The Reds are all in this season.
It remains to be seen if all the moves Reds general manager Walt Jocketty made this offseason will be enough to reach the playoffs.
But Jocketty was excited and anxious to go when he made his Reds Caravan stop recently at the Lima Mall.
“We set an offseason plan and kind of checked everything off as we went along,” Jocketty said. ... “I think I’ve run out of money,” he laughed.
Let’s take a quick look at what he was able to do and how he did.
First up, the Reds needed a top-of-the-rotation starter. Jocketty filled that in the huge trade with the Padres. The Reds sent hitting machine prospect first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-hander Edinson Volquez and prospects closer Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal for Latos.
The Reds gave up plenty, but Alonso couldn’t play left or third base and he was blocked behind Joey Votto at first. Grandal was behind Devin Mesoraco behind the plate.
Boxberger could be a future big league closer, but you have to give up quality for a pitcher like Latos (9-14, 3.47 ERA). In three years with the Padres, Latos had a 3.37. Volquez was an enigma.
Jocketty also added pitching depth by signing left-hander Jeff Francis (6-6, 4.82 with Kansas City last year).
The bullpen sprung a few leaks last year and with Francisco Cordero being a free agent, Jocketty took a different route. He signed free agent Ryan Madson (from the Phillies). Then he traded left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and Class A infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs for set-up man left-hander Sean Marshall (2.26, 5 saves, 78 games).
Madson (2.37, 32 saves) is an upgrade over Cordero and Marshall will aid the set-up process, mixing him in with Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray and Sam LeCure. Marshall can also close when Madson needs a day off.
Next up on Jocketty’s check list was left field, but money was running thin. He signed Ryan Ludwick (.237, 13 home runs, 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last year).
Ludwick, a lifetime .261 hitter, isn’t much of a difference from incumbent Chris Heisey (.254, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs). Jocketty didn’t do much in the way of pulling an upgrade here.
The health of third baseman Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August) and shortstop Zack Cozart (elbow surgery on Aug. 12) was also a question entering the offseason.
Jocketty said both are healthy now, but he went on and picked up utility infielders Wilson Valdez (.249, 14 doubles with the Phillies) and Willie Harris (.246 with the Mets). Both are good insurance policies at shortstop and third.
And Jocketty might not be done. He’s currently trying to come up with creative ideas to sign 34-year-old free agent Roy Oswalt.
The rotation is already set up with Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Aroldis Chapman will compete for the No. 5 spot, but could start the year at AAA.
One idea would be to deal Bailey and his $2.4 million salary and sign Oswalt.
Next up for Jocketty is extending the contract of Brandon Phillips, whose contract runs out after this season. Phillips is the face of the franchise and has to be signed.
Then, comes the major chore of inking Votto, who is signed through 2013.
The Reds’ future is cloudy for next year.
That’s why Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Jocketty are rolling the dice for this year.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Indians make a few minor gains
The Indians had to zig-zag their way around a few potholes this offseason.
But now that spring training is here, the Indians seem to have made a few small gains.
The big news came when the pitcher they thought was Fausto Carmona actually turned out to be Roberto Hernandez Heredia. And, oh by the way, he wasn’t 28. He’s actually 31.
Worse yet, he’s now having serious problems getting a work permit and may miss the season.
On the field, the Indians entered the offseason needing more bats after ranking 10th in the league in hitting (.248) and ninth in runs scored (4.4 per game).
Specifically, they were looking for a first baseman to replace Matt LaPorta, a .238 career hitter, who hit .247 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs last year.
The Indians also searched the free agent market for outfield help.
In the end, they ended up with a few offensive spare parts and a few pitchers who could help.
The biggest addition came the first week of February when the Indians signed free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman. He hit .306 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI with the Rays last year. Kotchman, a .268 career hitter, is a slight upgrade over LaPorta.
Other offensive signings, who will may or may not help, are outfielders Fred Lewis and Felix Pie and third baseman Andy LaRoche.
The Tribe did make several moves with their starting staff. They traded right-hander Zach Putnam to the Rockies for right-hander Kevin Slowey. They also traded minor league lefty Chris Jones to the Braves for right-hander Derek Lowe.
Way back in November the Indians addressed the often-injured Grady Sizemore by re-signing him in spite of three straight years of injuries and surgeries.
So what do we really know about the Indians, who finished 80-82 last year?
Well, the starting pitcher is solid, but took a hit with Carlos Carrasco being lost with a season-ending elbow injury. They can roll out a rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Lowe, Slowey and David Huff.
The bullpen is a strength with closer Chris Perez and set-up men Rafael Perez, Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith, Tony Sipp and newly signed Dan Wheeler.
The everyday lineup has emerging stars in catcher Carlos Santana, second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Santana hit 27 home runs and drove in 79 runs, but will be expected to boost his .239 average.
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo are all-star level players, although Choo slumped to .259 last year.
Thankfully, this is the final year on Travis Hafner’s contract, which has been strapped to the Indians like an anvil. Last year Hafner hit .280 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. He hasn’t hit 20 home runs since 2007.
The outfield lacks serious pop with Michael Brantley (.266, 7 HR) and Shelley Duncan (.260, 11 HR) in left, Sizemore (.224, 10 HR) in center and Choo (.259, 8 HR) in right. Sizemore is capable of more, but who knows?
Choo should bounce back after suffering a broken left thumb last June which limited him to 85 games and 313 at-bats. But what if he doesn’t?
Once again, the Indians will have to scratch for runs and hope the pitching carries the load.
But at least they know the real age of Carmona/Hernandez Heredia. At least, they think they do.
But now that spring training is here, the Indians seem to have made a few small gains.
The big news came when the pitcher they thought was Fausto Carmona actually turned out to be Roberto Hernandez Heredia. And, oh by the way, he wasn’t 28. He’s actually 31.
Worse yet, he’s now having serious problems getting a work permit and may miss the season.
On the field, the Indians entered the offseason needing more bats after ranking 10th in the league in hitting (.248) and ninth in runs scored (4.4 per game).
Specifically, they were looking for a first baseman to replace Matt LaPorta, a .238 career hitter, who hit .247 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs last year.
The Indians also searched the free agent market for outfield help.
In the end, they ended up with a few offensive spare parts and a few pitchers who could help.
The biggest addition came the first week of February when the Indians signed free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman. He hit .306 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI with the Rays last year. Kotchman, a .268 career hitter, is a slight upgrade over LaPorta.
Other offensive signings, who will may or may not help, are outfielders Fred Lewis and Felix Pie and third baseman Andy LaRoche.
The Tribe did make several moves with their starting staff. They traded right-hander Zach Putnam to the Rockies for right-hander Kevin Slowey. They also traded minor league lefty Chris Jones to the Braves for right-hander Derek Lowe.
Way back in November the Indians addressed the often-injured Grady Sizemore by re-signing him in spite of three straight years of injuries and surgeries.
So what do we really know about the Indians, who finished 80-82 last year?
Well, the starting pitcher is solid, but took a hit with Carlos Carrasco being lost with a season-ending elbow injury. They can roll out a rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Lowe, Slowey and David Huff.
The bullpen is a strength with closer Chris Perez and set-up men Rafael Perez, Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith, Tony Sipp and newly signed Dan Wheeler.
The everyday lineup has emerging stars in catcher Carlos Santana, second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Santana hit 27 home runs and drove in 79 runs, but will be expected to boost his .239 average.
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo are all-star level players, although Choo slumped to .259 last year.
Thankfully, this is the final year on Travis Hafner’s contract, which has been strapped to the Indians like an anvil. Last year Hafner hit .280 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. He hasn’t hit 20 home runs since 2007.
The outfield lacks serious pop with Michael Brantley (.266, 7 HR) and Shelley Duncan (.260, 11 HR) in left, Sizemore (.224, 10 HR) in center and Choo (.259, 8 HR) in right. Sizemore is capable of more, but who knows?
Choo should bounce back after suffering a broken left thumb last June which limited him to 85 games and 313 at-bats. But what if he doesn’t?
Once again, the Indians will have to scratch for runs and hope the pitching carries the load.
But at least they know the real age of Carmona/Hernandez Heredia. At least, they think they do.
The Reds are all in this season.
It remains to be seen if all the moves Reds general manager Walt Jocketty made this offseason will be enough to reach the playoffs.
But Jocketty was excited and anxious to go when he made his Reds Caravan stop recently at the Lima Mall.
“We set an offseason plan and kind of checked everything off as we went along,” Jocketty said. ... “I think I’ve run out of money,” he laughed.
Let’s take a quick look at what he was able to do and how he did.
First up, the Reds needed a top-of-the-rotation starter. Jocketty filled that in the huge trade with the Padres. The Reds sent hitting machine prospect first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-hander Edinson Volquez and prospects closer Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal for Latos.
The Reds gave up plenty, but Alonso couldn’t play left or third base and he was blocked behind Joey Votto at first. Grandal was behind Devin Mesoraco behind the plate.
Boxberger could be a future big league closer, but you have to give up quality for a pitcher like Latos (9-14, 3.47 ERA). In three years with the Padres, Latos had a 3.37. Volquez was an enigma.
Jocketty also added pitching depth by signing left-hander Jeff Francis (6-6, 4.82 with Kansas City last year).
The bullpen sprung a few leaks last year and with Francisco Cordero being a free agent, Jocketty took a different route. He signed free agent Ryan Madson (from the Phillies). Then he traded left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and Class A infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs for set-up man left-hander Sean Marshall (2.26, 5 saves, 78 games).
Madson (2.37, 32 saves) is an upgrade over Cordero and Marshall will aid the set-up process, mixing him in with Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray and Sam LeCure. Marshall can also close when Madson needs a day off.
Next up on Jocketty’s check list was left field, but money was running thin. He signed Ryan Ludwick (.237, 13 home runs, 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last year).
Ludwick, a lifetime .261 hitter, isn’t much of a difference from incumbent Chris Heisey (.254, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs). Jocketty didn’t do much in the way of pulling an upgrade here.
The health of third baseman Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August) and shortstop Zack Cozart (elbow surgery on Aug. 12) was also a question entering the offseason.
Jocketty said both are healthy now, but he went on and picked up utility infielders Wilson Valdez (.249, 14 doubles with the Phillies) and Willie Harris (.246 with the Mets). Both are good insurance policies at shortstop and third.
And Jocketty might not be done. He’s currently trying to come up with creative ideas to sign 34-year-old free agent Roy Oswalt.
The rotation is already set up with Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Aroldis Chapman will compete for the No. 5 spot, but could start the year at AAA.
One idea would be to deal Bailey and his $2.4 million salary and sign Oswalt.
Next up for Jocketty is extending the contract of Brandon Phillips, whose contract runs out after this season. Phillips is the face of the franchise and has to be signed.
Then, comes the major chore of inking Votto, who is signed through 2013.
The Reds’ future is cloudy for next year.
That’s why Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Jocketty are rolling the dice for this year.
It remains to be seen if all the moves Reds general manager Walt Jocketty made this offseason will be enough to reach the playoffs.
But Jocketty was excited and anxious to go when he made his Reds Caravan stop recently at the Lima Mall.
“We set an offseason plan and kind of checked everything off as we went along,” Jocketty said. ... “I think I’ve run out of money,” he laughed.
Let’s take a quick look at what he was able to do and how he did.
First up, the Reds needed a top-of-the-rotation starter. Jocketty filled that in the huge trade with the Padres. The Reds sent hitting machine prospect first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-hander Edinson Volquez and prospects closer Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal for Latos.
The Reds gave up plenty, but Alonso couldn’t play left or third base and he was blocked behind Joey Votto at first. Grandal was behind Devin Mesoraco behind the plate.
Boxberger could be a future big league closer, but you have to give up quality for a pitcher like Latos (9-14, 3.47 ERA). In three years with the Padres, Latos had a 3.37. Volquez was an enigma.
Jocketty also added pitching depth by signing left-hander Jeff Francis (6-6, 4.82 with Kansas City last year).
The bullpen sprung a few leaks last year and with Francisco Cordero being a free agent, Jocketty took a different route. He signed free agent Ryan Madson (from the Phillies). Then he traded left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and Class A infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs for set-up man left-hander Sean Marshall (2.26, 5 saves, 78 games).
Madson (2.37, 32 saves) is an upgrade over Cordero and Marshall will aid the set-up process, mixing him in with Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray and Sam LeCure. Marshall can also close when Madson needs a day off.
Next up on Jocketty’s check list was left field, but money was running thin. He signed Ryan Ludwick (.237, 13 home runs, 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last year).
Ludwick, a lifetime .261 hitter, isn’t much of a difference from incumbent Chris Heisey (.254, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs). Jocketty didn’t do much in the way of pulling an upgrade here.
The health of third baseman Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August) and shortstop Zack Cozart (elbow surgery on Aug. 12) was also a question entering the offseason.
Jocketty said both are healthy now, but he went on and picked up utility infielders Wilson Valdez (.249, 14 doubles with the Phillies) and Willie Harris (.246 with the Mets). Both are good insurance policies at shortstop and third.
And Jocketty might not be done. He’s currently trying to come up with creative ideas to sign 34-year-old free agent Roy Oswalt.
The rotation is already set up with Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Aroldis Chapman will compete for the No. 5 spot, but could start the year at AAA.
One idea would be to deal Bailey and his $2.4 million salary and sign Oswalt.
Next up for Jocketty is extending the contract of Brandon Phillips, whose contract runs out after this season. Phillips is the face of the franchise and has to be signed.
Then, comes the major chore of inking Votto, who is signed through 2013.
The Reds’ future is cloudy for next year.
That’s why Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Jocketty are rolling the dice for this year.
The Reds are all in this season.
It remains to be seen if all the moves Reds general manager Walt Jocketty made this offseason will be enough to reach the playoffs.
But Jocketty was excited and anxious to go when he made his Reds Caravan stop recently at the Lima Mall.
“We set an offseason plan and kind of checked everything off as we went along,” Jocketty said. ... “I think I’ve run out of money,” he laughed.
Let’s take a quick look at what he was able to do and how he did.
First up, the Reds needed a top-of-the-rotation starter. Jocketty filled that in the huge trade with the Padres. The Reds sent hitting machine prospect first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-hander Edinson Volquez and prospects closer Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal for Latos.
The Reds gave up plenty, but Alonso couldn’t play left or third base and he was blocked behind Joey Votto at first. Grandal was behind Devin Mesoraco behind the plate.
Boxberger could be a future big league closer, but you have to give up quality for a pitcher like Latos (9-14, 3.47 ERA). In three years with the Padres, Latos had a 3.37. Volquez was an enigma.
Jocketty also added pitching depth by signing left-hander Jeff Francis (6-6, 4.82 with Kansas City last year).
The bullpen sprung a few leaks last year and with Francisco Cordero being a free agent, Jocketty took a different route. He signed free agent Ryan Madson (from the Phillies). Then he traded left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and Class A infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs for set-up man left-hander Sean Marshall (2.26, 5 saves, 78 games).
Madson (2.37, 32 saves) is an upgrade over Cordero and Marshall will aid the set-up process, mixing him in with Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray and Sam LeCure. Marshall can also close when Madson needs a day off.
Next up on Jocketty’s check list was left field, but money was running thin. He signed Ryan Ludwick (.237, 13 home runs, 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last year).
Ludwick, a lifetime .261 hitter, isn’t much of a difference from incumbent Chris Heisey (.254, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs). Jocketty didn’t do much in the way of pulling an upgrade here.
The health of third baseman Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August) and shortstop Zack Cozart (elbow surgery on Aug. 12) was also a question entering the offseason.
Jocketty said both are healthy now, but he went on and picked up utility infielders Wilson Valdez (.249, 14 doubles with the Phillies) and Willie Harris (.246 with the Mets). Both are good insurance policies at shortstop and third.
And Jocketty might not be done. He’s currently trying to come up with creative ideas to sign 34-year-old free agent Roy Oswalt.
The rotation is already set up with Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Aroldis Chapman will compete for the No. 5 spot, but could start the year at AAA.
One idea would be to deal Bailey and his $2.4 million salary and sign Oswalt.
Next up for Jocketty is extending the contract of Brandon Phillips, whose contract runs out after this season. Phillips is the face of the franchise and has to be signed.
Then, comes the major chore of inking Votto, who is signed through 2013.
The Reds’ future is cloudy for next year.
That’s why Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Jocketty are rolling the dice for this year.
It remains to be seen if all the moves Reds general manager Walt Jocketty made this offseason will be enough to reach the playoffs.
But Jocketty was excited and anxious to go when he made his Reds Caravan stop recently at the Lima Mall.
“We set an offseason plan and kind of checked everything off as we went along,” Jocketty said. ... “I think I’ve run out of money,” he laughed.
Let’s take a quick look at what he was able to do and how he did.
First up, the Reds needed a top-of-the-rotation starter. Jocketty filled that in the huge trade with the Padres. The Reds sent hitting machine prospect first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-hander Edinson Volquez and prospects closer Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal for Latos.
The Reds gave up plenty, but Alonso couldn’t play left or third base and he was blocked behind Joey Votto at first. Grandal was behind Devin Mesoraco behind the plate.
Boxberger could be a future big league closer, but you have to give up quality for a pitcher like Latos (9-14, 3.47 ERA). In three years with the Padres, Latos had a 3.37. Volquez was an enigma.
Jocketty also added pitching depth by signing left-hander Jeff Francis (6-6, 4.82 with Kansas City last year).
The bullpen sprung a few leaks last year and with Francisco Cordero being a free agent, Jocketty took a different route. He signed free agent Ryan Madson (from the Phillies). Then he traded left-hander Travis Wood, outfielder Dave Sappelt and Class A infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs for set-up man left-hander Sean Marshall (2.26, 5 saves, 78 games).
Madson (2.37, 32 saves) is an upgrade over Cordero and Marshall will aid the set-up process, mixing him in with Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray and Sam LeCure. Marshall can also close when Madson needs a day off.
Next up on Jocketty’s check list was left field, but money was running thin. He signed Ryan Ludwick (.237, 13 home runs, 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last year).
Ludwick, a lifetime .261 hitter, isn’t much of a difference from incumbent Chris Heisey (.254, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs). Jocketty didn’t do much in the way of pulling an upgrade here.
The health of third baseman Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August) and shortstop Zack Cozart (elbow surgery on Aug. 12) was also a question entering the offseason.
Jocketty said both are healthy now, but he went on and picked up utility infielders Wilson Valdez (.249, 14 doubles with the Phillies) and Willie Harris (.246 with the Mets). Both are good insurance policies at shortstop and third.
And Jocketty might not be done. He’s currently trying to come up with creative ideas to sign 34-year-old free agent Roy Oswalt.
The rotation is already set up with Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Aroldis Chapman will compete for the No. 5 spot, but could start the year at AAA.
One idea would be to deal Bailey and his $2.4 million salary and sign Oswalt.
Next up for Jocketty is extending the contract of Brandon Phillips, whose contract runs out after this season. Phillips is the face of the franchise and has to be signed.
Then, comes the major chore of inking Votto, who is signed through 2013.
The Reds’ future is cloudy for next year.
That’s why Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Jocketty are rolling the dice for this year.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bruce era has begun
Finally.
Jay Bruce is here.
The Sporting News' minor league player of the year, Jay Bruce, arrived in Cincinnati Tuesday night. The fans, who had been calling for Bruce since Opening Day, weren't disappointed.
Bruce went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in his debut. He also had two walks. On Wednesday, he was 1-for-3 and two more walks.
I saw Bruce play several games for Sarasota last year. He looks the same as I saw him when I was at Clearwater. He even has that same movement of removing his hand off the bat and putting it back on prior to the pitch.
Expect Bruce to hit line drives to all fields. He's a gap hitter, who can hit doubles to every spot in the park. His power will come. Right now, he's about a 20 home run guy at the major league level.
While his more natural position is right field, he can play center, too, as he did at AAA Louisville this year.
The most important thing is that the Reds seem committed to playing him every day. There was no reason to bring him up and play him part time. That would only stunt his development.
With players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, the Reds finally have a core of young players that other teams envy.
It's about time.
But the best news came Wednesday.
That's when I heard that .200 hitting Corey Patterson was sent to Louisville. His 0-for-8 day on Sunday in the 18-inning marathon probably sealed his fate.
He was only on the roster because manager Dusty Baker wanted him.
It was about time the Reds got rid of him.
Jay Bruce is here.
The Sporting News' minor league player of the year, Jay Bruce, arrived in Cincinnati Tuesday night. The fans, who had been calling for Bruce since Opening Day, weren't disappointed.
Bruce went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in his debut. He also had two walks. On Wednesday, he was 1-for-3 and two more walks.
I saw Bruce play several games for Sarasota last year. He looks the same as I saw him when I was at Clearwater. He even has that same movement of removing his hand off the bat and putting it back on prior to the pitch.
Expect Bruce to hit line drives to all fields. He's a gap hitter, who can hit doubles to every spot in the park. His power will come. Right now, he's about a 20 home run guy at the major league level.
While his more natural position is right field, he can play center, too, as he did at AAA Louisville this year.
The most important thing is that the Reds seem committed to playing him every day. There was no reason to bring him up and play him part time. That would only stunt his development.
With players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, the Reds finally have a core of young players that other teams envy.
It's about time.
But the best news came Wednesday.
That's when I heard that .200 hitting Corey Patterson was sent to Louisville. His 0-for-8 day on Sunday in the 18-inning marathon probably sealed his fate.
He was only on the roster because manager Dusty Baker wanted him.
It was about time the Reds got rid of him.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Reds expose Tribe's weaknesses
The Indians have problems.
That comes as hardly shocking news to anyone who has seen them play this year.
What is surprising is that the once-stumbling Reds received a jolt of confidence by exposing the Indians' flaws with their three-game sweep this past weekend.
Here's what we know about the Tribe after this past weekend:
The Indians' bullpen is shaky at best.
With Rafael Betancourt (7.31 ERA) removed as the closer entering the weekend, Jensen Lewis walked three and gave up the losing run in Friday's 4-3 loss. On Saturday, it was Masa Kobayashi who imploded in the ninth by giving up a single and hitting a batter before Adam Dunn launched a titanic walk-off home run to the top row of the moon deck.
But the bottom line is the Indians can't hit, especially with runners on base. They were 3-for-27 with the runners on base against the Reds.
The Indians are hitting .236 as a team, which is tied with the Padres for 28th out of 30 major league teams. Only the Nationals are worse at .234.
The Indians have struck out the sixth most (306) in all of baseball and rank 21st in runs scored.
Only Victor Martinez (.315) has been respectable.
Even Grady Sizemore is struggling at .267. Asdrubal Cabera (.188), David Dellucci (.244), Jhonny Peralta (.225) and Casey Blake (.226) have been awful.
And if Travis Hafner (.228, four home runs, 20 RBIs), doesn't pick it up in the next month, this team is in deep trouble.
That comes as hardly shocking news to anyone who has seen them play this year.
What is surprising is that the once-stumbling Reds received a jolt of confidence by exposing the Indians' flaws with their three-game sweep this past weekend.
Here's what we know about the Tribe after this past weekend:
The Indians' bullpen is shaky at best.
With Rafael Betancourt (7.31 ERA) removed as the closer entering the weekend, Jensen Lewis walked three and gave up the losing run in Friday's 4-3 loss. On Saturday, it was Masa Kobayashi who imploded in the ninth by giving up a single and hitting a batter before Adam Dunn launched a titanic walk-off home run to the top row of the moon deck.
But the bottom line is the Indians can't hit, especially with runners on base. They were 3-for-27 with the runners on base against the Reds.
The Indians are hitting .236 as a team, which is tied with the Padres for 28th out of 30 major league teams. Only the Nationals are worse at .234.
The Indians have struck out the sixth most (306) in all of baseball and rank 21st in runs scored.
Only Victor Martinez (.315) has been respectable.
Even Grady Sizemore is struggling at .267. Asdrubal Cabera (.188), David Dellucci (.244), Jhonny Peralta (.225) and Casey Blake (.226) have been awful.
And if Travis Hafner (.228, four home runs, 20 RBIs), doesn't pick it up in the next month, this team is in deep trouble.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Griffey needs to go
Ken Griffey Jr. is looking ancient these days.
His swing is slow. His body is creaking and his glove has gone from gold to rusted iron.
Everything is geared for the home run.
Standing at 597 home runs, Griffey is looking to take everything out of the park. The result has been no home runs since April 23 against the Astros.
Duane Shaffer, a special assistant to Seattle Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi, was in Cincinnati on Sunday to take a look at Griffey.
Let's hope he liked what he saw.
If the Reds can get a top-five prospect out of Seattle for him, I'd do it in a heartbeat. According to Deric McKamey's Minor League Baseball Analyst, Seattle's top prospects include shortstop Carlos Triunfel, catcher Jeff Clement, left-hander Tony Butler and right-hander Chris Tillman.
The other positive in dealing Griffey is that it would clear the way for last year's Sporting News minor league player of the year Jay Bruce, who is hitting .366 with eight home runs at AAA Louisville. Bruce, a true right fielder, could easily slip into right after Griffey leaves.
And, as far as the 600 home runs, let's face it. Few people even in Cincinnati really care.
The time to deal is now.
His swing is slow. His body is creaking and his glove has gone from gold to rusted iron.
Everything is geared for the home run.
Standing at 597 home runs, Griffey is looking to take everything out of the park. The result has been no home runs since April 23 against the Astros.
Duane Shaffer, a special assistant to Seattle Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi, was in Cincinnati on Sunday to take a look at Griffey.
Let's hope he liked what he saw.
If the Reds can get a top-five prospect out of Seattle for him, I'd do it in a heartbeat. According to Deric McKamey's Minor League Baseball Analyst, Seattle's top prospects include shortstop Carlos Triunfel, catcher Jeff Clement, left-hander Tony Butler and right-hander Chris Tillman.
The other positive in dealing Griffey is that it would clear the way for last year's Sporting News minor league player of the year Jay Bruce, who is hitting .366 with eight home runs at AAA Louisville. Bruce, a true right fielder, could easily slip into right after Griffey leaves.
And, as far as the 600 home runs, let's face it. Few people even in Cincinnati really care.
The time to deal is now.
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