Reds Trade Rumors

Can Reds be bold?
Comment
June 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 columnist Paul Daugherty
"The Reds chances of trading for Matt Holliday are slim and none, and slim just left for the church festival. That's assuming Cincinnati would be interested in paying the price for the big-hitting outfielder (dubious) and that the New York Mets would not be. That's borderline insanity. Holliday would cost the Reds precious prospects and some $7 million in salary for the rest of the year. The chances of him remaining a Red next year wouldn't be good. There aren't a lot of reasons even to contemplate it. Except this one: It's a bold move. Without boldness, the Reds will never catch the Cubs, Cards and Brewers. Maybe it's not realistic for the Reds to consider Holliday. It's not Holliday, per ..."
Losing out on DeRosa has Reds looking elsewhere
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June 29
Foxsports.com
 
"Cubs fans aren't done lamenting the fact that onetime North Side favorite Mark DeRosa was traded from Cleveland to rival St. Louis on Saturday night. Here's my advice to them: Drop it. Another team in the National League Central had an even greater need for DeRosa — and I'm not talking about the Cardinals. The most disappointed team after the deal was probably in the visiting clubhouse during this weekend's Buckeye Series at Progressive Field. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds wanted Mark DeRosa in the worst way. And on Sunday, two industry sources said the Reds are still very much engaged in their search for right-handed hitting. The Reds have left-handed power, with young sluggers Joey Votto and ..."
Arroyo on the block? Not yet
Comment
June 24
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"Talk of the Reds' willingness to trade right-hander Bronson Arroyo is premature. The Reds cannot consider moving Arroyo until righty Edinson Volquez recovers from elbow tendinitis, and Volquez probably will not return until after the All-Star break. At that point, the team might have enough depth to deal a starting pitcher for a hitter, particularly if righty Homer Bailey succeeds in his promotion from Triple-A. Bailey, 4-0 with a 0.46 ERA in his last five starts since learning a split-fingered fastball, is expected to rejoin the rotation on Saturday. The return of Volquez and addition of Bailey, in theory, would give the Reds the flexibility to trade Arroyo, who is earning $9.5 million ..."
Jocketty: Club in market for hitter
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June 24
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"If the Reds are dangling Bronson Arroyo as trade bait, general manager Walt Jocketty's not the one holding the rod. An item in the Boston Globe on Sunday said: "One of the hot rumors among the scouting community is that the Reds are dangling one of their veteran pitchers (Arroyo) in an effort to get younger and reduce payroll." "I haven't talked to anyone about Bronson," Jocketty said. Jocketty said he's under no mandate to trim payroll. As the trade deadline gets closer, teams are usually classified as buyers or sellers. "I'd say right now we're buyers," he said. "We're looking for a hitter. If we did something, it would probably be to bring in a hitter. Getting Joey (Votto) back is going ..."
Reds dangling a veteran starting pitcher?
Comment
June 22
Boston Globe
 (scroll down)
"One of the hot rumors among the scouting community is that the Reds are dangling one of their veteran pitchers in an effort to get younger and reduce payroll. Arroyo, whose name has come up in the past, is earning $9.5 million this season as part of a two-year, $25 million deal. He will earn $11 million next season and has a $2 million buyout on an $11 million option in 2011. With starting pitching hard to find, the Reds could get a decent return."
Votto: Put me in, Dusty, I'm ready
Comment
June 22
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds' offensive woes could ease this week, if Joey Votto has his way. Votto has been on the disabled list since May 29, with what the club termed "stress-related'' issues. But after a two-game, weekend stint with the Class A Dayton Dragons, the first baseman said Sunday he was ready to return to the big-league club, perhaps as early as Tuesday in Toronto. "I felt great out there,'' said Votto. In two games with the Dragons, Votto had three hits, a home run and three RBI. More importantly, Votto said, was being able to play consecutive, nine-inning games without having to leave the game. "It had been such a struggle, getting through games,'' he said. "Getting through nine was a top ..."
Reds Insider: Jocketty standing pat?
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June 14
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bill Bavasi works for Walt Jocketty now but he once dealt with him as a fellow general manager. Bavasi says this about Jocketty: "Walt doesn't scare easily." Right now, I don't know if Jocketty is being brave, patient, foolish or if he just doesn't have any options. But it sounds as if Jocketty is going to ride out the Reds' current offensive woes without shaking things up. One caveat here: Without putting a firm timetable on Joey Votto, Jocketty indicated that Reds expect Votto back in the relatively near future: "I think at some point in the next few weeks we'll see him," Jocketty said. "Like I mentioned yesterday (Friday), there's no timetable. We're really not pointing to that. We're ..."
Volquez back on DL, but news not all bad
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June 3
Dayton Daily News
 
"Manager Dusty Baker called it the best news one can get out of bad news when he heard about pitcher Edinson Volquez going on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow. "It's the best news it could be for bad news because there is nothing structurally wrong, nothing in the joint," said Baker. Volquez won't touch a baseball for seven to 10 days and then will be examined again. It saved Jared Burton a trip to Louisville. Although he was optioned out Monday, with the injury to Volquez he can stay on the roster. But the Reds will need a starting pitcher Saturday night against the Chicago Cubs. "We have an idea who it will be, but we have to wait, just in case something happens," ..."
With Myers on the shelf, Philly's in search of starting pitching
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June 1
SI.com
 
"The Phillies were scouring the trade market for starting pitching help even before Brett Myers became the latest big-name casualty with the increasingly fashionable torn hip labrum. Teammate Chase Utley beat the four-month prediction for him to return from the same injury, but Phillies people understandably worry that it may be more difficult for a pitcher to come back as quickly. In any case, the world champions are aiming high now in their quest for a starter, with Jake Peavy appearing to top their list of desirable aces, perhaps followed by Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee and Erik Bedard. Ruben Amaro, the Phillies' aggressive new GM, understands better than anyone that this is a win-now team, one ..."
Phillies' hitting potent, but rotation needs addressing
Comment
May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"As was the case in most of the 1980s, this is proving to be a dynasty-free decade in baseball. There wasn't a lot of talk about the Philadelphia Phillies or Tampa Bay Rays being capable of a run after they went to the World Series in October, and the three-tiered playoff system makes for long odds against any except the most dominant teams. Two months in, though, don't count out the Phillies. They are going to be really dangerous if they ever sort out their starting pitching. Charlie Manuel's defending champs had managed to lead the National League East eight days in a row before slipping a half-game behind the Mets entering the weekend. They did this despite a starting rotation with a ..."
Phillips won't go on DL -- yet
Comment
May 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Brandon Phillips is adamant about not going on the disabled list. The second baseman said Sunday he had suffered a hairline fracture in the tip of his right thumb late in Saturday night's game, when a batted ball hit him. "The X-rays showed it," Phillips said. "It's broken, but I'm not going on the DL. I feel I can play with a pad on it, but not for a couple days because it's swollen right now." The Reds had no announcement, but manager Dusty Baker said the hope is that Phillips can return soon. "The doctors seem to think if we wait a couple days, he might be available," Baker said. "We might have caught a break there." Phillips entered Sunday leading the league with 27 RBI in May. Overall ..."
Volquez to miss Saturday start
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May 21
Dayton Daily News
 
"The day began poorly for manager Dusty Baker. He wanted to give Edinson Volquez an extra day for his stiff back to heal, so he reluctantly moved his next start from Friday to Saturday. And he moved Bronson Arroyo from Saturday to Friday, "Even though I wanted to give Bronson an extra day of rest." Then Volquez tried to throw in a bullpen session of quickly quit. No go. And it's no go Saturday, too. "I tried, but it didn't feel good and I just threw a couple of pitches," said Volquez. "My left side is stiff a little bit. I told Dusty it would be better for me if I missed a start. I don't want to out there at 70 per cent because that's no good for me and no good for the team." His ..."
Volquez might miss next start
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May 21
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Right-hander Edinson Volquez, who still has back problems, said it might be better if he misses his next start. Volquez is penciled in to start Saturday against Cleveland. But he will have an MRI today after an aborted attempt to throw on the side Wednesday. Volquez said he threw only a couple of pitches before stopping. Volquez left last Saturday's game at San Diego with mild spasms in his back. Volquez still felt it when he threw on the side Wednesday, and he went into manager Dusty Baker's office to tell him. "It's a lot better than last time, but ... it might be better if I missed a start," Volquez said. "I don't want to go out and feel like 70 percent. It's no good for me or the ..."
Reds to examine Votto Tuesday
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May 19
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Less than a week after they briefly claimed a share of the division lead, the Reds open a nine-game homestand today, their second-longest of the season, under significantly different circumstances: They're mired in their first three-game losing streak. Their next opponent is hardly tailor-made for skid-snapping: The defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies are here for three games starting tonight. Despite shaky starting pitching, the Phillies are coming off a four-game sweep of Washington. First baseman Joey Votto's status for the Phillies series, and beyond, is still very much up in the air. Votto, who twice left games with dizziness last week after missing five with the flu, was ..."
Masset likely headed to DL
Comment
May 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Right-hander Nick Masset threw Saturday for the fist time since tweaking an oblique muscle. "It felt good," Masset said. "We're taking it day-by-day. For normal activity, it's almost not there. I soft tossed. We'll see how it feels tomorrow. The ETA could be a lot sooner." That said, Masset probably is headed for the disabled list. "You figure it will be five to seven days before he's pitchable," manager Dusty Baker said. "We can't play Philly and Cleveland short-handed as far as pitching. (Philly) is so left-handed dominant. We probably need another left-hander. Cleveland's following with (Grady) Sizemore, (Travis) Hafner and Victor Martinez, a switch-hitter." That bodes well for a Pedro ..."
Reds join Phillies in running for Gary Sheffield
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April 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Cincinnati Reds wrapped up training camp with an overture to Gary Sheffield. Manager Dusty Baker said today that he's interested in adding Sheffield - a friend for many years - to the roster. The trouble is that he can't offer regular playing time to the 40-year-old free agent, who is hoping for a full-time job and a multiyear deal. Baker got permission from general manager Walt Jocketty to call Sheffield and see whether he would consider the Reds, who don't have a starting job open. Sheffield, who was released by the Tigers on Tuesday, could start in leftfield when the Reds are facing a left-handed pitcher, fill in at first base on occasion and pinch-hit. "I don't even know if we're ..."
Reds to meet with Sheffield about possibly signing
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April 2
Dayton Daily News
 
"The Cincinnati Reds have interest in outfielder Gary Sheffield and there probably will be a meeting with him and/or his representatives today at Ed Smith Stadium. Sheffield, one shy of 500 home runs, was released this week by the Detroit Tigers. While he makes $14 million, the Reds could sign him for as little as the major-league minimum. "Sheffield and (manager) Dusty Baker have a history and they talked yesterday," said Reds general manager Walt Jocketty. He has to clear waivers today, but we'll talk. We have interest because he would be a legitimate big right-handed bat to add to our lineup." Sheffield's agent, Rufus Williams, confirmed the interest, although he said Sheffield has ..."
Bray possibly going to Triple-A
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March 30
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bray pitched a scoreless inning Saturday and gave up an unearned run Sunday. But his velocity was off 5 or 6 miles an hour Saturday, manager Dusty Baker said. "That's the question right now," Baker said. "He did a good job for us last year. He has outstanding stuff. (Saturday), his velocity was down a little bit. You don't know if that's from overthrowing. He's been checked, and they can't find anything." Bray was shut down early in camp with shoulder tendinitis. After he came back from that, he missed time with a sore hamstring. Baker thinks Bray might be pressing to catch up. "I've talked with him about being himself and not trying too hard," Baker said. Daniel Ray Herrera probably would ..."
Bailey being considered for role in Reds' bullpen
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March 18
Dayton Daily News
 
"Homer Bailey is causing sleepless nights in the front office - but it is a good no-sleep. Bailey pitched five innings against Cincinnati Reds minor-leaguers Monday, March 16, and gave up three runs and four hits while walking one and striking out six. With Micah Owings on course to grab the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation, Reds manager Dusty Baker was asked if Bailey could pitch in long relief. "Possibly," said Baker. "That's something we've discussed, and especially if we think it would be better in the long run for him to be pitching or be the fifth starter. "When I played for the Dodgers, a lot of the top young guys started in long relief before they became starters - Dave Stewart, ..."
Griffey waits for right job
Comment
February 10
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"KEN GRIFFEY JR., 39, Orlando, Fla. OBJECTIVE: A run-producing lineup spot for a major-league baseball team. WORK EXPERIENCE: Twenty seasons; 13 All-Star Game selections; 611 career home runs, fourth all-time; only active member of MLB All-Century Team last season. SALARY REQUIREMENTS: Negotiable. Despite the accomplished resume, Griffey is still looking for work less than a week before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. The only other time in his major-league career he faced this kind of offseason uncertainly was in 2000, when, nine years ago today, after a winter of trade rumors, he was introduced as a Red. This year, of course, amid baseball's economic slowdown, Griffey is ..."
No big names for Reds
Comment
January 31
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is still patrolling the free agent waters But players he's looking to land won't sell many tickets or make big headlines. "I talked to some agents and have gotten some e-mails," Jocketty said. "We're talking to some fringe guys who are trying to get into camp." Jocketty said at this point the Reds are talking only about minor-league contracts with invites to major-league camp. He downplayed the possibility of veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez being signed. "I talked to his agent," Jocketty said. "But that was several weeks ago." The Reds have had contact with Ty Wigginton's representative. Wigginton is a power right-handed bat, and because he was ..."
Casey plans to retire, join MLB Network
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January 26
MLB.com
 
"Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey is officially retiring, according to a report by WEEI.com in Boston. The report said Casey, nicknamed "The Mayor" for his friendly personality, has signed on with the MLB Network for role that has not been defined yet. Casey, 34, hit .322 in 199 at-bats for the Red Sox last season. He also played in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but spent eight of his 12 big league seasons with the Reds. A three-time All-Star, Casey had a .302 career average with 130 homers and 735 RBIs."
Yankees Hearing Offers for Swisher and Nady
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January 17
New York Times
 
"On his official Web site, Nick Swisher is depicted in a Yankees uniform, staring out at a pitcher as he wags his bat over his head. The photo has obviously been altered - Swisher has a beard, for one thing - and the scene it depicts may never come to pass. With four weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Tampa, Fla., General Manager Brian Cashman is spending much of his time fielding calls from teams interested in Swisher or Xavier Nady. One or the other became expendable when the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract last week. With Teixeira entrenched at first base, Swisher became an ex-Yankee first baseman before he ever took the field in pinstripes. ..."
Brewers' pursuit of Dunn is done
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January 16
MLB.com
 
"The Brewers showed some interest in free-agent slugger Adam Dunn during the Winter Meetings, but by Christmas there was no longer a match, general manager Doug Melvin said. Dunn's name was linked to the Brewers just before the holiday break, and it made some sense since Milwaukee has been in the market for left-handed bats. Melvin said he indeed showed some interest in the left-handed slugger, but that was when Milwaukee was also in talks with New York about a trade involving Mike Cameron. The proposed deal with the Yankees has since fizzled. Melvin said he intends to go to Spring Training with Cameron manning center field for Milwaukee. "We talked about [Dunn] when there was a possibility ..."
Spending just to spend not answer
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January 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"It's increasingly looking like the Reds are going to head to spring training with player payroll money unspent. General manager Walt Jocketty said as much the other day. "We might not use everything we have," Jocketty said. "We'll wait and see what happens." Is this folly in the day and age when the New York Yankees' payroll is roughly enough to bail out the automobile industry? It would be if the right free agents to spend on were available. But my contention is spending the money on the wrong guys is worse than not spending it at all. The reason to applaud Jocketty's patience is rooted in recent Reds history. Flash back to December 2004. Going into the winter meetings, the Reds were ..."
Report: Hairston a Red
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January 7
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds and infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $2 million, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported Tuesday night, citing a baseball source. The deal, which could be worth up to $4 million with incentives, is expected to be announced today, according to the report. Hairston, 32, appeared in 80 games last season and played at six positions, including 34 games at shortstop."
Report: Reds reach deal with Hairston
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January 7
Dayton Daily News
 
"Free agent Jerry Hairston Jr. is returning to the Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com. The Web site reported late Tuesday, Jan. 6, that Hairston and the club had agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $2 million. It's an incentive-laden deal that could be worth $4 million. An announcement is expected today. The Royals and Cardinals also were competing to sign Hairston. It appears that Cincinnati plans to make the versatile Hairston its starting shortstop because Alex Gonzalez won't be ready, the Web site reported."
Jocketty trying to gauge market
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January 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"A lot of teams - the Reds included - have been waiting for the free agent market to sort itself out. Could outfielder Pat Burrell's $16 million, two-year deal with Tampa Bay be a signing to help define the market? "I think so. It's an indication that clubs don't have a lot of money to spend and don't want to make big commitments in a tough economy," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Monday. "I know it was a lot less than Burrell started out asking for." The Reds still have an offer out to infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. to return. "I talked to his agent (Monday)," Jocketty said. "I'm hopeful that we'll know something this week - one way or another." Also from Jocketty: Are ..."
With Manny Ramirez talks at stalemate, Dodgers consider Bobby Abreu or Adam Dunn
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December 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"As the stalemate between Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers approaches its third month, the club is exploring whether Bobby Abreu or Adam Dunn could replace Ramirez in left field. The market for Ramirez apparently has not heated up even after Mark Teixeira, the most coveted hitter available in free agency, signed last week with the New York Yankees. General Manager Ned Colletti said Monday the Dodgers have not heard since then from Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez and Teixeira. "I'm assuming, if Manny wants to play here, we'll hear at some point from Scott," Colletti said. Colletti would not discuss what other players the Dodgers might pursue. "Manny is our first choice," Colletti said. The ..."
In need of outfielders, Reds sign once-hot prospect
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December 16
Dayton Daily News
 
"With only three outfielders on their 40-man roster - Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson and Norris Hopper - the Cincinnati Reds are in search of a few good outfielders. On Monday, Dec. 15, they signed one to a minor-league contract, 28-year-old Laynce Nix. He has agreed to a minor-league contract that is worth $600,000 if he makes the team out of spring training with bonus clauses that could push it to $1.1 million. The Reds hope to re-sign free agent Jerry Hairston Jr., but he is negotiating with two other teams. GM Walt Jocketty said talks with Hairston "are slow, but now that the winter meetings are over maybe they'll pick up." Hairston attended the winter meetings in Las Vegas last week, but ..."
Pirates reach out to Hairston, Cabrera
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December 16
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates have inquired about two more free agents, super-utilityman Jerry Hairston Jr. and pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Hairston, 32, is coming off a career-best season with the Cincinnati Reds in which he batted .326 with six home runs and 36 RBIs in 80 games, this after having made the team in spring training off a $500,000 minor league contract. His .384 on-base percentage was well above his career figure of .330 and towered above his 2007 figure of .249. He can play any position in the infield or outfield, including shortstop, where he spent 34 games with the Reds this past season. The Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and three American League teams have been linked to Hairston this ..."
Unable to work out a deal, Rockies cut Taveras loose
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December 14
Denver Post
 
"As expected, the Rockies parted ways with speedy center fielder Willy Taveras on Friday night. The club nontendered Taveras when it concluded it could not trade him before Friday's 10 p.m. MST deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players. The Rockies did tender offers to third baseman Garrett Atkins, second baseman Clint Barmes, starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa and relievers Taylor Buchholz, Huston Street and Jason Grilli. The Rockies also decided to not tender a contract to infielder Jonathan Herrera, 24, who made his Major League debut in 2008 and hit .230 (14-for-61) with three RBIs in 28 games for the Rockies. The moves leave the Rockies with 38 players on the 40-man ..."
Reds bring in Rhodes
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December 13
Dayton Daily News
 
"Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent left-handed relief pitcher Arthur Rhodes on Friday to a two-year, $4 million contract through the 2010 season, after Rhodes passed a physical. Last season Rhodes, 39, combined to finish 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA and two saves in 61 relief appearances for the Seattle Mariners and Florida Marlins. Wood not an Indian yet The Cleveland Indians have Kerry Wood's medical records. They just aren't saying if they like them. The club is internally discussing the results of Wood's physical and had no word Friday on whether they've agreed with the free agent closer on a contract. The Indians offered Wood a two-year deal worth a reported $20 million earlier this week in Las ..."
Still wanted: Righty who can hit
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December 11
Dayton Daily News
 
"With the acquisition of catcher Ramon Hernandez from the Baltimore Orioles this week, Cincinnati Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty has his attention turned on landing a right-handed bat - preferably an outfielder. And FoxSports.com reported Wednesday, Dec. 10, that the Jermaine Dye-Homer Bailey deal is not dead. What held up the trade was the fact the Chicago White Sox and Reds couldn't come to an agreement on how much of Dye's $11.5 million contract the White Sox would pick up. A source with the Reds said the amount of money the White Sox would absorb would determine how good the two prospects the Reds would add to the mix would be. The Reds gave up two solid minor-league infielders in ..."
Reds have yet to cash in
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December 11
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds' lone foray into the free agent market this offseason has been re-signing Mike Lincoln for $4 million over two years. Speculation is that the deal to land Jermaine Dye wasn't completed because of Dye's $11.5 million salary for 2009. Given the down economy, it would be easy to assume that the Reds have switched gears and decided to hold the line on player payroll. That would be wrong. "We have money to spend," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. Probably at least $10 million. In fact, the Reds plan to talk to representatives for outfielder Pat Burrell, one of the premier free agents on the market. "They called us," Jocketty said. "We haven't had a chance to get back to them." ..."
Redding-for-Taveras deal dead for now
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December 10
Denver Post
 
"A year after miscalculating on the impact of young starters, the Rockies remain determined to build rotation depth. They are aggressively pursuing Washington right-hander Tim Redding, but a Tuesday deal involving Willy Taveras "is dead" for now, a source familiar with talks told The Denver Post tonight. It's still possible the teams will find a match, after Washington reviews the medical records on Taveras' stress fracture leg injury that caused him to miss the season's final five games. Triple-A first baseman Joe Koshansky was also discussed, but it doesn't appear he will be moved. The talks, however, remain fluid."
Source: Ramon deal all but complete
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December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"According to a source here, the Orioles have made substantial progress over the past 24 hours on the prospective deal that would send Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds for fourth outfielder Ryan Freel and a mid-level prospect. There is a general manager's meeting going on right now, but it's possible the deal could be announced very soon. If there is any holdup, it could be because the Commissioner's Office will have to approve the deal, since more than $1 million in cash will also change hands to subsidize Ramon's salary. O's president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said yesterday that he hoped to get something done at these winter meetings, and this deal would probably be it. ..."
Jermaine Dye to stay with White Sox ... for now
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December 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Ken Williams said he has assured Jermaine Dye that he remains with the White Sox — for now. But what happens by the end of the week and through the off-season remains up for discussion, as Williams acknowledged Cincinnati's interest in his slugger while trying to fortify a gradually younger roster. "For our purposes, we'll sit back, survey the landscape, and if someone brings something to our attention that makes sense to where we can balance it out for the present and also get ourselves better for the future, we'll travel down that road," Williams told Chicago reporters Monday night at the winter meetings. Dye, 34, remains the Sox's most valuable bargaining chip because of ..."
Catcher for Freel?
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December 9
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"One of the Reds' top priorities at Baseball's annual winter meetings was to improve the catching. To that end, the Reds are believed to be talking with the Baltimore Orioles about obtaining Ramon Hernandez in exchange for utility man Ryan Freel. General manager Walt Jocketty did not confirm the report, but he didn't deny it, either. "We've had conversations with a number of clubs," he said. "I'm not going to mention names. I can't mention names." A Hernandez-for-Freel deal makes sense. The Orioles would like to shed Hernandez's $8.5 million salary; the Reds would like to shed Freel's $4 million salary. The Reds need catching help; the Orioles are looking for a utility man for the outfield. ..."
Homer-to-Sox deal denied by Reds
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December 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds assistant general manager Bob Miller said the club is not about to announce a trade that would send Homer Bailey to the White Sox for outfielder Jermaine Dye.

"We haven't talked to the White Sox since we got here (Las Vegas)," Miller said. The Chicago Tribune quoted a White Sox source as saying a deal wasn't done."

Reds deal Bailey for White Sox slugger
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December 8
Dayton Daily News
 
"With baseball's annual winter meetings unfurling this week at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, rumors run rampant. A noteworthy one involving the Cincinnati Reds is making the rounds - pitcher Homer Bailey for Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye. A major-league source close to the situation told The Dayton Daily News on Sunday, Dec. 7, "The deal is done and will be announced this week." The Reds are in the market for an outfielder and moving Bailey makes sense. The 22-year-old righthander, the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2004, has not lived up to high expectations and some club officials believe a change of venue would be best for him. Bailey was 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA in eight starts with the ..."
Las Vegas dealers
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December 7
Boston Globe
 
"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin runs a baseball team in middle America. The economy is tough, yet he waits to hear whether CC Sabathia will accept their $100 million offer or whether he'll have to move on to Plan B. As baseball's winter meetings get underway tomorrow at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Melvin expects there will be a lot of teams in the same boat - going to Plan B or perhaps no plan at all. "Because the market has been slow, it's got a chance to where agents may dominate the meetings trying to get a feel for what they can get," said Melvin. "We all have to be aware of the economy - even the big-market teams, from what I've seen. "We're in a situation where the ..."
Jocketty sees little chance of signing Wood
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December 3
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds manager Dusty Baker would like to have Kerry Wood play for his club in 2009, but general manager Walt Jocketty doesn't see it happening. "It would be tough with (Francisco) Cordero as our closer," Jocketty said. Baker called Wood, who pitched for him in Chicago, upon hearing the Cubs and Wood were parting ways. The Cubs declined to offer Wood arbitration on Monday. "I like Kerry. I like him a lot," Baker said. So when a reporter from the Chicago Tribune called and asked if Baker would like to have Wood pitching for him again, he gave an honest answer. "It's no big deal," Baker said. "He asked me a question. I ain't going to lie. I'd like to have (Kerry) but not as a closer. We've got ..."
Reds' Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again
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December 2
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Fred Mitchell
"Kerry Wood answered the call from the bullpen last season for the Cubs, reinventing himself as a capable closer with 34 saves. Will he pick up the phone when Dusty Baker from division foe Cincinnati calls him? The Cubs decided to pass on offering Wood a multiyear deal to retain his services, so Baker says he plans to give Wood a call to check on his possible interest in signing with Cincinnati. "We have a closer already in [ Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years," Baker said Monday. "But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what's up." Baker ..."
White Sox, Reds talking about Jermaine Dye
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December 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"The winter meetings don't start until Dec. 8, but the White Sox could act sooner in their quest to retool an aging and power-oriented roster. But a major-league source said Sunday any deal involving right fielder Jermaine Dye and Cincinnati is complicated by financial matters. Dye, who has hit 137 home runs in the last four years, will earn $11.5 million in 2009, with a mutual option for $12 million in 2010 that includes a $1 million buyout. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer that he had talked to the Sox about "some players, but nothing is close." The teams appear to be a match because the Reds are looking for a right-handed hitter to go with young ..."
Decisions, decisions: Arbitration deadline looms
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December 1
MLB.com
 
"In ordinary offseasons, the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their ranked free agents, which this time arrives Monday at midnight ET, has been a rather predictable occasion. With few exceptions, teams not yet able to strike new deals in the roughly four weeks since their players' declaration of free agency would simply decline to make the offer, effectively severing ties and giving up any claims to compensatory Draft picks. These, however, are extraordinary times -- both for baseball and for the overall economy the sport must use at least as a partial guideline. Thus, the decisions made prior to the deadline will dramatically shape the rest of the signing season for the 169 free ..."
Dye still may be in play
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November 30
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Saturday that the offseason remains quiet. "Most clubs shut it down on the holidays," he said. As for talk that the Reds could be interested in outfielder Jermaine Dye, whom the Chicago White Sox are reported to be shopping, Jocketty said: "I'm not going to comment. But we have talked to the White Sox about some players. Nothing is close." The way tampering rules work, Jocketty cannot say he's pursuing Dye. But in the case of San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene, Jocketty was comfortable shooting down the rumor. So there's probably some interest in Dye, a 34-year-old right-handed-hitting outfielder who hit .292 with 41 doubles, 34 home runs and 96 RBI ..."
Reds looking for talent; Griffey looking for work
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November 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds' efforts in free agency so far haven't exactly been headline-filled, beyond reliever Jeremy Affeldt signing with San Francisco. General manager Walt Jocketty said Monday the Reds had brief contract talks with free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. "But we've had no real discussions," Jocketty said. "A lot of big market clubs are looking at him." Brian Goldberg, the agent for former Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., said Monday he thinks things will to open up in early December. Dec. 1 is the last day for clubs to offer salary arbitration to their free agents. The players have until Dec. 7 to accept. If they refuse, teams get a draft pick or two for them - depending on their ..."
Rockies catch eye of Reds
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November 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"FoxSports.com reported that the Reds are interested in three players on the Colorado Rockies: center fielder Willy Taveras, catcher Yorvit Torrealba and third baseman Garrett Atkins. The Reds' interest in the players is believed to be in that order. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed the two clubs had talked. "We've talked to Colorado, but we've talked to a lot of different clubs. But that didn't get out," Jocketty said. "We've let clubs know our position. We're looking for catching, center field, shortstop and a right-handed RBI guy." Taveras and Torrealba would fill two of the Reds' stated needs - center fielder and catcher. The team's center field job is wide-open, and Chris ..."
Organization exploring trade offers for popular shortstop
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November 4
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Khalil Greene, a franchise fixture for an 89-victory Padres club just two seasons ago, is now the subject of preliminary trade talks on the heels of his miserable 2008 season. Clubs have expressed early interest in buying low on the shortstop, who batted .213 with 100 strikeouts last season before missing the final two months because of a self-inflicted hand fracture. "We've had nibbles," said General Manager Kevin Towers, who has met with other GMs the last three days at a coastal resort in Orange County. The Orioles, Reds and Tigers are among those interested. The Nationals and Padres discussed a Greene trade this past summer, but the Nats aren't in play this time around. Greene is ..."