nate
Sherrill, George
Wilson, Jack
Marquis, Jason
McDonald, John
Nady, Xavier
Overbay, Lyle
Guerrero, Vladimir
Izturis, Cesar
Atchison, Scott
Bedard, Erik
Drew, J.D.
Jackson, Conor
Miller, Trever
Ortiz, David
Papelbon, Jon
Varitek, Jason
Wakefield, Tim
Wheeler, Dan
Grabow, John
Johnson, Reed
Lopez, Rodrigo
Ortiz, Ramon
Pena, Carlos
Wood, Kerry
Buehrle, Mark
Castro, Ramon
Pierre, Juan
Vizquel, Omar
Durbin, Chad
Fukudome, Kosuke*
Sizemore, Grady
Thome, Jim
Cook, Aaron
Ellis, Mark
Millwood, Kevin
Romero, J.C.
Betemit, Wilson
Guillen, Carlos
Ordonez, Magglio
Penny, Brad
Santiago, Ramon
Zumaya, Joel
Dobbs, Greg
Lopez, Jose
Vazquez, Javier C.
Barmes, Clint
Michaels, Jason
Chen, Bruce
Francis, Jeff
Kendall, Jason
Branyan, Russ
Pineiro, Joel
Ramirez, Horacio
Rodney, Fernando
Barajas, Rod
Blake, Casey
Broxton, Jonathan
Carroll, Jamey
Garland, Jon
Kuroda, Hiroki*
MacDougal, Mike
Miles, Aaron
Padilla, Vicente
Rivera, Juan
Betancourt, Yuniesky
Counsell, Craig
Fielder, Prince
Hairston Jr, Jerry
Hawkins, LaTroy
Kotsay, Mark S.
Rodriguez, Francisco
Saito, Takashi
Capps, Matt
Cuddyer, Mike
Kubel, Jason
Nathan, Joe
Batista, Miguel
Capuano, Chris
Hairston, Scott
Harris, Willie
Isringhausen, Jason
Reyes, Jose
Young, Chris
Ayala, Luis
Chavez, Eric
Colon, Bartolo
Garcia, Freddy Antonio
Jones, Andruw
Marte, Damaso
Mitre, Sergio
Posada, Jorge
Crisp, Coco
DeJesus, David
Harden, Rich
Matsui, Hideki
Willingham, Josh
Gload, Ross
Ibanez, Raul J.
Lidge, Bradley
Madson, Ryan
Oswalt, Roy
Rollins, Jimmy
Schneider, Brian
Cedeno, Ronny
Doumit, Ryan
Lee, Derrek
Ludwick, Ryan
Maholm, Paul
Snyder, Chris
Bell, Heath
Harang, Aaron
Hawpe, Brad
Qualls, Chad
Aardsma, David
Bard, Josh
Kennedy, Adam
Pena, Wily
Wright, Jamey
Beltran, Carlos
Burrell, Pat
Cabrera, Orlando
De Rosa, Mark
Mota, Guillermo
Ross, Cody
Jackson, Edwin
Laird, Gerald
Pujols, Albert
Punto, Nick
Rhodes, Arthur
Cruz, Juan
Damon, Johnny
Kotchman, Casey
Chavez, Endy
Gonzalez, Mike
Oliver, Darren
Treanor, Matt
Webb, Brandon
Wilson, C.J.
Camp, Shawn
Francisco, Frank
Johnson, Kelly
Molina, Jose
Ankiel, Rick
Coffey, Todd
Cora, Alex
Gomes, Jonny
Hernandez, Livan
Nix, Laynce
Rodriguez, Ivan
Wang, Chien-Ming

[R_Webb18]

Wilson Betemit
Carroll, Jamey
Kuroda, Hiroki
MacDougal, Mike
Madson, Ryan

[William]

Grady Sizemore
Joe Nathan-if we can get him for cheap
Brandon Webb for a cheap one year deal. Risky, but if he goes back to the way he was in Arizona, theres an Ace. That likely won't happen but if he's cheap. Why not?

[LegallyMinded]

Would Aaron Harang make a decent amount of sense? First, he should be relatively cheap. Second, he obviously benefited from pitching in PetCo last season, but he's pitched better at home throughout his career, even when home was GABP, so I wouldn't attribute his entire resurgence to a favorable home park. If he's finally healthy, I honestly wouldn't mind seeing him vying for a rotation spot.

[R_Webb18]

Would Aaron Harang make a decent amount of sense? First, he should be relatively cheap. Second, he obviously benefited from pitching in PetCo last season, but he's pitched better at home throughout his career, even when home was GABP, so I wouldn't attribute his entire resurgence to a favorable home park. If he's finally healthy, I honestly wouldn't mind seeing him vying for a rotation spot.

no

[LegallyMinded]

no

Any particular reason? He's obviously an injury risk and didn't depart Cincinnati under the best of circumstances, but is there some specific rationale for being so adamantly opposed to the idea?

[R_Webb18]

b/c hes older and we have those type of pitchers on the roster now. adding him does nothing.

[Gallen5862]

This could be a good thread to use to keep up with free agent signings,etc.

[bigredmechanism]

Any particular reason? He's obviously an injury risk and didn't depart Cincinnati under the best of circumstances, but is there some specific rationale for being so adamantly opposed to the idea?

He struggled in GABP his last couple of years on the team. Petco makes his value higher, but in reality I feel that we Reds fans know exactly what he would give us.

Good guy, and I'll always like him, but I don't see it working out in Cincy again.

[LegallyMinded]

He struggled in GABP his last couple of years on the team. Petco makes his value higher, but in reality I feel that we Reds fans know exactly what he would give us.


Fair enough, although last year he did post the 2nd highest GB rate of his career, so his struggles in GABP might not be as pronounced as in years past.

And at least according to Baseball Reference, Harang would have been the third most valuable starter on the Reds last year. I guess in the end it would really come down to what kind of deal he's looking for.

[webbbj]

Im only interested in bullpen help via FA

[Literati]

Well, getting Roy Oswalt would be a sure fire way to make sure we don't lose to him again :laugh: ...I'm just not sure we can afford him

[The DARK]

I'd add Saito. He's been a pretty underrated bullpen option, from what I've seen, and wouldn't be too expensive.

[mu4103]

I believe Kuroda traditionally has a low WHIP which would help in GABP.

[mu4103]

Joe Nathan could be gotten cheap and I have always liked Ryan Madson. Beltran is an interesting possibility - he might be able to get his career going again. Ultimately the Reds will sign Jonny Gomes and stay pat, so I don't know why we even have this thread. :)

[R_Webb18]

Joe Nathan could be gotten cheap and I have always liked Ryan Madson. Beltran is an interesting possibility - he might be able to get his career going again. Ultimately the Reds will sign Jonny Gomes and stay pat, so I don't know why we even have this thread. :)

thats all ppl are saying anyway. there are a few good ppl but we can't afford them. so if were going improve its by trade. ppl think just b/c this guy USE to be good 3 yrs ago = good now. no reason to waste 8 million a yr for back ups

[LegallyMinded]

MLB Trade Rumors predicted this morning that the Reds would land Josh Willingham and Juan Pierre.

I can't say I'm too enamored with either of them, but Willingham would at least provide some right-handed power to complement Votto and Bruce: 29 HR in 136 games is not bad at all.

Pierre, on the other, is in fact very bad. Baseball Reference and Fangraphs both had him at or below replacement level last year, and he also managed a 27:17 SB:CS ratio. That's pretty sad, when speed is basically the one component of your game that's an asset.

That being said, of course, I find it all too likely that Pierre does end up a Red, given his connection to Dusty. . . .

[LexRedsFan]

Pujols, Albert
Fielder, Prince
Wilson, CJ

Shouldn't cost too much or be any problem whatsoever. :D

[texasdave]

If Pierre ends up in a Reds uniform all I have to say is :alcohol: and :explode:. Oh heck throw in these as well :eek::thumbdown::rolleyes::bang::cry::help::alcoho l::explode::scared::shocked::censored::runawaycry: :(:angry::bash::yikes::barf::runaway::rant:.

[brad1176]

Josh Willingham: 136 games, 150k's, 29HR, .246AVG, .332OBP. I think we can get that or close to it with Heisey. The FA's that are out there will either be too expensive or they won't be an upgrade over what we already have. Trades will be where we improve.

[R_Webb18]

Josh Willingham: 136 games, 150k's, 29HR, .246AVG, .332OBP. I think we can get that or close to it with Heisey. The FA's that are out there will either be too expensive or they won't be an upgrade over what we already have. Trades will be where we improve.

this. why waste money when we have heisey that can do samething for cheaper.

[izzy's dad]

Roy Oswalt 2-3 years 10 mil per year? No thanks on Willingham, methinks we could get similar production from Heisey for way less $. If we sign Pierre I will kill myself with a brick. No one on this list is very appealing. I agree that if this team is to improve it will come via trade or within, not from free agency.

[bounty37h]

b/c hes older and we have those type of pitchers on the roster now. adding him does nothing.

And I think he burned bridges on his way out of town if I recall correctly?

[Girevik]

Pujols, Albert
Fielder, Prince
Wilson, CJ

Shouldn't cost too much or be any problem whatsoever. :D

Pujols back at third, Fielder in left at Votto at first? Does that move Alonzo to catcher until Mez is ready?

[TuneSquad]

Why does everyone hate Juan Pierre so much? He has an extremely low K rate, hits for good average, and is a prototypical leadoff hitter... all things the Reds could use some improvement on. Not saying we NEED him cuz i liked brandon in the leadoff spot at the end of the year, but i think it is an interesting chance for the reds and if anything compare those numbers to stubbs. what does Drew have on juan at the leadoff spot? power? yea, put Stubbs in the 7 hole no question

[smixsell]

I'd add Saito. He's been a pretty underrated bullpen option, from what I've seen, and wouldn't be too expensive.

In a heartbeat.

[drowg14]

Why does everyone hate Juan Pierre so much? He has an extremely low K rate, hits for good average, and is a prototypical leadoff hitter... all things the Reds could use some improvement on. Not saying we NEED him cuz i liked brandon in the leadoff spot at the end of the year, but i think it is an interesting chance for the reds and if anything compare those numbers to stubbs. what does Drew have on juan at the leadoff spot? power? yea, put Stubbs in the 7 hole no question

I agree with this. I would prefer BP in the 2 hole, so this could help the Reds set the table for Votto, give him more chances to drive people in. But that leaves the question, lets say we DID get Pierre. Would we have Stubbs or Alonso as the third OF. Alonso has the better bat, Stubbs has the better defense. Pierre has one of the weakest OF arms in the game. Not exactly who you want in center.

[LegallyMinded]

Why does everyone hate Juan Pierre so much? He has an extremely low K rate, hits for good average, and is a prototypical leadoff hitter... all things the Reds could use some improvement on. Not saying we NEED him cuz i liked brandon in the leadoff spot at the end of the year, but i think it is an interesting chance for the reds and if anything compare those numbers to stubbs. what does Drew have on juan at the leadoff spot? power? yea, put Stubbs in the 7 hole no question

Pierre was certainly a quality player at the peak of his career, but at this point, his skills have just eroded to the point where he isn't that useful. He turned in an OPS under .700 last year, and his defense dragged his value down even further, to the point where he was worse than replacement level. With Heisey and Alonso as cheaper outfield options already, Pierre just doesn't seem to have a place on the team.

[50YrRedsFan]

Aaron Harang, Todd Coffey, Wily Mo Pena, Alex Gonzalez, Jonny Gomes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh::D

[TuneSquad]

Pierre was certainly a quality player at the peak of his career, but at this point, his skills have just eroded to the point where he isn't that useful. He turned in an OPS under .700 last year, and his defense dragged his value down even further, to the point where he was worse than replacement level. With Heisey and Alonso as cheaper outfield options already, Pierre just doesn't seem to have a place on the team.

Im not so sure that an OPS number matters too much for a leadoff guy. I mean, I looked up his numbers and his numbers have not changed too drastically. His average has stayed well above league average and his numbers in the NL have always been solid. As pointed out many a time, Pierre although not a great arm would be an above average LF for the reds in the last decade. I believe the reds need a good leadoff and then phillips at 2...

Pierre LF
Phillips 2B
Votto 1B
Bruce RF
Francisco/Rolen 3B
Cozart SS
Stubbs CF
Meseroco C

[stripedwarrior]

Realistically, the only names that might be considered, and have an impact, are Sizemore and Saito.
Nathan will not leave Minnesota unless he has no other option. Most others that are any good will be to expensive.

[Kingspoint]

Buehrle, but he'll never leave Chicago.

[RedsFanIN]

The one person I really want to see in a Reds uniform is Ryan Madison. I think he would be a great addition to our team and an upgrade to Cordero. I also would like to see the Reds take a flyer on Sizemore and Broxton.

[R_Webb18]

Sizemore seems like such a waste of money. theres better chance hes hurt than good.

[alett12]

Broxton
sizemore
Cedeno

[krm1580]

Dontrelle Willis

In the winter last year I discussed at length how D-Train would be a phenom as lefty specialist out of the pen and what a great pickup it was.

The Reds of course took this potential LOOGY goldmine and turned it into a batting practice starter. And as dreadful as he was his slash line against Lefties in 2011:

169/.200/.369

For a bit of perspective, here is Chapman's line vs lefties in 2011

238/.154/.392

So if the ship has not already sailed, pick him back up, put him in the pen, make him and exclusive situational lefty, thank me later.

[mu4103]

Im not so sure that an OPS number matters too much for a leadoff guy. I mean, I looked up his numbers and his numbers have not changed too drastically. His average has stayed well above league average and his numbers in the NL have always been solid. As pointed out many a time, Pierre although not a great arm would be an above average LF for the reds in the last decade. I believe the reds need a good leadoff and then phillips at 2...

Pierre LF
Phillips 2B
Votto 1B
Bruce RF
Francisco/Rolen 3B
Cozart SS
Stubbs CF
Meseroco C
Juan Pierre is horrible and should not even be in the major leagues.

[The DARK]

Juan Pierre is horrible and should not even be in the major leagues.

He's not horrible, but he doesn't steal as much as Stubbs anymore, doesn't have his potential for growth, and doesn't show any power. That's not good enough for a regular LF.

[mr. red]

What we should do is trade for Shields and do everything we can to sign Reyes (this would require management to spend a lot of money). What we won't do is trade for Shields and do everything we can to sign Reyes.

Instead, we'll settle for veteran, filler-type players who would be a nice additions to a team as an insurance policy, but should not be starting at the ML level.

[LegallyMinded]

What we should do is trade for Shields and do everything we can to sign Reyes (this would require management to spend a lot of money). What we won't do is trade for Shields and do everything we can to sign Reyes.

Instead, we'll settle for veteran, filler-type players who would be a nice additions to a team as an insurance policy, but should not be starting at the ML level.

If it's any consolation, it looks like (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/11/al-east-notes-shields-burnett-ortiz-blue-jays.html) the Rays don't want to trade Shields anymore. I agree that the Reds probably wouldn't have made a very aggressive push for him anyway, but at least now it feels less like the Reds are missing an opportunity.

[brad1176]

If it's any consolation, it looks like (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/11/al-east-notes-shields-burnett-ortiz-blue-jays.html) the Rays don't want to trade Shields anymore. I agree that the Reds probably wouldn't have made a very aggressive push for him anyway, but at least now it feels less like the Reds are missing an opportunity.

I did see where the Rays would be inclined to trade Jeremy Hellickson though.

[BEETTLEBUG]

Maybe any more thoughts.

[alett12]

Does any one remember the name Chris Heisey? the man is beast

[LegallyMinded]

MLBTR has Ryan Madson looking at a 4 year, 44 million dollar deal with an option for a 5th year. That seems strikingly familiar to the 4-year, 46 million dollar deal Cordero signed with the Reds, and if that's what the market for FA relievers looks like this season, I don't want any part of it, or at least don't want any part of overpaying for saves. Perhaps the Reds can fill out the bullpen with one of their surplus starters, or bring back Willis as a left specialist, instead of signing someone akin to Madson.

[R_Webb18]

MLBTR has Ryan Madson looking at a 4 year, 44 million dollar deal with an option for a 5th year. That seems strikingly familiar to the 4-year, 46 million dollar deal Cordero signed with the Reds, and if that's what the market for FA relievers looks like this season, I don't want any part of it, or at least don't want any part of overpaying for saves. Perhaps the Reds can fill out the bullpen with one of their surplus starters, or bring back Willis as a left specialist, instead of signing someone akin to Madson.

id never do this if i was a small team like the reds

[izzy's dad]

I know I said that I would pass on Josh Willingham, but the more I think about it the more my opinion changes. I think he would be an affordable bat to stick in between Votto and Bruce, and likely play better defense than Alonso.

[DGullett35]

Willingham-need a RH bat with some pop to put in between Votto and Bruce

Marco Scutaro-(I didnt see his name on FA list but I would like to have him. Can play SS in case Cozart gets hurt/doesn't work out, and can play 2nd) Also can handle the bat, very solid player IMO.

And If we cant sign a FA pitcher(Buerhle, CJ Wilson ect.) we need to go out and trade for Big Game James

[LegallyMinded]

very solid player IMO.



Unfortunately the Red Sox feel the same way and already picked up his option. I really hope Cozart does work out, because there just aren't that many good FA options at short that are in the Reds' price range.

[texasdave]

If they could get Reed Johnson cheap I would jump on that.

[dMaus14]

What about trading for Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox? As good as Scuturo and is could be relatively cheap both financially and trade route because of Scuturo and Iglesias coming up.

[LegallyMinded]

What about trading for Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox? As good as Scuturo and is could be relatively cheap both financially and trade route because of Scuturo and Iglesias coming up.

No doubt he has potential, but the injury history is a little scary. I could certainly see the Reds matching up well with the Sox in the trade market though, since the Sox are interested in rotational depth and outfield help, while the Reds could potentially deal Wood, Heisey or others.

[dMaus14]

What about:

Reds get:
Jed Lowrie - $1.2m
Felix Doubrant - $.55m

Red Sox get:
Nick Masset - $2.6m
Bronson Arroyo - $12m
$2.5m for Arroyo

I know that the Sox have money but I think this regime may be more shrewd in their acquisitions. Received payroll flexibility and still have prospects to deal for upgrades.

[Ohayou]

Anyone object to bringing in Kerry Wood as a closer?

[brad1176]

Anyone object to bringing in Kerry Wood as a closer?

No, but for Wood it's the Cubs or retirement, he won't go anywhere else.

[Michelle]

They should have matt klinker be a starter nex year.
Michelle

[powersackers]

Sign Willingham, trade Alonso for a Gio Gonzalez type. Heisey is not at Willingham's level. Until Chris can hit LHP and RHP nearly equally in a ML stint, he's not the answer.

[LegallyMinded]

Sign Willingham, trade Alonso for a Gio Gonzalez type. Heisey is not at Willingham's level. Until Chris can hit LHP and RHP nearly equally in a ML stint, he's not the answer.

Looks like the Reds are not a finalist (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/mariners-indians-in-the-lead-for-josh-willingham.html) for Willingham. If you're not sold on Heisey playing full time, what about Cuddyer? I haven't heard his name connected to the Reds at all, but he seems similar to Willingham, and could even spell Rolen at third base occasionally.

[powersackers]

Looks like the Reds are not a finalist (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/mariners-indians-in-the-lead-for-josh-willingham.html) for Willingham. If you're not sold on Heisey playing full time, what about Cuddyer? I haven't heard his name connected to the Reds at all, but he seems similar to Willingham, and could even spell Rolen at third base occasionally.

Good thought, Cuddyer was quite expensive last year at 10.5M, if he's struggling to get paid this off season he's just the kind of guy we should be targeting. I'd be stoked about bringing his OB% and potential .800 OPS in GABP. He's probably a 1.5 to 2 WAR a season player for a few more years.

[dcameron24]

The issue I have with Willingham and Cuddyer are their asking prices.

Both are said to be looking for 3 year deals with Willingham at 8m a year and Cuddyer at 10m a year.

That's a lot of money to be paying out, because you are "skeptical" of the production Alonso/Heisey would provide.

[LegallyMinded]

Looks like the Twins (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/twins-agree-to-sign-josh-willingham.html) are the winner for Willingham.

That likely means Jason Kubel won't be resigned by the Twins, and so if the Reds are really desperate for outfield help, he could be an option. Honestly, though, I'd rather see how Heisey handles LF as a full-time player. Kubel's bat barely seems to make up for his poor defense in the outfield.

[R_Webb18]

we have to many outfielders.

[LegallyMinded]

we have to many outfielders.

And yet, somehow, the Reds production out of Left Field last year was still well below the NL league average production: .227/.310/.371 for the Reds, vs. .259/.328/.420 for the league. What we need is some way to consolidate our outfield talent.

Or perhaps the departure of Fred Lewis and Johnny Gomes will take care of our outfield issues.

[Hondo]

Heisey hits 19 Homers in less than 300 AB's, I say you give him the FULL TIME Job and let him figure out Left handers, He'll Hit .260-.270 and give ya 30-40 Homers if he gets 140 Starts...

That's my Humble Opinion.

[Eric the Red]

I'm not sure of what Seth Smith would cost in terms of prospects (apparently they want a major league ready pitcher) but a platoon of he and Ryan Ludwick would look pretty good to me.

[tedies]

Heisey hits 19 Homers in less than 300 AB's, I say you give him the FULL TIME Job and let him figure out Left handers, He'll Hit .260-.270 and give ya 30-40 Homers if he gets 140 Starts...

That's my Humble Opinion.

How many strikeouts though? Thats most people's concern

[Eric the Red]

How many strikeouts though? Thats most people's concern

I like most of what Heisey brings to the table but his strikeouts cause me to want to make him the 5th outfielder and add Ludwick and Smith.

[dMaus14]

I would rather sign JD Drew with performance incentives than trade for Seth Smith. Unless its an clear upgrade not a platoon type move I think we should call it an off season on trades. I would have no problem signing Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Ludwick, JD Drew, Coco Crisp. I wouldn't mind sign Manny to a minor league deal and keep him in AAA for a little after his suspension to see if he really wants to play or not!

[Ohayou]

Ask for Hamilton back.

[texasdave]

If the names in the Cubs trade are accurate we should target Theo.

[OGB]

Heisey hits 19 Homers in less than 300 AB's, I say you give him the FULL TIME Job and let him figure out Left handers, He'll Hit .260-.270 and give ya 30-40 Homers if he gets 140 Starts...

That's my Humble Opinion.

I like Heisey, but if he's your full time starter, your OF is going to combine for over 550 strikeouts. Im also not convinced he'll OBP over 330 even if he hits 280

[LegallyMinded]

I like Heisey, but if he's your full time starter, your OF is going to combine for over 550 strikeouts. Im also not convinced he'll OBP over 330 even if he hits 280

Interestingly enough, 550Ks would actually be an improvement over last year's 598.

K's in and of themselves, of course, don't concern me too much, but you make a good point about the OBP: A 6.6% career walk rate is troubling for a starting left fielder. Hopefully patience is a part of Heisey's game that would develop more fully with consistent playing time.

[brad1176]

Interestingly enough, 550Ks would actually be an improvement over last year's 598.

K's in and of themselves, of course, don't concern me too much, but you make a good point about the OBP: A 6.6% career walk rate is troubling for a starting left fielder. Hopefully patience is a part of Heisey's game that would develop more fully with consistent playing time.

Here's the problem, Stubbs, Heisey, and Bruce won't improve their K rates while under Dusty. His philosophy to hitting is to always be aggressive, go to the plate and swing away. I'm not here to put down Dusty, it's just that his philosophy to hitting doesn't work for players that don't have good plate discipline, like Stubbs, Heisey, and Bruce.

[Tuff Nut]

Has Kasmir signed with anyone? I'd give him a Willisesque deal. Would like to see if he still has something left and he wouldn't break the bank.

[Old NDN]

I've mentioned in a couple of other threads about the possibility of Nady. He's a RH power bat, can play LF,1B, PH. He always hit well in GABP. ( No, I'm not his agent.lol)

[UCBrownsfan]

I've mentioned in a couple of other threads about the possibility of Nady. He's a RH power bat, can play LF,1B, PH. He always hit well in GABP. ( No, I'm not his agent.lol)

Career Total War:
Heisey 2.3, Nady 1.7

[UCBrownsfan]

For the OF, I wouldn't mind Johnny Damon - cheap enough now it seems
(under $5 mil) - I think he'd want to stick around for even cheap for a shot at 3000 hits, which could be a nice money generating thing, 2 years $7.5 mil?

Nice 4 man rotation in OF.

Spend more on closer.

[Crumbley]

Nady hasn't hit since '08. I guess he'd be welcome to hang out in Louisville with an opportunity to come to Cincinnati if he hits, but I don't know he's a guy you guarantee anything to.

[izzy's dad]

How much would J.D. Drew cost? I think he would be worth a look. The list of available left fielders is fairly poor. At this point I would be inclined to save the cash and go with Heisey to start the season.

[1 Tool Player]

Anyone object to bringing in Kerry Wood as a closer?

I also think he would be good as a closer. I think there is a salary he might agree to that is enough to make him leave the Cubs (and not retire) but still considerably less than Cordero or Madson would command.

[vottofan4life]

sign kerry wood for closer, sign yoenis cespedes for left field, extend brandon phillips, sign cedeno or theriot to back up short stop and call it a day

[cbowen2112]

sign kerry wood for closer, sign yoenis cespedes for left field, extend brandon phillips, sign cedeno or theriot to back up short stop and call it a day

Wood, probably will not happen. A reunion with Dusty is not in the cards.

Cespedes, will not happen. Too much money for an outfielder that has not played a single out in MLB. They could surprise everyone again, but that is highly unlikely.

Cedeno or Theriot, I am for it if the price is right. Say no more then $2 mil for either.

[cbowen2112]

How much would J.D. Drew cost? I think he would be worth a look. The list of available left fielders is fairly poor. At this point I would be inclined to save the cash and go with Heisey to start the season.

I think J.D. could be a good veteran option for us. I think that there are not a ton of options for him out there, so he may consider a switch to LF, being the lesser of demand defensively as far as outfield is concerned. He is a fair defender and could be a good platoon player perhaps. The other I hope they bring in is Luke Scott.

[LegallyMinded]

I think J.D. could be a good veteran option for us. I think that there are not a ton of options for him out there, so he may consider a switch to LF, being the lesser of demand defensively as far as outfield is concerned. He is a fair defender and could be a good platoon player perhaps. The other I hope they bring in is Luke Scott.

I also wouldn't mind seeing JD Drew on the team, provided he doesn't cost too much. Fangraphs has rated him as an above average defender the last several years, and he hits LH pitching much better than Heisey (.336 career wOBA for Drew, vs. a career .245 wOBA for Heisey). On a personal note, as well, I always liked Drew: People said he didn't care about the game, but I found his quiet professionalism rather appealing. He always seemed to approach the game with the right balance of a sense of responsibility to give his best performance and acknowledgement that ultimately, what he does is just a game, and isn't a matter of life and death.

Of course, whether the Reds can sign him is largely a matter of whether he decides to play at all this year. Has anyone heard if he's planning on retiring or not?

As for Luke Scott, I'm not sure I understand the appeal. His ISO plunged last year, and his defensive numbers have been falling off as well. I understand he played with a torn labrum much of last year, but are people convinced he'll bounce back to his 2010 form?

[malcontent]

If he's still available I'd go after Fukudome (career 0.361 OBP), stick him in LF, and bat him lead-off or second.

[alett12]

If he's still available I'd go after Fukudome (career 0.361 OBP), stick him in LF, and bat him lead-off or second.

Heisey starts in LF and let him be the back up to everyone in in the outfield

[joshua]

Rays just signed Luke Scott. 1 year, 5 mil.

[sdwagers]

The Reds will likely go after Ludwick or Ross.

Cepedes is going to cost a ton Ankiel from what I hear is at the end, Fukudome does nothing for this offense, and I m not sure JD Drew has any gas in the tank.

Conor Jackson intriged me for a minute, but he is atrocious in the field. Jonny Gomes is available still, but no thanks.

We could deal Masset and Bailey for someone. Michael Morse or Seth Smith.

I m betting we get Ludwick.

[OGB]

Rays just signed Luke Scott. 1 year, 5 mil.

Thank god we avoided this racist moron playing for the Reds.

[Redsnake]

If he's still available I'd go after Fukudome (career 0.361 OBP), stick him in LF, and bat him lead-off or second.

I still like my LF to hit double digit HR and hit over 80RBI's. This is something Fukudome can't do.

[IamRV]

Of those that remain I wouldn't mind the signings of Fukudome, Ludwick and Jeremy Hermida.

Kosuke is more than serviceable and should get many of the AB's vs RHP that Stubbs now gets. Stubbs has great numbers against leftys but his numbers against rightys is anemic.

Ludwick hits well WRISP and also hits well against leftys which would compliment Heisey well. I also believe Hermida is a worth project that could be signed to a minor league contract once again.

These three moves would top off what has been an excellent off season.

What I would really like to see is Walt swing a deal for Jeff Francouer without crippling what he has done to date for 2012.

[sdwagers]

Of those that remain I wouldn't mind the signings of Fukudome, Ludwick and Jeremy Hermida.


Jeremy Hermida is a non roster invitee for the San Diego Padres.

[IamRV]

Jeremy Hermida is a non roster invitee for the San Diego Padres.

Sorry - my bad.

[foamy2001]

Ludwick is the only guy I would consider. Fukudome is mid-30s and has never batted above .273. I get the .OBP argument, but I would rather see Heisey out there everyday than Fukudome.

That said, I'm a big Heisey fan and I think he could be a solid guy if given everyday at bats.

[OGB]

Ludwick is the only guy I would consider. Fukudome is mid-30s and has never batted above .273. I get the .OBP argument, but I would rather see Heisey out there everyday than Fukudome.

That said, I'm a big Heisey fan and I think he could be a solid guy if given everyday at bats.

Youre concerned about Fukudome's BA? Have you seen Ludwicks numbers the past 3 years? Theyre a joke! If youd rather have Heisey than Fukudome, fine, but how are you going to make an argument for Ludwick on a team full of power bats and low OBPs who strike out way too much? Adding Ludwick would be asinine. At least if you add Fukudome (career OBP of 361) youre addressing one of the few remaining weaknesses of this team.

[IamRV]

Youre concerned about Fukudome's BA? Have you seen Ludwicks numbers the past 3 years? Theyre a joke! If youd rather have Heisey than Fukudome, fine, but how are you going to make an argument for Ludwick on a team full of power bats and low OBPs who strike out way too much? Adding Ludwick would be asinine. At least if you add Fukudome (career OBP of 361) youre addressing one of the few remaining weaknesses of this team.

I agree that Fukudome would be a better fit given his numbers and ability to play all the OF positions. Would like to see both he and Heisey on the field instead of Stubbs when we face RHP.

[Rich]

Prior to the Reds signing Ludwick, I would have liked to have seen the Reds go after Xavier Nady. Not sure if he is strictly a right fielder but he could fill that extra outfielder void. He always seemed to be a Reds killer.

[alett12]

I've mentioned in a couple of other threads about the possibility of Nady. He's a RH power bat, can play LF,1B, PH. He always hit well in GABP. ( No, I'm not his agent.lol)

Nady hasn't played OF in years, personaly of the outfielders on the market Fukudome, and Conner Jackson who can do all the same things as Nady

[RedsfaninMT]

Nady hasn't played OF in years, personaly of the outfielders on the market Fukudome, and Conner Jackson who can do all the same things as Nady

Maybe not a regular in OF, but he played 10 games in the OF last year, and 26 there the year before. Doesn't really matter, the Reds will go with Ludwick/Heisey/Stubbs/Bruce and either Frazier or Francisco as their 5 OF.

[alett12]

Maybe not a regular in OF, but he played 10 games in the OF last year, and 26 there the year before. Doesn't really matter, the Reds will go with Ludwick/Heisey/Stubbs/Bruce and either Frazier or Francisco as their 5 OF.

I'm sure Vlad had 35 games in the out field in the last 2 years as well

[texasdave]

Corey Patterson is off the market, inking a minor-league deal with the Brew Crew.

[RedsfaninMT]

Corey Patterson is off the market, inking a minor-league deal with the Brew Crew.

Well, there goes our leadoff hitter.:lol:

[malcontent]

I'd still like to see them sign Fukudome.

Unfortunately, that could make Cairo the 26th man and they're not going to do that.

They need another LH bat and Fukudome would be a great addition, IMO.

[Big Red Hoss]

Well, there goes our leadoff hitter.:lol:

:thumbup: Thats some good posting right there.:thumbup:

[alett12]

Well, there goes our leadoff hitter.:lol:

No wait Willy Taveres is still out there lol