Reds Sign Jerry Hairston Jr.

Yay, that still leaves Baldelli for the Sox.

Why can't Keppinger start at short? Is he playing 3rd with Encarnacion sitting out?

Now the reds just need to trade for Juan Pierre and then call it an offseason.

Even with the small 1 yr/2M deal for Hairston, I don't know how this makes the Reds a better team. He is not a good defensive shortstop, can't stay healthy, and has never put together a decent full season in his career.

Keppinger will get more time at SS than expected b/c Hairston is not a reliable option.

Unless they make more of a splash for their LF, the Reds appear to be playing for 2010 b/c they can't compete with the roster they have compiled.

I couldn't agree with Melonis more. If Hairston is used in a true utility role this is not a bad signing.

But, he will be hitting behind Taveras in the 2 hole as the everyday SS and will be run down by Mid May.

I hope I am wrong and they use him in a "Freelish" way, but I am not very optimistic

Seems like a good signing to me. If Hairston hits like he did last season that can move Taveras back to the 7th or 8th hole where he is better suited. I'm not sure AGon won't be available next season but if so Hairston/Keppinger/Valaika(by seasons end) can hold down the fort.

The Reds already have capable utility types on the roster in Richar and Castillo, JHJ track record in the last five years is very poor so I would have let another team take the chance that 08 wasn't a fluke.

Unnecessary signing that becomes bad if he's a starter at any position.

Thank God,Allah and Abba. I was afraid I'd have to see Keppinger out there at short for another year. I honestly think Hairston will stay healthier playing at short then when he was out in centerfield. The only question mark is wether he'll produce on offense. I doubt he'll have any trouble matching or being a better shortstop than Keppinger.

Also happy because this means they aren't just writing off Dickerson for left field.

Big Boston writers meeting tomorrow night, Rocco, Getting Tony C, award. Theo and ownership will be there.
Make announcement tomorrow night that they signed Rocco.
Prediction Only.

Comparing Hairston to Keppinger is like comparing American Cheese to Velveeta. They are the same player.

They are utility players, mediocre in the field, and hit about .260 every year.

Anyone stuck on the 1/5th of a season Keppinger had in '07 is living in a fantasy world. He's not that good of a player. He's not gonna hit .325...ever.

Hairston will be used in a utility role with Keppinger. They're not gonna throw him in the outfield. They're gonna get a right handed bat with some pop before spring training. In fact, I would expect it within the next month.

Some of you people with you're complaining...if you had ANY idea what you're even talking about. Pieces of work you are.

"It's an incentive laden deal that could be worth up to $4 million."

Does that make him Happy Hairston* now?

* Only OLD basketball fans will get this reference

Theres a very good chancce Harriston starts 5 days a week, 3-4 at SS.

Kepp and Valkia will prolly be given a shot

I like the signing. One more major piece to the puzzle left to fill.
On a side note, I encourage as many Reds fans as possible to get down to Sarasota, FL. this year and check out Reds spring ball one last time in sunny Florida.

Here are my thoughts on this deal

Hairston becomes the new freel. but is not quite as reckless as Freel was. Gonzolez is going to be playing SS most likely unless he is not ready. then Kepp and Hairston will split time at SS. I Not really sure where the Reds are going to find this big stick they need and the fact that they are being dumb about it having to be a right hander annoys me. Yeah we'll have three pretty good lefties in a row its not like in the first 6 innings of the game the manager is going to pull the pitcher just for a matchup.