Am I wrong to think this?

[MikeS21]

I keep thinking about Francona’s introductory press conference, where he talked about the young players and how he planned to reach out to the current players. I got no indication that anything had been promised except the pitch that “We have a young team of talented players who just need someone to teach them how to play the game the right way.”

[GAC]

I don't know if they'll add payroll, shop the market this off-season or not. IMO, I think the primary reason Tito came here is to deal with the young talent they have, and do what Bell didn't ... bring some discipline to this lineup, this young and very talented squad, and clean things up on both sides of the ball.

When I look at the rash of injuries, not just to the Reds, but all around MLB last season - better depth may be key.

[JFLegal]

Man, y'all are some buzzkills.

[GAC]

I fully believe Terry Francona would have not taken this gig if he was not given at least some assurances that payroll would increase. Not by a lot, but would increase. I understand that most of us are jaded based on the history of this franchise for the last ~30 years, but I've even seen some posters on this board say they won't be surprised if the Reds' team salary stays steady or even drops. I know the TV situation makes the equation even more difficult, but I maintain there is no way a guy like Tito Francona would have taken this job if he didn't know the team was at least going to make more of an effort to win.

I don't feel it's wrong to carry such optimism (as long as there is some sense of balance). When it comes to this team, and it's ownership, optimism (future tense) is all the fans really have to hold onto. This team's motto should be "Building For Tomorrow". But you take that optimism away, or find some way to crush it, and what does the fan have to hold onto that keeps their "allegiance", to give them any hope at all?

And that's where the PR department comes in.

[NachoMan]

One of the most frustrating things about the Reds is that it seems like if they come in under budget on a yearly payroll, that money just goes poof. Doesn't go into the coffers for next year, doesn't get reinvested into the team, it's just gone. And then that they will point to that under-budget payroll as the new baseline -- even though we went from payrolls in the $120m range from 2019-2022, and now we're back at $100m. I'm sure factoring in inflation makes that even more pathetic.

I get the impression that Krall feels he's gotta spend up whatever budget he gets every year, because it's basically a "use it or lose it" scenario. Doesn't seem to lead to very wise FA moves.

I know management has their excuses for crying poor, covid (still I guess) and now the TV contract. But man it just gives the impression of an organization with no long-term outlook whatsoever, that just flies by the seat of their ass year-by-year, and by most accounts that's basically what they do.

[Roy Tucker]

Maybe they’ll be like the 1984-1985 Reds. A manager change (Vern Rapp to Pete Rose) spurs some latent talent to reverse a multi-year downturn and have a successful season. If the Reds avoid major injuries (haha) and Francona squeezes better playing out of this roster, weeelll maybe.

My hearts says “it could happen” and my head says “but I don’t think so”. Hope springs eternal in this old heart.

[westofyou]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...tation-impact/

Earlier in the week, Doug Healy, the Reds’ chief operating officer and chief financial officer, told MLB.com that Krall’s budget for the upcoming season would be “at or above 2024 (payroll).” The Reds’ payroll on Opening Day was roughly $100 million. With Martinez’s pay bump and projected raises for the team’s seven arbitration-eligible players, the payroll is roughly $90 million, which puts a large focus on Healy’s “or above.”

[mgbrown66]

I'm personally hoping that there are a few more clubs with declining TV revenue coupled with less fan support, i.e. lower overall budgets. This makes all those mid level relievers a little bit cheaper than last year. Soto and the top level players will still get big money from the Dodgers and Yanks, but there should be some value in older players looking for one year deals in hopes the economy picks up.

[JFLegal]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...tation-impact/

Now this is what I'm talking about. They still need to walk the walk and not simply talk the talk. But I have to think some assurances were made to Tito that payroll would at least slightly increase.

[westofyou]

Now this is what I'm talking about. They still need to walk the walk and not simply talk the talk. But I have to think some assurances were made to Tito that payroll would at least slightly increase.

Cost of living increase... have to wonder if they have extra money (or avenues to extra money) for mid season additions

[JFLegal]

Cost of living increase... have to wonder if they have extra money (or avenues to extra money) for mid season additions

I know we disagree about this. And I'm not suggesting the Reds are gonna break the bank. Far from it.

But I do think they will increase payroll. And still have room to add at the deadline if need be.

[herbdizzle]

I would like the Reds to manage their payroll so they have the ability to add an acquisition or two for a second half run. Bell and even Price were notorious for 2nd half fades.

[Slyder]

If Francona is the only major change in the 25 man roster from last year then I predict we will be right back where we've been the last two years fightin for 500 and prayin for a chance at the playoffs as the last team in.

- - - Updated - - -

I would like the Reds to manage their payroll so they have the ability to add an acquisition or two for a second half run. Bell and even Price were notorious for 2nd half fades.

Second Half runs are like bullpen arms... Useless if you can't get there to begin with. Yes baseball is a marathon not a sprint but what good is adding at the deadline if you're already 10+ games behind because you stumbled in April? They need to start strong to put them in the position of worrying about buying at the deadline.

[MoneyInTheBank]

I know we disagree about this. And I'm not suggesting the Reds are gonna break the bank. Far from it.

But I do think they will increase payroll. And still have room to add at the deadline if need be.

Wittenmyer's latest may throw some cold water on that...

The Reds have six players under contract for $57.6 million in 2025 and a payroll budget frozen at 2024 levels (when they spent roughly $100 million on big-league players).

That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re out of the free agent markets, even with Martinez suddenly becoming the highest-paid Red, Krall said.

“Right now we’re still just working through it,” he said of the budget ramifications of Martinez taking the qualifying offer. “There’s nothing we can’t do or nothing we can do. We’re just trying to work through it and see what else is out there and what’s available to stick in that budget.”

Full Article: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/spo...a/76442750007/

[JCM11]

Nothing that I've seen from Krall in recent years suggests the Reds will get anyone at the deadline(even when they're in first place lol). So whatever holes need to get filled we better hope that happens before next April.