Loading ...So, are the Reds going to be able to land another pitcher? It’s up in the air:
Adding another experienced pitcher to the mix could bolster the starting five and also push the younger guys in camp. Krivsky plans on having some lesser known non-roster invites add to the numbers, but didn’t rule out doing something a little more dynamic.
“As far as the recognizable names on the free-agent market, we’re still looking at that,” Krivsky said. “There’s still a possibility of a trade to bring someone that has more name recognition.”
Most of the interesting names remaining on the free-agent market are a few years past their best seasons, but could offer benefits in the middle or back of the rotation. Livan Hernandez or Brett Tomko would fall under that category. Others are coming off significant injuries like Jon Lieber, Kris Benson or Bartolo Colon.
As far as re-ignited efforts for a top-tier starting pitcher, don’t count on it. But don’t fully count it out either.
“It’s always a possibility,” Krivsky said. “You just have to weigh everything. During the holidays, it died down. But I’m sure calls will pick up again as teams fine tune their rosters going into Spring Training. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Wait and see. I’m not sure how many of the above names actually help the Reds in 2008, but all the speculation is interesting since we have nothing else to talk about.
I say push to sign Kris Benson so he can bring Anna with him
Typical Krivsky-speak: Several paragraphs which tell the fans nothing.
I say push to sign Kris Benson so he can bring Anna with him
I thought the Bensons were divorced?
“It’s always a possibility,” Krivsky said. “You just have to weigh everything”
Especially Bartolo Colon.
I’d like to see Colon signed. He and Javy could help Volquez along. It would also bring a former top tier starter for a discounted price.
One more thought, did Krivsky not call the ChiSox? They got a way better package for Swisher and Hamilton is way better.
MLBTR says Colon hasn’t topped 90mph in the Dominacan winter leagues. Sounds like dead weight to me.
Well MLBTR is not very educated because according to his pitchfx he averaged over 94.75 MPH.
http://baseball.bornbybits.com/plots/Bartolo_Colon.html
Check that link.
Jon Lieber gets my vote if trading guys like Stubbs and Freel is off the table. He’s the only one of the rehabbing pitchers who doesn’t have an arm injury, but a foot injury. He’s 37, which isn’t ancient, and he’s the only one who could potentially give you 200 innings. Probably take a one year deal for $5mil deal w/ incentives plus an option year. He’s the only guy who’ll give you stability. The others pose as many questions as they answer.
Re: What I just wrote….
I can’t read. I thought it said since last years DWL….
Swisher is better than hamilton
sorry to burst ur bubble…
Anything more than one year with heavy incentives is a mistake for Colon, I fear. He wants 2 years guaranteed.
#5 – Cameron…I love Hamilton but after (pretty much) only half a season to base it on, its hard to say Hammy is WAY better than Swisher. I’m sure his ceiling is much higher as an all around player but Swisher has a larger body of work behind him from which to predict success. Lets face it…Hamilton, while a fan favorite and incredibly fun to watch, was and is a liability from a health and mental stability standpoint.
Leiber or Hernandez are the ones that I am hoping for from the free agents that are left. As far as trade I still have hopes of a Blanton trade with the A’s or perhaps one of San Frans many decent or good pitchers.
In response to the the Sultan…I understand 37 isn’t that old, but is it possible that our sense of being old in baseball has been skewed due to steroids? How many guys before the 90s were actually pitching effectively into their 40s? Just a thought. I wouldn’t completely dislike a Lieber signing, I just think we might need to consider the wear-and-tear on a guy’s arm more now that everybody (hopefully) isn’t juicing.
Go young! And stick w/ strikeout pitchers! And we need a lefty!
Jonathan Sanchez of SF!!
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/Jonathan-Sanchez.shtml
I realize Hamilton hasn’t played much and is a liability, but he has better pure talent imo. I would take him over Swisher anyday. I don’t disagree with trading him, but I see the package the A’s got and I just don’t see the big gap between the two.
Colon and Jennings are decent options. Colon if right is still very effective and Jennings can bounce back. Also they are both cheap.
None of the free agents will possibly be as cheap as young pitchers who haven’t even hit arbitration yet… like Sanchez!
Also, you sign a 30-something free agent, you are no doubt getting the decline part of his career.
You trade for a guy in his early-to-mid 20’s, you should be getting the improvement part of his career (and much more cheaply).
I don’t like Jennings at all as a pitcher(hitting is a different story); he walks too many people and allows too many baserunners(career WHIP of 1.548)for a HR park like GAB.