All posts tagged Bronson Arroyo

Redsfest: Back at ya!

REDSFEST: DAY TWO
My night at Redsfest was a little short last night, but today is on like Donkey Kong.

I poked around the festivities a little bit, but my main focus was getting some autographs last night. First up was Dusty Baker who was nice and chatty with all the fans. Fun to talk to for a few seconds. Thanks, Dusty. I got in line for Chris Dickerson and Norris Hopper after Dusty, but was too late and didn’t end up getting signatures from those guys. No more signings happened until 6:30, so I got in line very early for Clay Carroll and Jim O’Toole so I would make sure I got to meet them before I had to jet. I got fantastic signatures from both.

Stuff to look for:

- My Home Skillet Tabari said he saw some great deals at the collectibles tables. That can be rare.

- There are tables located around Redsfest handing out Topps baseball cards of a few players. They are Redsfest branded cards, perfect for autographs. I picked up Joey Votto, Aaron Harrang and Chirs Dickerson. I know there are more… Bronson Arroyo and Brandon Phillips for sure… and probably a few others.

- The kids play areas are awesome. You little ones will have a blast.

More photos today… watch out.

Redsfest: Ahoy!

COFFEEEEEE TIME!
It’s that time of year, boys and girls. REDSFEST TIME! We here at OMGreds celebrate it to it’s fullest. It’s where hope for the upcoming season springs eternal and the autographs flow like fine Two Buck Chuck. We love it. We revel in it. We even wallow in it a little bit. As is customary with anything that crosses Reds with Kickass we’ll be there and photoblogin’ that shizz. So, keep your eyes peeled over there and drop us a few comments on our lackluster mobile phone photography.

2008 Redsfest goals:

- Ron Oester autograph on our ’87 Topps
- Photo with Brandon Phillips’ pearly white grill
- A lock of The Cowboy’s mullet
- Pitching tips from Chris Welsh
- Heckle the Bronson Arroyo Band
- High five Walt Jocketty
- Strike out Joey Votto in wiffle ball
- Do Da Dip with Rosie Red
- Give Jim Day a noogie.

Have you seen the list of Reds folks that will be appearing? Impressive to say the list.

See ya there.

Photoblog.
Photoblog.
Photoblog.

Another HOT … STOVE … UP-DATE!

In Jayson Stark’s Time to check the shopping lists, he has Mark Mulder as the free agent who could top the Reds’ list. He says a veteran starting pitcher is what they need.

All I know is he would have to accept a lot less money than he made in 2008 ($7 million). The Reds don’t need to be paying that much money for a guy who pitched less than 2 innings last season.

Also, in ESPN Insider-only content (not linked), Stark said the Reds are investigating whether there’s a market for Bronson Arroyo and says Texas might be interested.

I actually could see Arroyo getting shipped to the Rangers as part of a deal to bring a catcher here. You’re still selling high on Arroyo if you deal him … he had a great second half.

Most Baseball Prospectus stuff also is for subscribers’ only, but they do reveal the Reds Top 11 Prospects, with Yonder Alonso topping the list as a five-star prospect and Todd Frazier and Drew Stubbs rated as four-star prospects.

The Offseason?

This is a stove. It may be hot. Or not. Think whatever you want
Is the ON SEASON here at OMGreds.com. Well, that’s probably a stretch. But, we’re all excited about this Reds offseason for many reasons. The Reds will be looking better next year. What moves will Jocketty have in store for the team? There are many great off-season events we are stoked about: Big Red Machine Reunion, Moeller Sports Card Show, Redsfest. Plus, spring training is right around the corner! Hellz yeah.

We are still sorting out our plans, but we will likely be at all the events and doing a little photoblogging, if not more here at OMGreds.com.

Big Red Machine Reunion
November 14-16
Duke Energy Center
more information

This is a pretty neat event and we’ll try and stop by. I have never been before, so not sure what to expect. The autograph prices are pretty steep, so I probably won’t be picking anything up at the show.

Moeller Thanksgiving Spectacular
November 28-30
Moeller High School
More information

I haven’t been to this show since I was a kid! They have a fantastic line-up this year featuring players from the the ’90s as well as current guys. Here’s a list of who’s signing at the show. It’s pretty impressive, really. The prices are not too bad, either.

Dave Parker (The Cobra!!!)
Joey Votto (VOTTOtron is happy)
Chris Dickerson (Exciting!)
Kal Daniels (Awesome, except I remember him more as a Dodger)
Ron Robinson (Big Red Ron)
Tom Browning (Mr. Frickin’ Hilarious)
Jon Warden (Actually, we are pretty stoked about Mr. Warden being there)

There are also a slew of minor leaguers with local ties that will be signing as well – very reasonably priced at $3 a signature. Check out http://www.cincycardshows.com for information on times, prices, etc.

We’ll be there for at least one day, if not more and putting up some photos from the show while we are there. Stay tuned!

Also, Cincy Card Shows need some help with their website. It makes my eyeballs bleed every time I go there for information. Make it stop!!

Redsfest XI
December 12-13
Duke Energy Center
More Information

OMGreds will be there with bells on. We might even blow out a special section here on the site for it. Planning is in the works now. Of course, most of our planning meeting consist of either going to Cyclones games for cheap PBR or Snappy Tomato Pizza buffet at lunch during the week – so you can imagine how much stuff we actually get done.

Anyways, we’re doing our best to win the VIP Sweepstakes so we can bring you an exclusive inside look at the whole thing. But, that hinges on actually winning. We’ll see how that goes. Wish us luck.

Of course, what is the best thing about Redsfest? The autographs! We’re total nerds about that stuff and we’re excited about the folks that are slated to attend Redsfest as of today:

Bronson Arroyo, Jeff Brantley, Marty Brennaman, Thom Brennaman, Jay Bruce, Jared Burton, Leo Cardenas, Clay Carroll, Zack Cozart, Chris Dickerson, Danny Dorn, George Foster, Todd Frazier, George Grande, Paul Janish, Jeff Keppinger, Devin Mesoraco, Brandon Phillips, Adam Rosales, Jordan Smith, Drew Stubbs, Chris Valaika, Joey Votto, Brandon Waring, and Chris Welsh.

UPDATE:

Second wave of confirmations: Daryl Thompson, Ryan Hanigan, Craig Tatum, Jack Billingham, Wayne Granger, Jerry Lynch, Chuck Harmon, Tommy Helms, and Jim Maloney.

Watch out, I need to get my ’87 Topps Chris Welsh card signed, so just stay out of my way, okay? Cool. Thanks.

More on all this as each event approachs – Make sure to keep OMGreds.com at the top of your bookmarks and our RSS feed on lock.

It’s okay, you were distracted

Bronson Arroyo designed t-shirtI 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.

Tom Browning 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.

Youk among several homecomings

As the Red Sox visit Cincinnati for the first time since 1975, the series has special meaning for several individuals on Boston’s roster.

Infielder Kevin Youkilis grew up here, starred at Sycamore High School and the University of Cincinnati and still has a lot of family here. He faced the Reds at Fenway three years ago (when the Red Sox swept the Reds), but this is his first trip to GABP as a big-league ballplayer.

First baseman Sean Casey, who played for the Reds from 1998-2005, will get the start on Friday (according to MLB.com), and will receive a nice ovation (according to me).

Right-handed pitcher Justin Masterson, Boston’s starter Friday night against Aaron Harang, grew up in Beavercreek (though he was born in Jamaica). He went to Beavercreek High School and still lives there.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona played for the 1987 Reds. Francona also managed many times here when he was with the Phillies. But I heard a soundbite and he said he’s looking forward to his first visit to Great American Ball Park.

Bronson Arroyo probably would have enjoyed facing his former team but it’s not going to happen.

J.D. Drew hit his first career home run at Riverfront September 9, 1998. I only remember that because I was there. He got booed as he rounded the bases and the fan threw the ball back (before fans did that with more frequency like they do now, which is annoying). OK, now we’re getting obscure.

Beef Hoagie!!!

Broson Arroyo and his Beef Hoagie!
Ol’ Double Flaps hit himself a ding dong and personal catcher David Ross had a fatty beef hoagie waiting for him at home plate. THEY’RE TOGETHER AGAIN!

While I’m at it …

I meant to post this earlier today, but did anyone else think it was pretty boneheaded to have Bronson Arroyo bat in a 5-5 game in the 6th with a man on when you know you’re about to take him out of the game anyway? Isn’t the idea to pinch hit for him if his spot comes out and you’re planning on yanking him? I understand that he was just trying to move the runner over with a bunt (they got the lead runner at second, as it turns out) but why not send Hatteberg or pretty much your best bat off the bench (it’s late enough in the game and it’s tied) to try to retake the lead. If someone understood Dusty’s logic, I’d love to hear an explanation.

First Look: Dunn ’80s Bobblehead

Adam Dunn Bobblehead
Well, Adam Dunn will now officially take over for Bronson Arroyo as the butt of all clubhouse jokes.

Don JohnsonThe Reds have posted a preview image of the bobblehead being given away on “1980s-themed Adam Dunn Bobblehead Night”. The Big Donkey is doing his best to channel Don Johnson with the white jacket and gold chain, complete with medallion. Actually, take that back… not Don Johnson… the bobblehead looks like Spencer, from MTV’s “The Hills”. MFingOMG, indeed.

Could this be one of the worst bobbleheads in MLB history? Or, could it be the best? Pick one up for yourself and your mom on Saturday, July 26. The Rockies will be in town that night laughing at Dunn and the Reds.

Too bad the 1980s-themed lunchbox being given away the next day is only for kids… that has some serious potential.

They’re Together Again!

With Bronson Arroyo on the mound today, I thought I’d mention the two new JTM (a.k.a. Jesus, That’s Meat?) commercials that he and broadcaster Chris Welsh star in.

Bronson really seems to be getting into it while rockin’ out on his guitar and singing about fake meat. Both spots are pretty funny, but they’ll be impossible to watch in about 7 minutes because FSN airs them constantly.

Question: Will Bronson play this song during one of his concerts?

Sure is windy there!

Bronson give the camera a pretty fierce look at the end of this one, look out!

Reds sign Affeldt


Reports are that the Reds have come to a preliminary agreement with FA pitcher Jeremy Affeldt on a one year, $3M deal.

From Ken Rosenthal:

“Affeldt, 28, will compete for a spot in the Reds’ rotation after spending all of last season as a reliever with the Rockies. He has started in the past and the Reds’ far greater need is in the rotation, where they are unsettled beyond right-handers Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo.

Affeldt enjoyed a long-awaited breakthrough with the Rockies last season, going 4-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 59 innings. He is 25-27 with a 4.74 ERA in 286 career appearances, including 42 starts.”

Reds Bobbleheads ’08

Reds Bobbleheads
Alright, let’s lay down the Reds bobblehead predictions for 2008. Well, I have to say that I only have one to predict as of right now – I have sources that have supplied me the first two of the year – Brandon Phillips and Tom Browning.

Now, Phillips was going to be a pick for sure He had an all-star caliber ’07 and joined the 30-30 club. Browning was also going to be on my list – maybe not a shoe-in, but at least as a reasonable possibility. Both Phillips and Browning showed up on my picks from last year.

Now it gets hard.

I’m not sure I have a definite for a third slot. The Reds do have a third bobblehead, my source indicated it’s listed as TBD right now. I thought that Josh Hamilton had an outside shot this year until he was traded to the Rangers. Though he’s young, Cincinnati really embraced him and he’s pretty damn good.

Homer Bailey?
I hesitate to throw out Homer Bailey’s name. He’s not a lock to be in the rotation this season at this point (though I think he will make it) so I don’t think the Reds want to pull the trigger on him just yet.

Ryan Freel
A few names I have thrown out in the past may have a chance. At the top of that list is Ryan Freel. They could capitalize on the dirty jersey all Reds fans know and love. He’s been a Red for quite a while and is popular with the fans.

Scott Hatteberg
I listed Scott Hatteberg last year, but I actually feel this has less chance of happening this season.

Edwin Encarnacion
Nope, not yet.

David Ross
I guess he is my wild card. The Reds have pretty much said that the catcher position is up for grabs in spring training, so he may not be a great choice for a bobble either. I do think a Javier Valentin bobblehead would be pretty badass, but Ross has a better shot than Javy does.

Jose Rijo
I’m surprised I didn’t bring him up earlier. Rijo has a great chance if not this season, next. He’s a fan favorite, in the Reds HOF and part of the ’90 World Series team with a few other that have received bobbles: Eric Davis, Chris Sabo and Tom Browning.

Wish List
The Reds couldn’t go wrong with dipping into the past – even twice in one season. I’ll stick with my trio from last year – Ted Kluszewski, Johnny Vander Meer and George Foster. Any of those guys would be strong – at least Big Klu and Foster. A few others to throw out: Ken Griffey Sr., Mario Soto, Sparky Anderson. All long shots, though.

The Reds are running out of great historical player to portray in bobblehead form. Not that the Reds haven’t had great players in the past, but many of the most charismatic, most popular players have received one already. I believe this is the 8th season they have had bobbleheads. It’s a trend that will start to die soon – if it’s not dying already.

Here comes the Reds iPod Nano giveaway!!!

btw, if anyone out there has a Pete Harnish bobble from 2001 – I am looking for one. It’s one of two that I don’t have. The other being the Johnny Bench one – that giveaway was a mess!

Here’s a list of Reds bobblheads broken down by year:

2001
Barry Larkin
Danny Graves
Pete Harnish

2002
Eric Davis
Chris Sabo
Adam Dunn
Johnny Bench

2003
Austin Kearns
Mary Brennaman & Joe Nuxhall
Gapper (blah!)

2004
Joe Nuxhall
Joe Morgan
Sean Casey

2005
Ken Griffey Jr.
Tony Perez
Wily Mo Peña

2006
Dave Concepcion
Barry Larkin
Filipe Lopez

2007
Aaron Harang
Bronson Arroyo
Frank Robinson
Thom & Marty Brennaman

Load More