Loading ...From the Enquirer:
The claimed Matt Kata, another “utility” infielder that has no grasp of the strike zone.
But Krivsky says:
“He’s a quality pro who can play second, third, shortstop or outfield,” Krivsky said.
And where does Kata fit in?
“I’ll let (Reds manager Jerry Narron) work that out,” Krivsky said.
Every move Krivsky makes gives me less reason to believe he understands what it takes to win…like having guys that know how to get on base.
To make room for him on the 40 man roster, Allan Simpson was cut. This isn’t a big deal because he wasn’t going to make the team anyway and was out of options.
But what does concern me is Krivsky’s seeming “O’Brien-like” infatuation with guys like Kata and Womack.
The way I see it, they knew they were getting rid of Simpson, so why the hell not? They’ll just ditch this guy, too, then they’re right where they’d be, anyway.
Nice pick up Wayne, your Hacking Mass team is going to rule this season!
Later,
Tom
To the extent it gives Simpson a chance to catch on elsewhere, I think it’s a nice thing to do. So long as we don’t lose 2-3 other relievers to injury before Opening Day, that’s a no-loss move. But signing Kata is just silly. I know we were weak at the TMI position (Tenth Middle Infielder), but how is this guy even supposed to get ABs – shouldn’t Narron be giving all the playing time to Freel (who needs to get it in gear) and Womack (who needs to justify his existence)?
I smell a trade brewing. Too many infielders. Either Freel or Aurillia are going to be packaged off somewhere hopefully for a closer.
Greg..but what was the point in picking him up at all? But even more so, why pick up another no talent, non-hitting, non-OBP hack at all?
Glen, we thought this would happen last year late with Aurilia, but there he was at the end of the season, still with the Reds.
Bill,
You are exactly right. I have to stop trying to apply logic when speaking of potential moves made by Reds’ management. Its should have become apparent to me, after all these years as a fan, that logic just doesn’t figure into it. I need help.
From today’s John Fay article:
It no longer seems a given than Peña will play every day. Adam Dunn started in left field Thursday and Rich Aurilia played first base.
Aurilia and Scott Hatteberg give the Reds right- and left-handed options at first base when Dunn plays left.
If Pena’s not ready to start the season, he’s not ready. That’s one thing. But falling in love with veteran “grittiness” every spring is another thing altogether – a thing that isn’t going to result in winning.
Chris, I think this goes more to the unnamed source quote the other day that someone, very probably in Reds management, isn’t happy with Pena for going to the WBC rather than preparing with his team for his first opporunity as a starter.
Gammons is stirring the Red Sox/Reds trade rumors again today, saying that the Sox are doubtful as to whether Lowell can hit anymore and would pay a heft ransom for Kearns or Dunn. Dunn should be out of the question, but Pena or Kearns for a young SP like Papelbon (sp?) would make sense.
Gammons again, reporting the Braves are looking to move John Thomson or Horacio Ramirez for a Victor Diaz type…why not somebody like Denorfia for Ramirez?