2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

[jasontoddwhitt]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

So with Bryan Price in as manager (and if you read tea leaves, signing a catcher who caught Chapman's workouts and can speak the language), I think it's safe to say that he will move Aroldis Chapman to the rotation (he has been a big proponent of it the past two seasons).

If that's the case, who becomes the closer?

The free agent pool is full of veteran closers (Grant Balfour, Joaquin Benoit, Kevin Gregg, Joel Hanrahan, Joe Nathan, Chris Perez, Fernando Rodney, Jose Veras and Brian Wilson). Do we make a big money signing (a la Coco Cordero)? Do we sign Brian Wilson to a one year deal (kinda like Ryan Madson and pray his elbow ligaments are attached)?

Or do we go in-house? Jonathan Broxton has been a closer (and is making closer money...bah). Sean Marshall was doing a good job as the closer till Dusty decided to unleash Chapmania. I also think Sam LeCure and JJ Hoover deserve looks as well. Plus, going this route, you can then pursue some solid set-up relievers (in other words cheaper than closers).

[slickdtc]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Closer by committee, if someone takes the job let them run with it. That said, none of those you listed strike me as MUST BE CLOSER, so we can sign one (to replace Chapman's spot in the bullpen), and see what happens.

I didn't know that about Pena, good to know and an obvious sign. Looks like Price has influence, though it was said Jocketty wanted Chapman to start as well.

[SlimKibbles]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

I think the closer role is overrated. Yes there have been some great ones over the years but I think a team can now get by with a committee of guys having the mental makeup needed to get the job done rather than break the bank with a Coco Cordero type of signing for one guy. I hope the Reds spend money on hitting rather than a closer to replace Chapman if they move him to the rotation.

[jasontoddwhitt]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

I agree, the role of the closer is antiquated. I'd rather see the manager use pitchers based on matchups and situation. A lot of times, the 3 outs in the 8th inning are more important than the 3 outs in the 9th inning.

http://kaegel.mlblogs.com/tag/aroldis-chapman/

And here's the article from 2010 that talks about Pena and Chapman.

[Motown]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Reds sign Skip Shumaker to a 2 yr contract pending physical.

[jasontoddwhitt]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

He will be a versatile piece off the bench....at least I hope that's all he is used for.

[Son of Sam99]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

I think the closer role is overrated. Yes there have been some great ones over the years but I think a team can now get by with a committee of guys having the mental makeup needed to get the job done rather than break the bank with a Coco Cordero type of signing for one guy. I hope the Reds spend money on hitting rather than a closer to replace Chapman if they move him to the rotation.

Or Eddie Gordado! Yikes.

Price has said in nearly every interview he isn't as concerned with the Righty/ righty and lefty/lefty match ups when using the bullpen. I personally love this, but also it leads me to believe that IF indeed Chapman isn't in the bullpen Mr. Price would be more likely to use whoever he thinks will be most successful in a given situation.

Maybe Chapman remains in the pen but is used when the Reds are up by 2 in the 7th and Cingrani has put two on...

[HustlinOwl]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Reds sign Skip Shumaker to a 2 yr contract pending physical.

Lmao trash

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[redsrule]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

How is it trash? He will be a bench player, and he is much better than Izturis who's role he will probably have this year. I wouldn't have given him 2 years, but it isn't an awful move.

It is weird though that they give a guy 2.5 mil a year when they don't have $$ to spend.

[HustlinOwl]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

How is it trash? He will be a bench player, and he is much better than Izturis who's role he will probably have this year. I wouldn't have given him 2 years, but it isn't an awful move.

It is weird though that they give a guy 2.5 mil a year when they don't have $$ to spend.

more years for washed up ex cardinal players tired of the retreads

[jake44np]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

more years for washed up ex cardinal players tired of the retreads

Who would u like for them to sign?
They have no money by the way, go.

[HustlinOwl]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Who would u like for them to sign?
They have no money by the way, go.

Not a 34 yr old utility player

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[jake44np]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Not a 34 yr old utility player

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He improves their bench and their bench was horrible last year.

[jasontoddwhitt]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Offensive Wins Above Replacement Last Season

Skip Schumaker - 0.7

Ryan Hanigan - (-0.1)
Xavier Paul - 0.6
Derrick Robinson - 0.1
Jack Hannahan - (-0.3)
Cesar Izturis - (-0.4)

So Owl, they signed a player whose bat would've been the best off the bench. Now we do lose a bit defensively, but I'll take his bat.

---
With the Rangers/Tigers trade yesterday, there goes one of the suitors for Brandon Phillips.

[HustlinOwl]

re: 2014 Cincinnati Reds Thread

Offensive Wins Above Replacement Last Season

Skip Schumaker - 0.7

Ryan Hanigan - (-0.1)
Xavier Paul - 0.6
Derrick Robinson - 0.1
Jack Hannahan - (-0.3)
Cesar Izturis - (-0.4)

So Owl, they signed a player whose bat would've been the best off the bench. Now we do lose a bit defensively, but I'll take his bat.

---
With the Rangers/Tigers trade yesterday, there goes one of the suitors for Brandon Phillips.

lmao no power no speed and still cant hit 34 yr old washed up Ex-Cardinal typical Jocketty move. Give me HRod and DRob for fraction of the price