Cincinnati Reds News: Pro Sports Daily

February 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"My offseason officially ends in just over a week. I'll be on a jet plane headed to Phoenix and spring training. Every offseason, I get asked about 900 times what I do in the offseason. My answer is always: "I cover the Reds." There is no offseason in baseball. By quick count, I wrote 80 stories or so for the paper since the season ended. That doesn't count blog items and Twitter posts. It's been a busy offseason because the Reds have done a lot. But the question this and any offseason is always: Did they do enough? We'll see. But the Reds tried to address pitching as best they could. Their three biggest moves of the offseason all involved adding pitchers. The biggest difference between the"

Reds' equipment truck loaded, bound for Goodyear, Arizona

February 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds equipment truck will begin rolling toward Goodyear, Ariz., Friday at noon -- yet another symbol that spring training is just around of the bend. Pitchers and catchers report a week from Sunday. Position players report Feb. 24. Things are already humming a bit at Goodyear. Fantasy Camp is going on this week. Mike Leake, Chris Valaika, Sam LeCure, Mat Latos, Logan Ondrusek, Chad Reineke, Zack Cozart and Aroldis Chapman are among they players already in Goodyear and working out. "We've got quite a lot going on already," said general manager Walt Jocketty, who arrived Wednesday. The Reds announced what could be there final moves before spring when the signings of outfielder Ryan"

Why hasn't extension for Phillips happened?

February 9

Cincinnati Enquirer

"A couple of interesting links worth sharing about why the Reds still haven't agreed with second baseman Brandon Phillips on a contract extension. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reported on his blog that the Reds are no closer to an extension with Phillips. From Sheldon: "Not really," Jocketty said. "We really haven't had a chance to talk with them. Hopefully in the next few weeks, it's something we can address." Jocketty said he did not believe Phillips' side had set any deadline for talks ending before the season starts. "I think this could go on for a while," Jocketty said."

No place like new home for new Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick

February 9

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The long wait between Ryan Ludwick agreeing to become a Red and officially being announced as one – "it was like Groundhog Day," he said – did nothing to dampen Ludwick's enthusiasm for his new gig. "People might find it hard to believe," he said. "But this the most excited I've been in my career. ... It's a dream come true." Ludwick's one-year, $2.5 million deal with a mutual option was announced Wednesday. The Reds designated right-hander Carlos Fisher for assignment to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Ludwick. The Reds also announced that they had reached a minor league deal with left-hander Jeff Francis. Ludwick was born in Florida and went to high school in Las Vegas, but he has"

Thoughts on Roy O.

February 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"I just talked to Walt Jocketty. He insists that the Reds have had no recent talks to with Oswalt. ""It's all rumors," he said. "I'm sick and tired of it. We've had no serious talks. We've had no contact with the player." You know it's a buyers' market for starting pitching when it's less than two weeks from the start of spring training and Roy Oswalt is looking for a job, especially when Oswalt is willing to take a one-year deal for below market value. As the list of teams not interested in Oswalt grows — the Cardinals added their name recently — it becomes more likely that he could fall to the Reds."

Reds still pursuing Oswalt

February 7

Foxsports.com

"The Cincinnati Reds took advantage of a depressed market to sign free-agent closer Ryan Madson. Now the team is trying to do the same with free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt. The Reds remain in talks with Oswalt, according to major league sources. Oswalt, 34, would prefer to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers, sources say, and some in the industry doubt that he would sign with any other team. But the Reds, just as they were with Madson, are willing to make a deal work."

Jocketty: Nothing new on Oswalt

February 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds reportedly are one of the teams right-hander Roy Oswalt is considering, but the sides have had no contact in nearly a week and the Reds would have to juggle the budget to make a deal possible. "We had discussions with them a while ago," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "The last we heard he was going to Texas. That was on Monday. I don't know if that deal is still in place." Fox Sports reported that Texas may not have the money to sign Oswalt. The same is true of the St. Louis Cardinals, Oswalt's other reported team of choice. "If he doesn't sign," Jocketty said, "we'd take another look at it.""

Could Red Sox, Reds or Phillies land Oswalt?

February 5

Foxsports.com

"Roy Oswalt is without a contract two weeks before the start of spring workouts. And he is scrambling. Oswalt is known to prefer a team close to his Mississippi home, but his top choices – the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals – may not have enough money left in their budgets and/or room in their rotations to sign him. That has allowed a number of suitors to remain in contact with Oswalt. The Red Sox, Reds and Phillies are among them, according to major-league sources. Because Oswalt is the "last man standing" among the upper-tier pitching free agents, so to speak, new clubs could emerge. That is particularly the case if they believe they can sign him at a discounted rate."

Report: Reds sign former Yu Darvish teammate

February 3

Cincinnati Enquirer

"FOXSports.com's Jon Morosi is reporting via Twitter that right-handed pitcher Wirfin Obispo, a former Nippon Ham Fighters teammate of Yu Darvish, has signed a minor-league deal with the Reds, according to a source. The 27-year-old Obispo is not Japanese; he's from San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic."

Trib columnist: Votto to Blue Jays an 'inevitable acquisition'

February 2

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers is taking a closer look at each team in his Power Rankings leading up to the start of Spring Training. (By the way, did you see that SI.com and CBSSports.com both have the Reds ranked No. 9 in Power Rankings?) A couple of hours ago, Rogers released his 15th-ranked team, the Blue Jays, which probably wouldn't interest Reds fans much, right? Well, no. You're going to want to read it, as it turns out. Rogers begins his analysis of the Blue Jays with a bang. Rogers' words: One more year, two at the most. Unless that pesky Mayan calendar is correct, and the Earth drifts into a black hole or is attacked by a higher species we never knew existed, Joey"

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues

February 1

ESPN.com

"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"

Caravan stop shows importance of Reds' radio growth

January 30

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The growth of the Reds radio network since the Reds brought it back n-house four years ago was clearly in evidence Saturday afternoon at a Reds caravan stop. On the southwestern edge of Reds Country, 220 miles from Great American Ball Park, more than 2,500 people turned out to hear, see and talk to Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, announcers Marty Brennaman and Chris Welsh, Reds Hall of Famer Lee May, Reds assistant general manager Bob Miller and minor league catcher Tucker Barnhart. The line curled around the corner of the atrium of the Greenwood Mall, past storefront after storefront at a distance equivalent from home plate to the smokestacks at GABP."

Prospect Barnhart catches everything, including bus

January 29

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Welcome to the "Rock Star" portion of the Reds winter caravan, minor league catcher Tucker Barnhart. Even though late last September you were named the best defensive catcher in all of minor league baseball – for which you won a Rawlings Gold Glove – nobody except your family and friends and fine-print aficionados knew it. What shot you from unknown (at least to Reds fans) to rock star was the trade of former first-round draft pick Yasmani Grandal to the San Diego Padres in the Mat Latos deal, and then, two weeks ago, the invitation to big league camp for spring training, and now joining Brandon Phillips, Marty Brennaman, et al, on the Brennaman-proclaimed "Rock Star Tour" bus, which today"

Take a hot-stove chill pill

January 28

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The questions come on Twitter on a daily basis. Will the Reds be able to sign Joey Votto? Is Brandon Phillips' contract extension done? Are the Reds going to add anyone else before spring training? Is Roy Oswalt a possibility? The concerns never end. As Lance McAlister of WLW radio said (and I may be paraphrasing): Reds fans worry about the future, the Bengals fans worry about the past. I'll be over here enjoying the present. Look, I don't know if the Reds are going to keep Votto and Phillips long-term. I don't know if they'll make another move before they report to Goodyear, Ariz., for spring training. And I'm guessing Oswalt doesn't get signed by the Reds. What I do know is the Reds have"

Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."

Reds, Arredondo agree to 2-year contract

January 27

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds and RHP Jose Arredondo have agreed to terms on a 2-year contract through the 2013 season, avoiding arbitration, according to the team. He was the Reds' lone remaining player eligible for arbitration."

Votto and the Prince factor

January 26

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Prince Fielder signing with Detroit means the chances of Joey Votto re-signing with the Reds are hovering just above zero, right? While that is probably correct, I don't think it's an absolute lock that Votto doesn't re-up. The Reds are in no position to give him a nine-year, $214 million deal like the Tigers gave Fielder. But I think they could swing a shorter deal at an average annual salary close to what Fielder is getting ($23.7 million). Maybe four or five years. Would Votto be willing to do that? I don't know, but he chose a three-year deal over longer one when he signed last year."

Phils trade Valdez for Reds reliever

January 26

Courier-Post

"Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. continues to tinker with his bench and add to his bullpen, trading fan favorite Wilson Valdez to Cincinnati on Wednesday in exchange for lefty Jeremy Horst. Horst, 26, pitched in 12 games for the Reds last season, posting a 2.93 ERA. He spent the bulk of the year in Triple-A, where he was 1-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 36 appearances. He'll join Dontrelle Willis and Antonio Bastardo as potential left-handers in this season's Phillies bullpen."

Report: Reds, Jeff Francis agree to deal

January 26

Cincinnati Enquirer

"CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman is reporting on Twitter that the Reds have agreed to sign free agent left-hander Jeff Francis to a minor-league deal. Earlier, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal had Tweeted that the Reds were close to signing Francis to a minor-league deal. Francis spent 2011 with the Royals, posting a 4.82 ERA in 31 starts. His record was 6-16. His 183 innings of work was his highest total since 2007 (when he went 17-9 for the Rockies and finished ninth in NL Cy Young voting), before he suffered a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. In seven Major League seasons, Francis is 61-66 with a 4.78 ERA and a 1.430 WHIP. In five career starts against the Reds,"

Reds trade for Valdez, sign Masset

January 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds traded left-hander Jeremy Horst to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for utility infielder Wilson Valdez. Valdez hit .249/.294/.341 in 273 at-bats for the Phillies. He's the guy who pitched the 19th inning against the Reds and earned the win. He played 45 games at second, 25 at shortstop and 24 at third base. My guess is he battles Paul Janish for one of the last bench spots."

MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."

Jays sign reliever Cordero

January 25

Toronto Sun

"How do you like the Blue Jays bullpen now? First, here's what the Toronto bullpen looked like over the final two weeks of August: The cast included: closer Frank Francisco, Casey Janssen, Jon Rauch, Shawn Camp, Joel Carreno, Jesse Litsch, Luis Perez, Rommie Lewis, Wil Ledezma, Brian Tallet and Trever Miller. Since then the Jays have been busy improving the bullpen, adding another important arm Tuesday, in Francisco Cordero, who saved 37 of 43 chances with the Cincinnati Reds last season."

Cordero signs one-year deal with Blue Jays

January 24

MLB.com

"The Blue Jays continued to revamp their bullpen on Tuesday afternoon by agreeing to terms with free agent reliever Francisco Cordero. The move is pending a physical and has been confirmed by an MLB.com source close to the negotiations. A report on Foxsports.com indicated the deal was for one year at $4.5 million. Cordero's signing puts an end to the club's overhaul of its bullpen following the recent acquisitions of Sergio Santos, Jason Frasor and Darren Oliver. The 36-year-old Cordero posted a 2.45 ERA with 37 saves in 43 opportunities in Cincinnati last year. He has 327 saves in 397 career opportunities and will provide another veteran presence at the back end of Toronto's bullpen. It's"

Baker is upbeat about player moves

January 24

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Reds manager Dusty Baker had knee surgery last week. "Just a 'scope,' " he said. "It's the same knee I had operated on 35 years ago when I was playing. If this one lasts 35 years, I'll be happy." When Baker goes through rehab, he doesn't have to spend a lot of time figuring out how he's going to make do with the roster. The Reds plugged a lot of holes this offseason, adding outfielder Ryan Ludwick, closer Ryan Madson, left-handed reliever Sean Marshall and right-handed starter Mat Latos. The Reds added outfielder/infielder Willie Harris Monday, Baker said. Harris, 33, hit .246 with a .351 on-base percentage in 126 games with the New York Mets last year. He played all three outfield"

Angels still in the mix to land Cordero

January 23

MLB.com

"Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero expects to pick a team by the end of this week, and the Angels are one of four finalists for his services, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told MLB.com. The identity of the other three clubs is not known at this point, but one of the four, the source said, is a championship-contending team looking to slot him in the eighth inning. That may be the Phillies, which could use a setup man for the recently signed Jonathan Papelbon. The Orioles have also reportedly been in touch. The Rays, which have a need in the ninth inning, are not one of those other three clubs, however. At this point in the offseason, with the closer's market dried up and a"

Pete Rose Jr. wants to manage in the majors

January 22

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Pete Rose Jr., much like his dad, never announced his retirement from playing baseball. Much like his dad, he basically just stayed in the dugout and shifted his focus to another job. Managing. Rose Jr., who turned 42 in November, is preparing for his second season of managing the rookie Bristol club in the Chicago White Sox organization. The son of baseball's Hit King might be done playing, but he retains his father's aggressively single-minded approach to reaching the top of his profession. "Managing in the majors is not even a goal, it's just something that's going to happen," Rose Jr. said in a recent interview with The Enquirer. "It's in my blood. I remember my dad saying that"

Ryan Madson has 'good feeling' about Reds

January 21

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Chilled at the weather but warmed by the reception in the office of Reds owner Bob Castellini, new Reds closer Ryan Madson says he's ready to get back to the playoffs. No doubt that was sweet music to Castellini. Signed, sealed and delivered, he's yours, Reds fans. The Reds officially announced the signing of the former Philadelphia reliever to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2013. The former Phillies closer (32 saves in 34 opportunities last year with a 2.37 ERA), said closer's roles were "few and far between'' for the upcoming season, and that's's why he jumped on the Reds' offer. Once the Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon and the Marlins signed Heath Bell and"

How Reds stack up by position

January 18

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Tuesday the club is ''pretty well done'' retooling going into spring training, but would add an experienced shortstop to provide depth for starter Zack Cozart and backup Paul Janish if they can find one. "If not, we like what we have," Jocketty said. Here's how the Reds shape up by position. 1B – JOEY VOTTO: With two more years on Votto's contract before free agency kicks in, the Reds are going for it all now while they have Votto locked up. Every team needs a guy in the middle of their order who the other team fears, and Votto is that guy. It stands to reason that if the Reds are going to make a run, it is going to make it with their best player in"

Reds lineup geared for winning

January 18

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds appear primed to make another run at winning the National League Central Division, if not a World Series championship. With Monday's signing of free-agent corner outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who will vie for the starting left fielder's job with Chris Heisey, the Reds look ready to take it to Goodyear, Ariz., for spring training. The only thing possibly left for the Reds to do is shore up shortstop a bit if they feel Zack Cozart's 11-game trial there last year before getting hurt (12-for-37, .324, 2 home runs) is not indicative of what he can do over the long haul. Right now, the only true backup shortstop is Paul Janish. With the Cardinals having lost free-agent first baseman Albert"

Orioles have some interest in Francisco Cordero

January 17

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles have expressed some interest in the lone viable free-agent closer, Francisco Cordero, according to an industry source. Although discussions are not considered far along, the Orioles have inquired about the 36-year-old right-hander, who has more saves than any other active pitcher besides Mariano Rivera. Cordero spent the past four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, saving 150 games in 174 chances. In each of his past five years, he's saved 34 or more including going 37 of 43 in 2011. Cordero's first season as a full-time closer was in 2004 with the Texas Rangers, who were managed by current Orioles' skipper Buck Showalter."

10 things you don't know about ... Sean Marshall

January 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"1 Hailing from Richmond, Marshall became the second pitcher from Virginia acquired by the Reds this offseason, following Mat Latos, who is from Alexandria. Marshall went to the same high school (Manchester) as R&B singer D'Angelo and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. 2 At 6-foot-7, he is taller than the 6-6 Latos. 3 His twin brother, Brian, was taken by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. Sean was the 14th college left-hander selected that year; Brian was the 10th."

Report: Ryan Ludwick to Reds

January 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports tonight that the Reds and free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick have agreed to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2013. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, following Rosenthal's report, says that Ludwick gets $2.5 million with a chance to make $3 million. The Reds have not confirmed the report."

Could Francisco Cordero make sense for Phils?

January 13

CSN Philly

"With Ryan Madson in Cincinnati, Francisco Cordero remains the only healthy, available closer in a market that opened the winter with 13 savers looking for 15 jobs. The 36-year-old Cordero manned the ninth inning for the Reds from 2008-11, saving 38 games per season with a 2.96 ERA. His WHIP with Cincy was a mediocre 1.30 and his ratio of strikeouts-per-nine (7.6) to walks-per-nine (4.1) wasn't close to the level of a Madson or Jonathan Papelbon, but Cordero is a solid short-term reliever who could get a look from the Phillies, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports."

Ryan Madson deal: Agent, GM at odds

January 12

ESPN.com

"Less than a day after reliever Ryan Madson agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, agent Scott Boras and Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. sharply disagreed on the chain of events that led to Madson's departure from Philadelphia this winter. In early November, the Phillies were reportedly closing in on a four-year, $44 million contract with Madson when talks quickly and mysteriously unraveled. Within days, the Phillies signed former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million deal. Madson agreed to the one-year deal with the Reds on Tuesday, according to a source. Although Boras and Amaro refrained from inflammatory"

Madson deal set, just not finished

January 12

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Although the Reds and closer Ryan Madson have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with $8.5 million guaranteed, a baseball source said it could be some time before the move is officially announced. Madson, a 31-year-old right-hander who was the Phillies' closer last season, must pass a physical, and details of the contract, which includes incentives and a mutual option year, have to be worked out. The option is not vesting – either side can opt out. But structuring it this way, the Reds can spread out money over two years. Completing a deal at this stage is often a formality."

Barry Larkin honored at GABP

January 12

Cincinnati Enquirer

"It was fitting that the stage for Barry Larkin's Cincinnati Hall of Fame press conference included seats for brothers Stephen and Byron, as well and mother Shirley and father Robert. "I asked my mom and dad and my brothers to be here," Larkin said. "Yes, this is a personal accolade for me, but I'm a product of the environment set up for me. Some of my coaches, some guys from the organization are here. I was only successful because of them, because of the support of my mother and father. "I don't want it to be lost in my enshrinement the importance of everyone who is here.""

Larkin: Concepcion a Hall of Fame mentor

January 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Barry Larkin has been asked a couple of times if Davey Concepcion deserves a spot with him in the Hall of Fame. "I don't know," Larkin said. "I'm the rookie on the totem pole. I'm the newest member. I know what Davey did for me in my career. Davey helped me tremendously. I haven't really looked at his numbers. I don't have a vote. It's not my place to look at his numbers. As far as what Davey Concepcion did for me as a player, he's certainly a Hall of Famer. "I've heard that his numbers compare very favorably to some of the shortstops in the Hall of Fame." Concepcion's numbers – .267, 101 home runs, 950 RBI – compare well with shortstops voted in by the Veterans Committee, such as Pee Wee"

Report: Reds agree to deal with Ryan Madson

January 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the Reds have reached a deal with pitcher Ryan Madson. Heyman says it's a one-year deal. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the deal in excess of $10 million. Madson has a 2.89 ERA over the past five seasons. Last year with the Phillies, he saved 32 games in 34 chances. The Phillies had a four-year, $44 million deal lined up with Madson in Novemeber. However, talks between Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and agent Scott Boras broke down and the deal fell through. Philadelphia then signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year deal."

'Soft' deadline for Cordero; Kerry Wood on the radar

January 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Time is running out on Francisco Cordero. "I expect to have it resolved one way or another this week," Walt Jocketty said. The Reds are trying to work out a one-year deal to bring back Cordero as closer. Since the deal would involve the last big chunk of payroll, the Reds would like to get it done so they know what they have left for fill other needs. "We gave them a soft deadline," Jocketty said. "Sometimes giving a hard deadline doesn't work out too well." If the Reds fail to sign Cordero, they are likely to make a move for Kerry Wood. Wood reportedly is no longer part of the Cubs' plans."

Doc: Grace has a face in Barry Larkin

January 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

columnist Paul Daugherty

"A certain, physics-defying geometry was at work when Barry Larkin played shortstop. How, for instance, does a man run to his left to field a ground ball, then throw back to his right while his momentum is taking him into center field? This isn't just a highlight. It's a science project. I saw Larkin do that 100 times. It became as common as Schottzie on Opening Day. But never routine. On Monday, a day he'll remember always, I asked Larkin if he had his own mind's-eye memory. What does Barry Larkin see, when he sees Barry Larkin? "I don't think there is one," he said. "I don't think there was one standout part of my game.""

Reds teammates happy as a Lark

January 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"For two guys from totally different neighborhoods – one from suburban Cincinnati, the other from Fremont, in inner-city Los Angeles – Barry Larkin and Eric Davis certainly did get along. "As soon as I met his parents,'' said Davis, of Shirley and Robert Larkin, ''I knew where he got his humility from. I remember having dinner at their home with Barry, and everybody was there, too. It was like the Brady Bunch. "I remember thinking, 'Man, this didn't happen too often at my home." Larkin's hometown -- Silverton – and all of Greater Cincinnati and Reds Nation, including Davis, were celebrating Monday upon receiving the news that Larkin had been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame"

Larkin nearly shortchanged on path to Hall

January 10

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"On any athlete's path to sporting immortality, there are twists and turns, forks in the road that if the other one had been taken would have resulted in vastly different outcomes. For the newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, shortstop Barry Larkin, two such moments stand out in memory. The first life-altering crossroad occurred during Larkin's first year at the University of Michigan. Projected by recruiters as a two-sport athlete, legendary football coach Bo Schembechler decided to do him a favour and redshirted the young freshman, allowing Larkin to focus on baseball. He never returned to the gridiron and believes playing football would have prevented him from being where he is"

Reds' Barry Larkin elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

January 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The mystery of whether Barry Larkin, Cincinnati native son and career-long Red, would be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his best chance yet really was no mystery at all. In his third year on the ballot, Larkin received 86 percent of the vote Monday – nearly 20 percent more than second-place finisher Jack Morris – and easily surpassed the 75 percent required to be elected to Cooperstown. Larkin received 62.1 percent of the vote last year and 51.6 in 2010. Larkin joins Johnny Bench and Bid McPhee as Hall of Famers who spent their entire career with Reds."

Red-letter day: Larkin elected to Hall of Fame

January 9

MLB.com

"Barry Larkin will be the newest member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining the Class of 2012 as the sole member elected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, it was announced on Monday. The 12-time National League All-Star shortstop and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, who played his entire 19-year career for his hometown Cincinnati Reds, garnered 86 percent of the vote. Last year, Larkin finished third behind inductees Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven when his name appeared on 62.1 percent of the ballots cast. It was Larkin's third year on the ballot. Larkin will be inducted into the Hall during this year's ceremonies on July 21-22 in Cooperstown, N.Y., joining"

As an all-time great at shortstop, Larkin belongs in Hall

January 9

Cincinnati Enquirer

columnist John Erardi

"The most celebratory thing that can happen for the followers of a major league baseball team is to have it win a World Championship. The second most celebratory thing is to send a player to Cooperstown. Get ready, Reds fans. At 3 p..m. Monday, the results of the annual vote of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) will be released. Former Reds great Barry Larkin needs 75 percent of the vote to reach Valhalla. He got 62.1 percent last year. A 13 percent leap is a lot, but it's not unprecedented."

Parallels between Larkin, Rose hard to ignore

January 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Cincinnati, a town that has been waiting for two generations for somebody to play like Pete Rose, may have had it all along in Barry Larkin, who on Monday learns whether he'll be the next Red to make it to Cooperstown. If he makes it – and the informed speculation is that he will (with somewhere between 75 percent and 85 percent of the vote; 75 percent is needed for election) – he will become only the 10th shortstop and fifth Greater Cincinnatian elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). If ever there were an heir apparent to Rose, it was Larkin, who grew up on the sandlots of Cincinnati sliding headfirst like his idol. "Pete didn't just slide headfirst into a base,"

For the Nationals, Prince Fielder or Ryan Zimmerman is only a choice if they make it one

January 6

Washington Post

columnist Adam Kilgore

"The Nationals, if they're inclined, do not have to choose between Ryan Zimmerman and Prince Fielder. They have the means to sign the face of their franchise to a contract extension and to land the game-changing free agent slugger. But for the Nationals to acquire Fielder and extend Zimmerman, it would require a fundamental change in how the team's ownership operates. Since the Lerner family purchased the team from Major League Baseball in 2006, the perception has been that ownership has run the team more as a bottom-line business than as a competitive outlet."

Report: Reds sign Brandon Phillips' younger brother

January 5

Cincinnati Enquirer

"According to writer Kevin Goldstein, the Reds have signed P.J. Phillips - younger brother of Brandon. P.J. Phillips (.254/.297/.389) has never made it past A-ball in six seasons in the Angels farm system. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft. Obviously, the two brothers are close. After making his first All-Star appearance in 2010, Brandon dedicated the appearance to his brother."

Cordero could find himself back with Reds

January 4

MLB.com

"Hey, what happened to all of those available closers? What was once a lengthy list has essentially dwindled down to two free agents in Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero. As far as the Reds are concerned financially, it's really only Cordero, because Madson is widely viewed as being above Cincinnati's price point. The last major closer acquisition came during the holidays via a trade, when the Red Sox acquired All-Star Andrew Bailey from the A's in a five-player deal. Earlier in the offseason, the Reds were connected to Bailey in some speculation. The declining number of closers -- and job openings -- seemingly makes a reunion between the Reds and Cordero more realistic. But the"