FEBRUARY 9: Cincinnati has announced the signing of Jennings. He would earn $1.5MM in the majors, per Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer (via Twitter), with another $1MM available through incentives based upon how many games he appears in, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon (Twitter link).
FEBRUARY 2: The Reds are nearing a deal with veteran outfielder Desmond Jennings, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (via Twitter). It’ll be a minor league pact, tweets Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Jennings, 30, has been limited by leg injuries for the past two seasons. If he can stay healthy through camp, though, he ought to battle with players such as Arismendy Alcantara and Patrick Kivlehan for a bench role.
The right-handed-hitting veteran could make for a useful reserve or platoon piece to pair with center fielder Billy Hamilton (a switch-hitter) and odds-on right field favorite Scott Schebler (who hits from the left side). Though he was overtaken in center in Tampa Bay, Jennings has plenty of experience there. And metrics have graded him as an excellent defender in the corners.
Perhaps the biggest question with Jennings is whether he can restore his lost luster at the plate. Once a steadily average-or-better offensive producer with a nice blend of pop and speed, Jennings has failed to post an OPS over .700 in any of the past three campaigns.
Absolutely! Lightning in a bottle if this dude could stay on the field!
Not really. He’s terrible.
It’s not lightning in a bottle but it’s certainly a low risk move for a guy that could be useful off the bench or needed in the event that one of Duvall, Schebler, or Hamilton gets injured or doesn’t perform.
Exactly.
Absolutely! Lightning in a bottle if this dude can stay on the field!
As a Reds fan, I like this signing. Low risk imo and good insurance to have.
Nearing a deal isn’t a deal.
When something leaks out of the Reds front office it’s usually pretty darn close to being done, if not finalized.
I agree. he would be a great bench piece for the reds if he is healthy. So don’t want to get my hopes up if it doesn’t happen. But there was something on there page so……hopes are up!!
I’ll check with you first next time, progers2622. My go to source.
If it’s a minor league deal, cool.
I bet he turns it around and is traded to a contender in August. No pressure in Cincy to perform so good move for him.
Haha, maybe THIS is the year he lives up to the hype! Oh well, fine as 4th OF. Or 5th. And it’s the Reds, after all.
I wonder … Could this dude be lightning in a bottle if he can stay on the field?
I love this signing. I think he can really help out the reds young staff. And maybe when he’s done he could get a job with the reds staff and stick around for a while.
If he can stay on the field, I bet he would get rave reviews
NIce depth, see what he can do. Its going to be nice to see what Scott Schebler can do in full season.
More WAR for the Rays then Crawford performed after leaving.
Worth every penny for the Rays
Another solid minor league signing, if and once it becomes official. He would be a solid backup outfielder and would allow Jesse Winker to have more time at AAA
Exactly.
Guys if he can stay healthy mark my words “lightning in a bottle”
This is a tremendous depth move. I think it’s comparable to the Xavier Nady move earlier this decade. I’ve always liked this guy, and without using the same old same old same old cliche’ that he’s tagged with, ummmmm….okay, THAT’S unavoidable….IF he stays healthy, he’s a great addition. Nevertheless, it’s a shame we won’t contend, regardless of what moves are made. Patience.
That’s the spirit.