SB Nation User Blog: jamesp50014

Stenson Murder Sentencing

jamesp50014 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:27:43 -0000

This gets a modest mention on ESPN. I'm not sure whether or not the Cincinnati media have followed this story over the last few years, but I do see it mentioned on the Reds' MLB site, to the team's credit. In any event, though tenson's future with the team was unceratin, this is a story worth following to its conclusion:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3214704

Don Mattingly

jamesp50014 — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:34:52 -0000

Looks like another Yankee who won't be coming back is Don Mattingly. I think this guy is in line for a manager's chair soon enough, but I doubt it will be this offseason. Is it possible that he'll be the bench coach and "infield guy" Dusty names this week, even if he's only around for a year or two? What's the good word on Mattingly, anyway?

Dontrelle Willis Available?

jamesp50014 — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:32:28 -0000

I heard a rumor that Dontrelle Willis may be available via trade this winter. Let's assume he is, and the Reds make a play for a Harang-Willis-Arroyo-Bailey starting four. Solid, especially in this division.

What players would you consider trading for Willis? And, in addition to Willis, what secondary player could we get from Florida?

Poll

What player would you trade for Dontrelle Willis?

Votto

2 votes

Bruce

0 votes

Encarnacion

7 votes

Cueto

1 votes

Arroyo

1 votes

Hamilton

2 votes

Bailey

0 votes

Griffey

10 votes

Burton

0 votes

Cantu

9 votes

Bray

0 votes

32 votes | Poll has closed

What Ryan's Departure Tells Us About Krivsky

jamesp50014 — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:42:38 -0000

While Terry Ryan did a spectacular job in his own right as Twins' GM, the article about his departure on ESPN noted the difficulty he has had in signing veterans to long-term contracts since Krivsky departed (Santana, Hunter, Morneau, etc.). I know Krivsky handled this department, and ably, it seems. Just look at the contracts for Dunn, Harang and Arroyo. I think this is one aspect of his job performance that doesn't get a lot of attention. I am really pleased with this aspect of his job performance, and moreover I think it's an important part of the job.

And I think Dunn gets paid. Another extension. He'll hit #500 in a Cincinnati uniform.

Do you think Phillips gets an extension this winter? How many years and how much money?

Poll

What kind of contract will Phillips get this winter?

4 years, $45 million

18 votes

6 years $55 million

5 votes

5 years, $50 million

6 votes

7 years, $65 million

1 votes

Arbitration, 1-year deal

17 votes

Wait--isn't that SS money?

4 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

Next Year's Lineup

jamesp50014 — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 21:48:10 -0000

Supposing Keppinger keeps showing his hitting and on-base ability through September, I prefer that we keep him, put him at 2B, move Phillips to SS where he belongs (a marquee position), and shop Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a good player and I think he would fetch something worthwhile.

What to do about 1B, though? I like Hatteberg but it might be time to trade him, if we can get what we got for Conine. This gives us Cantu and Votto next year, to duke it out for 1B. I like that setup. Gives us Phillips at SS, Encarnacion at 3B (who I believe was handled just fone this year, given how his offense and defense improved after his demotion). This gives us Dunn in LF, Hamilton in CF and Griffey in RF, with Hopper, not Freel, as your primary backup. In fact, I'd trade Freel if I could. I love his style but he is always hurt, and his judgement on the basepaths is questionable (like Dunn, except no home runs), and also he strikes out too much.

So, what do yu think of this starting lineup:
C Ross/Valentin platoon
1B Votto/Cantu "
2B Keppinger
SS Phillips
3B Encarnacion
LF Dunn
CF Hamilton
RF Griffey

And who makes the bench?

How would you spend $20 million this offseason?

jamesp50014 — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:27:04 -0000

Let's say the Reds do not exercise Dunn's option. That, combined with the end of Milton's contract, would free up roughly $20 million in payroll. Supposing Jay Bruce or Norris Hopper slide into LF, covering that position, how would you spend that money to improve the Reds? What positions and what players? What sort of contract?

Poll

Which free agent would you sign?

Jeremy Affeldt

1 votes

Francisco Cordero

7 votes

Alex Rodriguez

10 votes

Kerry Wood

1 votes

Tony Armas

0 votes

Kenny Rogers

1 votes

Jorge Julio

1 votes

other

8 votes

Jeff Weaver

0 votes

Eric Gagne

4 votes

Scott Linebrink

4 votes

Octavio Dotel

3 votes

40 votes | Poll has closed

Krivsky rumors

jamesp50014 — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:21:02 -0000

I read on ESPN or Fox today that Krivsky's status for next year is in doubt, which (according to what I read) partially explains why they are waiting to decide on Mackanin. Krivsky has had a few ups and downs, but I can't seriously think his job is in jeopardy, not yet. He's only been on the job 18 months. Love him or hate him, that's hardly enough time to decide to fire him. I say he gets one more year--at least.

But let's say he does get fired. Who are the candidates to replace him? As in, seriously, who is out there who would fit well with the Reds?

Poll

Who replaces Krivsky?

experienced GM only

7 votes

Kim Ng

6 votes

Paul DePodesta

13 votes

Tim Purpura

1 votes

Jim Beattie

3 votes

first-time GM only

4 votes

Dan O'Brien

2 votes

36 votes | Poll has closed