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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 > 2009 > January > 07 > Entry
Hairston nice fit, but more is needed
As expected, Jerry Hairston Jr. is returning to the Reds - a nice piece to the puzzle that is still missing some pieces.
The fact that the Cincinnti Reds might be expecting Hairston to play regular shortstop if Alex Gonzalez can’t do it is not a good message.
The fact they might expect him to play a lot of left field - if they can’t find a regular - is not good news.
Hairston is what he is - a plug-in, a guy to fit in where he is needed for short periods.
He talks, though, as if manager Dusty Baker plans to play him a lot.
After much delay and posturing, Hairston did what he knew he would do all along - re-sign with the Reds.
Hairston agreed to a one-year $2 million contract , with $2 million more in incentives, and is prepared to play just the way he played last season - anywhere, everywhere and often.
He hit .326 while playing six different positions for the Reds last season and is prepared to wander out to any of those positions this year, “Anywhere (manager) Dusty Baker wants me to play.”
Hairston, 32, said he might play a lot of shortstop at the beginning of the season while Gonzalez tries to ease himself back into game shape after a year off.
“I told Dusty and (GM) Walt Jocketty that I love the infield because I’m an infielder by trade, but I’ll play wherever they need me. That includes shortstop, second base and all the outfield spots.”
The Reds were 25-19 when Hairston batted leadoff and his on-base average of .487 while batting leadoff was second best in the National League among leadoff batters with more than 150 plate appearances. Only LA’s Rafael Furcal was better.
He knows, though, he won’t be batting leadoff after the Reds acquired Willy Taveras.
“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with Taveras, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto,” he said. “We have a very athletic team. We all know that pitching, defense and baserunning win games - Tampa Bay proved that.”
Hairston envisions himself batting second behind Taveras, “A couple of speed guys who can wreak havoc. We can get on base for Bruce, Votto and Phillips. I have three goals - get on base, score a ton of runs and help the team win.”
And how was it fairly certain that Hairston was returning?
“I’ve been texting with Jay Bruce and we have a little contest going on who is going to score the most runs,” said Hairston.
“And I’m a loyal person,” he said. “The Reds gave me a chance last year when nobody else would.”
The Cardinals, Royals and Mariners had lukewarm interest in Hairston, but he chose to return.
He played only 80 games and batted 261 times last season, mostly due to a hamstring injury.
“I’ve worked this winter with a nutritionist and he thinks my diet may have even contributed to my injury,” he said.
“I know this - I feel better right now at 32 than I did when I was 27 and 28 when I had a lot of injures,” he said. “I really believe my best years are ahead of me and that I have six or seven good years left in me.
“I actually felt better the second half after I came back from the first half,” he said. Hairston spent 44 games on the DL over three different periods with a broken left thumb and two right hamstring injuries.
Why only a one-year deal at relatively low price? A combination. The Reds want to see if he can stay injury-free while Hairston wants to see if he can put together a career year and become a high-value player.
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Comments
By Y-City Jim
January 15, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this
If the Reds could get some offensive punch in the other seven spots of the batting order then may be they could afford to play a Janish every day.By MAC
January 15, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this
From what I’ve read, Valaika is playing SS, but projected to 3B or LF @ ML level as is Frazier. From what I can tell, Cincy doesn’t have any “exciting” up & coming ML talent for SS or 2B? 2nd D. Richar has the athleticism to get excited about and @ 26 he has time to develop, but he hasn’t hit higher than .230 @ ML level.By michael
January 13, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
can’t stand the thought of building to compete in the future because I believe you always play to win, but this minor league kid SS Chris Valaika looks to be the real deal. Someday soon we may have an all around Shortstop.By Wizard
January 13, 2009 7:11 AM | Link to this
u 2 make some good points, MAC, but, I am still judging your question marks, as fearmongering— “May affect his hitting” for example, does not mean that moving BP to ss,”would” affect it. One could say, it might also, improve his hitting! One could also say, it might be the initial tonic, which greatly improves the Reds, since the second base position is aptly named as “second-ary” to the SS position!I’d rather have a hole at second{the less important position}than at SS.And, I don’t think a hole would be left there—as any number of players could be inserted there, as opposed to being able to insert them at the more demanding position of SS!My position is simply this: I as GM would always be trying to improve my defense, since it and pitching win ball games{those two things, including BP at SS will win many more than five games this coming year for the Reds—as Harang and Arroyo will have better starts to their season, than last year}. I f Gonzo is not ready, I would get BP ready to play SS; because Hairston, and others can more easily be plugged into second, than SS!Then, monies that might be spent on another SS—can instead, be used for right-handed power hitter for left field.Just a different point of view—but, I think a valid one.By MAC
January 12, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this
Wiz, U make some valid pts, but I think U missed my overall pt? Indians & Reds (not U & I) have determined BP is better @ 2nd than SS (his preferred position)for a reason. I think HavaKlu sited the reason the Indians didn’t play him @ SS? Likewise, anytime U have a GG type player @ any position & he can rake like BP, there has to be a concern moving him may negitively affect his overall performance. I think this is exactly why Reds don’t want to move JV or EE & WJ has said as much in other articles (enquirer/fay). I just don’t see messing w/ the 1 guy who is @ the top of his game; the Reds have more problems than BP could solve by playing SS!! That being said, I do agree w/ your Gonzo comment. I wouldn’t wait on him & I’m sure the Reds would like to find some way NOT to pay for him…injury settlement? It’s clear the Reds don’t have any solid prospects @ SS as Valikia? & Frazier have been projected to 3B & LF at the present. I did notice they have a SS from Dodgers who is now on the Sluggers’ roster. No doubt, SS is a long term problem for the Reds & if U move BP to SS, it may affect his hitting and it leaves a hole @ 2nd w/ no one to fill it. U want to flip BP and Jr in hopes of winning maybe 5 more games a year? I say they lose 5 more games because BP may struggle more AB w/ his new Def responsibilities? Who’s right; I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s a risk the Reds don’t want to take?By BrarHopper
January 12, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this
No offense, Dead… but if you hate to keep beating the dead horse, then why do you keep doing it? That’s like the guy who says “to make a long story short” and then prattles on for another 10 minutes. Stop beating the Bonds drum for gawd sake…the Reds will NEVER sign that fat-headed fool.By Old Deadhead
January 12, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this
I hate to keep beating the same tired horse, but I still think Barry Bonds is the best answer for the Reds. He could come in and platoon with Dickerson, be relatively cheap, and probably on best behavior knowing this would be his final shot. Productive against LH or RH pitching. Also his past history with Dusty is a plus. Just think about having one of the most feared bats in MLB history at the Matchbox known as GABP.By Mike-Cinci
January 12, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
bobs, the latest I heard on Young is he is owed $80 million by the Texans with much of it deferred. He is just too expensive. The Reds have enough deferred money tied up with Junior. Griffey will be getting about $4 million per year from the Reds until 2024. I’m looking forward to the day when the Reds have top prospects arriving that require them to move current players to different positions or different teams. As you point out that is the situation with Young in Texas.By 28sweep
January 12, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
Here is a crazy thought…Michael Young wants out of Texas. He has been an all-star and won the gold glove last year at shortstop. Also, has been a .300 hitter who drives in 90-100 runs per season. The Reds need a reliable shortstop. This guy is only 32 and is signed for five more years. He costs a lot (60 million). Yet, he brings so many good things to the table. The Rangers want a young third baseman in return. Why not offer any of the Four third basemen the Reds have in their system for this guy? Perhaps they could even give up one pitcher as well? Rumor has it that the CHISOX are already interested and are shopping Jermaine Dye to them. By the way, the Reds would also have to eat AGON’s final year as well. It is a long shot involving a lot of money. But, I believe it would improve the team.By michael
January 12, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
Rickey Henderson made it into the HOF…I think Blylevin should have made it over Jim Rice. He played on some bad teams and won 287 Games and struck out over 3700. Rice did not even get 3000 hits. Breaking news….Pete didn’t make it again.By bobs
January 12, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, I am with you in regards to not wanting Young, but there is a difference between the Rangers wanted to move a highly regarded prospect into the line-up and him not be able to play shortstop effectively for the Reds. I would not want him because you would have to pay $12-13 million dollars a year for the next five/six years for a 33 year old? Doesnt make a lot of sense. I think the Reds might have been discussing Nady/Swisher with the Yanks because “suddenly” Bowden wants them for the Nationals.By Mike-Cinci
January 12, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
Michael Young is a nice player but he will be 33 this year. He is slowing down and that’s why the Texans want to move him to 3rd base from SS. He hit 10 HR’s last year in a launching pad that’s very much like GABP. Young has averaged hitting into 21+ double plays over the last 4 years. EE is 26 years old. He has never hit into more than 13 DP’s in any season. He hit 26 HR’s in 2008. Why do the Reds want to give up a young player for an old player? Young still wants to play SS but his skills Are declining. Sound familar? Have not the Reds been down this road before? Don’t give up a young player who can play for an old player. It’s OK to sign an old free agent if you don’t have a young player who can play the position. In this case you are not giving up anything. Trading youth for age only makes sense if you think you are one key player away from the playoffs. The Reds need more than a 33 year old SS that his current team thinks can’t play SS anymore.By James
January 12, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
“…he thinks my diet may have even contributed to my injury.” I guess Hairston is overweight. That’s the only way your diet would play a role in muscle injury.By michael
January 12, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
I’ll take Abreu…he can rake. But I don’t think he wants to play in Cincinnati. Our rep as a loser hurts our chances of getting any name brand players, unless we pay them more than they are worth.By udontseemuchofanything
January 12, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
because he has shown he can play any position. duh.By HavaKlu
January 12, 2009 7:09 AM | Link to this
Actually, the reason the Indians shifted Phillips to 2B was because he was a mediocre SS in the minors. The year he played 2B regularly for the Indians (2003), Jhonny Peralta, hardly a veteran, was the shortstop. I don’t see where it helps the team tp move a spectacular Gold Glove 2B to SS when he never showed that he could effectively play the position.By redsfandownunder
January 11, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this
Word is that Michael Young wants out of Texas since they asked him to move to 3rd. We could ship EE (and Homer?) to Texas. Young would give the Reds a RH bat with high average and a bit of pop. Main knock on MY is his range to his left - fortunately BP has tremendous range to his right. Kepp could play 3rd and Hairston/Dickerson in LF.By Y-City Jim
January 11, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this
John Perrotto at the Baseball Prospectus seems to think the Reds are in serious pursuit of Bobby Abreu. That would be a huge signing.By Wizard
January 11, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
michael—management forced Griffey to move to right—because he could not make the plays needed in CF—he finally relented because of their demands on it. He knew they were correct—so he did it!By Wizard
January 11, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
Yeah MAC—I guess that is why Jeter,Ozzie Smith, Larkin,Furcal,Ernie Banks,Aparicio,and many other Latin players played ss, because it was a major league decision to play their best infielders at second base! You are smarter than that, MAC! Can you{without looking it up} even remember who all the second baseman were who played with all of these guys? No, you’d have to look it up. BP didn’t play SS with the Indians, because the one they had was a veteran with a long career behind him, who could still play the position. Had nothing to do with Brandon’s ability to play there. They wanted to get him in the lineup because of his talent! In addition, Brandon has NEVER said he would not play short for the Reds! You are in error, my friend, about this subject. The weakest infielder{as has been stated by others, is generally put at second base—arm strength being a major reason—so relays from the outfield are generally, the SS’s responsibility, when possible. You are simply wrong again. Why would you want your weakest arm going deep into the hole{at SS} to make a throw to first base? You wouldn’t. On what basis does one predict a gold glove second baseman with BP’s tools-arm, range,and athleticism, will only be slightly above average as a SS? That is pure nonsense with nothing that shows proof! A guess, and a poor one at that. The plays BP has made at second base proves what his range and arm would do for the Reds at SS; anyone who says differently never played the positions— and is not trying to improve the Reds infield! Lastly, how long are you willing to wait on Gonzo—they are indicating right now he may not be ready again this spring? Hairston came to the big leagues as an infielder—not an outfielder—IMO, that is where he should play: second base.By HuberTucky
January 11, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
I 100% agree with Wiz. But of course, we wouldn’t want to offend any player by asking them to do something as demeaning as swicth positions for the good of the team. Heavens! What an insult that would be. I mean, to be dissed like that! Why, it’s liable to create an attitude (like the one that got someone branded and shipped out a Cleveland a few years ago).By a fan
January 11, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
Yep BD - with your latest post you have cemented yourself as the dumbest and least aware person on the planet. Go read a Bill James book or have someone read it to you as we all know you fancy the picture books. I’m not sure what Halo is and you really ought to stop calling other men sweetie but whatever trips your trigger is your business - just stop posting your stupidity on the blog. As you stated - a trained monkey can do a lot of things, perhaps you should get one and have him/her teach you baseball.By BD
January 11, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
Wow, “a fan”. So, you’re one of those 40 year olds that still live in their mom’s basement and comment on other people’s posts to make yourself feel less inferior. Sorry bud, you’re still a loser. Let me guess, you were one of those kids whose dad coached the team and he hid you at 2B to hide the fact that you sucked. Anyone who has played or coached baseball for at least a game knows that generally your weakest arm and most limited range infielder goes at 2B. Putting BP there is a waste, but the fact is he would be an average SS, that’s why he’s at 2B. Now, pause your game of Halo, stop commenting on other’s posts and go upstairs to get your corndogs. Lunch is ready, sweetie.By a fan
January 11, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
BD - you make so little sense it is amazing you can form a sentence. Are you really that dumb about baseball or are you just dumb in general? Wow - you wrote some of the most idiotic things I have read on this blog. Could you actually be this stupid?By BD
January 11, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
BP is athletic and has decent range so he looks good at 2B. He would be a slightly above average SS. Still, the reason he is in the line-up because of his offense not his defense. 2B is the easiest position on the field to play. A trained monkey with a little athletic ability could play 2B. Without his bat, BP is just Pokey Reese, only not as good defensively. As it stands right now, moving BP to SS would be an improvement for the team, but I guarantee he would not be a gold glove at SS. Moving him to SS might make the team win a couple more games and that might make it worth it, but there are certainly more pressing issues that this team is facing.By MAC
January 11, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
For all those who want to move BP to SS. Why not Votto to LF, EE to 1st and Kepp to 3rd? Why is BP the only guy most here want to move to another position? OR, why not just move Joey V to LF (good bat w/ power) and resign Valentine to play 1st,3rd and help @ Catching if needed? He played better than avg @ all those positions and when not pressed to deliver (PH) he has proved to be a very solid bat in our lineup. He’s been pretty successful even in those pressed situations. This team isn’t nor doesn’t spend $$ for quality players so why not bring back a productive, cheap, yet quality reserve who can play 3 different positions??? Another Vote for Valentine!By MAC
January 11, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
Moving our All Star 2nd baseman doesn’t make the Reds a better playoff team! If they had another outstanding 2nd baseman, I could see it. However, we don’t! From my experince, I think U need the more complete player/athlete @ 2nd base. He has bunt/R. side coverage on plays @ 1st, yet he also has DP and SB responsibilities @ 2nd. In addition, more times than not, he has the longer relay throw to home from the R. side on relays. More importantly, the Indians didn’t play BP @ SS nor have the Reds; think of how many different “ML baseball people” have helped make that decision over the yrs…there has to be a ML reason he is a 2nd baseman?By B-52
January 11, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know if Javier Valentin has signed with any team?By michael
January 11, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Wiz, don’t think anyone disagreed with you. There is no question that Phillips could be a great SS, but last season Phillips said that he did not want to play SS because he is a second baseman. Griffey moved to RF for his own benefit, not to improve the Reds as a team. Due to his injuries, he knew he wouldn’t have to work as hard in RF. Unfortunately, the times have changed and the pro player has the most say in his career, and if he is not happy he will go elsewhere.By Mike-Dayton
January 11, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
The Reds have a far too many utility guys and not enough actual FT players like Phillips. With his Gold Glove at 2B, the Reds should look at signing another SS (if AG is out again) as Hairston is a combo 4th or 5th OF and overall Freel-type player. Keppinger is not the answer … this team has some money and singing AG for $14 million was dumb but so was Krivsky … Walt may actually be able to make get a good player and not overpay …By Wizard
January 11, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
Baloney! It’s about TEAM, period. No one has convinced me that I am not correct about Brandon Phillips playing short stop. Don’t put words in my mouth—I have already said, I would only leave him at second base, if Gonzales is able to play short!! That remains a question mark!!! Otherwise, he hurts the TEAM by refusing to move to short!! What should be most important to REDS fans and Management—is improving every area on the REDS roster—not worrying about someone getting their feelings hurt; i.e. Ken Griffey moving from center to right. In addition, if it is agreed that Brandon Phillips IS, in fact, our best short stop {and the best athlete on the TEAM}; then it is utter nonsense to leave him at second base when his tools are the best we have for the short stop position. THAT position is the MOST IMPORTANT ONE on ANY infield!! I do not agree the day is past, when winning isn’t more important, than ego. Brandon has, in fact, said SS is his favorite position—not long ago—so move him. A lesser athlete should play second base, if both positions are not equally filled! The Reds are MORE WEAKENED by playing Hairston and Keppinger {not Gonzo}at short stop; than they are playing them at second base!Your baseball team—minus Gonzo, is not as strong unless Phillips agrees to play SS!!!!By michael
January 10, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
Well said Mike- Dayton. Phillips is the best athlete on the team and could play any postion, but moving him would just make another hole in the defense. But, Wizard is correct, Phillip could be a Larkin type SS if willing.By mike-dayton
January 10, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
Alex Gonzalez at SS healthy with Phillips at 2B is far better defensively than Phillips at SS with Hairston/Keppinger at 2B … I would expect the Reds to put AG at SS provided he is healthy. … and Rose moved to 3B to get a stud Foster in the lineup in LF … Phillips actually moved to 2B from SS to get in the lineup for the Reds so it’s not like he is a moron, also he doesn’t have anyone he is holding back by playing 2B as the Reds have no one on the roster that is any good that can’t find an open spot. SS and LF are wide open.By michael
January 10, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
A happy player is a good player..Phillips has made it clear that he is a second baseman and though he is the best SS on the team, he will play everyday and be more productive as long as he is happy. Unfortunately, the days are over when a player (like Pete Rose did in 1975)does what’s best for his team.By mike-dayton
January 10, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
Phillips is the best fielding second basemen in either league so let’s leave him alone as the source of the Reds’ demise. They signed a 32 year old, historically low hitting Hairston and might platoon him in LF with a guy that has 100 AB in the majors and is already 26 years old, Taveras who will be average but is not the answer to anything, another older guy in Hernandez who might be ok, and a situational lefty in Rhodes - on a team that lost almost 90 games last year. I believe Phillips being happier at 2nd base is the least of the Reds’ problems. Moving Phillips to SS and putting someone else at 2nd base is not going to even dent the Reds’ problems and might make them worse seeing as Phillips hasn’t played SS in 3-4 years now.By Wizard
January 10, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
“Oh, and one more thing Brandon—do you want to get to the playoffs, or finish in fifth place once again in 2009”?By Wizard
January 10, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Then, I and Walt need to sit down with BP for a little chit-chat. Walt: “Brandon, I thought you said you wanted to be a leader”? BP:” Well, yes I did”. Walt:”If that is the case, we need your glove and range at SS, to strengthen our infield. Your gold glove will field just as well at SS, as it does at second base—not to mention, that it will get to lots of balls that Kepp and Hairston can only dream about getting to. But, most importantly, your arm is much stronger than anyone else we’d play there.If Gonzo ever gets back we can think about returning you to second—but only if we think we should move you and whoever is playing second! We can play anyone of several people at second. The different pivots can be taught to anyone in a days time. {Bobby Durnbaugh, AAA SS with the Reds, back in the day, taught them to the Wiz in one evenings time, at Belmont park}. So we know if the Wiz can do it… Besides, the Wiz doesn’t want to have to take you out behind the woodshed to make you see the light. If you want to be the leader of this team—then lead!By michael
January 10, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this
I agree Wiz, but the problem is that Brandon Phillips doesn’t agree with us!By Wizard
January 10, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
Yes, Michael: the name is Brandon Phillips! Problem solved.By michael
January 10, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
I don’t think you J. Hairston fans will be singing the same tune when the season starts. I hope I am way wrong, but Hairston is a utility guy who had a very unlikely year. I think the Reds should place more priority on the SS position. Great teams have great Shortstops. We don’t. Gonzo, Hairston, and Keppinger are all decent Defensively, but none are going to make a difference. We need a new Concepcion or Larkin to hold that spot for years to come. Shortstop has always been a team anchor.By ShockMonkey
January 10, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this
Let me say this very SLOWLY: Dunn is NOT resigning with the Reds! Hello? Nobody wants the big horse. Per roster as it stands now—-there’s no way WJ wants to start the season with EE at 3B. Something’s got to give. Stay tuned.By Y-City Jim
January 9, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard rumors of Dunn going to Milwaukee, Baltimore, NYY among others. Cleveland is one who should consider him seeing how he has pounded on them several times.By Harry the Horse
January 9, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
If the Dodgers sign Manny Ramierez, where will Adam Dunn end up?? Why not the Reds??? If the Reds can lock up Dunn at a reduced price (2 years $ 15 million) wouldn’t that help the club?? Forget Alex Gonzalez… Hairston is the SS.. Then your line-up would be CF Tavares, SS Hairston, 1B Votto, 2B Phillips, LF Dunn, RF Bruce 3B EE, C Hernandez.. And if Aaron Harang returns to form the Reds could surprise in 09…By Derek
January 9, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
Re-signing Hairston is definitely a smart and economical move. He proves that when healthy, he produces and most importantly gets on base, and we signed him at a bargain. But that is a big “if” considering he has been known to land on the DL from time to time. The pieces of the puzzle are in place, now let’s put them together. We have a couple of veterans along with plenty of youth to at least climb to .500 ball. I look forward to witnessing a full season with Jay bruce and Mr. Votto manning 1st base, and Gold Glover Brandon Phillips. It has been tough to be a Reds fan for quite some time, but Walt knows what he is doing and we are in the right direction. Hal, keep up the great stories, because even out in Califonia, I still enjoy your supurb reds coverage. Happy New Year Year and Go Reds!By Wizard
January 9, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
Yes indeed, Hairston should be playing second base—our want-a-be “leader”, Brandon Phillips should volunteer to play short {to improve the team’s chances}! Dickerson in LF, Hannigan, and what’s his face, at catcher{unless JB isn’t busy},EE at third{he’ll hit 30 HR}Votto at 1st. And, let ‘em play!By Mike-Cinci
January 9, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
The small market owners are starting to complain in the NFL too. The secret to success in the NFL and MLB is superior scouting and talent evaluation. The good NFL teams do it as do the best MLB teams. Spending big bucks does not guarantee success. Many high spenders fail as some of the posters have pointed out. Regarding the Reds, the best thing they can do to improve and stay competitive is to invest in scouting and developing their farm system. With a continuous supply of good young players you can let the high priced players leave and replace them with better and less expensive talent. You also have an abundance of good young players to trade for special needs. The Reds will never be able to compete on spending with the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels (they all have much bigger revenue sources) but they can out smart them. Hopefully Walt Jocketty will prove to be the GM that does it.By Mike-Dayton
January 9, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
There won’t be a salary cap because Baseball sells teams and the NFL sells the NFL. Most, if not all, teams in the NFL sell out every home game so the NFL is not selling a particular team per se’. It has the benefit of having a better set-up - meaning one game per team each week, standard starting times - baseball sells the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs - these teams have larger local TV contracts for more revenue, they sell more seats at higher prices and they know that baseball ratings are higher when Yankees/Reds Sox play than Tampa Bay/Philadelphia play. So why would those higher revenue teams share any of that revenue with the other teams? George Steinbrenner, if he was lucid, could say that he created the modern image of the Yankees because he invested in the payroll and payers since he bought the team for $11 million or so in 1973. It is now valued over a billion dollars. As long as the Yankees continue not to win the World Series with the highest payroll, it’s quite enjoyable watching them spend and spend while Tampa marches into the World Series …By timb
January 9, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
Michael-Kentucky, you’re wrong about a salary cap. Tampa will be good for years, given their talent stocked in the minors. The Twins were one game away from the playoffs last year; the Brewers had as good a chance as any to make the World Series and face the Rays; and, the Rockies made the World Series the year before. The Cardinals, not a large market team, are always good, as are the A’s. What you do, when you buy the salary cap garbage, is allow teams like the Reds to take your money and provide an inferior product. Payroll is no guarantee for anything, ask the Dodgers, Orioles, and Blue Jays (and last year’s Yankees). Cheap owners and lazy sportswriters push a salary cap for different reasons, but the reason you won’t see one anytime soon is because the players want 60% of the revenue (they are the product) and the owners are happy with the current arrangement (around 56%). The difference is millions of dollars in that four percent, so the billionaires whining about salary caps can jump off a building for all I care. Put your money in your team and win dang itBy michael
January 9, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this
Michael- Kentucky, I agree with all of that except that I must say we will never be the Big Red Machine again…period. If your lucky like us, that comes along once in a lifetime.By Michael-Kentucky
January 9, 2009 6:58 AM | Link to this
You all have got to be kidding. First thing is Holiday is in OAKLAND and not Colorado. Second he has no intension in signing with a rebuilding squad, but the prospect of hitting in our little league park would be a perk for him. Third we will never ever be the Big Red Machine until a salary cap is introduced. The Damn Yankees and the Red Sox have blown salaries so far out that the cap is the only hope for the small market team. Then and only then will you get a stud like Holiday or even a Ramirez to even give a thought to Cincinnati. Lightening like Tampa caught with minor leaguers happen only once in a lifetime.By michael
January 9, 2009 5:56 AM | Link to this
Hairston will return to his utility player role because that is what he is. He will probably not hit .326 again. He had a very unlikely season. He is not an everyday OF and he is an IF by trade. Dickerson….if we don’t get anybody else, deserves a shot based on last season. Loddy da…this team is no better than it was last season, unless Jay Bruce and Joey Votto are more experienced and are ready to carry them. B-rad…Jay Bruce will hit 30 Homers if he stays healthy.By Bill-Georgetown
January 9, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this
Betcha you are wrong Mike-Dayton! Ain’t nobody out there worth talking about—cause they ain’t coming here anyway. I agree with Wizard—Dickerson could blossom if given a chance to play—and he’s cheap. Too many of you negative people out there.If the guy does perform you’ll be one of the I-told-you-so know-it-all’s, claiming it was your thought first!By B-rad
January 8, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
Michael is only right about 1 thing: Andruw Jones is FAT! of coure, so was Kevin Mitchell and he had 1 good year for the Reds.By Mike-Dayton
January 8, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
Correction - Dickerson did hit .286 in the minors one year but he still is not the answer with Hairston in LF.By Mike-Dayton
January 8, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this
“These guys are pro’s, now they need to produce” … for Dickerson and Hairston that is going to be a problem - Hairston is 32 and should produce about his career average which is lousy. Dickerson is 26 and never hit above .271 past A ball - we are going to give LF to a 32 year never-was and a 26 year old with 100 AB in the major - that is really, really below average and typical of the Reds’ moves this year. Not going to win with this lineup.By Wizard
January 8, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this
Sit back—relax—let the deals come to us! We don’t have to do anything right now. Frankly, with Dickerson/Hairston as options in LF, I’d rather see us land better catching, than hurt our pitching staff by trading for a power hitting right handed bat in LF. Dickerson can play defense and hit—let him play!The Reds have all they need right now—these guys are pro’s—now they need to produce. Too many of you denegrate their abilities!By Mike-Cinci
January 8, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
bobs,I would do the Bailey for Nady deal if the Reds could sign him for 2-3 years. I fear the Yankees might want more for Nady than just Homer but if they don’t or the Reds don’t have to include one of their top prospects I’d pull the trigger on the deal. He would fit the bill for a right hand bat.By bobs
January 8, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
Pettite, Holiday, Manny from a few posts back…get serious people. One, no one wants to come to Cincy, two, no one is getting paid to come to Cincy. No matter what the liar Castelinni said, he is not throwing huge money at one player. The last post is my reason to move Baily for anything you can get. Micah will be the fifth starter, so keeping Bailey at Triple A does not really help anyone. Mike-Cinci, Bailey for Nady? Enough?By DM
January 8, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Hairston was an o-k signing. Gonzo should be traded for some more pitching or a righty bat. We have Keppinger to fill that hole. Dickerson should start in left if he has a good spring outing. We have good pieces here, just need to work on them and see what happens.By Matthew
January 8, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
Baldelli has already been signed by the Red Sox, he’s out of the Reds picture. I think the best bet is Xavier Nady. Pettitte would be a great fit in the rotation, but he turned down a $10 million offer from the Yankees. I don’t think he would take less than that to come here.By NOHIO
January 8, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, Ohio sure has some lame sports franchises. Let’s see, the Reds and Indians suck. The Browns suck. Bengals are a joke. OSU Buckeyes can’t win a bowl game. Hey, at least we have the champion Crew here in Columbus.By David
January 8, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
The Reds have a 5th starter (and pinch hitter) in Owings who they got in the trade for Dunn. Last year the Reds needed more table setters as they had 7 guys trying to hit a homer every time up, GABP influence. Now they have lost their two main power guys from last year but their lineup is more balanced. they need and everyday left fielder someone a right handed hitter with a little pop would be nice but do not trade the future for them. Big hopes in the new season like every year hope this is the year.By michael
January 8, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
LHP Pettite would be a nice addition to the all RH pitching staff. I hate to be pesimistic, but I see more of the same coming this year. I know CP had a terrible year in CF, but is Tavares much better? Is Hernandez the savior behind the plate? Is he that much better than David Ross? I can only hope that these guys are more consistant. I get so tired of hearing that we are not playing for this year, but instead building for the future…This is baseball….you try to win every year! The Reds dumped some hefty salaries and should be able to go get a Superstar, Cluth hitter. You can trade for him if your not happy with the FA market. You have to give a little.By SJ in Ind.
January 8, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Regarding the “more is needed” thing: If you’re Jocketty, and you now have a decent lineup, decent rotation, decent bullpen and decent-to-good number of talented prospects, do you stop here or do you make a last stab for veteran help. Why not go after Rocco Baldelli for LF and make Hairston/Gonzalez compete for SS? Another intriguing idea: What about throwing 2-3 years at Andy Pettite, who just turned the Yankees down, to see if you could get him? He probably would say know since he would want to contend right away and would want too much money, but would it be worth a shot?By SJ in Ind.
January 8, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Near as I can figure, the Reds will look like this: CF Taveras SS Hairston/Gonzalez 2B Phillips 1B Votto RF Bruce 3B Encarnacion LF Dickerson/Hairston C Hernandez/Hanigan SP Harang SP Arroyo SP Volquez SP Cueto If Taveras can get on base consistently at above a .350 OBP clip and Phillips will stop trying to hit 40 homers and get his average back to a decent place, the lineup could be good. Votto will be fine, Bruce could be a major HR, RBI guy and Encarnacion could as well. LF is still a question, and I think it’s still worth trying to get Rocco Baldelli (what do you really risk) to keep there. The bigger problem, I think, is the fifth SP. The front four is solid, but who will be the other guy? I don’t think you can count on Bailey.By Mike-Cinci
January 8, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
Matt Holliday has one year left on his contract. His agent is Scott Boras. Holliday has said he will not sign a long term contract with anyone until he tests the free agent market. Boras will try to get $100 million $+ for Holliday. The Reds would have had to trade Volquez to Colorado to get him and it would only be for one year. Nady could be a Red if the Reds would be willing to trade a top pitcher to the Yankees. Nady will be a free agent after this season also and unless he can be signed to a long term deal prior to the trade it would be a big risk. Nady is a nice player but I’m not sure he is worth trading a top pitcher for him.By Steve F
January 8, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
The Reds should go after Nady. He hit 25 home runs last year and made just over 3 million.By jon
January 8, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
Why couldn’t we come up with Matt Holiday? He would have been a perfect fit. I know he is making 13.5 million this season, but he’s 28 and entering his prime and would thrive at GABPBy michael
January 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this
If you can get A. Jones for a reasonable price, take a chance. He has proven himself, and may have had an off season. I know he is fat, but one can hope that he has awakened. You will feel stupid if he comes back to what he is capable of and the Reds miss the boat. I agree that taken a shot at Baldelli. He was mis-diagnosed and he may be able to bloom into a fine player if he stays healthy….either of the two where worth giving a 1 year deal. What do we have to lose, the Reds made some money when they let the Dunn and Jr go.By michael
January 8, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
If you can get A. Jones for a reasonable price, take a chance. He has proven himself, and may have had an off season. I know he is fat, but one can hope that he has awakened. You will feel stupid if he comes back to what he is capable of and the Reds miss the boat. I agree that taken a shot at Baldelli. He was mis-diagnosed and he may be able to bloom into a fine player if he stays healthy….either of the two where worth giving a 1 year deal. What do we have to lose, the Reds made some money when they let the Dunn and Jr go.By Pete
January 8, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this
Hairston’s another Ryan Freel & not a player that’s gonna put the Reds over the top. Those folks who keep wanting Andruw Jones’ — WAKE UP & KNOCK IT OFF! He’s D-U-N!! AP-FL… you’ve gotta very interesting point & could very well be right. Could Reds fans be that lucky? & by the way, Randy…. Who cares about the Browns? They suck!By photoman
January 8, 2009 5:56 AM | Link to this
There are just too many major league teams, and not enough major league players to fill them. Teams like Cincinnati can continue to juggle players, but they can only stay in the same quality of players that they already have. The roster changes but the team standings will remain the same.By AP-FLORIDA
January 8, 2009 5:34 AM | Link to this
My hunch is, Walt doesn’t want to improve that much this year. Wants Rusty Baker to fail AGAIN, so he can bring in a real manager!!!! I like his plan….By crosley
January 8, 2009 2:33 AM | Link to this
Baldelli’s gone. I can’t see where he’s going to get much playing time with the Red Sox. I doubt Jocketty made a serious attempt for him. We missed this one—the worst is he could have platooned with Dickerson and the best is that he will be healthy and could have realized his great potential with the Reds!By Randy
January 8, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this
I still think that EE would do better in LF. The Reds can get by with 3B by committee. Why waste money when there are no outstanding OF’s to be had. (On a unrelated note, I think Mangini was a good hire for the Browns.)By BrarHopper
January 7, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this
Just say NO to the late Andruw “TubTub” Jones. He’s fat and finished. Braves dumped him and he was an absolute bust for LA where he cost them a fortune and batted .158. Jones is a zero and doesn’t fit in any way shape or form for the Reds. Let’s move on from that moot point that is Andruw.By JL
January 7, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
How about going after Andruw Jones? Right-handed bat with good D, assuming his power (and average) can come back with a move to the GABP.By jeff-dayton
January 7, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
Why not go after Eric Hinske to be a reserve infielder/outfielderBy ryan-madison, IN
January 7, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
The Redlegs need a big bat…period. Yeah it’s nice to get Hairston back in uniform but it’s not the answer and every Reds fan know this. Please Walt, please get us a bat or even two that will take us to the playoffs. The pitching is there, I really believe that. Either the division or the wild card, I dont care which one. I want a playoff year so bad it hurts. GO REDS!!By Az
January 7, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
Good lord. The Season is already over. This is news?By Mike-Dayton
January 7, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this
Hairston - nice guy, hustles, good teammate but he replaces Freel, not one of the starting eight. He’s 32 years old, has a few years in the game, fully eligible for free agency and he signed for $2 million. You don’t get the feeling there was a bidding war on him do you. Do you think the other GM’s read the back of his baseball card and looked at ALL of his stats since day 1 in the majors and not the 90 games or so he played last year. Actually good signing for $2 million but he is not THE guy for this team to make them winners.