Loading ...We’re starting to get an idea of how the bullpen will be constructed for 2009. As already reported, Mike Lincoln was re-signed (shoulda been a one-year deal, but I can’t get too worked up about that; we like Lincoln here) and David Weathers accepted arbitration, and will return. (I’m sick to my stomach about having to endure Weathers for another year. Not because he’s bad, but because I have an admittedly irrational dislike for the feeling I get every time Weathers stands on the mound. It’s positively Graves-like.)
Anyway, other rumors surrounding the bullpen are out there. First of all, GM Walt Jocketty appears to be extremely interested in lefty Arthur Rhodes. An offer is on the table for him, and they are still in discussions.
Also, the Reds have been in talks with the agent for portly lefty Dennys Reyes. I think Reyes may cost too much, but I would love to see him back in Cincinnati for a second tour of duty. But can you believe, as someone noted in the comments to a post below, that Reyes is only 31 years old? How can that be?
I have no interest in Rhodes whatsoever. Given Reyes’ age, a 3 year deal should come back to bite us in the heinie. His last 3 seasons have been fantastic, which is why I doubt 3/$12 mil will get the job done. Jesus, this will be one expensive bullpen.
I think you will see Rhodes signed instead of Reyes. I read somewhere yesterday that he is looking for an offer close to what Demaso Marte got.
My look at the bullpen is that they see Weathers and Rhodes as one year fillers until the kids are ready to take over, whether that be half way through the year or the year after.
I to hate the way I feel when Weathers comes into the game but you have to think that the back end of the bullpen right now is Cordero, Burton and Bray with Weathers as a 6th/7th inning option and if Rhodes is signed he will be a situational lefty freeing up Bray to be used for whole innings in the 7th/8th. Either way I like the way are bullpen is constructed with some veterans to go with the youngsters ad mentor the ones who may come up mid year.
I would say that 2 of his last 3 seasons have been great….as a lh specialist.
The money he’s asking for seems to be appropriate for lefthanded relievers who stay in to pitch a complete inning, regardless of whether the batter is rh or lh. In his 3 years in Minnesota, Reyes entered 191 games and pitched 126.1 innings. That’s and average of 2/3rds of an inning per game.
Compare to Affeldt’s contract. Would you pay Reyes the same money per year for 1 extra year? (Affeldt got 2/$8M) Affeldt is 29 (two years younger) and is effective against lh and rh.
If the Reds acquire Rhodes and only keep 6 guys in the pen, you’d have to figure Cordero, Burton, Bray, Weathers, Rhodes and a long reliever (Maloney/Thomspon/Ramierez). Where are Masset and Roenicke? Could the Reds keep 7 or 8 arms?
I agree. No way Reyes is worth 3yr/12mil. I’d rather see Rhodes used as a stopgap. I’m upset Weathers is back too, but mainly because he’ll be way overpaid, especially if we give him two years. I agree with Brian that he should mainly be used this year in a 6/7 inning role, which will be fine.
With the market as it is the Reyes asking price is exactly the reason it was dumb to let Affeldt get away without discussion. Reyes is being smart to ask and might not get the third year but will get the money.
As nervous as Weathers makes people he has realistically done a pretty good job the last couple of years for less than others are paying for worse.
Baseball Prospectus is reporting Ramon Hernandez for Ryan Freel will be announced later today.
The Freel for Hernandez leaves me cold, unless there is a great deal of money coming back.
The deal is done and waiting commissioner’s approval. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8916168/LIVE:-Tuesday-updates-from-winter-meetings
Freel plus two prospects for Hernandez and $1 million.
Freel + 2? Those better be two pretty low level prospects.
All around I think our pitching is looking VERY solid. When is that last time anyoen has said that in Cincy!!!
As nervous as Weathers makes people he has realistically done a pretty good job the last couple of years for less than others are paying for worse.
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His ERA stays low, but if he inherits a baserunner, you might as well just give the other team the run.