Reds Going After Abreu?

The Reds are showing interest in free agent outfielder Bobby Abreu, but will not engage in talks until his price comes down. The Reds don't necessarily need a lefty, so they are in a good position to negotiate if Abreu does not find a suitor. The Reds need a power bat, particularly a right hander, but have been unwillingly to outbid other competitors. They showed mild interest in Pat Burrell earlier this offseason, but he signed with the Rays. Gabe Kapler is an option, but he probably won't give the Reds the power they are looking for. 

The Reds have a strong offensive core, but their pitching was inconsistent. With emerging stars Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, the Reds have the chance to play spoiler in the NL Central. If they explored a trade, they could go after Xavier Nady of the Yankees. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Make Offers To Weathers, Hairston

Reds GM Walt Jocketty confirmed today that the Reds have made offers to both Dave Weathers and Jerry Hairston Jr. Weathers is likely looking at two year deal with an option for a third while Hairston is looking at a one year deal. Weathers, who was 4-6 with a 3.25 ERA in 72 games this season, said he was much more comfortable in a late inning role, rather than a closing role. Hairston hit .326 with 6 HR in 80 games this season, but is still looking at a one year deal, maybe with a couple performance based options. 

The Reds are expected to be some what aggressive in the offseason, going after a middle infielder, outfielder, and some bullpen help. It is possible the Reds would pursue Juan Pierre for their center field spot, but only if they have to give up very little and pay Pierre 1/3 of his contract, which is probably unlikely. Bobby Abreu is an option on the market while a middle infielder via trade could be Luis Castillo. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Arbitration Update

Arbitration update:

• According to Jerry Crasnick, Free agent Casey Blake has declined arbitration, but it still working on a short term deal with the Dodgers. The Twins are also interested, but they are reportedly pursuing other options. 
• Free agent pitcher Oliver Perez has declined the Mets arbitration offer. The Cardinals are reportedly showing interest, but the Mets do plan to meet with his agent this week at the Winter Meetings.
• According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Brian Shouse declined the Brewers arbitration offer.
• According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds reliever David Weathers accepted the Reds' arbitration offer. The Reds are also close to signing reliever Arthur Rhodes. 
• Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Lyon has declined the Diamondbacks arbitration offer, according to the Arizona Republic.

In other news...

• The Mets are preparing an offer for free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. They have already met in Las Vegas.
• John Perrotto is reporting that the Rays are the third team in the Jake Peavy deal that will involve Brian Giles going to the Rays. Sounds pretty far-fetched to me.
• The White Sox are moving closer to trading Jermaine Dye, but have not agreed to trade him to the Reds for Homer Bailey, according to the Hot Stove Blog. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Jocketty Taking Cardinal Approach With Reds

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Reds may attempt to pluck a couple of the arbitration eligibles players away from the Marlins. The Marlins have expressed a desire to stay at the same payroll and will have to trade several players to keep it there. Among those names, Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida, two players nearing their prime that would really help the Reds. GM Walt Jocketty has always gone after the big deal. He did it with Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Mark McGuire, and Mark Mulder, but also made small moves that turned out to be more significant that the big names. Players like Edgar Renteria, Jason Marquis, and Adam Wainwright all have come over through trades to help the Cardinals achieve their goals.

There are several players around the league that are doing well, but do not have a spot on their team: Shin Soo-Choo, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Spilborghs, to name a few. Going after guys like this along with arbitration eligibles should make the Reds, already stocked with a pair of power hitters and decent pitching, to the playoffs.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Would the Reds Trade Votto?

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels are moving on without Mark Teixeira. They plan to contact the agents of Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, and Adam Dunn before Major League offices close for Christmas and thru New Years. Not only that, but they pursue Reds 1B Joey Votto, who hit .297 with 24 HR in 154 games for the Reds last season. If the Angels traded one of their top pitching prospects with a major league ready position player, they could probably land him.

However, the Reds have the pitching and a couple solid players in their lineup to compete. Votto, Bruce, Phillips, and Encarnacion will all hit at least twenty homeruns and get on base. The Cubs are the early favorites to win the division, and trading Votto, who hit .333 with 8 HR vs. the Cubs last season, would not help their chances of beating the reigning division champ. Not only that, but they brought in an experienced catcher who has experience in working with young, developing pitchers, having spent the past three seasons in the Baltimore. Hernandez hit .283 in two seasons with the Padres, but fell to .263 with the Orioles. A move back to the NL could actually be a plus for Hernandez, who will be playing in the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. 

UPDATE: THE LA TIMES IS REPORTING THAT THE ANGELS WILL GO WITH KENDRY MORALES AT 1B IN 2009.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Taveras to Reds?

According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Rockies are still shopping Willy Taveras and believe the Reds are a possible suitor. The Corey Patterson signing did not pay off for the Reds, so bringing in Taveras will give them a solid bat at the top of the order with speed. Taveras hit .251 with 1 HR in 133 games, but stole 68 bases for the Rockies and scored 64 runs. The Rockies would really like to create more opportunities for Ryan Spilborghs, and trading Taveras will clear the way in center.

It may cost the Reds a minor leaguer or two. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Orioles-Reds Trade Details

The Orioles and Reds completed a trade today involving Ramon Hernandez. The deal sends Hernandez to the Reds for Ryan Freel, and minor league infielders Justin Turner and Brandon Waring. Turner, 24, hit .289 with 8 HR and 42 RBI in 78 games for Class AA and .316 with 11 RBI in 33 games for Sarasota. Waring, 22, hit .270 with 20 HR in 199 games for Class A Dayton. Hernandez hit .285 after the All-Star break and I am hearing the Reds hope he can help control some of their young pitchers on the mound. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Interested In Sheffield

Free agent outfielder Gary Sheffield, who was released by the Tigers on Tuesday, is drawing interest from the Reds. Reds manager Dusty Baker confirmed the teams interest, saying he plans to meet with Sheffield on Thursday. "We are going to talk," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed. "Dusty talked with him [on Tuesday] night. The two have a history. We have to wait for him to clear waivers [Thursday], but we'll talk after that. We have interest because he is a legitimate big bat to add to our lineup."

Sheffield needs to prove to the NL teams interested that he can play the field, but he is a prime time player who will drive the ball. Sheffield is one homerun shy of 500.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Team by Team Updates from Orlando

Angels: After signing Gary Matthews to a five year deal, the Angels have kept fairly quiet. GM Bill Stoneman arrived late Monday and had minor discussions with a couple different teams. The Angels are tossing names around like Bartolo Colon and Felix Rodriguez in hopes of acquiring a bat. But other than just rumors, there has been no news to report.

Astros: The latest news from the Winter Meetings for the Astros is that Andy Pettitte wants to pitch next year and is leaning towards returning to the Astros. This could influence Roger Clemens decision on whether he wants to return to Boston, New York, Houston, or just retire. The Astros are also discussing a possible trade for Jason Jennings.

Athletics: The A's appear to be the number one team to sign Mike Piazza as their DH. The deal is a two year deal worth 15 million dollars. They are also working on a deal with Alan Embree.

Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are desperately trying to retain Ted Lilly but it appears that the Cubs are the favorite. Lilly has received a four year offer, worth 40 million dollars. "That's just hearsay from our end," Ricciardi said. "I personally talked to Ted Lilly on Saturday and had a great conversation with him. That's really all I can go on." The Blue Jays are also targeting Gil Meche, and are talking with the White Sox about trading Vernon Wells.

Braves: Reports from Orlando are saying that the Braves may look to trade Adam LaRoche and Marcus Giles. However, there are also rumors concerning Andruw Jones as well. It appears that GM John Schuerholz will look to trades before signings.

Brewers: The Brewers have been talking with teams about trading Geoff Jenkins or Kevin Mench, and have heard the Red Sox are interested in acquiring Derrek Turnbow. The Brewers are also interested in signing Kenny Lofton. They also are working a deal with Tony Graffanino who appears to be staying in Milwaukee.

Cardinals: The Cardinals have inked a five year, 65 million dollar deal with Chris Carpenter. The also plan to meet with Jason Schmidt. Other than that, the Cardinals have been relatively quiet.

Cubs: The Cubs have made an offer to Ted Lilly at an estimated 40 million over four years. They are also looking into Jason Schmidt and Gil Meche. They are also looking to trade Jacque Jones, have inquired about Jason Jennings, and may look to sign outfielders Cliff Floyd and Kenny Lofton.

Devil Rays: The Devil Rays main priority is to build their bullpen. However, that has not stopped them from looking to trade Rocco Baldelli, Jorge Cantu, or Carl Crawford. They are also working on a deal to sign Akinori Iwamura.

Diamondbacks: The Dbacks have been very quiet, hoping they could possibly sign Mark Mulder. The have also met with the agents of Keith Foulke.

Dodgers: The Dodgers appear to be interested in Jason Schmidt and have only had few conversations. On Monday, the Dodgers and Red Sox were talking about a trade for Manny Ramirez, but according to Colletti, the deal has a less than "5 percent" chance of getting done. They are close to finalizing a deal with Mike Lieberthal and rookie closer Takashi Saito.

Giants: The Giants have signed numerous players over the past week and have just began to finalize them. They have signed Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, and have resigned Pedro Feliz. The Giants are looking into signing Ryan Klesko, and have inquired about the Mariners Richie Sexon and the Cubs Jacque Jones.

Indians: Joe Borowski will take a physical either today or tomorrow for the Indians and then he will sign a one year deal. However, they will still look into signing Octavio Dotel or Keith Foulke. The Indians are really focusing on pitching and beefing up their bullpen after signing Dellucci.

Mariners: The Mariners are in hot pursuit of two pitchers. They plan to meet with Jason Schmidt and appear to be the favorites if the Cubs sign Lilly. However, Schmidt has said he wants to win now and has no problem leaving the West Coast. They are also looking to trade for Jason Jennings, but so are several other teams.

Marlins: The Marlins are showing serious interest in acquiring Rocco Baldelli. The Marlins are reluctant to part with pitching, but according to sources, Scott Olsen could get the deal done.

Mets: The Mets were in hot pursuit of Barry Zito but may have to settle for a veteran because of how high Zito's price tag is. Scott Boras is reportedly asking for a six to seven year deal, worth 102 million dollars. The Rangers seem more willing to offer the big deal.

Nationals: The Red Sox and Giants are talking a three way deal with the Nationals concerning Manny Ramirez. They would probably lose Chad Cordero and possibly acquire Noah Lowry. However it is just speculation. The Nationals Ryan Church, Jose Vidro, and Chad Cordero are all drawing interest in other trades.

Orioles: Rodrigo Lopez is on the topic of most general managers list of pitchers. The Mariners, Brewers, and Mets have all inquired about Lopez but no deal appears imminent. The Brewers have offered Kevin Mench but a formal offer will have to be sketched out. The Braves appear interested in Brian Roberts but the Orioles are reluctant to trade him.

Padres: The Padres are closing in on a deal with Greg Maddux. The deal is estimated at a one year deal worth 10 million dollars with an option for one more. They are also interested in Jason Schmidt and Ronnie Belliard.

Phillies: A frustrating off season so far might make a turn for the worst. Pat Burrell is drawing little to know interest and the Phillies continue to struggle to find pitching. Eaton only pitched in 65 innings and pitched okay when he returned. They are looking to Chicago to acquire Freddy Garcia, possibly reuniting Aaron Rowand. The Cubs might also be interested in Aaron Rowand because they are in need of a center fielder.

Pirates: The Pirates are talking with the Braves and Reds about Adam LaRoche and Adam Dunn. They have also inquired about Trot Nixon for right field. None of these deals appear to be finalized soon. The Pirates do have a slight advantage with the overload of pitching. They could acquire a decent hitter for a pitcher or two.

Rangers: The Rangers and Vicente Padilla have agreed to a three year deal, worth 33 million dollars. This will set the minimum for other second tier pitchers like Ted Lilly and Gil Meche. The Rangers also expect to make a serious run for Barry Zito, who is seeking a six year deal, worth 17 million annually.

Red Sox: The Red Sox are close to signing Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. They also plan to finalize a deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Theo Epstein has also set a deadline for when he will stop trying to trade Manny Ramirez. THIS JUST IN: The Red Sox have agreed to a 5 year deal, worth 70 million dollars. I do not see Manny Ramirez being traded because the teams that are pursuing him do not have what the Red Sox want. Or they are not willing to part with what the Red Sox want.

Reds: The Reds have signed a 2 year deal, worth 5 million dollars total with Dave Weathers. Other than Weathers and Gonzalez, that is all the news from the Reds office. Adam Dunn is drawing some interest from teams but no deals have been worked out.

Rockies: The Rockies have signed LaTroy Hawkins and he will be their setup man. Several teams have inquired about Jason Jennings including the Astros, Cubs, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, and Twins. They also have interest in Kenny Lofton and Darin Erstad.

Royals: The Royals have focused on pitching, and have made an offer to Miguel Batista (3/24). They also have put Gil Meche as a top priority but it appears he will either go to the Cubs or Blue Jays.

Tigers: Jeremy Bonderman and Marcus Thames' names have come up in trades but the Tigers do not appear to be interested in trading them. They are interested in trading for Marlins pitcher Renyel Pinto. Pinto, 24, went to the Marlins last year in the Juan Pierre deal. He pitched from the bullpen most of the season.

Twins: The Twins are serious about acquiring Jason Jennings and a deal could get struck by tomorrow. With Liriano out for 2007 and Radke to retire, the Twins are looking for pitching and due to a lack of funds, will have to do it by trade. They are also working a deal to keep Rondell White.

White Sox: White Sox pitcher Brandon McCarthy may start in AAA next year unless they can trade one of their pitchers. Javier Vasquez and Freddy Garcia have both drawn a lot of interest from the Mets, Phillies, and Yankees and it is more than "50 percent" possible that one of them gets traded. The White Sox are also interested in acquiring Vernon Wells but I do not know if they have what it takes to trade him. They also have interest in Aaron Rowand.

Yankees: The Yankees have made an offer to Andy Pettitte worth 15 million for one year. The Yankees and Bernie Williams have also had minor discussions about a deal. They are also close to a deal with Kei Igawa. They have interest in Ted Lilly, Gil Meche, and Freddy Garcia (via trade).

Reds Sign Jones, Ward

The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to minor league deals with OF Jacque Jones and 1B/OF Daryle Ward. It just so happens that both are former Cubs; however, only Jones played under Reds manager Dusty Baker. Ward has a good chance to make the club as a pinch hitter, while Jones might need to prove himself in Triple-A before getting the call up. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Mulder to Reds?

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, former Cardinals GM and current Reds GM Walt Jocketty may pursue free agent pitcher Mark Mulder, who he traded for when he was the Cardinals GM. Jocketty confesses to liking the pitcher despite his struggles to stay healthy, and plans to review his records before deciding whether or not to make a move. The Reds are also expected to pursue a right handed bat, and may look to Josh Willingham of the Marlins.

Mulder has reportedly said that San Diego is on his list, but it is getting to that point in his career where he will have to take whatever he can get.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Dusty Baker Interested In Wood

According to the Chicago Tribune, Reds manager Dusty Baker has interest in bringing in Kerry Wood to be the Reds setup man. The Cubs decided to pass on offering arbitration to Wood, who has thirty-four saves last season. The Cubs feared that Wood would accept the offer, mostly because of his desire to stay in Chicago. By not offering Wood arbitration, he becomes much more desirable to teams who value their draft picks. The Reds probably do not have much chance of signing Wood, who is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal and a guaranteed closer spot. 

The Rangers, Angels, Mets, and Tigers are reportedly showing interest. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Option Bailey

It took less than 24-hours for Reds pitcher Homer Bailey to make his season debut and be sent back down again. Bailey, who was 3-5 with with a 4.57 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Louisville, shows signs of a good pitcher, but needs to command the ball much better than he has been. He is only 23 years old, so I wouldn't be surprised if his breakout came in 2010. Sorry, Reds fans. 

Infielder-outfielder Wilkin Castillo will take his spot on the roster.


This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Discussing Jenkins, Catalanotto

John Fay of the Cincinatti Enquirer is reporting that the Reds are having internal discussions about possibly adding Geoff Jenkins or Frank Catalanotto. Either player would provide the veteran presence they need in the clubhouse and on the field. The roster won't be set till tomorrow, but the Reds could still make a move if the price is right.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Joe Blanton Not Going Anywhere

Rumors are flying that the Atheltics and Reds are talking a trade that would send Joe Blanton to the Reds for at least four prospects. However, that is not true. A source inside the A's said that they have talked, but it is not what the A's are looking for at this time. I think this means that the Reds are looking to offer up a deal like the Twins got from the Mets, and the A's would never take that. Not only do the A's have no problem holding on to Blanton, but they also have no problem with the draft picks. Obviously they prefer to get prospects, but if you can't get the top ones you are looking for, then it is not worth it. I think the A's might be looking at Homer Bailey and Joey Votto, along with two other prospects, but I have not heard any names. If I were the A's, that is the kind of deal I would try and pull off. I think the A's need Blanton to anchor that rotation next season, at least up until the trade deadline. If the market picks up, maybe we will see him go to a contender.

According to the Denver Post, the Dodgers have interest in Joe Blanton. However, the A's are looking to reacquire Andre Ethier, along with Andy LaRoche and two other prospects. They could probably get Etheir, along with three other prospects, but not Etheir and LaRoche. We'll see, but I doubt this is going to happen.

Other pitchers that are being shopped:

Jason Marquis, Cubs: He will only be traded before season if it is to the Orioles. Otherwise, I expect a trade around the deadline, if not sooner. The Cubs do not have much confidence in Marquis despite 11 wins last season, and it will probably hurt them to start the season.

Chris Capuano, Brewers: Capuano is the odd man out in the Brewers rotation now that they suddenly have a army of starting arms. Young arms. Capuano could probably get them a solid bench player, someone like Daryle Ward, or possible a young arm to add to the system. I do not see the Cubs and Brewers trading pitchers though.

Horacio Ramirez, Mariners: With the Mariners acquring Bedard, it puts Ramirez out of a spot. All Mariner fans can take a breath. If Ramirez can do well out of the bullpen, he might be able to net something that could help the Mariners, to some degree. Otherwise, he might just be optioned.

Dye to Reds?

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Reds and White Sox have held preliminary discussions about Jermaine Dye. Major league sources told the Tribune that Jermaine Dye's salary complicates things, but they have talked about players the Reds would receive in return for Dye, who will make 11.5 million dollars next season with a one million dollars buyout for 2010. In 154 games this season, Dye hit .292 with 34 HR and 96 RBI. 

It is possible the White Sox would go after Edwin Encarnacion, but they will probably target prospects in order to keep their payroll down. Talks probably won't get serious until the Winter Meetings next week. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Talking To Rivera?

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have talked with free agent outfielder Juan Rivera. Rivera struggled in the first couple months of the season compiling .177 average, but finished the season with a .273 average with a total of twelve homeruns. He is a career .284 hitter and, if healthy, could hit twenty homeruns. "If you can put the ball in play and hit twenty-homeruns, you are gonna have a job," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said at the Winter Meetings. Reds GM Walt Jocketty worked alongside La Russa, so Jocketty could be thinking the same way.

The Royals and Mets could also target Rivera, 30, who will likely make around 1.5 to 2 million dollars next season.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Closing In On Hernandez?

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are closing in on a trade that will send Ramon Hernandez to the Reds for Ryan Freel and a prospect. The Orioles are expected to pick up a portion of his salary. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Sign Encarnacion

The Reds and Edwin Encarnacion have agreed to a two year deal worth 7.6 million dollars. The deal came just hours before their arbitration hearing, something teams really would prefer to avoid. Encarnacion hit just .251 last season with 26 HR and 68 RBIs, but hit .289 with 16 HR in 2007. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reds Sign Gomes

The Reds and Jonny Gomes have agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Gomes hit just .182 with 8 HR and 21 RBI in 77 games for the Rays, but is pretty solid defensively. Gomes hit .282 with 20 HR in 101 games back in 2005, and could prove to be a solid fourth outfielder if he can show signs of improvement in Spring Training. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.