Reds claim Alfredo Simon

[xavr1]

Not sure if this was reported, but nice claim IMO

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-alfredo-simon-claimed-by-reds-20120403,0,870284.story

[wojo1025]

Wow nice. I was reading there was a LOT of interest in this guy from a number of teams. I thought "hmm, he'd be worth a shot if we could grab him." Never thought it'd happen

[texasdave]

Wow nice. I was reading there was a LOT of interest in this guy from a number of teams. I thought "hmm, he'd be worth a shot if we could grab him." Never thought it'd happen

I read about this interest as well. But I thought on a waiver claim, teams from the AL get first crack (since Baltimore is in the AL) and then teams from the NL. If that is truly the case then a lot of teams passed on him before the Reds staked their claim. His lifetime stats, though limited, are pretty meh.

One thing is for certain. Stand clear of Simon's locker if the Reds participate in any post-season celebrations. :)

[bounty37h]

what was the story on him?

[texasdave]

what was the story on him?

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-01-03/sports/bs-sp-orioles-alfredo-simon-0104-20110103_1_surrenders-national-police-ballistics-tests

[wojo1025]

More importantly he has a 44.7% ground ball rate and an average fastball velocity of 94.5 mph in four seasons with Baltimore.

[The DARK]

I'm unimpressed by this pickup. He's yet another righty project. Francis didn't opt out. Even if Chapman becomes a permanent bullpen arm and none of JJ Hoover/Sam Lecure/Andrew Brackman get considered for starting time, he's still 7th in line. In long relief, there's a plethora of better options. He was injured and performed poorly during spring training, and who knows what the implications of this shooting are for him just yet.

I'm not saying that he's a clubhouse cancer or that he doesn't have some value stashed away in AAA, but I'd think twice before considering this the best waiver pickup ever.