Friday, November 30, 2012

Cincinnati Reds: Offseason Update


By Ryan Bramwell

Baseball's 2012 season concluded well over a month ago and teams all throughout the league have been signing, trading, arbitrating and negotiating deals to improve their rosters and/or create salary cap room.  So what has been going on out in Cincinnati this offseason?  General Manager Walt Jocketty has been with the team for several seasons now and most Reds fans know that he has a tremendous poker face and reveals nothing during these high-transaction periods.  We will read several stories about how the club is almost certainly going to make a deal for 'player x' or 'player y', but then suddenly the Reds have made a completely unforeseen trade/signing for 'player a/b/or c'.  This is Walt Jocketty for you.  Sometimes we are left disappointed that we didn't swing a deal for the marquee player or the anticipated big name guy.  On the other hand, we often find ourselves pleasantly surprised with the move(s) Uncle Walt has pulled off.  Rarely do we find ourselves cringing with anguish and utter disbelief after Team Jocketty has played its hand.  The only exception to this would be when the Reds pick up OBP-challenged players like Wilson Valdez, Willy Taveras, Corey Patterson, etc, etc.  But I digress.  So, again, what is organizational brain trust up to this offseason?  Well, that's hard to know exactly.  What I do know is that the Reds are certainly part of a fair share of rumors.  Let's go over some of those rumors, shall we?

  • The Reds are moving Aroldis Chapman to the rotation - What does this do?
    • Rotation changes to something like this: Cueto, Latos, Chapman, Bailey, Arroyo
    • The closer role is left unmanned...
      • Reds sign Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year/$21 million contract as the team's closer
    • Mike Leake? 
      • Most likely used as long relief and spot starter/possible trade bait
    • Tony Cingrani?
      • Cingrani proved he was a solid LHP this September and could fill in as a spot starter or take over in the rotation if the Chapman situation doesn't work out
  • The Reds are currently seeking a starting left fielder - What about Ryan Ludwick?
    • Ludwick turned down his mutual option of $5M and rightfully so.  Unfortunately for us, he has earned a better deal than that.  Ludwick most likely wants 3 years, which is too many.  The Reds are attempting to shore up Ludwick with a 2-year deal worth $13-14M
    • The Reds still have a guy by the name of Chris Heisey on this club.  He is a solid bat with a good glove.  However, Heisey is a better fit as the Reds fourth outfielder and not as an everyday starter.
  • The Reds are vigorously searching for a leadoff hitter - What about Drew Stubbs?

**Here is a great article that took some effort that gives us another look at what is possible this offseason



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