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Is Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky’s job in jeopardy?
On Wednesday, owner/chief executive officer Bob Castellini said that it wasn’t.
“No. He’s done a good job overall,” Castellini said from the Reds dugout during an afternoon rain shower. “He’s trying real hard. We’re all trying hard.”
I would really question the “good job overall” comment. This was a borderline playoff team last year (albeit in a weak division), now it’s battling not to be the worst team in the NL.
You can point to a couple of good acquisitions (Phillips, Arroyo, maybe Ross) and the pickup of Hamilton. But there are tons of questionable or downright bad moves also. And the jury is definitely still out on his first two drafts.
I understand all the talk about giving a GM time for his plan to work, but does anyone not think this team has regressed since Krivsky took over? Does anyone believe this team is closer to challenging for a championship than it was a year and a half ago?
But then again, Krivsky said Narron’s job was in no danger also…right up until they fired him. So, you never know.
“Krivsky said Narron’s job was in no danger also…right up until they fired him.”
Yep, what else do the reporters expect Krivsky/Castellini to say when asked about the manager/GM? It would be like the general manager saying that he has certain players on the roster to play in the games they decide to lose.
His evaluation of talent is questionable. He has failed to address the bullpen problems effectively, which is the sole reason the Reds are not a playoff team.
I believe this team is closer to challenging for a championship than it was a year and a half ago. I see a good team on the field, one that is playing up to expectations. They had a bad first half, replaced the manager, and the new guy is getting better results. This team can contend, and will.
Krivsky has managed to bring in talent, which is a good thing, but sometimes seems overwhelmed by the job.
I disagree, Mark T. I wish I didn’t. This team has some individual talents, but some terribly glaring holes, too.
There are some moves that just drive me crazy. Then there are some that I have enjoyed. Here are in my opinion the good ones: IN Phillips, Hamilton, Ross, Keppinger Gonzo
Bad: IN Castro [again] Stanton
I think it all boils down to poor relief pitching. He’s done a good job of putting up a starting staff, and the team scores enough runs to win. But putting together a bullpen is no easy task when most every other team in the league is having the same problem. There aren’t that many good relievers out there, so Krivsky has to gamble. That’s what “the trade” was about – to bring in Bray and Majeski. He did what he thought was necessary. I don’t second guess him.
Beyond relief, it’s not a bad team.
1 1/2 years ago, Lopez, Kearns and Pena were on the team.
We lost those guys but we have added: Hamilton, Phillips and Arroyo.
We traded away bums for future superstars. Did you guys really like Lopez and Kearns? I hated watching them. They have sucked in 2007…that’s for sure. I kind of liked Willy Mo but he’s been worthless this year.
Also, Bailey, Bruce, Votto and Cueto are on the cusp of becoming regulars. We didn’t have that type of upper level talent 1 1/2 years ago.
Quit freaking whining all of the time. The Reds are going to be awesome.
Snake, I tend to agree with you. I think this team has been playing much closer to their actual level under PM and is an average bullpen away from competing in our division. If Mr. Castellini doesn’t plan on expanding payroll enough to cover the expected raises that players such as BP will command thru arbitration AND allow for a couple of effective relievers to be over paid thru Free Agency, I don’t hold out much hope for next year. Moving a big contract at the deadline such as that of Griffey or Dunn would have allowed for that. If the plan is to not pick up Dunn’s option, I would much rather have seen a couple of players received thru trade that are near Major League ready than 2 sandwich picks that may never pan out. What is your take?
On relief pitching most every other team in the league is having the same problem
Most every other team in the league is always looking for ways to improve their bullpen. Few, if any, are having the bullpen problems the Reds have had.
Also, Bailey, Bruce, Votto and Cueto are on the cusp of becoming regulars. We didn’t have that type of upper level talent 1 1/2 years ago.
Unfortunately, the team is also about to lose two of it’s most productive offensive players. Dunn (assuming his option is picked up) and Griffey have just 1 more year on their contracts. With Griffey playing more often than not the past couple of years, they’ve combined for a lot of run production. We can’t just expect all four of these minor leaguers to be as productive in the majors as they were in the minors.
Moving a big contract at the deadline such as that of Griffey or Dunn would have allowed for that.
If payroll’s an issue, they can still both be moved in the offseason, though each would need to approve the transaction given their “no-trade” status.
GregD, true it’s likely we’ll lose Griffey and Dunn. However, we’ve basically added Hamilton, Phillips, Bruce and Votto.
Our pitching staff has gone from a pretty good Harang and a bunch of terrible pitchers (including Opening Day Eric Milton) to an awesome Harang, Arroyo, Bailey, Cueto, and someone else (hey…it’s only a 5th starter).
Relief pitchers are fungible. The exact same guys could do a good job next year.
Our team is definitely (100% positive) closer to winning a World Series than it was 1 1/2 years ago.
Quit being so negative on this site. I’m about ready to give up on Redlegnation.com. However, I will not give up on the Reds.