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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > December > 10 > Entry
Dye deal real and not dead yet
For those vilifying me and suggesting I made up the Homer Bailey for Jermaine Dye deal, well, let me aim you toward another source - one who is right more often than wrong.
This appeared this afternoon in the blog of FoxSports baseball expert Ken Rosenthal.
The Jermaine Dye-to-the-Reds discussions continue at a “moderate” level, but for the moment the White Sox continue to plan on Dye being their Opening Day right fielder, according to a major-league source.
A deal for Dye was indeed close before Thanksgiving, the source said, with the White Sox expected to receive right-hander Homer Bailey and perhaps another prospect in return.
The trade, however, stalled in part due to questions about how much the White Sox would pay of Dye’s $11.5 million salary next season. The amount they paid would have affected the quality of the second prospect in the deal.
Now, the Reds simply might wait to determine whether they can sign a free-agent outfielder such as Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell at a comparable salary without giving up any players in a trade.
Neither Abreu nor Burrell was offered salary arbitration by their former clubs, so neither would cost the Reds a draft pick.
End of Rosenthal report.
And a major-league scout told me early this week that the Dye-Bailey deal was still under discussion and could be announced this week. I report that dutifully and was scorched by some blog readers.
The thing is, perhaps 90 percent of all trade talks fall through. That doesn’t mean they weren’t talked about and came close to materializing. When I hear those about the Reds, I figure readers want to know what’s happening. So I report it. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong.
Dye-Bailey remains alive. Maybe on a respirator, but it is alive. Maybe it won’t happen - depending on what the White Sox are willing to eat of Dye’s $11.5 million contract and that prospects the Reds are willing to send to Chicago.
Anyway, that’s where it stands. Maybe some of you don’t want to hear any of this. But it won’t stop me from reporting what I know.
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Jd
December 15, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Reds don’t need to sell the whole team to get 1 guy. I think the best thing to do is develop the young guys and let them compete against each other so the best homegrown players play. That’s how Votto got here. Same for Jeter and the Yanks. Heck, the Yanks developed so many guys…posada, rivera, bernie williams, wang, cano, pettite, and joba chamberlain. The rays did the same thing. So do the marlins and the phillies. For the phillies, look at utley, rollins, hamel, howard, and victorino. Time for the reds to develop some other guys to go along with bruce and votto. Personally, I think getting rid of griffey and dunn took way too long and it was way past overdue. Reds don’t need players (like Dye or Burrell) that don’t want to be here. Let them go to the highest bidder by the super turd scott boras.By HuberVoodoo
December 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Now Howie, that’s harsh. Norris Hopper deserves a shot as a backup outfielder. In 2007 he showed a great deal of promise…field, run, hit, bunt, attitude. To mention him in the same breath as Willy is a dis on NH!By Joel
December 12, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
So if we are not going to spend the money to go get Manny or Dye, who else is out there? There is little to no chance we resign a guy like Dunn, especially considering Dusty and Castellini are on this kick for RH hitters (and because everyone knows that there is nothing that Jim Bowden would rather do than overpay for former Reds — see Kearns, Austin and Lopez, Felipe). So who else is out there? At this point in the offseason, it is obvious that we are not going to go after a pitcher and we already landed a catcher in Ramon Hernandez, so the only thing we have to do is go and nab ourselves a RH outfielder. Or do we? Maybe we already have a RH hitting outfielder on our roster, only right now he is sitting at 3b throwing about 25 balls a year into the stands. If we move EE out into LF, that opens up our options in free agency and in the trading market. Now we are looking for someone who can play 3b and hit a little bit too…So the real question is, what RH 3b is available via trade? Reds killer Billy Hall anyone? globalredsfans.blogspot.comBy Joel
December 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
With Arthur Rhodes passing his physical today, I would like to invoke the name of Rheal Cormier. A couple of years ago, we signed an aging Lefty specialist under the assumption that he could in fact get out Left Handed hitters, we were sadly mistaken. As it is we ended up eating his contract (which if I recall was approximately $2 mil per year) and he was never heard from again. I hope this time around ownership understands that if you are only going to put in a guy to basically pitch to at most one batter per game, you better be able to get that one guy out. globalredsfans.blogspot.comBy Y-City Jim
December 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
That’s an insult to Norris Hopper. :DBy howiej
December 12, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Willy Taveras = a more experianced Norris Hopper, IMO. With that said, no no, no, no.By HuberTucky
December 12, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Willy Tavares is and would be a definite NO NO. His #s are dreadful. In 133 games & 479 ABs he bats a paltry .251 and even worse .233 @ Coors!. 1 lousy HR, 26-BI, .308-OBP, .296-SLG. And his lifetime #s are just as bleak. No power, no good. Period! PLEASE avoid this dud Walt.By tom
December 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Good going Hal. Keep those rumors coming. It’s what the hot stove season is about.By Y-City Jim
December 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Here’s some frightening news. Colorado is expected to release Willy Tavares. Just say no, Walt. Just say no.By Y-City Jim
December 12, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
If we get back to my original post regarding Lopez, I said he might have been someone the Reds to have looked at as a low risk acquisition. I have no clue how that post evolved to the stage it has now. You would have thought I was advocating him to be the everyday SS. I still contend that Lopez could have been a low-cost, one year acquisition. He can play the infield and outfield as he did for St. Louis. He had tremendous success (.385 BA .426 OPS .538 SLG 153 OPS+) under Hal McRae. Whether that could continue under Brook Jacoby is highly questionable but the Reds certainly have worse players making more money than Lopez would have cost.By Mike-Cinci
December 12, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Please note Lopez was released by Washington in the middle of last season. The Cards picked him up but did not sign him for this season. The D-Backs gave im a one year deal. Clearly teams are not clamoring to sign this guy. He is a classic under achiever. The Reds don’t miss Lopez or Kearns. “Austy” has been a big disappointment but “leatherpants” loved him. He gave him a 4 year $25 million contract a couple of years ago. Last year “Austy” hit .225.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
December 12, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
“The Reds unloaded [Lopez’s] sorry patoot for a reason.” The words “sorry patoot” are not something you see in print everyday. Hilarious. And I’m gonna steal it.By michael
December 12, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
No Burrell, and no Dye. Burrell is a RH Adam Dunn, and Dye is a RH Griffey. We were winning at the end of last year, and beating some good teams, so if you don’t get quality then just stick with what you have. I would rather get a Proven CF, or SS that can HIT and run. Bruce will get better this year, and hopefully RH Ramon will hit 15 Homers and bat .260, which alone will make the Reds much better. Patterson and Bako hurt last season, so lets get a solid CF and SS (I have never understood the loyalty to Gonzo) and we can compete.By Breen
December 12, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
Just kidding Hal! We all love you. You’ve been a loyal and true beat writer for the Reds for many years. Keep giving us the scoop-even if it is just based on rumors. I hope later this year you can write a story about the Reds being in the World Series!By Jack
December 12, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
I just love how only reporters can get away with writing stories and contributing the ENTIRE story to “a scout” or “a major league source” and never revealing a name, a team..nothing. Well get this: A newspaper source advised me that the DDN has nothing to print about the Reds, so it allows it’s writers to just make up anything to initiate conversation on their blogs. This was verified by other news reporters.By Breen
December 11, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
If its acceptable to just print rumors with nothing to back it up, then here is a rumor about Hal: Hal got fired for making up stories in Vegas because he wouldn’t leave the poker table. Now he is writing rumors for Women’s Day magazine.By sun deck lover
December 11, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
BTW, Hal the reason I read your stuff before Faye’s is because of your insight. Your “sources” have been right a few times over the past few decades or you wouldn’t still have a job.By sun deck lover
December 11, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
I REALLY hope the interest in Burrell is just to get the price to come down on Dye. We already traded a Pat Burrell in Adam Dunn, except Dunn would have been cheaper. Seriously though, look at their numbers-almost identical. Dye would be a good fit. Need a right handed outfield bat that drives in runs all year (not all in 3 weeks). Rhodes is a nice sign. Good lefty, usually dependable. Rather have him than Affeldt. We shouldn’t forget about Owings either. Might score an Ankiel with him. In Walt we trust!By D-Town Guru
December 11, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Keep up the good work, Hal! I havent put together a world champion club lately so myself or anyone else posting on these boards has no room to question any moves made by Jocketty. The Reds organization is taking a win now attitude and doing the best they can to put together a great young team in a small market. They are starting to resemble the Rays who shocked everyone this year.By Mike-Cinci
December 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Juan Rivera might be a good fit for the Reds. A bit younger and should be a bit cheaper. Still has an upside.By Adam
December 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Reds lineup if we do not get Dye….SOLID!! Hopper LF BP 2b Bruce RF EE 3b Votto 1b Hernandez C Dickerson CF Pitcher Gonzo/Kep SSBy Adam
December 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Reds lineup if we do not get Dye….SOLID!! Hopper LF BP 2b Bruce RF EE 3b Votto 1b Hernandez C Dickerson CF Pitcher Gonzo/Kep SSBy bobs
December 11, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Y-City, as much as it pains me to say, have to agree with Matt. Need to have some balance. Stats dont lie, easier for lefthanders to get out lefthanders…especially late in games when lefty specialists come in. Bobby Abreu is a little different in that he can hit anyone, but I still take Dye over him. He turned down a chance to make 16-18 million from the Yankees this year, highly doubt he settles for 10-12 with the Reds. As for Hal, everybody in the mother is now reporting about the Bailey for Dye deal. It was basically done, except for how much money the White Sox were going to give the Reds. I think Hal was proved correct on this one. By the way, nice work Walt, now telling the Sox that he will look at Burrell (yeah right), Abreu (yeah right)…Walt working the Sox to get the Sox to bring more money to the table.By Y-City Jim
December 11, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, BrarHopper. I sure would love to have the offense of that 2005 team that Dunn, Kearns, Lopez, etc were part of. With the improved pitching, this team would be pretty much unstoppable.By BrarHopper
December 11, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Well, it’s mute now…D’backs just signed Lopez to play 2nd. Good luck out there…at least Phoenix has plenty of tattooed gang bangers for him to hang out with. He’ll probably have to get Our Lady of Guadelupe painted on his trunk lid and have a bunch of hydraulics installed — if he doesn’t laready have that junk already. Probably already has it from being in St Louis. I’m glad that these old Reds aren’t being retreaded…Lopez, Dunn…good riddance.By Cbus Slime
December 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Keep ‘em coming, Hal. You’re in the HOF for a reason! What about signing Rocco Baldelli? He’s a young, five-tool, right-hander that could fill any of the three OF spots. Since his 2008 was all but lost due to illness I can’t imagine his price would be too high. Assuming he’s healthy I think it makes sense.By mike cahill
December 11, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I hope you never change a thing, Hal, about the way you report. I appreciate what you do.By Y-City Jim
December 11, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
I just meant that Lopez might be worth a gamble for $3.5 million. He can play both the infield and outfield plus if there is any carryover from the adjustments that Hal McRae made with him then the hitting is as good as anytime in his career. As for Francoeur, his numbers are about as good as they are going to get. They mirror his minor league numbers, which puts him below average offensively. He is significantly weaker against RH pitching.By HuberTucky
December 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Lopez always bothered me…then again I guess I’m kinda prejudice against a neck full of tattoos. He seemed more like a guy who was anxious for the the game to end so he could get back to his gang activity. Oh and Burrell? Please god, NO! He’s older & way overpaid toast ($14.25) and we just got rid of him in Adam Dunn. Now Franceour? I agreee that he would be a good fit with this young club ($460k) in 2008). Lotsa potential ready to pop with this guy. I’d still pass on Dye ($9.5 mil) for Alex Rios ($4.835), too. And Milton Bradley ($5.25) is such a headcase I’d shy away from his many “talents.” Who need another prima donna in the clubhouse? Besides, Cincy fans don’t much like being flipped off!By Pete
December 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Y-City….Felipe Lopez couldn’t hit a pitch off of me if I placed the ball on a tee for him. C’mon man, why even go there? The Reds unloaded his sorry patoot for a reason. & Brook Jacoby won’t have his job very much longer if the offense doesn’t pick up real quick next season.By Y-City Jim
December 11, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I see where Felipe Lopez signed a one-year deal with Arizona. He could have been an interesting, low-risk acquisition for the Reds if I had more faith in Brook Jacoby as a hitting instructor.By Y-City Jim
December 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
What if the LHers hit LH pitching better than the RHers?By Votto 4 Pres
December 11, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Keep it coming Hal. Can’t wait to kill more time at work reading your stuff once the season starts. Go reds!By ross
December 11, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Guys…I sure hope the Reds do not sign Burrell..He is not the solution..I think Dye is twice the player the former Phillie is..what do you guys think…anybody going to RedsfestBy Mr. Redlegs (Original)
December 11, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Yeah, old-timer, I think the phrase “done deal” was what created the ruckus. Well, that, and your basic dimbulbs, like those who repeatedly can’t understand why you don’t stack three lefthanders in the middle of the batting order or those who put catsup on their hot dog.By MAC
December 11, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Hal is a bid boy; I’m sure he isn’t phased by the criticism. I’ve seen a lot of Reds fans mention Jeff Franceour in trade talks; it seems to me he would be a much better fit than Dye as well? Franceour is a home town boy, but they do need pitching and it would be nice to turn the table on the Braves at least once in awhile. Franceour struggled last yr, but he has speed, is a good OF, he’s young and grow w/ the rest of the Reds core and he is a RH bat w/ a good amount of power. I would think he’s making all that much either?By Oldtimer
December 11, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Steve and Rick need to go back to school and learn how to read. Hal did not say it was a “done deal.” He said a source reported that it was a “done deal.” There’s a big difference there. It’s called attribution. Maybe Steve and Rick need to look up the word and see what it means.By Pete
December 11, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Hal, Those who actually get it aren’t the ones bashing ya. The Hal-bashers are the ones not only don’t get it, but also don’t understand that you’re a HOF beat-writer for a reason. Don’t change a thing.By DOC
December 11, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
Keep those tips & rumors coming, Hal. I love ‘em - they are what keeps the ‘hot stove’ warm!By STEVE CY
December 11, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
The Centerville-Bellbrook Times is reporting that because the Reds miss Griffey so much, they are talking to the LA Dodgers about the availability of 6’1” 400lb RH centerfielder Andruw Jones who in 2008 had 33 hits, .156BA, 3HR, 14RBI, .256OBP .249SLG an is a steal at his 2008 salary of $14,726,910…now that’s ONLY $446,270 per hit! Go Walt!By MAC
December 11, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
The New York Post is reporting that the Rays are among a growing list of suitors wanting to trade for Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel, with the Rays’ division rival Yankees also on that list. Ankiel, who is one year away from free agency, is arbitration eligible and will likely make in the neighborhood of $3 million for the 2009 season. After the 2009 season he would probably would move out of the Rays’ financial range since he would go on the open market and is represented by agent Scott Boras. The Cardinals need starting pitching as well as a closer. Obviously, Jocketty is familiar w/ the Cards and Ankiel and the Reds do have some young pitching to offer. Perhaps a guy like Belise? and a younger player could get it done? Seems to me Ankiel is just the type of young player the Reds need to add beside Bruce, Votto and the others?By MAC
December 11, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
Bradley, who is a Type B free agent, has until Sunday to accept the offer. If he doesn’t and signs with another team, the Rangers will receive a supplemental first round pick in next year’s First-Year Player Draft. I’m sure this makes him less attractive to many? I guess you have to decide who U would rather lose: a SP you’ve put some time into (Bailey) or a 1st rd draft pick? It would seem Bradley is much cheeper than Dye, just as productive and younger w/ a bit more upside than Dye?By MAC
December 11, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
I have to agree w/ Y-City; I think it’s more important for the Reds to find “a hitter” and less to do w/ which side he stands on! Y-City did a nice job siting the stats against RH vs LH pitchers. Also consider that most of the time your team is hitting against RH pitching. I really liked the Alex Rios comments, but I doubt the Jays want to part w/ him even if we offer pitching in return? Rios might be a little pricey as well? M. Bradley seems like he would be a nice addition? He’s a solid veteran “hitter”, yet only 30 yrs old. He’s athletic, a good OF and swings from both sides of the plate. Is he too expensive to consider; what about his charactor issues?By Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Eaton is not worth a flyer. He walks too many hitters.By Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Does it really matter what position the RH and LH bats play? The ratio in the line-up is already 5 RH to 3 LH. I do agree with your second sentence. They need to simply pursue a good bat. One with a good OPS. As to RBI production, nothing is go to change there unless this team get serious about plate discipline and working to get on base whether it be by hit or walk. The Reds were dismal last year in terms of providing run scoring opportunities.By Brick
December 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Is Adam Eaton worth a million bucks. Saw on FOX sports that the phillies want nothing to do with him and are willing to deal him to a team willing to pick up 1 mil of his guaranteed 9 mil for the final year of his three year contract…could the Reds catch lightening in a bottle for one year and take a chance on this guyBy Scott
December 10, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Keep the rumors coming Hal, can’t wait till spring.By Matt
December 10, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
So then you have an outfield of three lefthanders once again? Yawn. The Reds need some diversity in that outfield, and a proven veteran to add out there. The main thing the Reds need is a clutch hitter, and someone who has some pop in that bat. If they can get that from a LH bat, great. If they can get that from a RH bat, great. The Reds have made pretty clear that they are pursuing a RH power, clutch bat. I don’t see what’s so wrong with that, but maybe that’s just me. Adding a guy like Dye or Burrell would instantly bring a ton to this team’s lineup and provide some much needed runs batted in. Too many times last year, and in previous seasons the Reds have left too many runners on base because they don’t have a guy who can drive those runners in. Jermaine Dye has proven to be that player over his career, and he would be a tremendous asset to this club.By Steve83
December 10, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hal, you’re doing a fine job and I, for one, appreciate your reporting of trade rumors, whether they work out or not. They’re called trade rumors because that’s what they are. Also, we have been hearing for a while about a “youth movement” since the trades of Griffey and Dunn so I’m not sure how this fits into that plan. Having said that, I trust that Walt Jocketty knows what he’s doing better than me.By Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
If the season started right now, the line-up would be Dickerson (L), Hopper (R), Bruce (L), Votto (L), Phillips (R), Hernandez (R), Encarnacion (R), and Gonzalez (R) not necessarily in that order. That is three lefties and five righties. Also let’s look at last year’s stats. The Reds were 30-25 against lefties and 44-63 against righties. The splits are against LHP (.257 BA .336 OBP .420 SLG .756 OPS) and against RHP (.243 BA .314 OBP .403 SLG .716 OPS). Looks like to me if they are going to obsess on anything it should be a LH bat.By Matt
December 10, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
The Reds need a RH bat in order to balance the lineup out. The Reds have had too many left-handed hitters in the lineup for several years now. The last time the Reds had a legit RH power, clutch bat in their lineup, which was Greg Vaughn in 1999, they won 96 games. Now I’m not contending that the only thing separating the Reds from the glory days is a power RH bat, but it sure wouldn’t hurt. For too long, the Reds have relied on high strikeout LH guys who don’t get on base enough. A guy like Dye is exactly what the Reds need.By ShockMonkey
December 10, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Hal, welcome to message boards where every thread has its resident idiots. Just ignore these clowns as they spew forth venom. They’re clueless. I believe you and your sources. Those who dog Hal: shut your face!By IndyRed
December 10, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Y-City, I think the Reds need a POWER hitting RH bat… the middle of the order right now appears to be Votto, Phillips, Bruce, but who knows if Bruce is ready to contribute in the 3/4/5 hole, plus you add in the fact that Dickerson is the lead-off hitter, why not pursue a RH 2-5 hitter, someone to change the lineup and make it more balanced. However, it should be noted as you pointed out that this is a skewed view, people forget we no longer have the Dunn/Griffey combo HAVING to be in the 3-5 slots in the order and have the flexibility to balance out the lineup. I would love to see it shake out at the top like so if at all possible: 1) Dickerson(Contact hitter, quick, could be a good ignition) 2) Phillips (try and get him to stop swingin for HRs every at bat, great speed for the 2 hole) 3)Votto (Power and average) 4) Jermaine Dye (personally I don’t think we will get him but if we did) 5) Bruce 6) Encarnacion (please just let him mature this year finally)… In my mind if Bruce settles in to how he was in the minors, Dickerson shows the flare he did last season, and EE grows up, 1-6 is as good as it could come in the NL outside of the massive market teams… Just my opinion thoughBy Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Matt, why do the Reds need a RHed bat?By Matt
December 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
If I’m Jocketty, I push and push until I get Jermaine Dye from the White Sox. He seems to be exactly what the Reds are looking for a need as far as an outfielder goes. He is a right-handed hitter, he has plenty of pop in his bat, he gets on base and he drives in runs. Dye is what the Reds need, and I think Jocketty and Co. are out of their minds if they don’t continue to pursue him, and pursue him on a daily basis.By garjr17
December 10, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, you’re still the best there is. Glad you can shake off all these moronic blogosphere criticisms. I swear, the internet is just a magnet for miserable and/or cowardly people—couple that with the anonymity these sites provide, and it’s the perfect storm for unhappy losers…who apparently feel entitled to editorial control over the FREE content they get from you at the DDN site.By garjr17
December 10, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, you’re still the best there is. Glad you can shake off all these moronic blogosphere criticisms. I swear, the internet is just a magnet for miserable and/or cowardly people—couple that with the anonymity these sites provide, and it’s the perfect storm for unhappy losers…who apparently feel entitled editorial control over the FREE content they get from you at the DDN site.By Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
I also assume that the “we need a RHed bat” mentality comes from a perception that the Reds are more susceptible to LHed pitching than RHed pitching. That perception would be false since the Reds hit LHed pitching much better than RHed pitching last year. Also the Reds were 30-25 against LHed pitching last year while going 44-63 against RHed pitching. Still think we need a RHed bat?By Y-City Jim
December 10, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
So what if Abreu is a LHed bat? He is a good bat. Once again there is this mentality that the Reds are lacking RHed bats. Look at the 40-man roster. It is full of RHed bats. Hanigan, now Hernandez, Tatum, Encarnacion, Gonzalez, Janish, Keppinger, Phillips, Rosales, and Hopper. Heck, you could throw in Owings and Arroyo in there as well. The only LHed bats are Bruce, Votto, Dickerson, Richar, Francisco, and Alonzo. They have one switch hitter in Castillo. One could argue that the Reds need LHed bats instead.By Steve
December 10, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Hal, You said the deal was done and would be announced this week, not that it could be announced this week. You were wrong, live with it.By wanderinredsfan
December 10, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with reporting of rumors or even faint whispers of trade-talks regarding Reds players. However, I don’t agree with reporters spinning personal campaigns to trade young prospects before they have been given a decent chance at success. I don’t like seeing any 22-year old thrown under the bus, before he’s even given a chance to get on it.By Cait
December 10, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I 2nd what Diamond Dave said. Keep it coming, Hal. Bailey for Dye is an OK trade, but I wouldn’t give up much more, given the short term prospect Dye offers at his age. Burrell could be interesting if the Reds can afford him.By Rick
December 10, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Umm…Hal, you were taken to task for saying the deal was a done deal, not for reporting that talks were going on. We knew that weeks ago.By howiej
December 10, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Just to hear the Reds are doing something works for me. Thanks and keep it coming, Hal.By Mike-Cinci
December 10, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal must be trowing every possibility up on the wall to see what sticks. I’m sure the agents for Burrell and Abreu have contacted every team about a contract. Abreu being a left hand hitter does not seem to fit the Reds need. Burrell is a right handed Adam Dunn. I’d guess him to be too expensive for the Reds and he would remind too many fans of Dunn. The Reds need a better fielder who won’t strike out so much. Dye does remain a possibility but it would take Bailey plus a top minor league prospect (Francisco, Stubbs) to get him. The Sox are trying to get younger. The Reds should do the same. Keep young talent; trade old talent for young talent.By Danny
December 10, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks Hal. Your the bestBy Bowshier
December 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Yes, Hal. Thank you. Keep the inside info coming.By Dyehard
December 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Rumors are just that, rumors. ESPN has a page titled Rumor Central. No one bashes them when a trade fails to materialize. Keep em’ coming Hal.By Diamond Dave
December 10, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
That’s the way most of us like it, Hal! You keep telling us what you know and sharing personal stories. It won’t keep the haters away, but don’t concern yourself with them. Most are either jealous or just want some attention like that bratty kid at family gatherings. You are the best!