Cincinnati Reds Off-Season Thread

• Midstate01

  

  IggyPride00;1341283 wrote:You guys are becoming Indians south at this point.
  
  Reds sign Jack Hannahan to a 1 year, $2 million deal.
  
  http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/12/reds-sign-jack-hannahan-to-one-year-2-million-deal/
  
  This should put to rest any dreams Scott Rolen has about trying to come back to the Reds as has been reported recently.

  
  Actually it's likely that rolen comes back in a backup role and its been reported he wants to do that.
• IggyPride00

  

  Midstate01;1341290 wrote:Actually it's likely that rolen comes back in a backup role and its been reported he wants to do that.

  I think that is the role they signed Hannahan to (back-up to Frazier). That is the role he played here as well, and pretty much the only position he has ever played (although he is generally considered a utility guy).
• Azubuike24

  

  Rotation - Latos, Cueto, Bailey, Arroyo, Chapman/Leake
  Bullpen - Broxton, Marshall, Hoover, Arredondo, LeCure, Chapman/Leake, 1 other (Ondrusek, Simon, Masset, Cingrani, Redmond)
  
  Lineup - Ludwick, Choo, Bruce, Votto, Phillips, Cozart, Frazier, Hanigan
  Bench - Mesoraco, Hannahan, Donald, Heisey, Paul, 1 other (Rolen, Burriss, Phipps)
  
  I'd have to think if healthy, Masset is on the roster. I'd also venture to say that the other position player has to be an infielder, given that Paul and Heisey are locks and Frazier could also play OF. This is depending on whether they go 13 position players and 12 pitchers, or 14/11. With Chapman in the rotation, I'd think the "1 other" might start out being a pitcher given there is an unknown there.
• thavoice

  Azubuike24;1341318 wrote:Rotation - Latos, Cueto, Bailey, Arroyo, Chapman/Leake
  Bullpen - Broxton, Marshall, Hoover, Arredondo, LeCure, Chapman/Leake, 1 other (Ondrusek, Simon, Masset, Cingrani, Redmond)
  
  Lineup - Ludwick, Choo, Bruce, Votto, Phillips, Cozart, Frazier, Hanigan
  Bench - Mesoraco, Hannahan, Donald, Heisey, Paul, 1 other (Rolen, Burriss, Phipps)
  
  I'd have to think if healthy, Masset is on the roster. I'd also venture to say that the other position player has to be an infielder, given that Paul and Heisey are locks and Frazier could also play OF. This is depending on whether they go 13 position players and 12 pitchers, or 14/11. With Chapman in the rotation, I'd think the "1 other" might start out being a pitcher given there is an unknown there.

  At Redsfest Masset said his rehab is going well and will be ready in ST to throw as everyone else.
  
  The reds pretty much forced Rolen's hand I guess. Tracy Jones made a good point yesterday about Rolen. It is December, and he has had two months off since the season ended. If he doesnt know by know if he wants to play then that is all the reds need to know. His batteries should be recharged enough by now and if he doesnt know, then he does know.....that he doesnt wanna play. By now he should be getting that itch back to play and know he wants to return,
• se-alum

  

  I love the fact that Jocketty is Dusty proofing this lineup. With Stubbs and Rolen gone, Dusty can no longer plug them into the lineup day after day despite their ineptitude. Also, the players love Dusty, so it works out really well. Now if Dusty could just figure out how to handle a pitching staff.
• thavoice

  se-alum;1341805 wrote:I love the fact that Jocketty is Dusty proofing this lineup. With Stubbs and Rolen gone, Dusty can no longer plug them into the lineup day after day despite their ineptitude. Also, the players love Dusty, so it works out really well. Now if Dusty could just figure out how to handle a pitching staff.

  Say what you want, but DB has taking three diff teams to the postseason...........
• se-alum

  

  thavoice;1341807 wrote:Say what you want, but DB has taking three diff teams to the postseason...........

  And had three different teams absolutely choke in the playoffs, and that's not counting the embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Phils 3 years ago.
• SportsAndLady

  

  thavoice;1341807 wrote:Say what you want, but DB has taking three diff teams to the postseason...........

  And 3 chokes...because when it matters (the playoffs) you have to be able to manage..and he can't do that.
• thavoice

  SportsAndLady;1341821 wrote:And 3 chokes...because when it matters (the playoffs) you have to be able to manage..and he can't do that.[/QUOTE
  
  
  and what I have heard from people that is the general concensus. I didnt get to see either of those two postseasons as I was in a place with no access to TV/Radio/web or anything.
  
  The phils series I could understand them not winning, but the sweep was embarrassing. This past year tho.....that was a complete joke job from top to bottom on that team.

• IggyPride00

  

  thavoice;1341863 wrote:

  SportsAndLady;1341821 wrote:And 3 chokes...because when it matters (the playoffs) you have to be able to manage..and he can't do that.[/QUOTE
  
  
  and what I have heard from people that is the general concensus. I didnt get to see either of those two postseasons as I was in a place with no access to TV/Radio/web or anything.
  
  The phils series I could understand them not winning, but the sweep was embarrassing. This past year tho.....that was a complete joke job from top to bottom on that team.

  Last year isn't even his best choke.
  
  In 2002 in the World Series the Giants had a 3-2 series lead and a 5-0 nothing lead in the 7th of game 6 and managed to lose the series.
  
  In 2003 in the NLCS for the Cubs he had a 3-1 series lead with a 3-0 lead heading into the 8th before choking that series away as well.
  
  The guy can undoubtedly get you to the playoffs, but much like Marty Schottenheimer led teams finds new and creative ways to blow it so that you never actually win anything.
  [h=1][/h]

• osu45804

  

  So Opening Day in Cincinnati will basically be an All-Star game now right? Votto, Bruce, Phillips, Chapman, Hamilton, Pujols & Trout
• se-alum

  

  osu45804;1342057 wrote:So Opening Day in Cincinnati will basically be an All-Star game now right? Votto, Bruce, Phillips, Chapman, Hamilton, Pujols & Trout

  I've already decided I am going to Opening Day, no matter the cost.
• baseballstud24

  ^^^ Me too..I hope I can score tickets in the lottery
• Azubuike24

  

  http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/15/reds-fifth-rounder-mason-felt-involved-in-fatal-crash/
  
  Really sad story. Reds draftee, just drafted in the 5th round, in a car accident in-which his father was a passenger and was killed. That would be very difficult to deal with...
• se-alum

  

  When do they usually start the lottery for Opening Day tix?
• osu45804

  

  The annual Reds Caravan is taking place again at the end of this month & will take place between Jan 24 - 27th -- Looking forward to seeing BP
  
  The Northern Tour, whose stops include Athens, Parkersburg, Columbus, Lima and Dayton, will feature Marty Brennaman, Brandon Phillips, Chris Welsh, Tucker Barnhart, Bob Miller and Gapper.
  The Southern Tour, whose stops include Huntington/Ashland, Charleston, Cincinnati (Select-A-Seat event at GABP), Bowling Green (KY) and Lexington, will feature Jim Kelch, Jeff Brantley, Todd Frazier, Logan Ondrusek (1/24 & 1/25 only), Billy Hamilton, Dick Williams and Rosie Red.
  The Western Tour, whose stops include Louisville, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Muncie and Hamilton will feature Thom Brennaman, Walt Jocketty, Jay Bruce (1/24 & 1/25 only), Homer Bailey (1/26 & 1/27 only), Corky Miller, Ryan LaMarre, Phil Castelliniand Mr. Redlegs.
  
  http://ramsey.mlblogs.com/2013/01/09/the-wheels-on-the-bus/
• thavoice

  osu45804;1362998 wrote:The annual Reds Caravan is taking place again at the end of this month & will take place between Jan 24 - 27th -- Looking forward to seeing BP
  
  The Northern Tour, whose stops include Athens, Parkersburg, Columbus, Lima and Dayton, will feature Marty Brennaman, Brandon Phillips, Chris Welsh, Tucker Barnhart, Bob Miller and Gapper.
  The Southern Tour, whose stops include Huntington/Ashland, Charleston, Cincinnati (Select-A-Seat event at GABP), Bowling Green (KY) and Lexington, will feature Jim Kelch, Jeff Brantley, Todd Frazier, Logan Ondrusek (1/24 & 1/25 only), Billy Hamilton, **** Williams and Rosie Red.
  The Western Tour, whose stops include Louisville, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Muncie and Hamilton will feature Thom Brennaman, Walt Jocketty, Jay Bruce (1/24 & 1/25 only), Homer Bailey (1/26 & 1/27 only), Corky Miller, Ryan LaMarre, Phil Castelliniand Mr. Redlegs.
  
  http://ramsey.mlblogs.com/2013/01/09/the-wheels-on-the-bus/

  Looks like BP didnt get his wish! The northern tour also makes a stop locally at a small place and only the bigger advertisers on a local station that carries the reds can attend. They eat and stick around for about an hour or so. Talked to Marty and Meseraco a couple of years ago. WEnt last year but didnt bother for any autographs. It is pretty funny as BP flirts pretty good with the staff at this place! When they were leaving last year someone yelled out to BP "see ya next year' and as he walked away, right by our table, he said 'man I hope I dont have to do this next year' and he and he laughed.
  2 years ago Ryan Freel was there. The dude looked pretty bored/depressed. I just chalked it up to him being a few feet away from the beer tub and not being able to partake!
• TedSheckler

  

  Cincinnati to get the All-Star game in 2015.
• Azubuike24

  

  Reds in the World Baseball Classic.
  
  Brandon Phillips for USA
  Joey Votto for Canada (pending physical)
  Johnny Cueto likely for Dominican (they haven't finalized their team yet)
  
  Thoughts on these guys, who the Reds have big money on, playing extra (meaningless) baseball?
• SportsAndLady

  

  No Chapman for Cooba?
• Azubuike24

  

  Not sure they let "traitors" on the team. Otherwise, Cuba would be loaded with current big leaguers. I'm sure they will bring another half-dozen guys who will be using the WBC as networking to get the fuck out of the country.
• Classyposter58

  

  Azubuike24;1371729 wrote:Reds in the World Baseball Classic.
  
  Brandon Phillips for USA
  Joey Votto for Canada (pending physical)
  Johnny Cueto likely for Dominican (they haven't finalized their team yet)
  
  Thoughts on these guys, who the Reds have big money on, playing extra (meaningless) baseball?

  NHL lets their best play in the Olympics, and that's a hell of a lot more dangerous than baseball
• Azubuike24

  

  And actually I saw where Cueto was not picked as a primary for the WBC. Interestingly, Edinson Volquez is on the team. Barring any injuries at this point. Their lineup is stacked though...likely:
  
  C Carlos Santana
  1B Edwin Encarnacion
  2B Robinson Cano
  SS Jose Reyes
  3B Adrian Beltre
  OF Melky Cabrera
  OF Carlos Gomez
  OF Nelson Cruz
  DH Hanley Ramirez
  
  Not sure if they use a DH for every round, but they do until the semifinals at least. I'm thinking they do the whole way. Still, sick lineup.
  
  Along with the USA and Venezuela, the DR has to be the favorite. Their pitching by far appears to be the weakest of the 3 teams but that lineup, damn.
• Azubuike24

  

  Classyposter58;1371738 wrote:NHL lets their best play in the Olympics, and that's a hell of a lot more dangerous than baseball

  For hockey players compared to position players, yes. Pitchers, it's another story.
  
  Imagine if Aroldis Chapman, who by all accounts will be on an innings limit, similar to Stephen Strasburg...was on Cuba and asked to make 4 or 5 appearances and possibly start a few games. Keep in mind that many of these pitchers will be partaking in these games without the proper warm-up to the season.
  
  For instance, Anibal Sanchez is likely the #1 for Venezuela, and the Tigers just gave the guy 80 million bucks. Not sure I'd want any of my quality arms throwing a single pitch with another jersey but my team on the front...
• se-alum

  

  Don't like the idea of Votto playing.