al: I just don’t get this thinking. Paul Janish had a .600 ops, and Gomes had an .875 ops. Why is it easier to upgrade in LF? League average for SS was .718, which means “replacement level” should be about .650. That means that random guys in the minors should outhit Janish by a decent amount. Another way to look at it: Paul Janish had a -5.7 VORP, while Gomes had the third highest VORP on the team at 18.6. That speaks directly to who would be easier to replace and improve upon. This team cannot and should not play Janish every day.

With today’s transactions, the Reds are down to 39 free agents on paper. Kip Wells hasn’t officially filed for free agency, and Hernandez hasn’t had his option declined yet. Multiple sources are reporting that Jocketty said he will not pick up his option. That drops the roster to 37.

Mark Sheldon keeps mentioning that Herandez is a Type B free agent…but if the Reds offer him arbitration aren’t they stuck with a minimum of a 20% discount to his 2009 salary? I don’t see why they would offer him arbitration if Jocketty is saying they “definitely” won’t pick up his option.

I like that they were able to keep Miller in the organization and clear the 40-man roster space.

I’m not sure how the Lehr deal works. I guess he has major league money, but has to pass through waivers to go to AAA?

Travis G.: I’m looking at the PDF of the updated 40-man roster that accompanied Rob Butcher’s release, and I don’t see his name on there. The text I supplied above was cut-and-pasted directly from his e-mail, so I don’t know whether Lehr’s being outrighted means he’s exposed to waivers right now. I can’t imagine he’s got any options left.Of note: There are only 39 men on the current 40-man roster.

I think you have seriously underestimated the genius of Larry Beinfest. Hanley’s value will never be higher than it is right now. Larry Beinfest will deal Ramirez within the next two seasons.

The Marlins cannot afford to keep Hanley past 2011. Hanley makes 7.5 this season and 11 in 2011 (25% of the team’s ‘09 payroll). The Marlins are then on the hook for 15, 15.5 and 16. 16 million is approximately 40% of the teams payroll!

Ramirez WILL BE dealt by 2012.

Given Beinfest’s track record, he’ll move earlier rather than later. Whether the Reds match up is another question, but Ramirez is on borrowed time in Florida.

Drew Nelson: We have a good infield with Votto/Phillips/Janish/Rolen why not concentrate on the LF position where an upgrade could help.

I just don’t get this thinking. Paul Janish had a .600 ops, and Gomes had an .875 ops. Why is it easier to upgrade in LF? League average for SS was .718, which means “replacement level” should be about .650. That means that random guys in the minors should outhit Janish by a decent amount.

Another way to look at it: Paul Janish had a -5.7 VORP, while Gomes had the third highest VORP on the team at 18.6. That speaks directly to who would be easier to replace and improve upon.

This team cannot and should not play Janish every day.

When your slash stats for your career are .255/.315/.390 and you’ve played half your career in Colorado, that’s not so good.

He’ll cost millions too, since he’s coming off the .291/.351/.380 year like you mentioned.

Dan: @Travis G.: Whoa! So does this mean that Lehr has made the 40-man roster?

I’m looking at the PDF of the updated 40-man roster that accompanied Rob Butcher’s release, and I don’t see his name on there. The text I supplied above was cut-and-pasted directly from his e-mail, so I don’t know whether Lehr’s being outrighted means he’s exposed to waivers right now. I can’t imagine he’s got any options left.

Of note: There are only 39 men on the current 40-man roster.