Reds Tidbits (2007 Season)

[SanAntonioBuck]

yahoosports

Reds trade C Chad Moeller to Dodgers for cash

August 11, 2007



CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Reds traded catcher Chad Moeller to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Moeller, signed by the Reds as a free agent in November, hit .167 with one home run and two RBIs in 30 games over three stints with Cincinnati this season.
He is expected to report to Triple-A Las Vegas.

 

[Bestbuck36]

Finally something goes right. I wonder if Krivsky is trying to build up the coffers in order to extend Adam Dunns contract?

Does anyone think the Reds would extend the contract in order to make Dunn more tradeable? Not sure how this would work but I cant really see him staying here for a contract extension. The Reds either need to say "Ok we've got Adam Dunn, lets utilize him" and surround him with better players, sign him long term or trade him outright and get going on what we have in the minors. The Reds always procrastinate and wait too long to make decisions, making the decisions they do make even worse.

Also, I still say they need to put Belisle in the bullpen and see how he does, but what do I know?:frown2:

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Reds
Hamilton eager to step out
He returns from DL to crowded outfield
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 3:19 AM
By Jim Massie


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

David KohlAssociated Press
Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, being congratulated after homering in May, is hoping to add 150 to 200 at-bats to his statistics before the end of the season. He is batting .278 is 209 at-bats.


Josh Hamilton studied the itinerary Sunday for the Reds' trip through Chicago and Milwaukee but had only one question.

"How many starting left-handed pitchers do (the Cubs) have?" the left-handed-hitting Hamilton asked.
The rookie center fielder had just ended a five-week stay on the disabled list because of a strained ligament in his right wrist. Nobody had to tell Hamilton that baseball never stands still for an injury.

Continued......

 

[CookyPuss]

Finally something goes right. I wonder if Krivsky is trying to build up the coffers in order to extend Adam Dunns contract?

Does anyone think the Reds would extend the contract in order to make Dunn more tradeable? Not sure how this would work but I cant really see him staying here for a contract extension. The Reds either need to say "Ok we've got Adam Dunn, lets utilize him" and surround him with better players, sign him long term or trade him outright and get going on what we have in the minors. The Reds always procrastinate and wait too long to make decisions, making the decisions they do make even worse.

Also, I still say they need to put Belisle in the bullpen and see how he does, but what do I know?:frown2:

I don't know if the Reds will ink him to an extension, but I doubt it. If anything, they'll pick up his option and try to get him to waive his no trade clause. Really, I have no idea what they will do. All I know is that they need pitching and Dunn is still probably their best trade bait to get pitching. I know some think that getting rid of Dunn will kill the offense, but with this pitching staff they would need to add Bonds and Ruth to the lineup to score enough runs to produce a winning record.

I like the idea of Belisle in the bull pen. I think he'd do fine in that role. He tends to hit a wall after 3 or 4 innings, but rarely pitches poorly to start a game. However, with his injury history it is no surprise that he is struggling late in the year. He has never approached the type of workload that was expected of him this year. Problem with moving him to the pen is that the starting options are limited. If Cueto and Bailey develop into Oswalt and Clemens, than you can stick him in the pen and keep Dunn. The Reds aren't that lucky I'm afraid.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I don't know if the Reds will ink him to an extension, but I doubt it. If anything, they'll pick up his option and try to get him to waive his no trade clause. Really, I have no idea what they will do. All I know is that they need pitching and Dunn is still probably their best trade bait to get pitching. I know some think that getting rid of Dunn will kill the offense, but with this pitching staff they would need to add Bonds and Ruth to the lineup to score enough runs to produce a winning record.

I like the idea of Belisle in the bull pen. I think he'd do fine in that role. He tends to hit a wall after 3 or 4 innings, but rarely pitches poorly to start a game. However, with his injury history it is no surprise that he is struggling late in the year. He has never approached the type of workload that was expected of him this year. Problem with moving him to the pen is that the starting options are limited. If Cueto and Bailey develop into Oswalt and Clemens, than you can stick him in the pen and keep Dunn. The Reds aren't that lucky I'm afraid.

What your pointing out is just a symptom of the disease. This organization needed a total tear down/sell off and restock the ML system day one of the new regime. They failed to grasp the need then and to this day continue to operate under the dual mission of compete while we build. It just can't be done.

A team like the Reds must grow its own pitching and the overall system is so incomplete anything you take from one area to improve another leaves an unfillable void. You cant trade Dunn for enough pitching to offset the loss to the offense, you can't win without better pitching. Its a catch 22 only because their is no home grown talent waiting to fill the void, thus the need for a massive restocking of the ML system. Its pretty simple and plain actually, the Reds FO made it much harder than it had to be. We could be 2 years into the project right now instead of slowly coming to the realization the project needs to be undertaken.

The delay of the inevitible in the offseason prior to '06 is when I quickly soured on WK. Sadly, he's done nothing but prove me right ever since.

 

[CookyPuss]

I'm with you Jax and I've been in favor of a firesale going back to the psuedo-firesale of 2003. I was skeptical of the new regime when they chose to retain Narron, but I keep thinking they'll get it. Now that I've had time to watch WK operate, it seems he's more likely to try to rebuild through waiver/rule 5 than restocking through trades. I don't know if he thinks he's protecting assets or if he got gunshy after last year. This year's trade deadline was such a dissapointment. I just hope it wasn't the little Pete Mack winning streak that kept him from pulling the trigger on some deals.

As for restocking the system, I need more proof that they can actually develop someone. I don't follow the minors closely enough to know what goes on with player development. But it can't be all injuries and bad luck as to why the Reds have failed to develop anyone since Browning. Until they get that fixed, WK might as well keep trying to polish up other teams turds.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I'm with you Jax and I've been in favor of a firesale going back to the psuedo-firesale of 2003. I was skeptical of the new regime when they chose to retain Narron, but I keep thinking they'll get it. Now that I've had time to watch WK operate, it seems he's more likely to try to rebuild through waiver/rule 5 than restocking through trades. I don't know if he thinks he's protecting assets or if he got gunshy after last year. This year's trade deadline was such a dissapointment. I just hope it wasn't the little Pete Mack winning streak that kept him from pulling the trigger on some deals.

As for restocking the system, I need more proof that they can actually develop someone. I don't follow the minors closely enough to know what goes on with player development. But it can't be all injuries and bad luck as to why the Reds have failed to develop anyone since Browning. Until they get that fixed, WK might as well keep trying to polish up other teams turds.

They don't develop talent any better than they do anything else but what choice do they have? We obviously can't build a winner vis free agency and last time I checked those were the only 2 options to actually build a winner.

That Minnesota bullshit he comes from where you put a .500 ballclub together cheap in a weak division and act like you've done something doesn't wash with me.

 

[Bestbuck36]

Cincinnati RedsUpdated:08/13/2007The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the club won't pick up Adam Dunn's option for next year. When asked, GM Wayne Krivsky said, "It's not on my plate right now, because I don't have to make a decision (right now)." However, the report speculates his hefty option of $13 million is one-fifth of the player payroll, something which should be considered. Earlier in the Cincinnati Post, president and CEO Bob Castellini said Krivsky's job is save and he is pleased with the direction of the club.

So if we don't pick up the option, then what? He becomes a free agent? If this happens I'll never root for the Reds again. How can they let him become a free agent and get nothing in return for him? Am I way off here? Krivsky's job being safe is the biggest alarm going off but not signing the extension or at least looking towards negotiations is ludicrous. They could have something on the back burner right now so I'm not going to completely melt down but if I see Dunn on the free agent market, I'll go berserk!!!

 

[Jaxbuck]

So if we don't pick up the option, then what? He becomes a free agent? If this happens I'll never root for the Reds again. How can they let him become a free agent and get nothing in return for him? Am I way off here? Krivsky's job being safe is the biggest alarm going off but not signing the extension or at least looking towards negotiations is ludicrous. They could have something on the back burner right now so I'm not going to completely melt down but if I see Dunn on the free agent market, I'll go berserk!!!

How long have I been telling you this FO is fucked? GM's inept and the owners ok with it.

If I don't see the Jocketty/LaRussa/Duncan to Cincy headline this winter my interest in the Reds will continue to become more and more superficial. I could care less about individual player moves going foreward if the same clowns are in charge next year.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Glad to see you guys are keeping this thread going...

Just some quick thoughts...

phillips, EE, Hamilton, for a great young nucleus for this team...Then throw in guys like Votto, Bruce, Cantu, Keppinger, and maybe Dickerson, and maybe two years away with Stubbs, Dorn, Valaikia, Rosales, Frazier, and we are looking good in terms of position players, to build with for the future...

Then the pitching with Harang, Arroyo at the top and then 2 young studs in Bailey and Cueto, to go along with young guys like Livingston, Belisle, Dumatrait, The lizard and some guys that are 2 years away like Maloney, Fisher, Watson, Wood, etc.

To go along with a young nucleus in the bullpen of Bray, Cooter, Burton, Coffey, McBeth, Salmon, Pelland, Roenicke, and some others in the minors...

I think that with some vetrans around that can help the young guys along, like maybe keeping Hatte for a bench role, Griffey for another year or two, Gonzalez for a year, and then let the young guys take over and there is still optimism inside of me for this franchise...

 

[Jaxbuck]

I'd agree that there is a nice young nucleus of position players but this is what the third time since '99 we've had that?

The pitching staff is once again one of the 2-3 worst in the NL. Harang is an ace, Arroyo is just a journyman who had a good half year in '06. None of the kids are anywhere near ready based on what we saw from Homer, who btw if he doesn't develop some control is nothing special. Don't get me started on the pen.

Like I said before, wake me up when they get a GM with a clue because the current ass clown isn't going to be able to fix that clusterfuck of a pitching staff. He's tried and managed to make it even worse.

We've been doing a groundhog day since 2001 imo, its all the same shit with different names. 3rd owner, 3rd GM 4th/5th manager...from Pokey to FeLo to BP. From Dunn and Kearns to Votto and Bruce. Lather, rinse, repeat.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

I'd agree that there is a nice young nucleus of position players but this is what the third time since '99 we've had that?

The pitching staff is once again one of the 2-3 worst in the NL. Harang is an ace, Arroyo is just a journyman who had a good half year in '06. None of the kids are anywhere near ready based on what we saw from Homer, who btw if he doesn't develop some control is nothing special. Don't get me started on the pen.

Like I said before, wake me up when they get a GM with a clue because the current ass clown isn't going to be able to fix that clusterfuck of a pitching staff. He's tried and managed to make it even worse.

We've been doing a groundhog day since 2001 imo, its all the same shit with different names. 3rd owner, 3rd GM 4th/5th manager...from Pokey to FeLo to BP. From Dunn and Kearns to Votto and Bruce. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I agree that we have had the position players, but IMO this should be the best that we have had in terms of consistency...Dunn is what he is, the most frustrating run producer in the history of the game...Kearns was also inconsistent...Pokey and FLo didnt have the all around game like BPhi...

Jay Bruce is the best prospect in all of baseball and Votto is a guy that should hit for average and his power numbers should increase...

I disagree with you on the pitching...I understand that alot of it is young talent, but I do believe that Bailey will get his control down...With that he has ace type stuff...He was pitching dinged up the whole time he was in the majors...

I still think we need a guy that can shut the door in the 9th inning...Then that would allow the other guys to lessen their roles alittle bit.

I think with Burton, Salmon, Cooter, Bray, McBeth, and Coffey that we have a young nucleus to the pen and they can get some people out, and they have all had a chance to grow up this year, besides Bray, they have all pitched in tight situations and been thru their ups and downs...The one I am unsure of is Coffey, he just needs to get his shit together, b/c he is a very solid pitcher, and he is a guy that will work at it to get better...

Also I really like Burton if he can get more control he would be a great 8th inning guy...Maybe him i the 8th and Bray in the 9th...

 

[CookyPuss]

It's the starting pitching that continues to worry me. They have nothing solid outside of Harang. I'm with you on leaning towards Homer being fine, it might take a couple of years, but I agree he has the make up to be a stud. We shall see. Livingston looks like he could hold down the 5th spot. He gives up plenty of hits, but he is a pitcher (not a thrower) and at least he is capable of pitching inside. Being able to use all of the plate is a great advantage.

It would be nice to see Burton and Bray take over the back end of the pen. Everyday Eddie looks like toast. I wouldn't give him more than a non-roster invite to ST next year, but who knows? He came back awfully early. Majewski and Coffey both need to see a shrink.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I agree that we have had the position players, but IMO this should be the best that we have had in terms of consistency...Dunn is what he is, the most frustrating run producer in the history of the game...Kearns was also inconsistent...Pokey and FLo didnt have the all around game like BPhi...

Jay Bruce is the best prospect in all of baseball and Votto is a guy that should hit for average and his power numbers should increase...

Change the names and the same stuff was said of AK, Dunn, FeLo and Pokey when they were still prospects. The new guys will be fine, just like the guys that went before them were fine. They all share the same problem however, none of them can pitch.

Those names you are listing as young hopefuls in the pen are pure dreck. Homer is at least 2 years away from being MLB ready, let alone a stud.

How many times was it said this past off season that WK's plan was too long on hope that a few rookies would not only pan out but contribute significantly? How many times was it pointed out that not all of them will make it or be the studs everyone hopes for? Scary that many fans can see this stuff but a MLB GM and his staff cannot.

If you are going to compete via a youth movement you have to sell off everything of value at the MLB level and stock up the minors well beyond what we have. They failed to do so when they had the chance and it still needs to be done.

The FO has no vision, no plan and seems content to be "competitive" and hope the kids pan out. Untill that changes the players themselves can come and go, its just shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Cubs tee off on Reds' bullpen
Cincinnati's chance for sweep ends in seven-run seventh
Friday, August 17, 2007 3:22 AM



FROM WIRE REPORTS

Charles Rex ArbogastAssociated Press
The Cubs' Mark DeRosa hits an RBI single during the fourth inning in Wrigley Field. DeRosa had a career-high five hits and drove in four runs.

CHICAGO -- A key base-running mistake, weak pitching by the bullpen and hot hitting by the Chicago Cubs' Mark DeRosa yesterday proved to be more than the Cincinnati Reds could handle.
DeRosa went 5 for 5 with four RBI, Chicago had a season-high 20 hits and the Cubs scored seven in the seventh in a 12-4 victory.

Continued....