WTF Mike Leake?

"Reds pitcher Mike Leake was arrested on a shoplifting charge at a downtown department store Monday, accused of trying to steal six shirts with a total value of $59.88. The 23-year-old starter was booked at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of shoplifting. It carries a maximum of 180 days in jail (ESPN)."

What the hell is this guys problem? I mean it's not like he was wasted or something, and although he is on a rookie contract he still makes $400,000+. I guess it is one of those thrill things, but is there anything really thrilling about stealing something that doesn't even cost 60 bucks. This is really lame, but I doubt much will come of it, since he will just way a fine, and maybe do a little community service.

2011 MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

2010 Record: 91-71

Lineup:
1 Brandon Phillips 2B
2 Drew Stubbs OF
3 Joey Votto 1B
4 Scott Rolen 3B
5 Jay Bruce OF
6 Jonny Gomes OF
7 Paul Janish/Edgar Renteria SS
8 Ramon Hernandez C

Joey Votto broke through last year hitting .324 with 37 HRs and 113 RBIs considering he is only 27 years old there is no reason to think he can't put up the numbers again. This is really an underrated lineup. Phillips, Stubbs, Votto, and Bruce give this team a young core that is going to be good for years to come. Paul Janish is great defensively, but doesn't give you much with his bat. That really doesn't matter, since they have such a balanced lineup. Plus, they went out and brought in Edgar Renteria who can add some pop to the SS position if needed, and can fill in for Rolen also. Overall this is a good lineup that is going to put up runs all year long.


Pitching:
1. Edinson Volquez
2. Bronson Arroyo
3. Johnny Cueto
4. Homer Bailey
5. Travis Wood/Mike Leake
CL: Francisco Cordero

This is one of the few teams that actually might have TOO MANY pitchers. They really have a surplus of arms, and on top of that they are young. I know what you are thinking where is Chapman. Well, Cordero is going to start the year as the closer, but that won't last long. As for the rotation, Volquez really hasn't done much since 2008, because of injury, but if he can regain his form this rotation is going to be awesome. He is still young, so there is a good chance that he can right the ship. Bronson Arroyo is an innings eater who won a career-high 17 games last year. I never take him seriously, but he has been damn consistent for the last 3 years, winning at least 15 games. Cueto was their best pitching last year with a 3.64 ERA. The guy I am really interested in is Leake, he was stellar in the first half of the year, and then completely imploded. Maybe he just ran out of gas, and if he can build up that stamina he could be another great young arm for the Reds. Overall this rotation was solid last year, but with how young they are, they are only going to get better.

Overall:

I really like what the Reds have done. It was just a couple years ago when they were filling their rotation with washed up old farts, and seemed to have no direction at all. Now, they are one of the few teams in the MLB that have a surplus of young talent and could really challenge for a nice postseason run, if things play out the way I think they will.

2011 Record: 94-68

Jay Bruce Gets Extension

The Cincinnati Reds have reached agreement on a six-year, guaranteed $51 million contract with outfielder Jay Bruce, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

This is a good extension to Bruce who is one of the leagues best young hitters, and with the Reds having some good years ahead of them this is a slam dunk extension. He's only 23, he hit .281 with 25 homers and 70 RBIs last season to help lead the Reds to a National League Central Division title. He had a .575 slugging percentage and a .951 OPS after the All-Star break.

Him, with Joey Votto and some young pitching the Reds have a lot to look forward too.

Joey Votto Wins NL MVP

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto won the NL MVP earlier this afternoon, receiving 31 out of a possible 32 first-place votes.

Albert Pujols was dethroned as the 2 time reigning MVP, but hey, he got the other 1st place vote. Votto hit .324 with 37 home runs, 113 RBIs and had an OPS of 1.024. The most important part of this campaign is he raised the Reds to the National spotlight with a playoff birth. Votto became the first Red to bring home the coveted hardware since Barry Larkin in 1995.

He is a big building block for the Reds.

DOCtober Anyone?

4 Phillies, 0 Reds

Good thing John Lackey is just as good as this guy or I would be pissed. Roy Halladay just really shut the mouth of his critics who questioned how he was going to do in the playoffs seeing this is his first time out there. Halladay threw the second no-hitter in postseason history, leading the Philadelphia Phillies over the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 in Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Wednesday. Unlike many other no-hitters this was a no doubter, there was no drama, no great plays that needed to be made, just Roy and the catcher playing catch all day. What really got me was why the Reds were taking the first pitch seeing how he was starting out 0 and 1 80% of the game. Roy Halladay is one of my favorite pitchers and guys who I respect the most. Anyways, stick a fork in the Reds, no one can overcome the major cockslap that was just done on them.

5 Rangers, 1 Tampa Bay
The guy who was traded for Roy Halladay didn't have a shabby game either. Cliff Lee threw 7 innings allowing 5 hits, 1 run and striking out 10. He completely owned this Rays offense and put the Rangers in a great position to win the series is CJ Wilson can do what he did during the regular season. Meanwhile, Cy Young candidate David Price had a first game that left something to be desired. He pitch 6.2 innings let up 5 runs (4 earned) and struck out 8. It's a shame because with James Shields pitching crappy and Matt Garza being inconsistent the Rays could be in a bit of trouble.

6 Yankees, 4 Twins

I went to bed when the Twins were up 3-0 and seemed to have this game in hand and then I woke up to get reminded by my Yankee fan gf that the Yankees won 6-4. Sweet way to start your day.

Reds Give Baker Extension

The Reds have completed a contract extension with manager Dusty Baker. The Reds are expected to announce the deal on Monday before they head to Philadelphia to begin their first playoff series in 15 years.

I am glad they got this done, because he really deserves it. The Reds have a great fan base, and I'm glad they are relevant again. I don't think they have any shot of actually winning it this year, but at least they made it. Baker is only the second manager to lead different three National League teams to the playoffs, which is pretty impressive. The Reds should only get better over the next couple of years with guys like Leake and Chapman on the roster.

It is rumored to be a 2 year extension.

Your Car Doesn't Go As Fast As Chapman's Fastball

Aroldis Chapman may be called up to the big leagues next week when rosters expand and thrust right into a pennant race, but Friday he did something most fans, managers, players and even scouts had never seen.Chapman hit 105 mph on the radar gun, which was also the same number that flashed on a scouts gun. And it was no fluke, either, because the readings of his other heaters all registered between 100 and 104 mph. Price quoted one scout saying Chapman's four-seamer was the "best fastball I have ever witnessed (ESPN)."

Hey Red Sox, remember when we had a shot at this guy?

Anyways, this is fucking silly. Chapman is going to be amazing and if the Reds can get in the playoffs he could be one hell of a closer for him. With Strasburg out for the rest of the season, and next year, everyone should turn their attention to this kid, and the Cincinnati Reds. When was the last time you could say that?

2010 MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

2009 Record: 78-84

Added: SS Orlando Cabrera (free agent, Twins), LHP Aroldis Chapman (free agent, Cuba), IF Aaron Miles (trade, A's), IF Miguel Cairo (free agent, Phillies), OF Josh Anderson (free agent, Royals)

Lost: OF Willy Taveras (trade, to A's), IF Danny Richar (free agent, to Marlins), OF Adam Rosales (trade, to A's), C Craig Tatum (waivers, to Orioles).

Offense:

•CF Drew Stubbs
•SS Orlando Cabrera
•1B Joey Votto
•2B Brandon Phillips
•3B Scott Rolen
•RF Jay Bruce
•C Ramon Hernandez
•LF Chris Dickerson or Jonny Gomes

Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce are still ascending in their careers, with all three surpassing 22 homers last season, so this team should be able to put up some runs. Bruce really needs to improve his batting average (.227), but how hard can you be on a kid who is only 23 years old? Overall I like this lineup, I think it is one of the best the Reds have had in a long time.

Pitching:

•RHP Aaron Harang
•RHP Bronson Arroyo
•RHP Johnny Cueto
•RHP Homer Bailey
•LHP Matt Maloney or LHP Aroldis Chapman

•RHP Francisco Cordero(closer)

If the Reds had Edinson Volquez I might have them make a run at this division, but with him being out with Tommy John until at least the All-Star break it is going to make it very tough on this team. You never know what you're going to get from Harang or Arroyo. I do have to say I am a fan of Cueto, and Chapman (man I wanted the Sox to get him), but overall this team doesn't have the overall pitching to be a playoff team.

Overall:
Like their hitting a lot, and their pitching could be decent. I just think they are a year away from really making a name for themselves. They need another year for guys like Chapman, and Bruce to develop. Also, this will be a different team if Volquez can return 100% healthy (which I think will take until the start of 2011.

2010 Record: 84-78


Also the Reds seem to have no pics of hot fans...kind of a let down.

Chapman To Cincy

With the news out Sunday that Aroldis Chapman will end up with the Reds -- for the somewhat startling and many would say highly risky figure of $30 million -- Reds fans will obviously want to know when they'll get to see their prized possession at Great American Ballpark. ESPN

Boy was this stupid. Aroldis Chapman is the Cuban left hander that has all the potential in the world but is erratic. I think this deal is a little high and I've started to jump off the Chapman bandwagon before he signed this deal because scouts said he might become a reliever and 30 million is a lot to drop on a potential reliever. He should have signed with the Sox or Marlins instead of going to the highest bidder if you ask me. If he was with Boston he could have been babied until he was ready to play and like BMack always states, "they do a great job developing young pitching." or if he went to the Marlins he would have been a Cuban hero, with the high Cuban population down there he would have been treated like a God. Also, I haven't even got into the marketing opportunities in those locations. Oh well, rot in Cincinnati.

Dodgers Look To Aaron Harang

"With Randy Wolf now signed, sealed and delivered to Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers need some starting pitching. Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times writes today that the Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Aaron Harang. Hernandez writes that the Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded. Harang was just 6-14 in 2009 and had the season cut short by an appendectomy. But he did have back-to-back 16-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, so the potential is there (ESPN)."

The Dodgers have had a terrible offseason, which is being caused by the lack of money they have to spend. I don't know if they can eat a salary like this, but I think Harang could bounce back nicely under the right coaching, and a change of scenery. It would be really interesting to see what the Reds would like in return, but they also might just want to get out of his inflated salary.

Red Sox Get Alex Gonzalez

"The Red Sox have completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, bringing shortstop Alex Gonzalez back to Boston. Gonzalez is not expected to join the team until tomorrow in Texas, according to his agent, Eric Goldshmidt. The most likely move would involve the Sox releasing infielder Chris Woodward to make room for Gonzalez on the roster (Boston.com)."

Listen the Sox are basically get 0 offense from the SS position, so getting someone who can play some of the best defense in the MLB is a great move. He is only batting .210, but once again the Sox don't have a utility infielder with Lowrie out for the foreseeable future. This is a move that will go under the radar, but it improves Boston's defense a lot.

Harang, Arroyo Clear Waivers

"Reds starters Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo have cleared waivers, according to a FoxSports.com report. The decision to pass on the veteran pitchers would indicate that teams are unwilling to pick up their salaries at full price. Harang is under contract for next season at $12.5 million and Arroyo at $11 million (ESPN)."

Harang was supposed to be the next great thing in Cincy a couple years back, but he has fallen on his face with a 6-13 record and a 4.43 ERA. Arroyo is just as bad with a +5.00 ERA, so I really don't expect either of these guys to be traded unless some team really needs a 5th starter, and the Reds are willing to eat some of those crazy salaries...

Edinson Volquez To Get TJ

Reds right-hander Edinson Volquez is expected to miss the rest of this season and the first half of next year, too, after having reconstructive elbow surgery Monday, another major setback for fading Cincinnati.
Volquez had surgery to replace a torn ligament and repair other damage in his right elbow, which has sidelined him for the last two months. The typical recovery time is 12 months. ESPN

This sucks on so many levels for the Reds. The first is that he is the stud of the the Reds pitching staff and not only do they lose him for the second half of this year, but the whole first half of next year. With this happening the Reds who already have a slim chance to making the play-offs, are pretty much guaranteed that fate now.

Job Offers For Sheffield

"The Cincinnati Reds have an interest in free agent Gary Sheffield, but only if he'll accept a limited role. The Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams who have expressed an interest in Sheffield (Sportsline)."

Sheffield does not strike me as a humble guy who will sit back and take a limited role, but for his sake I hope he takes one of these jobs. At this point Sheffield has to look at it, as at least he is getting job offers. He is so close to 500 HRs, and we all know that mark can be very important to making a case for the Hall of Fame. You would think he would want to avoid what happened to McGriff (being so close and just ran out of time). Still, right now I think Sheffield is going to ride out his pride for awhile, and hope that some team opens up a spot for him. Also, if I was the Phillies I would stay away from this guy. If he gets angry he can turn a clubhouse upside down, and there is no reason for a defending championship team to take that kind of risk if they expect him to play a limited role. Reds on the other hand have nothing to lose.

Daily Red Sox Spring Training Update

Sox 2 Reds 1

- Clay Buchholz has done everything right this spring training, and it is kind of amazing that he doesn't have a spot on the team (if Penny is healthy). Again yesterday Buchholz was amazing going 6 innings allowing 1 run (which was unearned) on 3 hits with 3 Ks. Clay's spring training ERA is now .46...fucking amazing. The good news for Clay is that the Sox know that between Penny/Wake/Smoltz that there will be some openings due to injury/fatigue. I really think this kid shook off whatever funk he was in last year...he's the real deal!!!!!

- Once again the Sox struggled hitting the ball. They didn't score until the 9th inning and only collected 4 hits total in the game.

- Sox bullpen looked amazing once again. Papelbon, Lopez and Okajima combined to throw 3 scoreless innings.

Other Notes:

- J.D. Drew played in the game and said he felt fine. He went 0-3 and is now only batting .174 during spring training.

DC MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

2008 Record: 74-88

Projected Lineup:
1. Willy Taveras CF
2. Jerry Hairston Jr. LF
3. Joey Votto 1B
4. Brandon Phillips 2B
5. Jay Bruce RF
6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B
7. Ramon Hernandez C
8. Alex Gonzalez SS

The Reds are trying to make the transition from being a power hitting ball club, to one that empathizes speed and defense. The problem is they are really lacking any talent in this lineup. Willy Taveras is wildly overrated, and has a terrible OBP, and Brandon Phillips is coming off his a down year. The Reds are really asking way too much from rookie Joey Votto, and I just don't see him being able to deliver. This team really has to add a bat at some point, because they are going to have a lot of trouble putting up runs.

1. Aaron Harang
2. Edinson Volquez
3. Bronson Arroyo
4. Johnny Cueto
5. Micah Owings

CL Francisco Cordero

The Reds really need Harang to start being the pitcher we saw a couple years ago. Arroyo sucks, but the future is Edinson Volquez, who I think will have a breakout year. Volquez may not get a lot of wins, because their offense is so bad, but he is going to be an ace within the next year or two. Overall their pitching will be ok, but it really won't matter if they can't score runs.

Minors Watch:
Christopher Valaika - Power hitting SS that will compete with our next minor to see who will take over the SS spot in the majors.

Todd Frazier - If he loses out to Valaika he might move to the outfield. I expect him to lose, since he is not very good defensivly.

Overall:
The Reds are going to suck this year, and lets be honest they suck every year. Other then having a cool stadium they really haven't done anything in a long time. The future is looking brighter though, as Votto keeps improving, and they have some young pitchers make their way, but it will be a couple years before this team does anything.

Record: 65-97

D-Backs Get Adam Dunn

The D-Backs traded for Adam Dunn today in exchange for three prospects. The Reds are to reload for future seasons, as they have already traded Griffey. The D-Backs are in a fight to make the playoffs, and really just needed a bat. So, they went out and got the guy with the most HRs in the MLB, Adam Dunn. I really like this trade for the D-Backs, since they already have so much pitching, and this move could be the thing to put them over the top. There is really a good chance that this team will not only go to the playoffs, but should be in the hunt for the World Series. We all know it comes down to pitching, and the D-Backs have just that with Randy Johnson, Brandon Webb, Dan Haren. This is a very dangerous team.

-BMack