Post by Fuck Mike Brown on Nov 22, 2007 11:18:07 GMT -5
A very interesting piece of information in Jason Stark's column on ESPN.com from yesterday.
• The Reds are so convinced that minor league player of the year Jay Bruce could be ready for the big leagues by June, they're actively marketing outfielders to clear space. Don't figure on Junior Griffey or Adam Dunn changing zip codes. But the Reds are aggressively dropping Ryan Freel's name. And maybe most surprisingly, they've told other teams Josh Hamilton is also available in the right deal. "It really makes you wonder about his health," said an official of one team that spoke with them, "and whether all that time he missed took more of a toll than we thought."
sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3121887
It doesn't come as that much of a surprise that Ryan Freel is being shopped. He gives a lot of effort, maybe the most of anyone on the team, but he just isn't good enough at the plate. I was a firm believer that Freel could only be used as a utility man, getting at the most three to four starts a week. The problem with that was that he hit so well, making managers want to give him a bigger role. But when they did give him at least five starts a week, he struggled. Last season, Freel did poorly in every role given to him, whether it was as an utility man, a starter, who a benchwarmer. He really looks like he could use a change of scenery. With the Reds surplus of outfielders, I think it's time to move on, and get whatever you can for him, whether it's a middle reliever or a couple of B class prospects. On the other hand, Freel is very good at base running and in the field. If the Reds have starters that don't get injured and start nearly every game, than Freel could play a valuable role as a late pinch-runner or substitute fielder. I'm not sure that the Reds would be able to have such a player that does so little on their 2008 team.
As for Hamilton, it also comes as no shock to me that the Reds are telling teams that they will listen to offers for him. Hamilton is still a major injury risk; consequently, it is unsure if he'll be able to hold down a starting spot in the outfield in the upcoming season. But as a twenty-six year old, Hamilton still has a bright future with an awesome swing and one of the best arms in the game. The fact that he held down a twenty-five man roster spot for an entire season after not playing above single A ball ever makes him a very special player. This past year showcased his pure natural ability. I really do think that he could turn into a superstar in a couple of years. Therefore, the only way I trade Hamilton is if it brings an elite starting pitcher or elite closer to Cincinnati. This cannot get done with Hamilton alone, but with a package with Hamilton included. They shouldn't just trade him for a mid-tier pitcher, because he simply has great talent, and is still fairly young. I expect to see great things from him soon. I really hope that the Reds see his injuries from last year in his first full year of baseball in about five years as a reason to trade him. It might haunt them forever.
- Happy Thanksgiving everyone! If you are traveling today, please have a safe trip. Thanksgiving incorporates the two best things known to man: eating and football. Combine that will family and you have one great day. Have fun and stay safe everyone!
cincinnatiredsbaseball.blogspot.com/2007/11/rumors.html
• The Reds are so convinced that minor league player of the year Jay Bruce could be ready for the big leagues by June, they're actively marketing outfielders to clear space. Don't figure on Junior Griffey or Adam Dunn changing zip codes. But the Reds are aggressively dropping Ryan Freel's name. And maybe most surprisingly, they've told other teams Josh Hamilton is also available in the right deal. "It really makes you wonder about his health," said an official of one team that spoke with them, "and whether all that time he missed took more of a toll than we thought."
sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3121887
It doesn't come as that much of a surprise that Ryan Freel is being shopped. He gives a lot of effort, maybe the most of anyone on the team, but he just isn't good enough at the plate. I was a firm believer that Freel could only be used as a utility man, getting at the most three to four starts a week. The problem with that was that he hit so well, making managers want to give him a bigger role. But when they did give him at least five starts a week, he struggled. Last season, Freel did poorly in every role given to him, whether it was as an utility man, a starter, who a benchwarmer. He really looks like he could use a change of scenery. With the Reds surplus of outfielders, I think it's time to move on, and get whatever you can for him, whether it's a middle reliever or a couple of B class prospects. On the other hand, Freel is very good at base running and in the field. If the Reds have starters that don't get injured and start nearly every game, than Freel could play a valuable role as a late pinch-runner or substitute fielder. I'm not sure that the Reds would be able to have such a player that does so little on their 2008 team.
As for Hamilton, it also comes as no shock to me that the Reds are telling teams that they will listen to offers for him. Hamilton is still a major injury risk; consequently, it is unsure if he'll be able to hold down a starting spot in the outfield in the upcoming season. But as a twenty-six year old, Hamilton still has a bright future with an awesome swing and one of the best arms in the game. The fact that he held down a twenty-five man roster spot for an entire season after not playing above single A ball ever makes him a very special player. This past year showcased his pure natural ability. I really do think that he could turn into a superstar in a couple of years. Therefore, the only way I trade Hamilton is if it brings an elite starting pitcher or elite closer to Cincinnati. This cannot get done with Hamilton alone, but with a package with Hamilton included. They shouldn't just trade him for a mid-tier pitcher, because he simply has great talent, and is still fairly young. I expect to see great things from him soon. I really hope that the Reds see his injuries from last year in his first full year of baseball in about five years as a reason to trade him. It might haunt them forever.
- Happy Thanksgiving everyone! If you are traveling today, please have a safe trip. Thanksgiving incorporates the two best things known to man: eating and football. Combine that will family and you have one great day. Have fun and stay safe everyone!
cincinnatiredsbaseball.blogspot.com/2007/11/rumors.html
