By Pharmd350

October 24, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

Very nice site!

By michael

January 7, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

No Bonds…he’s too old and has no future here, and he is a cheater with an attitude. A more realistic lineup will be..1.Tavares CF 2.Phillips 2b 3.Votto 1B 4.Bruce RF 5. EE 3b 6.Dickerson LF 7. Kepp SS (Gonzo will break) 8.Hernandez C. I didn’t say I like it, but its all we have at this point. Looks like more of the same.

By Old Deadhead

January 6, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Put Bonds in the 4 hole and imagine the pitches that Votto in the 3 hole would see. Also EE or Bruce or whoever is in the 5 hole would get tons of RBI ops. Ideal lineup:1.CF- Tavares,2. 2B-Phillips, 3. LF or 1B-Votto, 4. 1B or LF-Bonds, 5.3B-EE, 6. RF-Bruce, 7.SS-Gonzales/Kepp, 8. C-Hernandes/Hanigan,9. Pitcher I could see WT and BP both scoring 100 runs and Votto knocking in 90-100 seeing a steady diet of fastballs with the rabbits on base and no Pitcher wanting to face Bonds with runners on base.

By Old Deadhead

January 6, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

Irregardless of peoples perceptions of him, Bonds is a much more attractive option than an overweight, overhyped, and overrated Andruw Jones. Add in the fact the Reds lineup is going to be heavy on the right handed side with RH,BP,EE,AG/Kepp,and possibly JHjr, and it’s easy to see a big boppin LH bat looks even more attractive.

By HuberTucky

January 3, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Dead… absolutely nothing wrong with attitude. I take your point. Greg Vaughn had a atitude, the right kind. Bonds has AN attitude, the wrong kind…the kind that disrupts and sometimes kills a clubhouse versus the kind that kicks @ss and wakes things up in a clubhouse— the kind that Vaughn had! That’s the kind the Reds could use again.

By Old Deadhead

January 2, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

Huber, remeber the last guy we signed with an attitude? Greg Vaughn got us to the one game playoff in 1999. After missing a year, Bonds would probably have a better attitude knowing this would be his last chance. The only guy I rember him having much trouble with in San Fran was Jeff Kent, who has as bad a clubhouse rep as Bonds.IMHO Dusty and Jock could keep him inline.

By cliesposige

January 1, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

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By HuberTucky

January 1, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

NO NO NO, Please God NO! Bonds is a Grade Triple A, Prime Premium Punk! If ya sign him then ya GOTTA sigh Andy Van Slyke to keep him in line (like when he punched him in the nose when they were Pirate teammates).

By Old Deadhead

December 31, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Dusty’s relationship with Bonds should keep the clubhouse cool.After being out for a year, Bonds will have a better attitude knowing this is perhaps his last chance.

By Pete

December 30, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

BONDS? U would actually want that cancer on your team & in your clubhouse? Geeezzzz…. If that’s the case, then the Reds should also go after Manny Ramirez, Milton Bradley, & Carl Everett.

By Y-City Jim

December 29, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Bonds’ head growing to the dimensions of the Great Pumpkin is just a coincidence.

By Old Deadhead

December 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

What ever happened to innocent until proven guily? Bonds has not been proven guilty of anything yet. I’d rather have Bonds than Dunn, Burrell or Sexton any day. At least he’s not a strike out machine. Name another player out there who would get walked with the bases loaded (besides Manny). Bonds could be had cheap on an incentive loaded contract. I think he would be a much better option than trading for Dye or signing any of the whiff machines named above. All of you “expert” GM’s out there would love it the 1st time he splashed a ball in the Ohio River.

By Pete

December 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mike & Enraged…Wow, I stand corrected. Aubrey Huff was who came to mind when I saw Baldelli’s name (don’t ask me why). As for Wigginton… no excuse. Thanx for the slap up side the head, guys.

By Mike-Dayton

December 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Pete - “given up on by other bad teams for a reason”??? Baldelli’s team was went to the World Series and Wiggington’s team was 11 games over .500 last year. Are you doing any research before you post or do you just start typing?

By Enraged

December 29, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Pete, You wouldn’t sign Wiggington and his career .790 OPS that can play multiple positions or Baldelli and his .770 OPS (who can play LF/CF…well) because they were not resigned by their own teams. Yet when Wily “I have a better chance of developing Superman’s X-Ray vision than of finding 1st base” Taveras coming off of a .308 ON BASE PERCENTAGE year after his team decided he was completely EXPENDABLE? Please, tell me how that makes sense?

By Pete

December 29, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem w/ signing Taveras. I keep seeing Baldelli & Wiggington’s names come up. I wouldn’t go after either of them because they were given up on by other bad teams for a reason — same as CP. Nemo — goo point about Atkins.

By Joel

December 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Here is what our 25 man roster could look like coming out of Spring Training. Catchers: Ramon Hernandez Ryan Hanigan Infielders: Joey Votto Brandon Phillips Alex Gonzalez Edwin Encarnacion Jeff Keppinger Outfielders: Jay Bruce Willy Taveras Chris Dickerson Norris Hopper Jerry Hairston Jr. * Pitchers: Aaron Harang Bronson Arroyo Edison Volquez Johnny Cueto Micah Owings ** Bill Bray Arthur Rhodes Mike Lincoln David Weathers Jared Burton Fransisco Cordero If Jerry Hairson Jr. chooses to sign with another team, the Reds will have to go another direction to fill their outfield, especially with Hopper coming back from elbow surgery. If the Reds sign Hairston and also sign a big bat, I would imagine that either Hopper or Dickerson will be the odd man out and will end up spending part of their summer in Louisville. The competition down in Florida will be interesting to watch. ** Barring injury, the bullpen has been set. I fully supported bringing back Weathers and Lincoln, and the addition of Rhodes should make this bullpen one of the best in the league. That only leaves one roster spot open for a pitcher and whoever grabs it will end up being the 5th starter. The frontrunners are Micah Owings and Homer Bailey but don’t discount Ramon Ramirez, Matt Maloney, or Daryl Thompson. globalredsfans.blogspot.com

By MAC

December 28, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Yes & that’s the dilemma the Reds R in. The young guys aren’t ready to compete for the playoffs on their own, yet the Reds don’t or won’t spend the resources necessary to add quality ML players to their young core. The vets they do add R many times past their prime and or become injury prone which in effect wastes what little resources they R willing to spend. If they continue to wait for more young guys to develop, they run the risk of wearing out the quality pitchers they do have in place. Esentially, they continue to split the difference (do a little of both) and go no where.

By BrarHopper

December 28, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Amen to that, MAC. I’d hate to see the Reds re-involve themselves (at this point) with an older high-priced player such as Burrell. Having said that, I wonder what ever happened to all that talk about Dye?

By MAC

December 28, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Hopper U may have a good pt on Casey (slow bat); I didn’t see him play last season only that his numbers looked pretty good in limited duty. I doubt Walt does much more IF they can re-sign Harriston? Only thing worse I can think of is over paying someone like Burrell? in LF and then be hamstrung when someone good may become available. Votto, Bruce, Phillips & EE appear to be the young core the organization is hanging their hopes on; everyone else looks to be nothing more than a bridge until Stubbs, Valikia?, Frazier or someone else comes along?

By BrarHopper

December 28, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I feel sad for Willy. He just signed a 2-year deal with the Reds under high expectations and is supposed to vastly improve over his 07 performance under the guidance of Brook Jacoby? Whew, this ought to be interesting. Remember this past year how well the Reds played while Eric the Red was with the team as a freelance bench coach? Wonder what might become of that. Would LOVE to see Casey back in a Reds uni in some role, but when I saw him last year his bat looked really slow…maybe he accidentally got a box of Griffey’s bats. Bonds as a Red? You MUST be kidding? As hilarious an idea as Sosa.

By jackbo

December 28, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

a healthy freel is better than taveras; maybe he is a little less expensive - this is really a non move and won’t help the reds much this season

By MAC

December 28, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Agree on Harriston, but DB/Walt appear to really want him? I think Bonds & the other steriod players have been blackballed, but I wouldn’t mind Bonds @ 1st and Votto in LF. Votto in LF allows someone like Bonds, R. Sexson or the return of Dunn or Casey (best option IMHO) at 1st. Casey would provide a lot of positive intangibles to the team IMO: he’s very disciplined at the plate and would hopefully rub off on our all or nothing free swingers, he’s a great leader/clubhouse influence for the young core and he’s very good defensively @ 1st. Casey would also be a great cluth PH option IMO. More importantly, I could see Casey becoming a very good hitting coach in the near future who could really relate w/ the Reds young core.

By Old Deadhead

December 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Hairston is a 32 year old career 260 hitter with a history of injuries. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to see him re-signed. Just not as the everyday CF and lead off hitter. Taveras is 5 years younger with a much higher career BA without the injury history. He’s the 1st 50+ stolen base threat the Reds have had since Eric Davis. And one of MLB’s best bunters. Patterson 2.0 my butt. I’m glad Bowden has that turd now. He’s partial repayment for the Kearns screwing he gave the Reds. As for a LF, what does everyone think of Barry Bonds? He could probably be had for a low guarantee with incentives. Other than Manny,nobody else out there could strike fear in the heart of Pitchers like he can. Granted, he would probably only be a platoon player at his age, but Dickerson could fill in on his days off. He also has a relationship with Dusty Baker.

By Old Deadhead

December 28, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

Finally a legitamite lead off hitter and base stealing threat. Whoever ends up hitting in the 2 hole has to love this pickup. He’ll get to see fastball after fastball with Willy on 1st or 2nd.Plus a CF who can go get the ball. What’s not to like?

By Enraged

December 28, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

RC per 100 PA. 05 11.01 (66.06 per 600 pa) 06 11.11 (66.66 per 600 pa) 07 14.09 (84.54 per 600 pa) 08 10.54 (63.24 per 600 PA) This from Raisor, a very knowledgeable poster on redszone.com The average lead off hitter will have around 93 RC. Wily’s career norm is 66. 27 RC less than an AVERAGE leadoff hitter. The best year of his entire CAREER he had 84 RC which is still 9 RC below the average leadoff man. Add in the fact that he is considered a below average CF and his suspect batting average driven OBP, you have a recipe for a worse version of Corey Patterson. How can Walt Jocketty build a powerhouse in St. Louis and then turn around and sign the likes of Wily Taveras? You KNOW it will take Dusty Baker giving Taveras a minimum of 350 ABs that equate to a whopping .620 OPS before he just lets Dickerson take over CF.

By MAC

December 28, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Considering the Reds haven’t and probably won’t go after anyting much better, I think it’s a good move overall. They needed to add an OF, and he has some good skills. He is also still young which gives him time to develop w/ the other young players. I’m sure this won’t be the last move and it sets up some good competition for ST. I’d like to see Dickerson and Hopper get a fair chance to start, but I don’t think the front office or the manager R in love w/ either guy? Likewise, both guys ended last season on the injury list if I remember correctly? I’m sure they’ll still try to add Harriston which would give them some more flexibility @ a number of positions and a number of players w/ good speed and who handle the bat well. Of course I’d love to see a stud brought in, but it’s more than clear that ownership is not willing to support such a move. Likewise, I think ownership wants to wait and see how far the young core has progressed before they make any long term $$ commitments. Sure, it’s not the move many of us wanted, but it’s probably the best they can do until some of the young/injuried guys improve their value?

By Wizard

December 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

If no other moves are made—Dickerson in left, and Taveras in center would mean our weakest defender would be the right fielder! Yes, Dickerson,if nothing else happens—would be a better starter candidate in LF, than either Hopper or Hairston,IMO.

By Hugh D. Pohl

December 27, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Use some common sense. This guy is not another Patterson, and is a good signing. Even better if his OBP rebounds. He’s young, reliable, adds speed and defense. What’s not to like?

By Wizard

December 27, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

If they sign Hairston, wouldn’t he be a likely leadoff candidate, in left field, based on what he did last year? Perhaps the Taveras move was primarily for his defensive abilities, since we needed that spot filled. And, they probably aren’t finished yet… Plenty of things could still happen, involving current roster players, as well as, Mr.draft pick—Alonzo.

By Y-City Jim

December 27, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

68 steals yet only 64 runs scored, 7 errors, same range factor as Jim Edmonds and significantly less than Josh Hamilton, averages almost 100 K’s a year, averages only 36 walks a year. He doesn’t address the Reds greatest offensive problem, which is getting people on base.

By Mike-Cinci

December 27, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Taveras will help. The Reds did not have to trade a player to get him. He is only 27. It is only a 2 year contract which will be bad only if this guy turns out to be fabulous and we wished the Reds signed him for 5 years. The Reds need defense. They need speed. They need a center fielder. They need a lead-off hitter. You need to sign players like this if you don’t have players ready to play in the farm system and the Reds don’t have players ready for MLB play in 2009. Let’s give Taveras a chance. Maybe Walt Jocketty knows what he is doing.He is significantly better than Patterson. 68 steals. That will be fun.

By nullTed Lawson

December 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Good move by the Reds as were the other two moves. We need a lead-off hitter and a CF who can go get it and he can do that. Whoever says Willie isn’t a good CF needs lessons in watching games.

By Joe from Celina

December 27, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Lol I wouldnt consider a player with a .308 OBA as a “true leadoff hitter”. I would go as far as to say that would be an “anti-true leadoff hitter”

By PaulyOH

December 27, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Also, speed alone does not make you a good defensive centerfielder. Willy IS fast. That’s it. He’s a one-tool player.

By Scott in NC

December 27, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I like this signing. We needed to get this done or we were in trouble. Taveras is a true leadoff hitter - Patterson was not a hitter, period. Jocketty has done well in getting Hernandez and now Taveras, two very key positions that we needed to get taken care of. An I’m looking forward to NOT watching fly balls drop needlessly on the outfield grass any more. I’m sure our pitching staff feels the same way.

By Joe from Celina

December 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Wow this is an embarassing move for the Reds. This is not Corey Patterson 2.0. No, this is worse that anything we have ever seen. Dickerson is a better player in all facets of the game, and Taveras is going to be the worst centerfielder any of us have ever seen. The casual fan will see his stat line of .275 with 50 SB as the season ends, but the knowledgable fan will know better when his OBP is barely over .300, and his slugging is not much higher than that.

By Job

December 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Good pickup. If he stays healthy for 550 to 600 at bats, he’ll score 80-100 runs. And he’ll play good defense in center everyday. All for within the reds price range and for 2 years so we can develop our own talent or find a good value at the bargain basement.

By PaulyOH

December 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I’m ok with Taveras….if he bats ninth behind the pitcher. Unfortunately, when you have a manager who doesn’t value OBP, Taveras will be miscast as the leadoff hitter. Yes, I know two years ago Taveras had a good OBP, but that was tied to a career-high batting average. Speed alone should not qualify a guy for leadoff. I’d like to see how much the Reds are paying this turd before I get too irritated.

By mikesmolemen

December 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

68 SBs, the Reds need speed. Yes, he had a .308 OBP last year, but over 90% stolen base success rate, which is awesome. Its not Burrell or Abreu, or even Dunn, but its certainly NOT Patterson 2.0, and his defense is better than Dunn and Burrell combined.

By nemo

December 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Now “Jock” try and get the Rockies’s 2nd best position player behind Holliday (Atkins) Atkins would send the Reds to the top of their division. He doesnt pout like Encarnacion and his 3b play is stellar. He hits in the clutch as well. Great teammate and worth every penny. Trade a Bailey or top prospect for him.

By nemo

December 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I live in Denver and have followed the Reds since 81 and the Rocks since their beginning. The rockies are shaving payroll hard. They are starting over. Willie was an excellent CF, with blazing, scary, speed. Who ever hits behind him should be willing to hit with 2 strikes. Wilie is not CP and that is they funniest comment I have heard in a while. Good pick up Reds, your team will be improved with Taveras

By John in Sevenmile

December 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Willy Taveras is a solid centerfielder/ base stealing table setter.Now go get Wiggington or Baldelli to platoon with Dickerson.Hairston jr. and Mike Sweeney would be a couple more nice pickups,Haitstn jr. as the utility man and Sweeney the right handed bat off the bench.

By Michael

December 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

I think this is a good move. Hopper fans realize this: Norris is not an everyday player. They can still go after Hairston, because he can play several slots and can bat in the 1-hole or 2-hole.

By preacher,franklin,ohio

December 27, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

put faith and trust in god ,not reds geter done for jesus god bless you all love in chirst preacher.

By bobrob2004

December 27, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Williy?

By Gary Maloy Jr.

December 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

What’s more interesting than the question ‘Have they given up on Hairston?’ is the question ‘Where is Norris Hopper in the equation?’ I mean, isn’t Hopper one of the best bunters in the league? Are we going to use him as a pinchhitter? Is game will be seriously compromised if we telegraph his intentions. Or not? No problems with Tavaras here, it’s just that I thought they’d decided that they needed a power bat…

By Mike

December 27, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Does this mean they have given up on Hairston?

By HuberTucky

December 27, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I wonder what caused his numbers to fall off last year? It scares me that he doesn’t seem to be getting better as he ages & that the Rockies were quite willing to let him go. Hmmmmm.

By Frankie G

December 27, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

What are you guys complaining about? The only thing that would be wrong with this move if it was the last one before opening day… but I don’t think it will be. Take it for what it is - a move to make our team stronger. We didn’t have a center fielder… and now we have a young one that has some great strengths. 68 stolen bases is crazy - I’m really looking forward to watching him play. Hopefully we still go after the big righty bat, but either way, our team is better after this move. I’m excited! Stop the Corey Patterson comparisons… not even close.

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

December 27, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

This ain’t even close to Patterson 2.0. Not within a few hundred light years. Good grief.

By ja

December 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

tavares is a good player. we haven’t had a pure leadoff guy since Bip Roberts. I’d say this is a big improvement over guys like .250 patterson, or slowpoke hatteberg, batting first.

By In Cincy

December 27, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

How is this Patterson 2.0?? Patterson is a lifetime .253 hitter, a Lefty, and never stolen more than 45 bases. Taveras had a down year in terms of his Avg. in ‘08. So we’re just basing this being bad off of one year? C’mon. Phillips hit .261 last yr and Bruce hit .254…should we have considered trading them? Taveras was not picked up b/c of his power…deal with it! It’s a solid move for the organization.

By Cran

December 27, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Menh. I woulda rather us have gotten Rocco Baldelli but I am ok with this. The guy is the best bunter in the league and and was the major league steals leader. Two things C-Pat couldnt say so easy on the C-Pat comparisions.

By rob in stl

December 27, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with it. It eliminates Hairston coming back and there is still a huge hole in the middle of the order.

By Tommy

December 27, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

“Filled” their lead-off hole? Like Jim said, C-Pat 2.0 except without the plus glove. Awful, awful move.

By Y-City Jim

December 27, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Frickin’ wonderful. Corey Patterson 2.0