Loading ...THIS IS NOT A JOKE
The Reds have signed Cincinnati native and Opening Day Legend Karl Rhodes to a minor league deal and non-roster invite. Rhodes last played in the major leagues in the summer of 1995.
Rhodes has been a monster in Japan, albeit a few years ago. In 2001, he had a 55 HR season, tying the single-season mark. “Perhaps the Greatest Gaijin Slugger in Japan History.”
Like every other Reds signee this winter, he is 36 years old (actually 37), and had a bad 2005 (.240/.337/.478/815, compared to his usual 900-1100 OPS over there).
Who knows, he could be a nice surprise. This is more creative and has more upside than the Timo Perez signing.
Or the fact that they also signed Quinten McCracken today.
Age: 36
2005 stats: .237 .312 .298
Jungyard Bong was released to make room for Hatteberg on the 40-man. As for Bong, I’ve never liked him. No big loss there. Unless you count Chris Reitsma.
Dunn resigning aside, Rhodes is by far Krivsky’s best new signing thus far. Rhodes was slugging right along side Petagine and Matsui for years in the Japanese league. The rest of his moves are questionable at best. He has finished assembling an awesome hacking mass team though:
Ps Name 2005 OPS Lvl
C Sardinha .642 AAA
1B Hatteberg .677 MLB
2B Olmedo .620 MLB
SS Machado .493 AAA
3B Menechino .697 MLB
LF Womack .556 MLB
CF Perez .562 MLB
RF McCracken .611 MLB
IF Wathan .653 AAA
OF Wise .639 AAA
Later,
Tom
Speaking of Petagine, he was designated for assignment by Boston on Feb. 7th. If he becomes a free agent, he would make a very interesting signing as a PH and/or 1B depth. He would also be much preferred to Hatteberg as a starter at 1B and Dunn back to OF if someone is traded or injured.
Later,
Tom
In theory I like the idea of veterans on the bench, rather than young players that could be getting PAs in the minors; but this is starting to remind me of the Bowden years when ST was flooded with marginal players and no one got enough work.
I like seasoned vets coming off the bench, however the Reds do have some quality youngsters i’d love to see make the roster instead of some retreads..