Loading ...
GM Walt Jocketty did an interview with MLB Network yesterday, where he touched on the Joey Votto situation and more. The video is below, but here are some of the money quotes:
Walt Jocketty on possibly calling up prospect Billy Hamilton to fill the void at the leadoff spot:
“I don’t think that we would do that. He just moved to Double-A at Pensacola and we’re going to wait and see how he develops there, how well he gets on base. The game gets a little faster as you go higher, so we’ll see. But right now, I would not anticipate that happening.”
Jocketty on how the second Wild Card spot affects the trade deadline:
“It’s just incredible the number of teams that are still very close…I think it would be tough for a lot of those teams to start selling at this point. I think it will be a little more difficult and some clubs may just make the decision that they want to move forward and may not feel they can close the gap. I think it will be a little more difficult, but I still believe you’ll see some deals done close to the deadline.”
Jocketty on the team’s World Series chances:
“I think our goal is to get deeper is to get deeper into the playoffs than we were the last time in 2010. Certainly, going to the World Series would be a home run for us. Getting to the playoffs is the number one key. As you’ve seen, I’ve been with a number of clubs in the past that once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen and a team that’s hot at the end can take off and win the whole thing. Hopefully, we’re in that position.”
Check out the video. It’s somewhat interesting to hear Jocketty talk about the trade market, but not a ton of new information here.
I know the 2nd wildcard slot and the wildcard play in game has added nother dimension to the trade considerations, I still believe the bigger issue and impact is the loss the compensaton pick for the aquiring club on the end-of-year rentals so prevalent in the past.
I like the job Walt has done, but spare me the cryptic, cloak-and-dagger talk. If you don’t feel like disclosing your mindset in regards to roster moves or personnel, don’t do interviews. It insults my intelligence.
Also, I’d rather not hear that you meet with Dusty to discuss roster moves. It makes me question your competance.
Walt always keeps pretty tightlipped. If he pulls something off now, I believe it’s not going to involve much if any of the minor leaguers this year. If any trade, the key piece(s) I believe are going to be 1-2 relievers and possibly a regular position player. I don’t expect anyone would want our bench guys.
That may be why there is talk of Casey coming in. He would be a left handed bat off the bench. And, if he can play the field in an emergency, all the better. And, we’d only have to let go a bench player. As well as, I think Casey can add some life to the team.
I liked and respected Xavier Paul in Pittsburgh. We’ll see what he can do for us. He may end up being a key to a trade. If he can work out, I definitely believe someone in the outfield is going.
Steve, you really don’t believe this WLW hooey that Casey’s coming out of retirement, do you? Never going to happen, brother…that was something that WLW floated and people believed it.
@Sultan of Swaff: Walt has to do interviews, it’s part of his job. And while he says words without really saying anything, what’s he supposed to say: who the Reds are targeting, how desperate they are to make a deal ?
Waye Krivsky was more tight-lipped and that just turned people off.
@steveschoen: What!? Casey, as in Sean Casey!? Seriously!? What talk and where, surely not some more ESPN garbage. When Sean Casey hung up his cleats (2008), he went out as every successful MLB player should, on top and on his own terms. He played only 69 games his final year, but he played successfully, hitting .302/.367/.447. That was four years ago. He is four years older (now 38) and hasn’t played in four years. I think he may have a fire in his belly, but those coals would need some serious stoking. Wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest too since he was inducted into the Reds’ HOF this year? If anyone could come back and play at this point, it might be Casey, but…
I do think it was something Willie dreamed up this afternoon. They were talking afterwards, I think Tracy, that he last played in 2010, and he hit 312 then; I haven’t checked on it. But, I will say, even with his being out so long, if true (probably not), I can’t help thinking I would take his left handed bat over what we’ve had off the bench.
@Sultan of Swaff: Ah, dear Sultan, I have asked Uncle Walt to run his thinking past me before considering any moves within the organization or external to the organization, or at least let me know what he is thinking, but he has yet to discuss a single idea with me. I so agree with your thought regarding Uncle Walt’s discussions with Mr. Baker.
There’s the transaction, Xavier Paul is now on the 25 man roster with Redmond to Louisville. Now that was more like a sip of coffee rather than a cup of coffee for Redmond.
I was expecting this. He was only here for Cueto’s blister.