OMGreds.com

In case you missed it ...

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:25:00 +0000

CBS' Scott Miller wrote a piece about what a wonderful fit Adam Dunn is in Arizona.

It IS only 14 games. But so far he's walking more than he strikes out (which he never came close to doing as a Red) and his OBP is .484 (his best as a Red was .400 in 2002).

One other sort of interesting stat: He's already been walked intentionally three times in Arizona. In 114 games with the Reds before the trade, he only had six intentional walks.

Like I said, small sample size. Who knows if it means anything. I'd guess he'll show his ass there eventually.

Report: Red Sox sign Ross

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:25:00 +0000

FoxSports.Com is reporting that the Red Sox signed David Ross to a minor-league deal.

From the report:

Ross, 31, drew interest from the Red Sox and Phillies after getting released by the Reds. He will report to Class AAA and eventually become the Sox's third catcher behind Jason Varitek and Kevin Cash.

The Sox would need to promote Ross by Aug. 31 to make him eligible for their post-season roster. Ross also could be added for the playoffs if Varitek or Cash were injured.

Former Redz in the newz

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:37:00 +0000

Former Reds pitcher and current Cardinal Kyle Lohse got smacked with a five-game suspension after throwing at Johnny Cuteo last week. The suspension is being appealed, of course.

Also, Junior hit #609 today to tie Sammy Sosa for fifth on the all-time home run list. The crack staff here at OMGreds.com can't wait until Junior passes the former Chicago Chub. It will be a glorious day.

The rebuild

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Got this in an email from the Reds today: An open letter to fans of the Cincinnati Reds from Bob and Walt...

Dear Fans,

Thank you for your loyalty and support of the Cincinnati Reds. You are extremely vital to the success of the Reds, and it is important we share with you the thinking behind our recent personnel decisions.

Since taking ownership of this franchise, we have aggressively tried to improve our Major League roster for the purpose of restoring championship baseball to Cincinnati. We have sought and signed proven players. We have extended the contracts of select current players. We added Dusty Baker, a proven winning manager. And, we have capitalized on our burgeoning younger players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto.

We had high expectations for the 2008 season. Unfortunately the team has not played up to our expectations and we have sustained injuries to key players within our starting lineup and rotation.

We opted to trade Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn at this time because we believe it provided the best outcome for the long-term success of the organization. By executing these inevitable changes now, we secured more players as part of our focus towards building a deeper, stronger inventory of young talent.

We are pleased that the trades allow Griffey and Dunn the opportunity to play for teams in tight division races. Both Ken and Adam made significant contributions to the Reds and we are extremely proud and grateful they wore the Reds uniform.

While the run production generated by these two veterans will not be quickly replaced, we chose to endure the short-term ramifications for the sake of building a strong, competitive team for 2009 and many seasons to come.

The vast majority of our 50 draft picks were signed, culminating last week with first-rounder Yonder Alonso and a pair of talented pitchers. Our expanded scouting operations also signed Juan Duran from the Dominican Republic and Yorman Rodriguez from Venezuela, who are arguably the best amateur free agent position players from their respective countries.

As we near September, we will continue to provide valuable playing time to our young players and new acquisitions who we feel can become significant contributors at the Major League level. We ask your continued trust and patience as we build the roster that will get us back on top. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.

Sincerely,

Bob Castellini
President & CEO

Walt Jocketty
President of Baseball Operations & GM

Big blow to playoff hopes

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:31:00 +0000

(AP) - Cincinnati Reds right-hander Matt Belisle is done for the season after having surgery on his right knee.

Belisle had a torn ligament repaired on Tuesday, his second major injury of the season. Belisle competed for the final spot in the rotation during spring training, but developed a sore forearm that sidelined him until mid-April.

Belisle made six starts for the Reds and went 1-4 with a 7.28 earned run average. The Reds sent him to Triple-A Louisville in May to turn him back into a reliever, a role he had earlier in his career. He never made it back to the big leagues.

Scary

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:16:00 +0000

Mr. Cueto, your autograph is downright scary. That's like some serial killer shit right there. OMG still loves ya though.

Reds Rally Game: Near EPIC WIN!!1!

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:27:00 +0000

Finally, I won the damn Reds Rally game today. Everyone else in the ballpark did too. It must have been all that faith from Faith Day going around. So, no big prize for me, though. The 25 items they give away for the game were long gone by time BP hit the three-run jack to help me complete a row. So, I'm prizeless, but I feel good about winning. I really do.

It was a good day at the ballpark. Not only did I win the Rally Game, I also got my photo with Rosie and the Reds routed the Pouljos Nine. I had not been to a game in three weeks, and a lot has happened since then. Most notably: lots of losing. Seeing a big win was a treat. Oh - I also saw that big EE is getting some dental work. Lookin' good!

In the past, we've mentioned the baseball card deal they have at GABP - buy four packs of baseball cards and get two free Reds tickets. If you buy four now, there are actually three games you can choose from: September 2-4. That's a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday is a Business Man's special, of course. So, just a heads up on that deal. When I did the deal a few weeks ago we got decent seats in the View Level.

Reds sign Alonso

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:00:00 +0000

For once, some good news... The Reds ended up singing first round pick Yonder Alonso right before the deadline.

First baseman Yonder Alonso from Miami, the seventh overall pick in the amateur draft, agreed to a $4.55 million, five-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds shortly before baseball's midnight deadline on Friday.

Click here or here for more.

I'm not a fairweather Reds fan

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:39:00 +0000

But they've been testing me lately. I know I'm not alone.

The past two weeks have been miserable. Junior gone. Dunn gone. A ton of losses. 3 players suspended for using steroids. Former manager Dave Miley's son dies in a car crash. It's been a rough few weeks for the Reds and their fans. Hell, even now the folks in Sarasota are talking about putting up big bucks for the Reds Sox to move their spring training home there after snubbing the Reds for years. Amazing.

But, I'm sticking with them. I always have, I always will. I'll probably watch the Olympics instead of the Reds this week, but I'll be back. I'll probably still get to a few games before the end of the season too. Redsfest will be here before we know it and hope will once again abound. Lets hope these young guys take control of the team and get things going. Next year could be a lot of fun. Either way, I'll still be there, still a Reds fan.

Dunn to the Dbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:44:00 +0000

According to ESPN, KTAR in Phoenix is reporting that Dunn has been traded to the Diamondbacks for three prospects, one of which is minor league pitcher Dallas Buck.

From ESPN:

In exchange for Dunn, Cincinnati will receive minor league pitcher Dallas Burk and two other players to be named later.

Buck was drafted by Arizona in the third round of the 2005 draft. Once a top-notch prospect, Buck's draft status fell after had an elbow injury revealed on the eve of the '05 draft that bumped him out of a likely first-round slot. He had Tommy John surgery last summer and had begun pitching in Single-A this summer.

Mr. Redlegs has some competition...

noreply@blogger.com (Ronson) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:12:00 +0000

The new Rosie Red mascot was revealed to the Reds faithful during last night's thrashing by Oswalt and the Houston Astros. Hot! I feel...confused. Is that wrong? Looks like the fans in the stands that night had a similar reaction (check the dude in the yellow shirt...)

Out of uniform

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:21:00 +0000

How did Griffey in a White Sox uniform not make this list?

Top 25 Athletes In Bewildering Uniforms

In the comments of this story: Pete Rose in an Expos uniform. Couldn't agree more.

Yonder to add insult?

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for the Reds, a Miami Herald story says Yonder Alonso has signed up for fall classes at University of Miami and there's a 50-50 chance he'll go back to school. He may also be considering playing in the Independent League instead of signing with the Reds.

Not good. This happened to the Reds in 2001 when they drafted Jeremy Sowers (20th overall) out of high school and he went to Vanderbilt instead.

Only problem is the Reds used the 7th pick on Alonso! Does Alonso really think he'd move up into one of the top six spots after a great senior year? One of Alonso's advisors says the Reds and Alonso are way off on figures. Before you blame the Reds or call them cheap, rumor has it Alonso is asking for a $7 million bonus, which is absurd. Last year's seventh overall pick, Matt LaPorta (the key player the Tribe got in the Sabathia deal), got a signing bonus of about $2 million. The top pick in last year's draft, David Price, didn't even get the amount Alonso is reportedly requesting.

Don't know much about Alonso's agent, Greg Genske, other than his LS Legacy Sports Group used to be Jeff Moorad's agency and among Genske's many clients is Reds outfielder Adam Dunn.

The only silver lining if the Reds don't sign Alonso is (and it wasn't this way when Sowers stiffed them) now there's a rule in place where the Reds would get the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft if Alonso doesn't sign with them. Whichever team is slated for the No. 7 pick would just move down one spot in that draft to make room for the Reds.

The deadline for major-league teams to sign draft picks is Aug. 15 (one week from today).

worst seats in the house

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:11:00 +0000

I found this link on Extra Mustard today ... it's a good one. Rankings and some good photos of obstructed-view seats at ballparks. Dan and I sat dangerously close to one of these seats at Wrigley back in April ... made me think of that.

Griffey columns

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Pretty good column by Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan about Junior's rebirth with the White Sox.

And here's another by the Trib's Mark Gonzales.

It's okay, you were distracted

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:14:00 +0000

I know, I was too. It's Mega-Junior-Mania today. It's okay.

But you did miss this - the Reds gave us a peek of the new Bronson Arroyo-designed t-shirt to be given away at the game on Saturday, August 9th. The Redlegs take on the Astronomicals that evening.

As you can see by the photo on the left, the tee is Arroyo-tastic. You'll be singing "Together Agaaaaaain!!!!" every time you put it on, I swear.

Here's what the Big Red Promotional Machine has to say about this fine piece of attire:

Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo's musical talents are well known, but now the right-hander has put his art skills to work on a giveaway for the fans! On Saturday, Aug. 9, the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Reds T-shirt designed by Arroyo, thanks to CBS Personnel. The shirt features a stylish print with Arroyo's No. 61, a white wishbone C and a nod to Bronson's music career with a guitar.

Fan. Tastic.

I think we've had enough fashion this year from the Reds between the Junior Camo jersey, 80's Dunn and the Cowboy's beret.

In better news, you can cleanse your pallet after the Dunn bobble with the Tom Browning "Mr. Perfect" Bobblehead! Here's a look at that one too. Looks nice. Chiquita is a new sponsor of the bobbleheads... looks kinda funny to see their logo on one of these. You can pick one of the 30,000 up on Tuesday, September 16 - the 20th anniversary of Browning's perfect game. Very nice.

Dunn deal?

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Ken Rosenthal: Teams should still consider trading for Dunn

The Rays might want Dunn - they contacted the Reds about him on Wednesday - but their preference is for a right-handed hitter such as the Pirates' Jason Bay.

The Diamondbacks also made a run at Dunn, according to SI.com, but the interest from other clubs appears minimal, putting the Reds in a potentially tenuous position.

SI.com's Jon Heyman: Updates as MLB trade deadline nears

The Rays appear to be adjusting to their new role as trade-deadline buyers ... it appears that Adam Dunn may be their best shot. It is believed the Reds are seeking some of the Rays' vaunted young pitching, including Jeff Niemann and Jeremy Hellickson.

Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano: Should New York Mets pursuit of an outfielder be a Dunn deal?

Dunn is the man without a rumor. The Reds would deal him, but none of the teams out there looking for outfield help seem to be interested, and it's one of the more confounding aspects of this year's deadline.

Negatives include his astronomical strikeout totals and the perception (articulated last month publicly and somewhat embarrassingly by Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi) that Dunn is a soft, unmotivated player who doesn't come through in the clutch.

Some Griffey trade analysis (more like bashing)

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:55:00 +0000

CBS' Gregg Doyel: Griffey is a baby

Griffey is the latest big-name player to show his soft side. ... Griffey would be eaten alive in Chicago.

Doc: It just didn't work out

Griffey was the most overtly sensitive star I’ve covered in 20 years here.

OMG Dave: Whatever, Griffey is Chicago's problem now. But the Reds couldn't get more than Nick Masset and Danny Richar? AND they're (reportedly) paying at least some (conflicting reports) of the $4 million still owed to Griffey?

Masset is 26. He was an 8th round pick in the 2000 draft. Last year he had a 7.09 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in 39 1/3 innings. This year he's improved to 4.63 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings. He's given up at least 10 earned runs on 18 hits in his past 10 appearances. Very unproven, but who knows.

Richar is 25. Plays second base. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 (he's from the Dominican Republic). He's hitting .262 with 9 homers, 39 RBIs and 11 stolen bases for AAA Charlotte. He had 187 at-bats for the Shite Sox last season after he hit .346 in Charlotte (he was traded from the D'backs to the Shite Sox last year). Doesn't look like he walks much. He wasn't on Baseball America's Top 10 White Sox prospects list or anything. I think I would've rather had Chris Getz (also a second baseman).

Goodbye Junior.

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:04:00 +0000

Here's the latest:

Ken Griffey Jr. agreed Thursday to accept a trade to the Chicago White Sox, pending the approval of the commissioner, an indication that it involves a cash transaction of more than $1 million. The approval is expected to be a formality.

CBSSports.com is citing anonymous sources who say the Reds will get infielder Danny Richar and right-handed pitcher Nick Masset in the deal, and the Reds will also pay most of the remaining $4 million on Griffey's contract.

Reds manager Dusty Baker says the White Sox initiated the deal.

The White Sox reportedly intend to play the 38-year-old Griffey in center field, a position he hasn't played since 2006.

Griffey is earning $12.5 million this season in the final year of a nine-year deal. He is owed more than $4 million in salary, plus a $4 million buyout for 2009.

Griffey, as a 10-and-5 player (10 years of MLB service, five with the same club), has the right to block any deal.

The White Sox also attempted to acquire Griffey from the Reds at the trade deadline in 2005, but the trade reportedly was nixed by Reds ownership for financial reasons.

Griffey is batting .245 this season with 15 home runs and 53 runs batted in. He hit career home run No. 608 Wednesday in Houston. He is one home run shy of tying Sammy Sosa for fifth place on the all-time home run list.

pathetic

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:34:00 +0000

The Reds have scored nine runs during their 5-game losing streak, and you'd like to think they could blame their lack of offense in part on tough pitchers they've faced. Not exactly. Aside from Aaron Cook, who's having a nice year, here's who's shut them down ...

Jorge De La Rosa - entered 4-5, 6.50+ ERA - allowed one run on two hits through 6 2/3

Ubaldo Jimenez - entered 6-9 - held Reds scoreless through 6 innings

Roy Oswalt - entered 7-8, 4.50+ ERA - good enough, allowing four runs in 5 innings before Astros' bullpen allowed just one hit the rest of the way (and since Oswalt's 20-1 against us in his career, why should we think we could beat him even when he's having a subpar year, right?)

Former Red Brian Moehler - was one out away from his first complete game since 2000 (and probably should've gotten it ... Cecil Cooper panicked and yanked him)

Andy Warhol's Pete Rose

noreply@blogger.com (warnickart.com) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:33:00 +0000

The Cincinnati Art Museum is set to release a limited edition poster featuring a portrait of Pete Rose by American pop artist Andy Warhol. The poster will be unveiled to the public tonight, Wednesday, July 30 at the Cincinnati Art Museum; all proceeds from the sales benefit the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund. These posters will be a limited edition of 1000 costing $50 each. 114 of them will be signed by Pete Rose himself with those costing $500. You can read more at cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Brawl fallout

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Dragons infielder Angel Cabrera has been unconditionally released by the Reds. Cabrera played in 65 games this season, batting .263 with three home runs and 22 RBIs.

Cabrera slid hard into second base - spikes high - right before Dragons skipper Donnie Scott came and Chiefs interim manager Carmelo Martinez got into the shoving match that started the brawl. He was one of the Dragons who had been hit by a pitch earlier in the game.

Check out the DDN's story about Cabrera. Sounds like this wasn't the first time he's been accused of getting dirty.

Alonso dines with A-Rod, Papi

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Sounds like Reds first-round pick Yonder Alonso and A-Rod are tight. The New York Post has a notebook about Alonso hanging out with him and Ortiz.

Road Trip: Detroit & Toledo

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:22:00 +0000

OMGreds.com is sending us out once a again for a baseball stadium fact-finding mission. This time: Comerica Park in Detroit and 5/3 Field in Toldeo. OMGreds.com is on a tight budget, so we have to do both of these ballparks in ONE DAY! INSANITY! Hell, we may pay quick homage to old Tiger Stadium while we're up there - and while it's still standing (somewhat).

Yep, that's right, we are trekking from Cincinnati to Detroit for the 1:05 Tigers game tomorrow against the Chicago White Sox. After that game, we are zipping down I-75 to Toledo to see the Mud Hens take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at 6:30. It will be tight, but it will be fun. You can follow along on our photo blog, of course. There's really no Reds connection to this trip, or at least not one yet, as I'm sure our stat-man Dave could dig up almost anything relevant. No Reds, it's just baseball folks!

Brawl-related update

noreply@blogger.com (David Clark) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:45:00 +0000

I wouldn't normally link to a story of ours, but we're kind of kicking the Enquirer's butt on this one (they're just grabbing the AP story) and nobody other than the DDN has new details.

1) Lakota West grad Matt Klinker (who I posted about earlier in the week after he won Midwest League player of the week honors) has to start tonight in the series finale. Bet that'll be fun for him.

2) Castillo still in jail on $50,000 bond. Doesn't have his passport with him either.

3) Rob Butcher said neither the Reds (including Jocketty, who was there) nor the Dragons will comment. Party poopers.