Cincinnati Reds Trade Rumors

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."
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"
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."
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."
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."
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"
Reds haven't spoken with Madson
January 1
CSN Philly
 
"On Thursday we outlined Ryan Madson's limited options in the wake of Boston's trade for Andrew Bailey. The conclusion drawn was that Madson's best opportunity to land a multi-year deal would be with the Reds, the only team known to still be in the hunt for a closer. But John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday afternoon that the Reds haven't even spoken with Madson's people, and that the team prefers to bring back Francisco Cordero on a one-year deal. Cordero turned down a two-year offer from Cincy earlier this off-season, which Fay conjectures was worth approximately $14 million in total. Reds GM Walt Jocketty's hope is to sign a closer to a cheap deal, saving money for a"
Reds in the market for closer
December 31
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Give the Reds credit after a do-nothing offseason in 2010. They didn't just do something in 2011, they did big things. The two trades they made before Christmas for Mat Latos and Sean Marshall were bold strokes. While you can argue the merits of either, you can't argue that they make the club better for 2012. Latos should stabilize the rotation, and Marshall the bullpen. But the Reds would be wise to do more. Understandably, not a lot happened this week with the holidays. "I've spoken to some agents and some clubs," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "But everyone kind of shuts it down until after the first of the year." When the Reds reconvene on Tuesday, the agenda remains the"
Reds haven't spoken with Madson
December 31
CSN Philly
 
"On Thursday we outlined Ryan Madson's limited options in the wake of Boston's trade for Andrew Bailey. The conclusion drawn was that Madson's best opportunity to land a multi-year deal would be with the Reds, the only team known to still be in the hunt for a closer. But John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday afternoon that the Reds haven't even spoken with Madson's people, and that the team prefers to bring back Francisco Cordero on a one-year deal. Cordero turned down a two-year offer from Cincy earlier this off-season, which Fay conjectures was worth approximately $14 million in total. Reds GM Walt Jocketty's hope is to sign a closer to a cheap deal, saving money for a"
Late-developing market for late-inning types
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Yes, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero are still out there. "The trade market snuck up on these free-agent closers," the NL executive said. "They should have taken the money and ran. All of a sudden, (Huston) Street, (Andrew) Bailey and (Brandon) League are out there. That's a significant impact on the free-agent pool that's normally not there." Street was dealt from Colorado to San Diego. Bailey (A's) and League (Mariners) are still available. Some in the industry believe Joakim Soria (Royals) and Carlos Marmol (Cubs) could be had for the right price. With those cost-controlled alternatives, it's understandable why clubs have been reluctant to offer Madson a four-year contract. For now,"
Sources: Reds eyeing Cubs lefty Marshall
December 21
Foxsports.com
 
"The Reds and Cubs are in the advanced stages of trade discussions that would send left-handed reliever Sean Marshall to Cincinnati, according to major league sources. The Cubs are targeting left-hander Travis Wood, a pitcher who intrigued team president Theo Epstein last season when Epstein was GM of the Red Sox, sources say. It is not known whether other players might also be part of the deal."
Source: Padres deal Latos to Reds
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"The Reds got the top-of-the-rotation starter they wanted, acquiring right-hander Mat Latos from the Padres on Saturday. In return, the Padres received right-handed pitchers Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger, infielder Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal. Latos, 24, will join right-hander Johnny Cueto, 25, to give the Reds a young, dynamic 1-2 starting punch. The Reds will control Latos for four years; he is not eligible for arbitration until 2013. Latos was 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA for the Padres last season after going 14-10 with a 2.92 ERA in 2010."
Cuddyer signing could affect Reds
December 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Michael Cuddyer signing with the Colorado Rockies could affect things for the Reds. But a couple other dominos have to fall first. With Cuddyer in the fold, the Rockies may look to move Seth Smith. The Rockies, Tracy Ringolsby writes, would want a stating pitched for Smith. The Rockies and the Reds talked about Edinson Volquez during the winter meetings. But the only way I see the Reds trading for Smith is if they trade Yonder Alonso first. Alonso is the best chip the Reds have to land a starting pitcher. Smith, a left-handed hitter, hit .284/.347/.483 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI last year. His home/road splits aren't as huge as you'll find with some Rockies players. He hit .285 with nine"
Reds need to pull trigger on a trade
December 16
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cincinnati Reds need to make like the Arizona Diamondbacks. D-backs GM Kevin Towers, calling the NL West "wide open," made a bold move to obtain right-hander Trevor Cahill this month and still could add right-hander Hiroki Kuroda or re-sign lefty Joe Saunders in free agency. The Reds' opportunity in the NL Central looks just as enticing. But so far, the Reds have yet to fulfill their goals of acquiring at least one starting pitcher, preferably a top-of-the-rotation type, and finding a new closer. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have lost first baseman Albert Pujols and manager Tony La Russa. The Brewers are going to lose first baseman Prince Fielder and possibly left fielder Ryan Braun to a"
Dontrelle Willis passes physical, signs one-year deal with Phillies
December 16
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have officially signed Dontrelle Willis to a one-year deal. Willis passed his physical Thursday afternoon. A starter throughout his career, the 29-year-old lefthander will move to the bullpen. In 13 starts for the Reds last season, Willis went 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA but held left-handed hitters to a .127 average. In 10 of the 13 starts, he allowed three earned runs or less. "Dontrelle, I believe, is at a point in his career where he is ready to make the transition to being an effective reliever," general manager Ruben Amaro said in a statement released by the team. "Because of his experience, past success and overall positive energy, we feel this will be an opportunity to"
Notes: Reds talk with Dmitri Young; Cody Ross sparks interest
December 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has not connected with Dmitri Young yet, but he's open to bringing young in on a minor league contract. "Dusty (Baker) talked to him," Jocketty said. "Dusty had him call up here (to suite) and I wasn't here. He's looking for a job. I'd consider it. I like Dmitri." Young lost 70 pounds and is down to 230 pounds. CODY ROSS' NAME 'KICKED AROUND': The Reds haven't exactly been players for free agents at the winter meetings here. But the long list of players still available, they are looking some extra players. Cody Ross, the former Red (albeit ever so briefly), would fall into that category."
A's Gonzalez hottest lefty at meetings
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The left-handed pitcher most in demand at the winter meetings is not either of the top free agents, C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle. No, the lefty generating the most attention is the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, who is attracting trade interest from nearly a dozen teams, major league sources say. The Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies are the known suitors for Gonzalez, according to sources. Other clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies also are known to be pursuing starting pitching and likely have some interest in Gonzalez. The Yankees have had only minimal conversations with the A's about Gonzalez and are not a factor in the discussions, a source"
Reds interested in Willingham?
December 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds came to the Winter Meetings in Dallas with the expressed mission of landing a quality starting pitcher. They met with several clubs Sunday and Monday. "We've been busy," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We've talked to several clubs. Nothing close. But at least I feel things are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, by the end of the week, we'll have something." The Reds did open a roster spot by outrighting left-hander Jeremy Horst to Triple-A Louisville. Horst cleared waivers. "It gives us some roster flexibility," Jocketty said. The Reds have contacted outfielder Josh Willingham's representatives."
Cordero unlikely to return
December 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"I got the impression that the Reds hold little hope of re-signing Francisco Cordero. The way the closer market has settled, the Reds might be able to get Cordero back at one-year deal in the $7 million range. But I wouldn't even do that. I'd stay in house. Try Bill Bray first. If he doesn't work out, turn to Sam LeCure or Jose Arredondo or Brad Boxberger. Another possible candidate? Edinson Volquez. He's long shot for the rotation at this point. He's throws 97 and has a great change-up. That could work in the ninth inning. –With Cordero likely gone, the Reds will have three picks in the top 50 of next year's draft. That's a very good thing, especially now there's pretty much a cap on what"
Reds seeking top-of-rotation starter
December 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds still seek a frontline starting pitcher, and general manager Walt Jocketty said today that the team has targeted a half-dozen such candidates. Jocketty made his remarks on the second and final day of Redsfest, during a Q-and-A format with fans that also included manager Dusty Baker. A large crowd watched the session, which was held on the main stage at Duke Energy Convention Center downtown. "There are six pitchers that we've targeted that we feel are top-of-the-rotation guys, potentially," Jocketty said. "They might be threes now, and could be twos. We've talked to all the clubs and exchanged things with some, not to the point we're close to anything." Jocketty, per his custom,"
BP sliding in safely for Redsfest
December 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Brandon Phillips is coming to Redsfest after all. Phillips was not confirmed as a participant until Thursday. But he said concerns about him not showing were overblown. "Have I ever missed Redsfest?" he said. "No. Exactly. Nobody had nothing to worry about." But Phillips is in the midst of negotiating a contract extension with the club. The talks haven't always moved as quickly as Phillips would have liked, so it would not have been stunning if he skipped Redsfest. Whether his presence means anything is hard to say. Phillips tweeted Tuesday that he was pleased with the progress of the negotiations. He had no update Thursday. "To tell you the truth, I really don't know right now," he said."
Ramon Hernandez signs with Rockies, Reds will get a supplemental pick in the draft
December 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Catcher Ramon Hernandez agreed to a two-year, $6.5 million deal with the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night, according to multiple reports. The Reds will get a supplemental first-round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft because Hernandez is leaving as a free agent. This was directly affected by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Shortly after the CBA was announced, Hernandez's status was changed from a Type A free agent to Type B. That meant the Reds would get a pick for him without offering arbitration. I don't think there was any chance the Reds would have offered him arb because he likely would have accepted. He probably would have gotten $4 or $5 million for one year under arbitration."
Reds: Phillips extension has 'ways to go'
November 29
MLB.com
 
"In very much 21st-century fashion, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hinted Tuesday night that he and the club are closing in on a long-term contract extension, though Cincinnati indicated it could still be a while before a deal is reached. "Just talked to my agent @Baseball_ACES and it feels good to know that we're moving in the right direction to make me a #Red4Life," Phillips posted on his Twitter feed, @datdudeBP. When reached for comment, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty didn't believe a deal was near."
Cardinals, Reds and Tigers interested in Dotel
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel has garnered interest from a number of teams, and the Cardinals, Reds and Tigers are among those that have inquired about him, according to a major-league source. Dotel, who turned 38 last week, was a valuable member of the Cardinals' bullpen during the second half and World Series run, compiling a 2.61 ERA in 12 postseason appearances."
Reds interested in Andrew Bailey?
November 21
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"ESPN's Buster Onley reports the Reds are talking about a possible trade for Oakland closer Andrew Bailey. Bailey, 27, has 75 saves and a 2.07 ERA in three season with the A's. More importantly as MLBTraderumors points out, Bailey had a 37.1% groundball rate in 41 2/3 innings this year. He's a GABP pitcher."
Jocketty meets with Phillips' reps
November 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty met with the representatives for second baseman Brandon Phillips Wednesday at the General Manager Meetings in Milwaukee. "It went fine," Jocketty said. "We had a nice meeting. We made progress, good progress." A deal is not in the immediate offing. "It's a process," Jocketty said. Phillips is seeking a long-term deal. The Reds exercised his $12 million option in early November and agreed to keep talking about a contract extension. Wednesday's meeting was the first since then."
Cordero drawing interest from multiple teams
November 14
MLB.com
 
"When the Reds declined the $12 million club option on Francisco Cordero, it gave the veteran closer a chance to explore the free-agent market. Of course, it meant that Cincinnati could do likewise. There are a lot of closers and ex-closers on the free-agent market this offseason, including Ryan Madson, Heath Bell, Joe Nathan, Brad Lidge, Jonathan Broxton and Francisco Rodriguez. According to his representative, that hasn't appeared to curb suitors for Cordero. "We've had probably seven or eight teams inquire with interest, a couple of more since [Jonathan] Papelbon's deal," Cordero's agent, Bean Stringfellow, said on Monday. "It's all ongoing and it's still early."
Reds' strategy not changing
November 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Thursday afternoon, I tweeted this: "(Walt) Jocketty doesn't expect the Reds to do much as far as free agency." It had a link to a blog item in which general manager Jocketty was quoted as saying the Reds were not going to be pursuing top-of-the line free agents. Within 10 minutes or so, I had 10 or 12 tweets from fans conceding the first two spots in the National League Central to the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers. What Jocketty said was something he merely reiterated. It's not news that the Reds aren't going to be big players in free agency. They haven't been since they signed Francisco Cordero four years ago. That doesn't sit well with some fans out there. The notion is that"
Reds unlikely to go free agent route
November 11
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has been in meetings this week formulating the budget. It sounds as if the Reds won't be making calls to the agents for top-tier free agents like Jose Reyes or C.J. Wilson. "We'd love to but we won't be doing anything like that," Jocketty said. "We've got to be more creative." Since the Reds know they can't come back with the same team and hope for better results, they'll look hard at improving through trades. Things may heat up a bit next week when Jocketty goes to the general manager meetings in Milwaukee. The winter meetings are Dec. 5-8 in Dallas. The biggest needs are a top-of-the-rotation starter and a right-handed hitter to protect Joey Votto in"
Reds Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto win Gold Gloves
November 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Red first baseman Joey Votto and second baseman Brandon Phillips won Gold Glove awards, which were announced late Tuesday night. It was Phillips' third Gold Glove in four years. It was the first for Votto. He became, in fact, the first Reds' first baseman to win a Gold Glove award. Jay Bruce was also a finalist, but the right fielder lost out to Andre Ethier of the Dodgers. The awards are voted on by major league coaches and managers."
Reds could be in market for a closer
October 31
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds could be in the market for a new closer. The club declined the $12 million option on Francisco Cordero Monday. The sides will continue to talk, but there's a chance Cordero will end up elsewhere. "We didn't want to bring him back at that salary," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We're still hopeful that we can reach a new deal, but this also gives him an opportunity to check the market.""
Reds deny entertaining trade offers for Joey Votto
October 11
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty angrily denied a report by ESPN's Buster Olney that the Reds are listening to trade offers on Joey Votto. "I'm tired of talking about it," he said. "We're not shopping him. "We're not entertaining offers. It's frustrating. He's one of the best players in the game. Why would we trade him? I wish people would stop writing about it." Votto's name comes up in media speculation because of his contract situation and the Reds' limited payroll. Votto is signed through 2013."
Report: Reds prepared to listen to offers for Votto
October 9
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"It's just one Tweet from one guy as far as we can tell, but ESPN's Buster Olney reporting that the Reds are fully prepared to listen to offers for Joey Votto has led to much speculation on Twitter."
To trade or not to trade Votto or Alonso
October 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"When you're in the position the Reds are in - limited payroll, needs to fill - you have to be willing to make some hard choices. Which brings us to today's question: Do you trade Joey Votto or Yonder Alonso? It doesn't make sense to have both on the roster. Both are left-handed hitting first baseman. The Reds have tried to get around that fact by moving Alonso to left field. Right now, the plan is to have both on the roster. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty thinks that can work out. "Well, I hope so," Jocketty said. "We've got to continue to get Alonso more playing time, so he's more comfortable in left field.""
Teams like Reds must play the odds
September 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The question for the Reds this offseason is how to compete next year with an $85 million payroll. Toward that end, they must 1.) Play the odds, and 2.) Make sure the entire organization is on board with the plan. An $85 million payroll is enough to compete, but you've got to spend it smartly. So, which of the following moves represents "playing the odds"? Item: Extending the contract of their 32-year-old second baseman Brandon Phillips – yes, ''Datdude'' will be 32 in 2012 – who is coming off a career year."
Reds likely will increase payroll
September 23
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the Reds will in all likelihood increase their payroll for the 2012 season. "Our preliminary projections are that we'll bump it up a little," Jocketty said. "We're still working on the end number. But it will be more than it was this year." The Reds' payroll for this season was $80.8 million, up from $76.1 million the year before. A similar bump would put the Reds in the $85 million range. Does that mean the Reds will venture in the free agent market in a big way? "Probably not," Jocketty said. That's because we're dealing with baseball economics. The contracts of Ramon Hernandez ($3 million) and Edgar Renteria ($2.1 million) expire."
Jocketty says Phillips will be a Red
September 22
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Brandon Phillips will definitely be back for 2012. If he's back beyond that, remains to be seen. Phillips (aka @datdudebp) tweeted this before the Reds' home finale: "DAMN... Got a lot on my mind! Can't believe that today "MIGHT" be the last time I may be wearing a @Reds jersey playing at #GABP #NoBueno" Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said there is no chance of that being the case. "He'll be with us," Jocketty said. "We've had some talks with his agent (about an extension)." Even if the Reds are unable to reach an agreement on an extension, the Reds will pick up Phillips' $12 million option for 2012."
Cueto's season in jeopardy
September 16
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Johnny Cueto, when first asked if he would pitch against this year, said: "No, I don't think so." Cueto amended that a bit with the help of a translator. "I don't know at this point," he said. "I want to throw. (But,) honestly, it hurts. I feel sore. It's painful right now. The doctor told most likely I'm going to lose the next outing. We will see how it progresses and if I can pitch one more time." Cueto suffered a strained right lat muscle in last night's start. Whether he pitched or not would not be an issue if he wasn't in the race for the Major League lead in ERA at 2.31. Cueto has to pitch 162 innings to qualify for the title. He's six innings short at this point. There's no great"
Castellini sees Jocketty, Baker back
September 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty's contract is up after this season. There was a story in the Chicago Sun-Times laying out a scenario for Jocketty to move to the Cubs. Jocketty won't talk about his contract situation, but owner Bob Castellini made it sound like Jocketty is not going anywhere. "Walt's contract is up," a reporter said. "There's been some speculation about his future. My instincts tell me he isn't going anywhere.""
Johnny Cueto hurt in Reds' win over Cubs
September 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Johnny Cueto's plan was to throw a complete game Wednesday. "I was feeling really well," Cueto said through a translator. "My mind was set to throw nine innings. I wanted to throw nine innings. One thing is what you want and one thing is what God decides." Cueto left the Reds-Chicago Cubs game after 3 2/3 innings with a strained right latissimus dorsi -- the large muscle in the back. The Reds went on win 7-2 before a crowd of 18,304 at Great American Ball Park. But a September win for a team playing out the string is overshadowed when your best pitcher leaves the game hurting."
Reds' Valaika out for rest of year
September 13
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Infielder Chris Valaika hobbled around on crutches in the Reds' clubhouse Monday, victim of a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his right knee. Valaika hurt the knee while hitting a single Sunday game at Colorado. The initial diagnosis was a strained knee, but further evaluation Monday revealed the tear. Valaika will have surgery sometime next week, and he expects to return for spring training 2012. Valaika said the injury happened when he was batting in the fifth inning Sunday. Valaika singled up the middle but paid a heavy price. "My spikes got caught and I kind of twisted on it," Valaika said."
Reds will consider extending Cordero
September 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds will consider extending closer Francisco Cordero's contract. Cordero has an option for $12 million for 2012. He is willing to re-negotiate it. "We've discussed it quite a bit," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We haven't made a final decision. Hopefully, we'll address it before the end of the season." An extension is a "possibility," Jocketty said. Cordero is 5-3 with a 2.34 ERA and 31 saves in 36 attempts. He's converted all 15 saves since the All-Star Break. His WHIP (walks + hits per innings pitched) is 0.94, among the best in the majors."
Valaika at short, Rolen update
September 7
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Chris Valaika got his first start at shortstop Tuesday night. "I talked about how do you play everybody," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I'm doing the best I can to give everyone a look-see. Some are getting more than others." Valaika was drafted as a shortstop. He played there his first five years in the minors. He was moved to second base last year in Triple-A to make room Zack Cozart. "I played it probably 15 times this year," Valaika said. "It's no big deal I've played it my whole life." Todd Frazier started in left field, and Dave Sappelt started in center. "We're trying to help figure some things out," Baker said. Obviously, the players who spent the majority of the year at"