The Reds won their division for the first time since 1995 this season, and did so thanks to an offense that led the NL in runs (790), batting average (.272), slugging percentage (.436), and OPS (.774). They did all that despite a collection of leadoff hitters that reached base just 30.6% of the time, third worst in baseball. Unsurprisingly, GM Walt Jocketty told MLB.com's Marl Sheldon that finding someone to bat atop the lineup is one of their offseason priorities.
"We've been talking to clubs and looking for a potential leadoff hitter, and maybe someone to improve our bench," said Jocketty. "There's not a great deal to do, but we're talking a lot. Generally, we talk to clubs before we come down and follow up here with discussions. We, hopefully, finish what we start [here] at the Winter Meetings. I don't know if we'll find a [leadoff hitter] or not."
Brandon Phillips settled in as the team's leadoff hitter in late June but didn't improve the situation; he hit just .247/.302/.387 from that point on. Ideally the team would employ his power lower in the lineup anyway. Orlando Cabrera also spent time hitting leadoff, but he produced just a .225/.268/.297 batting line from the top spot. Last week, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes predicted the Reds would fill their leadoff need by signing free agent Scott Podsednik.
The team just re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a one-year, $3MM contract, a deal that is looking good in the wake of John Buck's near-agreement with Florida. Earlier tonight we learned that Jocketty will get in touch will Miguel Cairo, who hit .290/.353/.410 in a reserve role last season. That won't solve Cincinnati's need for a table-setter, but should help shore up the bench.
would be interesting if the Reds and Cardinals got in a bidding war with Jose Reyes/Stephen Drew.
If that happens, put me down for asking for Reyes on the Cardinals. Although his SB’s would decrease with Pujols hitting behind him…
They wouldn’t decrease too much, if at all, there would be at least one hitter between him and Pujols and if he doesn’t go on the first batter after he reaches I’ve noticed he tends not to try to steal at all anyway, so I think Pujols would be a non-factor.
With what money? After resigning Westbrook today, the Cardinals have only about $10M max available this offseason while still also needing a left-handed reliever, a backup catcher, and maybe a bench upgrade. That leaves only about $7M max, probably less, for an offensive upgrade.
What Leadoff hitters are available? MAYBE Johnny Damon or Nishioka if he works out at SS? Neither seem like good fits.
Theo will probably listen to offers for Ellsbury. However, the Reds and Red Sox don’t really match up as trade partners.
The Reds have a good number of 1B/3B prospects with Frazier, Alonso, and Francisco. I’d think it would depend if they can re-sign Beltre or not.
Red Sox have Rizzo as there first basemen of the future and Lars Anderson as another possibility so they’re set there. A third base prospect would be nice, but I think if the Sox were to trade Ellsbury they’d want a player who can help immediately.
What do you need immediate help with? We have bullpen depth to fill the “immediate” category and could add a couple nice prospects to make it happen.
It better be a damn good bullpen arm(s) if that’s what the sox are getting in return.
What do you need immediate help with? We have bullpen depth to fill the “immediate” category and could add a couple nice prospects to make it happen.
“Mark Sheldon.” “Marl” sounds like a pet name for 1890’s southern lady.
Lets see, Reds would need their leadoff hitter to be either SS or LF. Not alot of good options. Maybe Bartlett, but I’m not sure he’s a leadoff hitter. God I hope they don’t delude themselves into picking up Podsednik. I’m just not real sure there is a fit out there on the market. Maybe Nyjer Morgan (again, not that great of an option). Could they get Denard Span from Minn? Furcal? Really bad market.
I doubt it would take much to get some Fred Lewis in their lives.
Want Jose Reyes for Mike Leake?
i’m sure you as a mets fan would like that lol…
I wouldnt do that if I was the Mets.
I wouldnt do that if I was the Mets.
Votto and Leake for Mejia Davis and Reyes
I wouldn’t do that if I was the Reds.
Great American Ballpark would be burned to the ground if Votto was traded for Davis and Reyes
Agreed thats too much on the Reds part.
Hey look it’s another delusional Mets fan!One of the best if not the best first baseman in the NL and a promising young pitcher for a roided up, overrated shortstop and a BUST pitching prospect. Sure MetsEventually that makes totally sense…in what I like to call Mets fans alternate reality.You guys are hilarious!What’s next Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez for Albert Pujols and Adam Wainwright? HAHAHA!
Votto and Leake for Mejia Davis and Reyes
Maybe Dusty can find a way to add Orlando Cabrera’s and Neifi Perez’s OBPs together. They could stand at the plate at the same time and take hacks at the same pitch.
Mets can have Homer Bailey. I’m not trading away Leake for that.
Mets can have Homer Bailey. I’m not trading away Leake for that.
Chone Figgins is available.
Chone Figgins is available.
ssshhhh don’t tell Ned Colletti that Podsednik is a free agent!!
Carl Crawford, Drew Stubbs, and Jay Bruce would make a pretty nice OF. Though there’s no way they can afford him when they need to still work on extensions for Bruce and Votto.
Ellsbury is a real cool idea for Cinci.
Jacoby
Phillips
Votto
Bruce
Rolen
Stubbs
Hanigan/Hernandez
Janish
P
Niiiiiiiccce
I can live with that lineup although I think Dusty will stick with Rolen between the two lefties