The Reds have struck a minor-league deal with righty Kevin Quackenbush, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (via Twitter). He will receive an invitation to major-league Spring Training, per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link).
Quackenbush had been with the Padres organization ever since he was selected in the eighth round of the 2011 draft. The reliever posted compelling peripherals in his first two seasons in the majors, but has trended in the wrong direction more recently. If he can get back on track, he ought to have a shot at earning a job in a Reds bullpen that has quite a few potential vacancies.
In 2017, Quackenbush struggled with free passes for the first time as a big leaguer, allowing 5.5 per nine (against 7.9 K/9) while stumbling to a 7.86 ERA over his 26 1/3 innings. Things were somewhat better at Triple-A, where he ran a 3.90 ERA in 27 2/3 frames, but he still didn’t produce like the pitcher who previously routinely carried double-digit K/9 rates in the minors.
I love the compelling moves of our team. This one ranks right up there with….oh crap, I don’t remember the name.
It’s minor league deal man no real risk in it. At worst you cut bait at best you have a quality reliever for nothing. Believe me as a Giants fan any bullpen help is good.
Most of the free agent signings around baseball aren’t going to be particularly compelling. Lots of minor league free agents, like Quackenbush, get signed.
If you want a comparison, this deal reminds me of Louis Coleman, who the Reds signed last year, to a minor league deal as a change of scenery candidate. Coleman ended up pitching well for AAA Louisville but couldn’t crack the roster and requested his release or opted out or whatever. Similarly there’s no guarantee Quackenbush will crack the Reds roster, even if he pitches well.
I think Quackenbush was a good no-risk gamble. He’s coming off an ugly year, is still young, and is a change of scenery candidate. He has 3 years of team control remaining, if he does well. No reason not to give him a shot.
Can’t just simply see the humor, huh?
I liked your humor. But, I think Death wins the humor category. See his or her comment below.
The offseason hasn’t truly started until someone writes a “What a pointless MiLB signing” post.
Quack
What season of Ducktales was he in?
For the win
Every team has had success in finding a diamond in the rough through this type of game. As bad as the Reds bullpen was last year, this is a no lose move.
Agreed….its strictly a depth piece….and if lightning gets caught in the bottle. (as unlikely as that is), it will be hailed as some kind of a genius move. ::shrug::
I feel like he was unappreciated in San diego, with the exception of last year, he really sucked. nice beard though
I watched him blow quite a few games in 2016 as well. I’m happy to finally not have to worry about him being on the Padres.
Quack was great in ’14 but if u look at his peripherals, he declined year by year. It seems as though teams figured him out. Nevertheless, he brings upside.
Glad to see the Reds are feathering their nest in the bullpen. They can’t duck that responsibility. I’ll be checking the Web to see if this deal floats.
At least the bill isn’t too big….
Worst case scenario the reds will let him waddle off if his performance is too fowl
Had high hopes for Quack but they never materialized.
He’s a perfect “change of scenery” candidate.
I think Kevin Shackelford has a better chance of contributing to the 2018 Reds than Quackenbush does. Shackelford is improving and finished strong in 2017.
Shack >Quack
Two things on Quack…first is how Preller abused him and changed his usage…second is how he was used and his results the last about 15 games last year in El Paso Seems when consistently used at Back end of pen he is quality.
This gets my enthusiasm up for 2018 !!!!