The Cincinnati Reds have traded outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers for right-hander Edinson Volquez and left-hander Danny Herrera. Hamilton was one of the bigger surprises of the 2007 season, but apparently the Reds deemed him expendable. Hamilton’s power will play anywhere, and if he can stay healthy (and clean), he should put up some sick numbers at Arlington. Like, 40 homers isn’t out of the question.
Volquez is a hard thrower who has been highly regarded for some time but who hasn’t been able to translate his stuff into results in limited chances at the big-league level. Ranked #3 …read more

The Cincinnati Reds have signed right-hander Francisco Cordero to a 4-year, $46 million deal. Cordero talks about the influence Dusty Baker had on his decision-making process, but of course, the $46 million didn’t hurt either.
The numbers still seem wonky to me, but I suppose if you’re going to throw big money at a reliever, you could do a lot worse than Cordero. He’s a good bet to work 65+ games and provide well-above-average production in the process.

Sometimes I get lucky and write something that makes me look smart 9 years later. Back in October 1998, after Paul Konerko’s first extended trial in the big leagues and just before the Cincinnati Reds traded him to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Mike Cameron, I’d defended Konerko as a prospect. Here’s my favorite part:
Realistically, assuming Konerko is given the opportunity to play every day, and assuming he is able to make the adjustments all young players must make when they step up to a higher level (and there’s no reason based on his past history to believe he …read more

In case you missed it over the weekend, the Cincinnati Reds fired manager Jerry Narron. Advance scout Pete Mackanin takes control of MLB’s worst team on an interim basis.
Not that this is a news flash, but the NL Central is unbelievably bad. Three teams in the division are on pace for 90+ losses. Last time that happened in the NL? 2001: Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. Good to see that at least the Brewers have gotten themselves out of the dumps…

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton received a standing ovation as he stepped to the plate in his first big-league at-bat. The former first pick overall came up against Cubs left-hander Will Ohman with one out in the bottom of the eighth and drove a ball to left-center. Left fielder Matt Murton charged hard and made a diving catch for the out. Hamilton received another standing ovation as he returned to the dugout.
Hamilton is a Rule V pick. I expect most Rule V draftees don’t get that kind of reception in their first at-bat.