Reds GM Walt Jocketty says he’s hopeful to have resolved things with Francisco Cordero "one way or another" this week and that the free agent closer is up against a "soft deadline," according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. If Cordero doesn’t re-sign with Cincinnati, the Reds could turn to Kerry Wood, depending on his asking price. The club would probably not sign both Cordero and Wood, according to Jocketty.
The Cubs maintain interest in re-signing Wood, who pitched for $1.5MM last year. They’ve offered the 34-year-old a substantial raise, GM Jed Hoyer said today. Wood posted a 3.35 ERA with 10.1 K/9, 3.7 BB/9 and a 35.8% ground ball rate in 51 innings for the Cubs in 2011 and has also drawn interest from the Phillies.
The Reds have maintained interest in re-signing Cordero throughout the offseason. The 36-year-old posted a 2.45 ERA with 5.4 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 50% ground ball rate in 69 2/3 innings for Cincinnati this past season and has drawn interest from other clubs, including the Angels.
I say Angels sign Wood and Reds bring back Cordeo. Rays still can’t afford Madson though. I mean they could, but since Boras is the agent, he will pretend a “mystery team” is offering more years and money.
Wouldn’t Wood serve the same role and LaTroy Hawkins, seems like they need a true closer instead of relying on Walden. Wood has been really good the last few years, escpecially in the 2010 playoffs for the Yankees. Where is Madson going?
Wood has been a great SU man, he was awful when he was tried at closer. And yes, Walden blew some saves but, especially for a rookie year, I would leave him right where he is and not mess with his head. Wood gives the Angels another back end reliever while keeping Walden for the 9th.
Please Walt, stay away from Cordero.. Yes he can get the job done, but the price will be too high for his declining ability, plus the Reds need the supplemental draft pick to replenish our farm system after the Latos/Marshall deals.. Sign Wood, and call it a day. Madson would be option 1, but very unlikely..
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Bob open the wallet for Masden on a 1 year deal, let Coco go and Wood isn’t the closer the Reds seek.
sign Oswalt and the Reds will be truely all in.
Thats what I was thinking but then the reds would have 7 starters
the heck is a soft deadline?
is that kinda like being between a rock and a somewhat plush place?
I’d rather imagine…Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray, Nick Massett, Aroldis Chapman, Sean Marshall, Ryan Madson…with Larkin the sole inductee to the HOF, might be a pretty darn good year to be a Redleg!