Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

MLB.com

"Free agency opens for business at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, and that means it will be buying season for all 30 clubs. Don't expect the Reds to be busy free-agent shoppers, however. "I don't see us being very active with free agents," general manager Walt Jocketty said at season's end. "It's not a very strong free-agent market from what we see." Sure, there are unsettled situations for the club in left field and at shortstop, but economics will be the overriding factor in how the Reds maneuver to fill those needs. Jocketty said on Monday that the Reds won't set a budget until sometime in December and therefore won't know if the club will have to trim the payroll from its $73 million level ..."

Reds re-sign catcher Hernandez

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November 16

Foxsports.com

"The Reds have re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a one-year contract, according to a major-league source. The deal also includes a vesting option for 2011 that will become guaranteed if Hernandez appears in 120 games next season. The Reds had declined an $8.5 million option on Hernandez and bought out his contract for $1 million. Hernandez, 33, hit .258 with five home runs and 37 RBI in 287 at-bats last season, his first with the Reds. He missed nearly two months after undergoing surgery on his left knee on July 20, appearing in only 81 games."

Reds may have to trade Phillips or Arroyo

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November 15

Cincinnati Enquirer

"I tried to get a hold of Bob Castellini last week. But he was out of the country. You know how exorbitant the international cell phone rates are. We're kidding there, but money is tight in Redsland these days. How tight? Only Castellini can answer that. He's the CEO. The final budget is his call. The fact that the Reds pushed a long-time employee like Wilma Mann, the team's Director of Scouting Administration since 1997, to retire and aren't replacing others who leave tells you the club is counting pennies in a business in which it takes millions of dollars to win. It's telling that when asked last week if he needed to cut player payroll to balance the budget, general manager Walt Jocketty ..."

Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops

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November 9

MLB.com

"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."

Big moves might be on the horizon

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November 8

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Aside from a little tidying up of the roster, last week was a pretty quiet one for the Reds. Sending Darnell McDonald, Danny Richar, Corky Miller and Kevin Barker outright to Triple-A Louisville isn't going to make the ESPN crawl. Neither is signing Justin Lehr to a one-year deal. What's significant is what the Reds tried to do. They talked to Milwaukee about acquiring shortstop J.J. Hardy, and to Ramon Hernandez's agent about bringing back the catcher at a reduced rate. Hardy wound up with Minnesota, but Hernandez's return still could happen. Now we know Reds general manager Walt Jocketty shares fans' concerns about shortstop and catcher. There's a good chance he'll try to address both ..."

Reds won't pick up Hernandez's option

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November 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds want catcher Ramon Hernandez to return for 2010, but not for the $8.5 million figure his club option calls for, according to mlb.com. "We're not going to pick up the option," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told mlb.com's Mark Sheldon on Friday. "We have been talking with his agent and trying to negotiate a new deal. We're hoping he comes back." The buyout for the Hernandez option is $1 million. Acquired last winter from the Orioles in a trade for utility player Ryan Freel and two prospects, Hernandez batted .258 with five home runs and 37 RBIs in 81 games. Only July 21, Hernandez had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee and he missed 57 games. He also made 21 starts ..."

Lehr returning to rotation Friday

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September 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Justin Lehr threw his bullpen session with no problem Wednesday. "I threw about 40 pitches," he said. "Everything was OK. I'm fine." Lehr, a 32-year-old right-hander, tweaked a groin muscle in his last start nine days ago. He felt something on the second pitch of the game but managed to get through six innings. The Reds skipped his next start as a precaution. He'll return to the rotation Friday, starting the first game of the three-game series against the Cubs in Chicago. Johnny Cueto will pitch Saturday, and Homer Bailey will pitch Sunday. "That gives Cueto an extra day of rest," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. The Reds are being careful with Cueto - extra rest, lower pitch counts - since ..."

Lehr to miss start with injured groin

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September 7

Dayton Daily News

"Justin Lehr, trying to make an impression for next season, won't be making one in Colorado. It is difficult to make an impression in Cincinnati when the Cincinnati Reds are in Denver, but that's where Lehr will be. He was scheduled to face the Rockies today, Sept. 7, but a tender right groin is forcing him to miss at least one start. His place today will be taken by Homer Bailey, who will be pitching on his normal four days of rest. "You have to be careful with that groin," said manager Dusty Baker. "Don Newcombe told me years ago that pitching with a sore groin is what ruined his career. Lehr's groin is not pulled, and we don't want it to pull." Lehr agrees with the move, even though he ..."

Phillips won't go back to shortstop

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August 22

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Brandon Phillips came come up as a shortstop, and he is willing to move back there. But if it's Reds manager Dusty Baker's call, it's not happening. "No," Baker said before Friday night's 5-2 loss to the Pirates in Pittsburgh. "Not that he's the caliber of Joe Morgan," Baker said, "but that'd be like moving an All-Star second baseman to shortstop. You try to develop a shortstop and leave that strong position alone." Baker thinks the added workload of making the switch would hurt Phillips offensively. "That shortstop is a lot of work," Baker said. "You probably work as hard at shortstop ... probably only the catcher is involved in more plays - cutoffs and relays. That's why I admire the ..."

Sox acquire Alex Gonzalez

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August 14

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox have completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, bringing shortstop Alex Gonzalez back to Boston. Gonzalez is not expected to join the team until tomorrow in Texas. The most likely move would involve the Sox releasing infielder Chris Woodward to make room for Gonzalez on the roster. Gonzalez, as Red Sox fans will recall, is an excellent defensive player who should shore up the team's defense on the left side of the infield. His contract calls for a $6 million club option next season, meaning the Sox will have the right to retain to his services."

Those insatiable Yankees

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August 13

ESPN.com

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"Even after adding Chad Gaudin, Russ Ortiz and Jason Hirsh, the Yankees were still poking around, looking for starting pitching depth on the waiver-wire circuit this week. But they appear to have no interest in the two high-priced Reds pitchers who cleared: Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. And we're hearing they're not one of the clubs with Smoltz on their shopping list. Then again, after mugging him for eight runs in 3 1/3 innings last week, why would they be?"

Report: Arroyo, Harang clear waivers

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August 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is not one to fuel trade rumors, and he would not discuss the latest here Monday. A report by FoxSports.com that said Reds right-handed starters Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang have cleared trade waivers. The report, by Jon Paul Morosi, cited "major-league sources." Jocketty was asked about the report before Monday's Reds-Cardinals game, as the GM watched batting practice here at Busch Stadium. "That's confidential information. We won't discuss it," Jocketty said. Harang is under contract next season for $12.5 million, Arroyo for $11 million. The Reds hold options on both for 2011. The Reds may need to pay a portion of the money in order to move either ..."

Rolen returns home to Cincinnati to be examined

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August 9

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Third baseman Scott Rolen was scratched from the Reds' lineup Saturday with concussion-like symptoms just before the game. He'll be re-evaluated today in Cincinnati by concussion specialist Dr. John Brannan. "It's the same thing he's been going through," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He didn't feel too good after the game last night. He took batting practice but he's not feeling like himself. It's not surprising. Your brain gets a little rattled when you get hit like that." Rolen was hit flush on the helmet by a 92 mph fastball from Colorado's Jason Marquis a week ago. Baker said there's a possibility that Rolen will rejoin the team in St. Louis, where the Reds open a three-game series ..."

Phillips willing to move to short

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August 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Brandon Phillips is willing to make the switch from second base to shortstop for 2010. But he doesn't want to get too far ahead of things. "That's next year," he said. "Are you all giving up us on already?" Given the Reds 45-61 record entering Wednesday and their place in the standings (tied for last in the National League Central), a lot of people have given up on the year and begun to look for ways to improve the team for 2010. Phillips came up through the minors as a shortstop. He switched to second base and developed into a Gold Glove winner. "I'll do whatever the Reds want me to do," he said. "I'll play outfield, shortstop." The reason it's being discussed is the fact that shortstop ..."

Dusty Baker is safe

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August 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Reds CEO Bob Castellini said Wednesday that manager Dusty Baker's job is safe. "Absolutely," Castellini said. He said Baker will be back for 2010 - the final year of his contract - as well. "Absolutely," Castellini said. The Reds had lost eight straight and 14 of 15 games going into Wednesday's tilt with the Chicago Cubs. They were tied for last place in the National League Central with Pittsburgh. "The team has not quit," Castellini said. "They are still playing hard." Baker is owed $4 million on his contract. The Reds finished 74-88 last year under Baker. The team was retooled late last year by Walt Jocketty, the general manager Castellini brought in. Outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and ..."

Jocketty juggles needs, money

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August 5

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds have a lot of positions to fill for 2010. So when Todd Frazier, the organization's No. 2-rated prospect according to Baseball America, began playing second base about a week ago, it was easy to view the move as a prelude to switching Brandon Phillips from second to shortstop. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said that was not the reason behind the move, but he didn't dismiss the idea of Phillips being shifted to short. "The reason we moved Frazier – we probably should have done it earlier – was with (Juan) Francisco at third and (Zack) Cozart at shortstop, we wanted to see if (Frazier) could play second," he said. "We know he can play the outfield, third and short. "It wasn't ..."

Volquez could miss 12 months

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August 4

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Edinson Volquez's surgery was about as serious as "Tommy John" surgery gets. There's a chance Volquez, a 26-year-old right-hander, won't return to form until 2011. The ulnar collateral ligament was almost completely torn. He also had a tear in the flexor mass. "It's going to be approximately 12 months because he had to have the ligament reconstructed and flexor mass repaired," Reds trainer Mark Mann said. "He will come back and pitch in the second half of next year. "It will most likely be 2011 before you see the old Edinson Volquez is back." Volquez went on the disabled list June 2. The reason the surgery wasn't performed until Monday is the previous MRIs were inconclusive. "Both MRIs - ..."

Reds get Rolen from Jays

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July 31

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds have sent Jerry Hairston Jr. to the New York Yankees, and traded Edwin Encarnacion and two others for Toronto's Scott Rolen. The Reds are sending third baseman Encarnacion and pitchers Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart to Toronto. In exchange for Hairston, the Reds got catcher Chase Weems. Rolen, who is 34 years-old, has spent the past two seasons in Toronto. This year he is hitting .320 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 88 games."

Yankees acquire Reds' Jerry Hairston Jr. for minor-league C Chase Weems

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July 31

New York Daily News

"The Yankees made a minor move at the trade deadline acquiring utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Cincinnati Reds for minor-league catcher Chase Weems. Hairston Jr. has been in the majors for a decade, making his debut back in September 1998 with the Orioles. He played second base in Baltimore through 2003, eventually moving to the outfield in 2004 after Brian Roberts established himself as the everyday second baseman. Hairston hit .261 with 26 homers, 160 RBI and 94 stolen bases in six seasons with the Orioles before being traded to the Cubs in February 2005 for Sammy Sosa. He has bounced around since then, playing parts of two seasons in Chicago before being traded to Texas, where he ..."

Reds, Rolen talks 'going nowhere'

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Reds' talks with the Blue Jays about third baseman Scott Rolen have failed to progress. Asked to characterize the negotiations, one source said, "Going nowhere. Stuck. Impasse." The impasse could break if the Jays trade Roy Halladay. At that point, they would concede the 2010 season and likely move Rolen and other veterans."

Washington says club ready to buy

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July 30

MLB.com

"Rangers manager Ron Washington said he thinks his club will do something before Friday's Trade Deadline. It won't be Roy Halladay, but the Rangers are still hoping to make a move either for starting pitching or offensive help. "We'll make a deal," Washington said. "I don't know who we'll make a deal with, but we'll probably do something. But if we don't, we're not going to use that as an excuse for not playing well. We're still looking at everything to see what's out there." Washington's preference is to add starting pitching. "That's what every manager sitting at the Trade Deadline is hoping to get unless he has five quality ones," Washington said. "You can always use depth in your ..."

Reds get Balentien from Mariners

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"The Reds have acquired outfielder Wladimir Balentien from the Mariners for right-hander Robert Manuel in a minor deal. Balentien was on Seattle's big-league roster until Saturday, when his contract was designated for assignment in order to make room for rookie outfielder Michael Saunders."

Reds not giving up on Rolen

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"The Reds haven't ruled out acquiring Toronto third baseman Scott Rolen, one major league source indicated Monday night. But like a lot of things in baseball, those talks hinge on one man whom the Cincinnati Reds aren't pursuing in the least. You know, Roy Halladay. "Toronto," the source said, when asked about the Rolen talks, "is still busy with Halladay.""

Red Sox up against a deadline

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July 28

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox are spending the final days leading up to Friday's trading deadline tracking many trade possibilities - big and small. San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Cleveland Indians catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez, Indians left-hander Cliff Lee and Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay remain at the top of the list of players to watch. The Sox have negotiated with each of those teams enough by now to know what it would take to get a deal done, but the price tags remain too high. Shoring up the starting rotation is still a goal, but with the team unwilling to part with an important prospect for someone like lefty Jarrod Washburn (Seattle Mariners) or ex-Sox righty Bronson ..."

Firmly Sellers, Reds 'Close' to a Deal

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July 27

AOL.com

"The Reds are "sellers" and top club officials spoke on a special conference call Monday morning, an indication to a major league source that the team is "close to doing something," most likely involving one of its big-money pitchers: Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang or Francisco Cordero. The Dodgers, looking for a veteran starter, are among the teams that have expressed some interest in Arroyo and Harang, but only as a fallback if they don't get Cliff Lee, the source said. Arroyo has postseason experience and he's pitching well now. He has a 2.08 earned run average over his past three starts. For the season, he's 10-9 with a 5.21 ERA. The Reds aren't likely to be able to move any of those ..."

Jays Buzz

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July 27

Toronto Sun

"TRADE WINDS The Minnesota Twins have inquired about SS Marco Scutaro, but have been told that he will not be available until after a Roy Halladay trade happens. The Cincinnati Reds, meanwhile, doubt they can make their deal for 3B Scott Rolen. The two teams talked three weeks ago when the Reds wanted the Jays to pay half of Rolen's 2010 salary, but since then they have had a disastrous West Coast trip. MINI-PUTT ATTACK Much has been made about the lack of production from OFs Alex Rios and Vernon Wells. With 67 RBIs entering play yesterday, Rios, who has averaged 78 RBIs per season, is on pace to drive in 84. With 39 RBIs, Wells (96 per season), is on a pace for 64. 1B Lyle Overbay (76 a ..."

Arthur Rhodes to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre?

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July 26

Cincinnati Enquirer

"You hear all sorts of rumors as the trade deadline approaches. Here's one I heard today: Arthur Rhodes to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre. I don't see it happening. Pierre makes $10 million next year and $8.5 million in 2011. His career on-base is .348. He's a slight upgrade over Willy Taveras. But I'd think the Reds would be looking for outfielders with more pop than Pierre."

The Relief Market

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Volquez making progress slowly, surely

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July 23

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Joey Votto spoke with Edinson Volquez a bit, and then wanted a report from Reds pitching coach Dick Pole. "He threw at 72 percent," Pole said of Volquez. "What's he going to be, a September call-up?" Votto said. Votto was having some fun with Volquez, but the Reds pitcher is discovering how serious an undertaking it is to come back at midseason after being shut down for six weeks because of tendinitis in his right elbow. Volquez, a 26-year-old right-hander, probably will return to the Reds in the second week of August. He had his second mound session Wednesday and .threw 45 pitches - all fastballs - at about three-quarters speed. "It felt great," Volquez said. "No pain or anything. I ..."

The Reds trading market

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July 22

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The annual three-day beat down in L.A. has all but guaranteed the fact the Reds will be sellers as we close in on the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Here's my list of most likely to go: 1. Arthur Rhodes: A left-hander, very effective and very cheap -- the remainder of $2 million on this year's contract and $2 million next year. 2. David Weathers: He's more expensive than Rhodes -- the remainder of $3.9 million for this year. He doesn't have a limited non-trade like he did last year. 3. Bronson Arroyo: Tonight's starter. He's on a streak of 16 scoreless innings. He's pitched well in the season half throughout his career and he's at his best last. He's 17-6 in September and October. He ..."

Volquez closer to rehab assignment

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July 21

Dayton Daily News

"It was show time and Edinson Volquez was scrambling around his locker, tossing aside t-shirts and shorts and socks and mumbling, "Where's my spikes? Been so long since I work 'em I can't find 'em." He found them and was he laced them on he said, "Whoa, they feel tight. But I'll make 'em work." Then Volquez walked to the Dodger Stadium visitors' bullpen with pitching coach Dick Pole for his first on-the-mound session since he went on the disabled list June 2. "I directed him to the mound and showed him which direction to throw," said Pole. Volaquez threw 30 pitches, "At about 67 percent effort," said Pole. "He threw with no effort and no distress. I was surprised how well he located after ..."

Dodgers in on Halladay and Relievers

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July 20

MLB.com

"Dodgers assistant general manager Logan White and special assistant Vance Lovelace scouted Toronto starter Roy Halladay's victory over Boston Sunday. The need for Halladay is clear in a rotation that lacks a clear ace and the club has enough prospects that it probably could put an enticing package together. The biggest obstacle is whether ownership is willing to take on the salary Halladay will command when all the negotiating over no-trade clauses and contract extensions is done. The team payroll dropped by $30 million this year, even with the money (some deferred) committed to Manny Ramirez. The Ramirez exception aside, this is a franchise committed to developing from within and ..."

Reds GM mum on Rolen rumor

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July 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"General manager Walt Jocketty would not comment on a Toronto Sun report that the Reds are interested in Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen. Jocketty can't comment. It's tampering to talk about another team's player. "I'm not going to talk about any specific player," Jocketty said. "We've said all along that we're looking for a right-handed hitter. So I can see where that speculation comes from. But we're looking more for someone who can play the outfield." The Sun report said the Reds had a scout following Rolen in St. Petersburg when the Blue Jays played Tampa Bay this week. Rolen, 34, went into Friday hitting .330 with six home runs and 34 RBI. He was also on a 25-game hitting streak. ..."

Can Reds be bold?

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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

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June 24

Foxsports.com

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"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?

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June 22

Boston Globe

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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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 ..."

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