Knuckle Curve » cincinnati_reds

Reds Ship Hamilton to Texas

Geoff Young — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:45:49 +0000

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 among Rangers prospects by Baseball America coming into 2007, Volquez owns a 7.20 ERA in 80 innings with Texas over parts of the past three seasons. His chief problems have been giving up way too many hits, walks, and home runs. Ouch.

Volquez’ minor-league numbers have been fantastic, including a 2.67 ERA and 10.26 K/9 in 172 innings at Triple-A over the past two seasons. From the Baseball America 2007 Prospect Handbook (aff link):

If he can refine his curve and command, Volquez can earn a rotation spot in the spring and eventually emerge as a frontline starter. If he can’t, he soon could find himself in the bullpen.

We’ve discussed Cincy’s need for help in the rotation, and if Volquez can meet earlier projections, then this could work out well for the Reds. However, if he ends up in the bullpen, they may regret having given up a player of Hamilton’s caliber to get him. Not that Hamilton comes without risk, but at least he’s accomplished something at the big-league level.

Herrera is a 5′7″ reliever who works in the low-80s but who features a devastating changeup. Despite a lack of overpowering stuff, he’s succeeded everywhere he’s been to this point, including Double-A for most of ‘07.

Maybe this will work out for the Reds, but I think they gave up too much.

Other Voices

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Reds Sign Cordero

Geoff Young — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:35:47 +0000

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.

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When Konerko Was More Suspect Than Prospect

Geoff Young — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:11:37 +0000

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 cannot), Konerko should consistently put up numbers on the order of .280/.370/.550 for the next 8-12 years, numbers which Karros once approached, at age 27. Konerko’s ceiling is more along the lines of Jeff Bagwell. If he doesn’t develop as expected, he could settle into another Eric Karros, which would certainly be disappointing but by no means embarrassing.

Well, Bagwell was probably a bit of a stretch. Entering 2007, though, Konerko’s list of similar players through age 30 includes guys like Carlos Lee and Derrek Lee — no shame in that. As for the .280/.370/.550 line? Since he’s been in Chicago, Konerko is batting .284/.356/.502. That’s not quite what I predicted, but it’s not too far off either.

Anyway, I’d better go soak in the hot tub for a while. I think I pulled a muscle patting myself on the back.

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Reds Fire Narron, NL Central Still Stinks

Geoff Young — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:43:30 +0000

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…

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Murton Robs Hamilton

Geoff Young — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:43:36 +0000

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. Post from: Knuckle Curve

Post from: Knuckle Curve