Francisco Cordero

The only thing between Francisco Cordero and a massive four-year, $46MM deal with the Reds is a physical.  John Fay notes that the Reds are taking payroll up past $80MM, $5MM more than he’d previously speculated.  Might the Reds take it even higher to add a Carlos Silva type?  They could always backload a contract, too.

The Brewers have to be annoyed that their two Type A free agent relievers signed with protected 2008 first-round picks.  What’s worse, Cordero improves one of their direct competitors.

We can talk about Cordero being overpaid, about how he’ll earn $165K per inning.  But at least the Reds acknowledged that David Weathers isn’t the shut-down arm you want in the ninth inning.

The Cordero signing helps, but the team’s biggest need remains unaddressed.  Reds’ starters posted a 5.10 ERA in 2007, worst in the NL.  I like Arroyo and Harang at the top, and don’t mind Belisle/Bailey/Cueto at the back.  Add a solid starter and it’s fair to call the Reds a contender.  A.J. Burnett could make sense, as a top groundball pitcher who’s considered available.  And why can’t the Reds mix it up for the big names like Santana, Bedard, Blanton, and Haren? 

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Reds have come to an agreement with Francisco Cordero. The terms: four years and $46 million, with a $11 million club option for 2012. It’s still pending a physical. Rosenthal points out that this is the largest four-year deal ever given to a closer.

The Brewers had offered four years at $42 million. There was no mention of whether Cordero gave them a chance to match the Reds offer.

I’m not sure this brings the Reds much closer to contending. Yes, it’s nice to have some security in the ninth inning, but you need guys who can get you there with a lead. The Reds would figure to need another quality starter. But in the weak NL Central, who knows?

Joe Pawlikowski is co-author of River Ave. Blues.

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Reds have approached closer Francisco Cordero, and that the two sides are working towards a deal. This would figure to top the Brewers current offer of four years, $42 million. This would be a major step for a team that finished 18 games below .500 in baseball’s worst division in 2007.

According to Rosenthal, the Reds have emerged as front runners. Competing are the Brewers and a mystery team, possibly the Yankees, who expressed interest in Cordero if Mariano Rivera bolted town. The closer has since returned, though, likely eliminating the Yankees from consideration. The Astros are also believed to be interested in Cordero, though the same can be said for about 80 percent of the free agent market.

This would move David Weathers back to a setup role, where he would fit in well. The Reds bullpen would still be weak, but at least they’d improve on their league-worst 54.8 percent save conversion rate.

It appears that the Reds front office believes the team can contend in the next two years. Why else give big money (and forfeit a second round pick) for a big-name closer? The Reds have considerable young talent in Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Edwin Encarnacion, in addition to Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn.

Combined with Scott Hatteberg, who had an effective year in limited duty, the Reds might actually have a logjam of sorts in the outfield and first base. Could they possibly move some of the excess for some pitching help? Adding another bullpen arm or a starter to go along with Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and Homer Bailey could be the keys to the Reds contention.

Joe Pawlikowski is co-author of River Ave. Blues.