Jeff Passan: Reds sign Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman to six-year deal (Financials TBD)

Considering there is a hole at #5 right now, I don't think its inconceivable to have him vying for the #5 hole out of ST. Even if he isn't fully ready, they could put him in there to take his hits, like they did with Cueto in 08. Cueto wasn't fully ready, but the major league experience proved invaluable

Whats the word on Volquez and when he will be ready?

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Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

Vis. Dusty "ruining" pitchers: I think the odds are reasonably good that Dusty won't even manage this kid.

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I agree. Dusty will never see him except, maybe, in the spring. I expect him to go to AA to start the year.

Nah, I think Dusty is here for the long haul.

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Originally Posted by mth123

But Maloney won't bring anything back. Wood could be a key piece in a package for an actual good player.

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Wood's really just had one good year. I doubt he has all that much value. Keep em both and put one in the pen. We'll need another lefty after Rhodes goes.

Speechless.

:)

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Originally Posted by 11larkin11

Nah, I think Dusty is here for the long haul.

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Dusty's gone by the end of the year and it could be before July is done. No way they give him more money. I'm not a Dusty hater, but there are a lot better options than him.

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Originally Posted by 11larkin11

Nah, I think Dusty is here for the long haul.

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If they tank this season, he's gone.

Reds who were born in Cuba

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CINCINNATI REDS
CAREER
Non P
BIRTHPLACE: CUBA
OPS displayed only--not a sorting criteria

AT BATS                        AB      OPS   
1    Tony Perez                6846    .820 
2    Leo Cardenas              4047    .690 
3    Armando Marsans            1113    .702 
4    Chico Ruiz                1024    .572 
5    Manuel Cueto                336    .629 
6    Rafael Almeida              285    .725 
7    Mike Gonzalez              176    .560 
8    Tony Gonzalez                99    .621 
9    Cookie Rojas                86    .546 
10  Rogelio Alvarez              37    .400 
11  Joe Azcue                    31    .248 
12  Danny Morejon                26    .592 
13  Mike de la Hoz                1    .000 

CINCINNATI REDS
CAREER

BIRTHPLACE: CUBA
ERA displayed only--not a sorting criteria

GAMES                            G      ERA   
1    Dolf Luque                  395    3.09 
2    Orlando Pena                59    4.28 
3    Raul Sanchez                46    4.79 
4    Pedro Ramos                  38    5.16 
5    Osvaldo Fernandez            35    5.26 
6    Tommy de la Cruz            34    3.25 
7    Vincente Amor                9    6.00 
8    Pedro Dibut                  8    2.68 
9    Camilo Pascual                5    9.00 
10  Tony Menendez                3    1.93 
11  Mike Cuellar                  2    15.75

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Originally Posted by Jpup

Dusty's gone by the end of the year and it could be before July is done. No way they give him more money. I'm not a Dusty hater, but there are a lot better options than him.

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I don't think Dusty has much of a say in regards to the pitching staff. If he did the Reds wouldn't have fired Pole and hired Price as the pitching coach. I think what Price says in regards to the pitchers will override what Dusty says.

Wow. Very surprised and quite pleased with this move. I was expecting the Reds offseason to be a complete bust and this changes that vibe completely. Even though the kid may not help the MLB team out much this year, he'll be important in future years. I wish year 6 was a team option, though.

I'd prefer he spend the year in the minors...at least until September. Otherwise, I think he'd be rushed.

I do like the way the future looks for the Reds, but 2010 could be another less than inspiring year in Cincinnati.

Must admit I only skimmed the thread, so if i am repeating thoughts, i apologize. But when flipping around during the NFL playoffs, I saw this break around 2:45 pm on ESPNews and I have to admit, I got pumped...this is so out of the ordinary for a team like ours and is great news heading towards the winter caravan...sure it might not mean much in '10--but I sure in the heck am looking forward to the future!

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Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

If they tank this season, he's gone.

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Which I don't see happening. I realize your the pessimist and I'm the optimist, so we'll have to agree to disagree.

I would love to see the Reds stick him in the minors to start the year and let him work on secondary pitches and control. Then, if the Reds are near contention and he's doing well give him a call up and stick him in the bull pen. Let him use his plus pitches to hopefully gain some confidence and help the team out at the back of the game. Then hopefully transition him over to the rotation in 2011.

I was already getting impatient for spring training, now I'm going to be insane with anticipation......waiting, waiting, waiting.