By BD

January 11, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Signing Hairston was OK, depends upon how they plan to use him. 2 mill is a little steep, wasn’t long ago when 600K got you the same thing. He is not an everyday player at ANY position. He’ll play about 80-100 games and is a decent fill-in at several positions when your true starter is down. The best move that the Red’s could make if they truly wanted to be better next year is to sign Manny. Sure he dogged it in Boston, but when he is truly happy he’s one of the best in the game. (See the Dodger’s last year, BoSox in his early years and his time in Cleveland.) Manny would solve several things if he wanted to play here. Provide tons of offense, put butts in seats and get both the team and the fans excited again. Sadly, we know he won’t be signed. Xavier Nady? Lastings Milledge? I’d rather see them stand pat. Call me negative, but I am a realist. This team will be lucky to win 75-80 games and finish 4th. For the life of me I can’t see why everyone gets excited over Jay Bruce. What has he shown you? He might turn out to be a decent ballplayer, but my bet is that he won’t even live up to Austin Kearns standards when all is said and done. Votto is the true star on this team and that’s not saying much. Jocketty had one thing going for him in St Louis that truly put the team over the top… Albert Pujols. THe Reds don’t have that now and there’s nothing on the horizon so you can most likely forget about him doing his magic here UNLESS, he convinces Castellini to sign Manny AND he convinces Manny that he will be happy here. My guess is we get at best a mediocre “let’s take a chance on this guy” type of signing in the next couple of weeks or what you see now is what you’re gonna get. Either way, this team will most likely still suck this year.

By Y-City Jim

January 9, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Bruce and Votto combined for 29 HRs after Dunn left. The problem for the Reds this year won’t be how many HRs they do or do not hit but how few base runners will be on base when they do hit HRs, triples, doubles, and singles. This team is still OBP-deficient just as it was last year. The new signings did nothing to change that.

By B-rad

January 8, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Sorry Michael, but I didn’t forget about Jay Bruce because he will NOT hit 25 HR’s this year. Sorry to burst your bubble. Since Dunn is gone, no one on the Reds will hit 40 HR’s. How sad. Tavares might hit 1 (Harang will hit more HR’s than him); Hairston might hit 5; EE will have more errors than HR’s; Keppinger might have 4; Ramon Hernandez might hit 10; I just can’t go on..too depressing.

By Wizard

January 8, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

That’s the entire point! It isn’t about Adam the Dunce—it’s about the TEAM!Play first, and play it well—or, DON’T PLAY! Clear?

By jackl

January 8, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

bring back DUNN

By michael

January 8, 2009 6:40 AM | Link to this

Dunn playing 1B has been a topic for several seasons, and he even tried it, but it didn’t work. He made it clear that he didn’t like playing First Base.

By photoman

January 8, 2009 5:52 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 Mike

January 7, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

I didn’t look through every comment about this article, but I feel there is a glaring omission. It may or may not be true that we haven’t had a significant upgrade this offseason. But let’s not forget the fact that all of our young players have a full season under their belt now. That experience has to account for something. I think we’ll be better just because they’ve had time to mature a little more.

By Y-City Jim

January 7, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

When did Dunn ever refuse to play 1B? I have no recollection of Dunn refusing to do so.

By michael

January 7, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute Wizard, I did agree that Dunn should play 1b….but he refused, and he is gone, so we have to deal with what we have. I like Votto in left if we can pick up a 1B man. if and when Alonzo is ready, then by all mean move Joey to left. We still need a SS and team leader. Phillips could be that guy…but like Dunn…he refuses to play SS.

By Mike-Cinci

January 7, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this

Yonder Alonso has to be the future at 1B in 2010 or 2011. The Reds gave this guy several million $ so he will get a shot if he does anything in the minors. Hopefully he will live up to the hype and be the long sought clean-up hitter the Reds need. Votto will be traded or moved to the OF when Alonso is ready. Of course, Alonso could be traded if Votto proves to be fan favorite and a star at 1B and somebody like Stubbs. Francisco, or Frazier prove they can play left field. I just don’t see Dunn returning to play 1B. His days as a Red were over on July 31 when he was traded to the Diamondbacks. I can’t remember a player who was brought back to his original team the very next year after a mid-season trade. Anything can happen though. Bob Castellini did like Adam Dunn a lot.

By Wizard

January 7, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

Bobs,timb,michael, and Huber all make good points—only one I agree completely with is Huber, though. When Dunn was still here, my suggestion was that he be moved to first—and noone, except Huber Tucky, wanted to consider that, at that time—including Dunn! Had he been willing to move to first, his defense would not have been the liability in the outfield that it was. The Reds would have improved defense in left with Votto; and Dunner could have experienced bending his knees for the first time, in his professional career{often he wouldn’t bend them when getting a “lead” off of first base}while playing the infield! This guy’s ego got in the way of helping his team; as well as, his future salary—now nobody wants his salary or his bad defense!I’d take him at first base—with a good attitude about playing there! Then, Votto in Left would solve the problem—wityh the draft choice from Miami possibly in the future at first, or wherever. Hairston could learn and work on making the different pivots required at second base this spring; while Brandon gets used to SS again—TO HELP THE TEAM!

By Florida Buckeye

January 7, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Hmm…I really dont see much improvement by addition this year; However, I do see quite a bit of improvement by subtraction…The 3-4 spot will not be clogged up for the first half of the year; Patterson’s ineffective bat and amazing ability to get picked off is gone, as is Bako and his inability to call a game…those factors, in an of themselves should be enough to post a 500+ season…NOW, if we can only get rid of the ‘pouty’ attitude, and inconsistency of EE, we’ll have swept the closet clean of all the losing cobwebs …All I think we really need at this time is a Left Fielder with some pop, and either a healthy year from Kep, Gonzo, or Hairston on the left side of the infield…all of those things should be within the budget, right?!? It’s not asking for too much is it, ha!

By bobs

January 7, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

timb, are you really EE’s agent? For someone who has done very little, you have way too much praise, but certainly your right. I am with Roho, I have never been this least excited about a season starting then I am now. Wow, Taveras and Hairston batting 1,2. Hairston is a fine role player, very similar to Freel, the more he plays, the worse he becomes. The Reds will start out with a below average third baseman, below average SS, above average second baseman, average first baseman, average RF, below average CF, average catcher, and a still to be (hopefully) decided LF. Very excited.

By michael

January 7, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Yes, this is where we go our separate ways timb. Gonzo is a “good” defensive SS, but based on the Reds current line- up, we need more from our SS. I disagree that a SS only plays defense…Players like, Barry Larkin, Dave Concepcion, Derek Jeter and Miguel Tejada have raised the standards my friend. They now hit…and are team leaders…unlike Gonzo.

By Roho Radio

January 7, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

After reading all of these posts, one thing sticks out to me most of all: I am completely unexcited about the upcoming Reds season. Nothing piqued my interest in any way. At least I won’t be let down this year. Maybe, I’ve finally been Cincinnati-Ized.

By HuberTucky

January 7, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

I am very happy to see Hairston back as a Red. He’s an awesome semi-regular, very effective lead off man, works the count, coaxes a walk, steals a base, and has an outstanding attitude. That said, I agree that he is NOT the starting SS. Agree with Wiz that a better fit is BP @ SS and hair @2nd. Kep is your backup utility infielder. Just say NO WAY to fatty AndruwJones as a Red (just got rid of a slow tubby former great outfielder with an attitude) and also got rid of Dunn. I wouldn’t mind seeing Dunn return if he was at 1st base and try Joey in LF. However, I think LA might go for Dunn and move away from Manny the drama queen. Realistically, the Reds are NOT going to sign a bombshell power hitter to make up for the loss of Dunn’s numbers. So it looks like another season of small ball in a hitters park. And that’s not only a shame but a formula for mediocrity… again.

By timb

January 7, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

See, that’s where we part company. An SS’s main and overriding duty is to play good defense. Alex maybe a terrible hitter (check that, is a terrible hitter), but in the past, he plays a mean SS. If he shows in Spring Training he can do it, then he should start (at any rate, they should have signed Furcal if Walt had any intention of not notching losing number nine). Nonetheless, my ire was directed at sweetly misinformed Jim, who think Keppinger is an answer to a third base position where there is no vacancy. michael, Marty, his clone-like son, and that redneck cowboy will do everything possible to blame the failures of this offense on EE. And, seeing how many lemming-esque fans follow them, I am troubled.

By michael

January 7, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Timb- we agree that Keppinger in not the answer, but neither is Gonzo or Hairston. They are all mediocre and yet the Reds don’t seem interested in finding a solid, everyday SS. This is a must if they want to compete.

By timb

January 7, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Who are these crazy people who think Jeff Keppinger is anything more than a valuable reserve player? A team in which Keppinger is a starter is a fifth place team (see last year’s Cincinnati Reds). As it is, the Reds lost a ton of power and RBI’s at around August of last season. They have yet to replace that and are projected to score 730 runs, while giving up 750. Giving up 750, puts one at the 80 win peak…scoring 740 means winning 72 or so. The 2009 Reds will be out-scored and finish fifth again. Hal is right on. Jeff Keepinger, on the other hand, is a question, not the answer to a question

By Mike-Cinci

January 7, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

bobs, I’m not suggesting because a player is not signed yet that he is a terrible player or that he won’t eventually sign with someone. They all sign at some point and they all are well paid. My point with Dunn was simply the Reds did not sign him. They traded him. The Diamondbacks did not sign him either. It is likely Dunn wanted to test the free agent market or he did not like the offers he got from the Reds or Diamondbacks. Personally I was for keeping Dunn with the Reds as 40 HR and 100 RBI guys don’t show up every week. He was the rare success out of the Reds minor league system in recent years. However there were a lot of fans who grew to dislike how Dunn played. They did not like his defense or his productivity with runners in scoring position. Many thought he was a strike out machine. In the end I assume both the Reds and Diamondbacks did not think he was a fit or his salary demands were unrealistic. We shall see where Adam lands. I think the AL would be best for him but Jim Bowden in Washington might be the high bidder.

By JIM

January 7, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

put E.E. in LF and keppinger at 3rd. problem solved.

By Wizard

January 7, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

When the Reds take the field every day, their best short stop will be playing second base!Hairston has neither the range, nor the arm, that BP has. This is a stupid move!

By michael

January 7, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this

Ho Hum…Hairston had a unlikely season. He is a Veteran with a proven past of mediocracy. A. Jones has proven what he can do and if we can get him on the cheap why not take a chance. There isn’t much out there, and we have no trade bait. So far, I see no changes that will help make the Reds more competitive, except Tavares may hit .260, which is much better than CP did. B-rad, I am sure you just forgot to mention that Jay B will also hit 25 Homers?

By Davey

January 7, 2009 4:49 AM | Link to this

The Reds shouldn’t be interested in Andruw Jones until after he visits Jenny Craig. Of course, he would probably eat her! I’ve never seen a super star player get so fat and pathetic so fast. He’s Fat Albert in a baseball uniform. It proves that big $$ contracts make players with no motivation fat and lazy. NO WAY do I want to see Andruw Jones in a Reds uniform-EVER!!

By Go dReds

January 7, 2009 4:38 AM | Link to this

Yippee!! I can’t wait to pay $40 for a ticket so I can go see Willy Taveras ground out 3 times, reach first base on a fielder’s choice and steal second after the Reds are down by 7 runs. Oh yeah-and I also can’t wait to see EE make a few errors at 3B too! Ahhhh..Reds baseball. At least Pete Rose and Marge brought a little excitement to the team. But don’t worry Reds fans-we’ll spend money and have a winning team after we move into the new stadium…oh wait..we already did. Should we try building another stadium??

By B-rad

January 7, 2009 4:26 AM | Link to this

The Reds have one of the most homer-friendly parks in baseball, but they don’t build their team around power? What gives? They trade away all our power hitters and then get a guy (Taveras) that has like 4 HR’s his entire career. We still have a disappointing 3B who is the second coming of Willie Greene (remember-we kept hearing how “this” was the year he was going to reach his potential). Votto and Phillips will hit 25 HR’s, but no one else will have more than 15. Not a winning blueprint for playing in Great American Small Park.

By MAC

January 7, 2009 3:54 AM | Link to this

Harriston Jr. resigns w/ the Reds; there’s the big RH bat they’ve been looking for!

By MAC

January 7, 2009 1:18 AM | Link to this

Just my opinion, but Dunn isn’t signed because he isn’t worth the money/deal he’s looking for? Clearly he has good qualities that any team could use…the price just has to be right. Some team may over pay for his services; I wouldn’t. If his price comes down & he’s willing to sign @ a reasonable rate, I’d consider signing him, put him at 1st or DH & let him collect his 40/100/100 in 150 games +. If U don’t expect him to be the 2nd coming, I think he’d do just fine! Again, just my opinion, but Dunn @ 1st and Joey V in LF would make me want to visit the park a lot more than the team they currently have assembled.

By Wizard

January 6, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

When you go home—could you leave your ball?

By Hey Hal

January 6, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

My comment was refused because I had “submitted too many in a short period of time.” WRONG. It was my first submission … and my last. You can take this whacky newspaper and …………………………..

By Paul from Cincinnati

January 6, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

The Reds have struggled year after year and it’s getting to the point where people accept the sure-fire disappointments that begin on Opening Day. I watch the parade, have lunch at the Rock Bottom Brewery on Fountain Square and then watch the Reds win or lose their very first game of the season. I’ve grown to check Chipper Jones’ box score more than any other player. Tony Perez was my favorite. Rose will always be a piece of work. Griffey didn’t fit in. Too bad Marge isn’t here to start some kind of fireworks. Cincinnati pro-sports are in the tank. Someone dig the grave and I’ll buy the marker.

By Ridnaway

January 6, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

So Rhodes replaces Affeldt… Hernandez replaces Bako… and Taveras replaces Patterson. I think this might very well be an upgrade but not a substantial one. I’m glad we didn’t get Burrell, he was Adam Dunn on the other side of the plate and it’s best the Reds never even think of getting Dunn back. Baldelli or Dye or Wigginton are all upgrades. Dye would be the best choice of these but I don’t think Chicago will eat enough of that $11.5m to make him pallatable to a small market team.

By Joe

January 6, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

This team is miserable, they will lose 90+ games again. This is not an exaggeration, The reds pro franchise should be liquidated and sold.

By Mike

January 6, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

Looks like the same old Reds formula, give the fans a “bone” and they will come. Hal’s right..don’t get excited. Reds know what the “key” is and know they have to do it. 3 words describe what do for 2009. ‘GET IT DONE!”

By a fan

January 6, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this

That’s funny .. with a nickname like “Big Daddy”, exactly what strengths are you working from talking about people with a life and losers?

By Big Daddy

January 6, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

a fan- I was referring to people with a life. Not losers like you who probably wait in line for the autograph of a grown man.

By bobs

January 6, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Mike-Cinci…not sure I understand, Wiggington isnt signed, so he must not be any good either. Smoltz must stink, same for Lowe, Orlando Hudson must be truly horrible….Giambi, Bradley, and Burrell weren’t any good until yesterday. Not sure what sense this makes. The market will play itself out, but one thing I know is that Dunn will be making for more money then Burrell got.

By Mike-Cinci

January 6, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Mike-Dayton, I appreciate your comments. When Adam Dunn was traded last year it was widely believed that Dunn wanted to test the free agent market. He had become tired of losing with the Reds and many fans had become tired of him. Others loved the guy. The Reds need to replace his power and RBI but at the same time they won’t miss his lack of speed, his lack of defense, and his strike outs. Someone did mention that Dunn was not helped by the lack of talent around him over his years with the Reds and I agree with that. For a lot of reasons Dunn won’t get the big money he thought he was going to get but he won’t be poor either. I still think it’s likely he will end up in Washington with Jim Bowden though an AL team would be best for him. Jocketty knows what he is doing and he will improve the roster over the next month or so.

By donb51

January 6, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

It ain’t over til it’s over, to quote someone famous. The Reds owners know what needs to be done to field a winner this year. A big deal is just around the corner. Wait and see.

By Mike-Dayton

January 6, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Mike-Cinci, I agree with everything you wrote about Manny … his antics last year ironically cost him millions of dollars since he will not get a 4-5 year deal (perhaps because he is 36 years old but the way he left Boston is not lost on the other teams). Scott Boras wants teams to commit to four years of Manny if they want the next two productive years of Manny. Also, I believe “a fan” was stating that just because a player is not signed yet, does not mean that player is “not any good” as you wrote. Dunn may be in trouble getting a great deal and the Reds will not be able to replace his 40/100/100/100.

By nick w

January 6, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

i agree the reds need to do alot more. We have no power in our lineup and the stadium we play in we need power. I don’t get why we didn’t try harder for burrell the rays got him for 16 million over 2 years!!! The reds said they weren’t going after burrell cus they couldn’t afford him..i heard he wanted near 25 million but obviousily not if he got 16 million from the rays. i thought they should have gone after him a lot harder then they did and baldelli is to much of a risk..wasn’t he diagnosed with a muscle problem a couple years ago? i know he had a ok year last year but i don’t think he is ready to play a whole season. And i agree hal, jones is no better then patterson he had an awful year last year and the year before that with the braves so that would be a horrible move. I think they need to trade for someone because their not alot out there in free agents.

By michael

January 6, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

I have to hit that horse once more…Dunn was not the problem, but Griffey held up the 3rd and 4th hole for way too long. I do agree that Dunns 40 Dingers and 100 RBI/ Walks is hard to replace, but we beat some good teams without either of them towards the end of the season. We don’t need Dunn or Griffey….we need name brand SS (because Gonzo in not he answer) and a Leftfielder.

By Mike-Cinci

January 6, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

I did not bring up Manny Ramirez but “a fan” did and relating him somehow to Adam Dunn not being signed yet. Manny Ramirez is a professional low life. Last year he quit on the Red Sox. He did not try in the field or at bat. He dogged it. He refused to play in important games and when he did play he did not go all out. He forced his way out of Boston by not playing hard to help his team win. To Kevin Youkilis’ credit he fought Manny in the dugout when he refused to take the field. Manny’s most important hit in Boston was punching the 68 year old Red Sox employee for not getting him better tickets for his friends. Manny Ramirez did what all true fans hate…he did not give full honest effort. Someone will sign Manny but that team will get a player that does not respect the game. He has great talent but has no character. In short he is a disgrace to the game of baseball.

By a fan

January 6, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Dumbest comment of the year award goes to Big Daddy for this gem: If they win the WS on a Sunday night, by Thursday you will have moved on anyway —- yes sir, which is why the 1976 and 1990 Reds autograph events sell out, we all moved on four days after the series. Second dumbest comment of the year goes to Mike-Cinci: Why would the Reds want Adam Dunn back? If he was any good he would still be a Red or a Diamondback or already signed by someone —— yes sir which I guess means Manny Ramirez isn’t any good either since he isunsigned.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

The Reds need to get Nady or Baldelli(if he can stay healthy). Has anyone noticed that the league isn’t exactly knocking down Adam Dunn’s door to sign him? The rest of the league knows what the Reds should have known a few years ago and that is, Dunn is no superstar and never will be. He’ll end up playing for a lot less than he thinks he’s worth. And you can take that to the bank.

By Matt

January 6, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this

The reason why the Reds didn’t win with Adam Dunn is that they didn’t build a winning team around him. You don’t just put a guy like Dunn in the lineup and say there ya go, we’re going to win a championship now. In what universe is 40 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 walks every year not good enough? The whole premise that the Reds lost because of Griffey and Dunn is ridiculous. We’ve all heard that story for way too long, and now both ballplayers are out of Cincinnati. Let’s not beat a dead horse. Please. The task at hand should be finding a right-handed run producing bat, be it Manny, Dye, Atkins or whoever else is out there. Go get ‘em Walt and let’s put a winner on the field in 2009!!

By JJ

January 6, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

Wiggington is not a half bad idea-he can play a # of positions and could make big noise in GABP. All I ask for is some improvement-some hope for the future. B***h about Dunn if ya want, but he put fannies in the seats-a lot of folks from Dayton went to the games to see him-lots of Dunn jerseys at the Goodwill stores now.

By Big Daddy

January 6, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

Please stop wondering if the Reds are going to be any good by signing Taveras and Rhodes and trading for RH. Those guys blow. So does Winnington. Castillini is all mouth about winning. Doesn’t make the improvements needed to win. You guys should look at it like I do. The Reds are entertainment. If they win, they win. If they lose, they lose. Just enjoy the games. If they win the WS on a Sunday night, by Thursday you will have moved on anyway.

By Mike-Cinci

January 5, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

Wigginton is not a bad player and he would fit the bill for a right hand hitter. He would be a lousy fielder in left but he has long ball power. He will be 32 this year and has never helped the Mets, Pirates, or Astros win anything. This year will be his 4th team since 2002. He is a journeyman but he might be better than what the Reds have today. Do the Reds give Dickerson a chance or give Wigginton his 4th chance? This is Jocketty’s call.

By Y-City Jim

January 5, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

There is competition for Wigginton’s services. It will take a multi-year deal at least as good as Casey Blake’s, if not better. I agree though. He’s the best option out there for the Reds.

By chris

January 5, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this

What about Ty Wiggington. He hit .285 He only had 386 AB and hit 23 HR last year. With more AB hit will hit 30+ HR. He can play LF/3B. And he is affordable. I think it would make the team alt stronger.

By Rob

January 5, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

I agree. The improvements are minimal. Until the Reds have a farm system that can produce more than one or two blue-chip major leaguers per decade, then signing second-tier free agents is just an exercise in futility.

By KnapTown Fan

January 5, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

If Rocco B. is healthy enough to play everyday, and he can convert to LF, then sign him for two years and see what happens. I’m not too worried about EE. He could break out and have a huge year offensively. Most of his defense issues are throwing errors that he can definitely improve upon. If he tanks in ‘09 then Francisco is probably only a year away. My big question is what going to happen with Alonso? at 21 he’s only about a year away. He or Votto will have to change positions or be traded.

By Matthew

January 5, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

Looks like Bradley is gone now too. I don’t think Jocketty is looking at free agents anymore, he’s gotta be working on a trade.

By BrarHopper

January 5, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

Walt is the StealthMeister. Just sit tight. He’s far from finished and WILL bring a bat before spring training… it’s just the way he does business.

By Matthew

January 5, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

looks like the Reds have lost on on Burrell. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9031336/Sources:-Rays,-Burrell-near-two-year,-$16M-deal?MSNHPHMA

By Mike-Cinci

January 5, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

How soon we forget? The Reds have stated they will rebuild with young players and fill spots with veterans if there are no options in their system. Recall last summer the fans and media were screaming to dump the over paid and under performing vets and play the young guys. Well now that the Reds are about to play the young guys the same fans are screaming for Burrell, Andru Jones, Dye, Thames, Ramirez, Dunn again, Casey again, etc. Trading Volquez to get Nady, Thames, Dye would be crazy. You could not get a box of dog biscuits for Homer Bailey. If Andru Jones was any good he would still be with the Braves or Dodgers. He is awful. The Dodgers can’t give him away. Why would the Reds want Adam Dunn back? If he was any good he would still be a Red or a Diamondback or already signed by someone. During Dunn’s tenure here the Reds never had a winning record. The Phils did not want Burrell. He is a right handed Dunn. I thought we were finished fielding a team that looked and played like a beer league soft ball team. The Reds will get better when they scout and sign good young players and build the farm system. We are paying now for years of neglect. The only way the Reds will get top talent in a trade is by moving top young talent like Volquez, Votto, Phillips, and Bruce. Teams have to trade quality to get quality. The most important day for any MLB team is amateur draft day.

By Yippee

January 5, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

Ahh, I remember the days when Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns were 2009’s version of Votto and Bruce. The pitching has gotten better, but the offense is worse from last year. Can we break the bank and sign one really good FA, just once? The last one was Griffey in 2000. Bring us ManRam, lol.

By Troy Patterson

January 5, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Hal 100%. Jones has shown his share of brilliance but not enough brilliance in the weight room. I would rather see the Reds go after Rocco Baldelli or trading for a guy like Lastings Milledge. I would even go as far as the Reds Signing Jason Giambi and shifting Joey Votto to the Outfield. The Giambino would love Great American Small Park.

By tom

January 5, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

The Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet. Why all the negativity; it’s only early January. Uncle Walt and Bob will get it done. There’s nobody out there you have to rush after.

By Steve F

January 5, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

Hal, Any chance the Reds can obtain Nady? Do the Yankees really need him now?

By D- Town

January 5, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

All the reds need is a legit 30 HR guy, preferably a righty. Also, for Harang to get his act together. Its a young team with great potential, its all the Reds can do with no sal. cap. You cant win with Dunn in the situation we had him in. He was obviously exhausted playing everyday but whined if he didnt.

By Wizard

January 5, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Just shows you what isn’t available out there!

By mikie

January 5, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

lets just pretend we loaned dunn to ariz., and get him back. youre talking about pickin up guys that dont come close to dunn, plus he plays pretty much everyday, i like that. so get him back, he may come cheaper, these are his friends, put him at 1st if you dont like him in left, and put joey v in left. ok, no rh bat but damn ive listened to all this talk, and this sounds great to me at this point.

By Steven Ross

January 5, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

I have faith WJ will pull off a trade for a LF. I still say EE is not in the plans for 3B. However, no matter who we get, we’ll have to suffer through another long season of Dusty’s propensity for crass lineups. Lord help us.

By bobs

January 5, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

At least in year’s past you could sell Griffey, Dunn, etc…and make it appear to be exciting. Maybe Griffey and Dunn did not get it done on the field, but at least intially, they got people to the park. I am NOT saying that I want them back, but there is absolutely no excitement for this team. This team is not built to contend or even keep us interested past April. Find a bat for left field. Pull an Oakland, if it doesnt work out, trade him later in the season. But right now, there is no reason to go to the games.

By Brian

January 5, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

I really like the idea of Manny! Offer him 2 years 50 million and lets see what happens! It would atleast pack that staduim day in and day out.

By michael

January 5, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

Manny probably wouldn’t play here because we have been losing for so long. I think we need a Left Feilder, and a SS with a bat. I still don’t understand why the Reds are stuck on Gonzo.

By Charles

January 5, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

I really don’t think Walt is going to let the Reds go into the season without a bat out in left. This guy has been around the block and I know he wants to show himself to be a person who affects a team positively as St. Louis fans still just dump all their woes on him. (They are harder on him than Reds fans on Krivsky.) The whole market is moving slow and hopefully january will start having this glut of FA’s start to realize they better settle to get food on their table (albeit lobster). Before January is over I am confident Reds fans will have one and maybe two things to be excited with before pitchers and catchers report. As I have thought all along-this is a poker game between GM’s-Agents-Players. Walt knows that he has to play it cool because everyone knows what card he needs to win at this point.

By Richard

January 5, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

I would like to see them go after Manny Ramirez. Like Larken said on the new MLB show, Ramirez will put fans in the seats.I believe his presents would probably be a big moral booster this teams needs.

By Jim t

January 5, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hal, patience my friend. Keep developing the kids. A realistic goal for this year would be 500. Lets not mortage the future for 2009 when it isn’t within our reach. This team is heading in the right direction. This isn’t football where things change year to year. Keep stockpiling the talent in the minors and then we will be able to compete longterm. 2010 is a more realistic goal for playoff contention.

By Jammin

January 5, 2009 6:59 AM | Link to this

Every year-plan on the Reds to gamble on longshots and players from the baseball landfill to round-out their lineup. A. Jones-no, but there are options out there. We talk of LF, but that whole side is WEAK.

By John Johnson

January 5, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Every since they moved to Great American, the Reds seem to be in denial that they are going to have to Bludgeon teams to death to win at that park just like the 90’s Rockies did at their place and just like the 1970 Reds did at Crosley. If they are gonna sit on their billfold, there is no way they will be better than 3rd. They put the team they have now on the field and their is gonna be some SAD attendance with the way the economy is.

By TucsonRedsFan

January 5, 2009 2:29 AM | Link to this

The 2009 Reds have to be better for three reasons. Griffey, Dunn, and Patterson will be losing games for other teams.

By Randy

January 5, 2009 1:57 AM | Link to this

JL (above) is right. Hal is just too cranky. Maybe more fiber in the diet would loosen him up. The Reds ownership has clearly taken a page from the Bengals ownership.Mediocrity fills the stadium. Who needs a winner? Damn the fans! Oh, and Hal, Dunn is gone. Give it up will you.

By MAC

January 5, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

Hal, your comments may be the biggest understatement of the yr thus far;-) Even w/ Harriston, I doubt they are able to do much better than 4th place? IMO, it’s very likely the young guys will struggle and or slump in yr two as their weaknesses become better known & exploited. WT looks like another CP moment waiting to happen…I’m sure he’ll play regardless of the RH / LH match up or wheather he’s playing well or not? I share your concerns about catcher RH as well; I doubt he is worth the $$ he’s costing the team? Lastly, I think WJ is making entirely too much of a RH LF. W/ WT, RH, AG & perhaps JH Jr. projected as starters, the team is short LH hitters. IMO, it’s much more important to get a quality hitter; lefty or righty doesn’t matter nearly as much as many seem to think. In that light, I still say Joey V should be considered for LF. He’s a quality hitter who is athletic enough to handle LF. 2ndly, at this pt, it would be much easier and more cost effective to find a power bat to play 1st base than a quality LF. I’d love to be more optimistic, but it just seems to be more of the same for 2009?

By HuberTucky

January 5, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this

Yeah, really! The swapping out of Alfeldt, Bako & Patterson for Hernandez, Rhodes & Taveras doesn’t exactly get me hot. And the loss of Dunn’s offensive production hasn’t even remotely been addressed. So far, not so good. Looks like the Reds of the ho-hum Lindner years. Andrew Jones? You’ve got to be kidding…at this point just a tubby Griffey Jr.

By Bill-Georgetown

January 5, 2009 12:06 AM | Link to this

Harang and Arroyo will not have the same bad starts and season they had last year—that will put them into fourth place easily, by itself. Cueto has a years experience in the bigs behind him/The bullpen is improved/Gonzo healthy will improve the defense/Hairston and/or Dickerson can alernate as leadoff’s from left field—if they are not included in a trade for a power hitting LFer. Whoever said the Reds aren’t that far away—was correct!Have some faith people!

By jeff cartwright

January 4, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

i think we’re a power hitting left fielder from contention. i’d like to see us work out a three way deal where we send homer bailry to clorado who sends garrett atkins to minnesota for boof bonser (colorado) and delmon young (cincinnati). any thoughts?

By Rick

January 4, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this

I tend to disagree that the Brewers are in better shape than the Reds. After losing Sabathia and Sheets and doing nothing about it, I see them dropping to 5th.

By Kevin

January 4, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

I wouldnt spend any money on the FAs that are available now. Id try to put together a deal that would bring us a right handed hitting LFer like Nady,Milledge or Thames using some of our mid and lower class minor leagers. I`d also consider Maloney or Ramirez.

By jimbo

January 4, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

No, we sure as hell don’t need Jones. Is it a co-incidence that his forty home runs a year went to crap when the drug police hit. He looks like the pillsbury dough boy. Im sure Dusty would like to have him though.

By Eric

January 4, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Hal may be right. But it’s not over yet. Just run the white flag up take our ball and go home. By mid March if you want to say our offseason moves don’t seem to be enough so be it. Oh and calling A Jones injury prone is just inaccurate. He has 600 plus PA over the last several seasons except LY. To call him out of shape and lazy may be accurate.

By Don

January 4, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, Castellini has money and says he wants a winner. Building hasn’t worked so why not try the 1997 Marlins recipe? If we need a power-hitting LF, then throw enough dough at Manny Ramirez, so much he can’t refuse. Then go after the best of the remaining FA’s that would fill a need. Yeah, it sounds short-sighted, and they’d lose money, AND it wouldn’t gaurantee a title but I bet they’d be competitive and fans will come out to watch. It’s better than Year 9 of rebuilding.

By CarolinaRed

January 4, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

Same old, same old. Every year we hear about the improvements that are going to made only to see Opening Day roll around and only a bit of “tweaking” has been done. McCoy’s right. The Reds have done nothing to get them out of fifth place. All that young talent we have couldn’t do it alone last year, and they won’t be able to do it again this year unless wallets are opened and a serious difference maker or two is brought on board. I know pickings are slim this off-season, but we’re sitting on our hands…again.

By Steve M.

January 4, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

I agree across the board with Hal’s post today. The Reds moves have been decent so far - including resigning Weathers and Lincoln (not mentioned in the post) although I only like the Taveras signing if they still find another LF. I also agree with Hal that Andruw is the wrong, wrong, wrong answer. The Braves let him go and his “change of scenery” to LA was an utter disaster. No matter how cheap he is, it would be a mistake. I think the Reds should still be looking to make a trade of young starting pitchers, and possibly an OF, to obtain a decent slugging LF. Could we turnaround Taveras to the Yankees as part of a deal for Nady? They are looking for a true CF. Maybe Burrell’s price is coming down enough to be our range.

By Harry the Horse

January 4, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

There was a report that Detroit was shopping Marcus Thames. Thames in 300 some ABS hit 25 HRS in Gigantic Comerica Park. What could Marcus do in GABP?? And at only $1.25 million. The 32 year old LF would be a better gamble than Andruw “swing from the heels” Jones

By little klu

January 4, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this

You could take a chance on Jones if you needed someone to hit at the bottom of the order. But we don’t. We need a cleanup guy and the only two I see that fit our need are Nady and Bradley. Also getting Bradley would derail the Cubs plans.

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

January 4, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

Hal is right, and look at it this way: Have the Reds’ offseason moves made up for the 12-game deficit to fourth place? No.

By dana

January 4, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Young Latin pitchers and a veteran Latin catcher…. Might not be a bad idea. They can platoon the two. Hernandez only got a two yr. contract I thought. Give em some time Hal they’re noy done. I still think your Dye deal is smoldering. They want Dickerson we want money.

By Mike-Dayton

January 4, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

Right on Hal, “good plus” teams tinker to get over the hump … the Reds’ are a bad team and needed more than tinkering so this winter did very little to make them better. RH is an OK catcher but he isn’t close to being middle or top shelf. Rhoades is fine to get lefties out only but you need a lot of leads during the year to make it worth having him on the roster. Taveres is again just ok … this team needed a lot more than these three signings … didn’t do it though and Dusty isn’t good enough to manage an OK team anywhere … winning 80 games is a big time stretch unless they do a Perez and fire Dusty by Mothers’ Day.

By jason

January 4, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

Well it looks like we’re in for a ‘Turn the TV off Martha, they’re loosing again!” Somebody see what kind of shape the Big Red Machine players are in…For the Love!!

By JL

January 4, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

Hal, I think you’re a bit crankier than the average beat writer. How about some positivity about the Reds? Do the Astros and Cardinals have a better pitching rotation than the Reds. Haven’t our young players given you any hope for 2009? Think back to every season since [pick a year] and tell me we’re not starting off 2009 on our best footing in many years.

By Sam Jackson

January 4, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

There’s no question a lot more needs to be done with the Reds, but Hal’s said it himself, there’s nothing on the free agent market and the Reds don’t have anything to trade that they can spare. That means you tinker and hope Bruce, Votto, Volquez and Cueto become what Posada, Jeter, Pettite and Rivera were to the Yankees. There’s really not much more the Reds can do, unless they were to discover that they could bring back Adam Dunn at a much cheaper cost. But that won’t happen.

By ian

January 4, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

Hal is there any remote shot of the Reds bringing back Dunn? There isn’t anyone else on the market that really would fit what the Reds want out in left

By Matt

January 4, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

It is starting to look like this is yet another offseason where the Reds go part of the way toward putting together a winning team, but don’t go all the way. We’ve seen this same story for years now. The Reds tease the fans with a couple moves here and there, but really don’t put the entire puzzle together. I don’t claim that the Reds acquiring Dye or Burrell would make them World Series locks. But a player of that caliber would fill the Reds need for a RH power bat and make them far better I submit than what they are now. I keep hearing about how the Reds won’t be competitive until 2010. How is that? Will there be a magic button pushed and all of the sudden a winning team will hit the field? It will probably be the same magic button that was pressed in 2003, the last year that the Reds were predicted to win.