Reds Insider: Reds to cut Stanton

Friday, March 28, 2008

Reds to cut Stanton

Our man in Florida, John Erardi, reports that the Reds are going to cut Mike Stanton. Bob Castellini has to write a $3.5 million check to do that. Pretty big commitment to trying to win this season.

I've got the bullpen as Francisco Cordero, David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, Todd Coffey, Jared Burton, Kent Mercker and Mike Lincoln. That would mean Jim Brower gets cut, and Matt Belisle either goes on the DL or gets cut. There's also possibility that Brower or Belisle stays as the long guy, and Lincoln doesn't make it. Of course, I didn't didn't think they'd cut Stanton, so take those predictions with a grain of salt.

81 Comments:

at 2:17 PM

BATSFAN said...

Wow Kriv dog has a brain, this is breaking news, anyway how tight is a reliver game!

at 2:21 PM

Ankur Varma said...

Sooooo....why was Bray cut? And it's about time!

at 2:22 PM

JO said...

I thought Mike Stanton had the $3 million contract.

at 2:37 PM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

tragic...

Pitching staff is now set with Mercker and Lincoln getting the last 2 spots, Belisle to AAA or extended spring training for now. Castro is 25th man, Bako only makes the club if Ross starts on the DL.

at 2:38 PM

ArGee said...

I don't understand John. Why is that a "commitment?" They owed Stanton that money the instant both parties signed the contract. All they have added is the salary of the guy who is going to replace him.

I think management is afraid of coming out of the gate in the hole big time. Season lost before it has begun. That is why those who want to see Bailey take his lumps as "learning" are wrong. Bob wants to win and not watch another season of "learning."

at 2:39 PM

Where the H is Claysville, OH? said...

If this is true, and with Bray optioned to AAA, they may be acquiring another reliever via trade or waiver claim. The only lefties remaining are Affeldt and Mercker, and I doubt they go with just two.

at 2:40 PM

LINDALSHOT said...

Good move. Being named in the Mitchell report and during the hearing probably didn't help.

at 2:44 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

you all can say what about my being negative much of the time..yet, the Cordero signing and the release of Stanton makes we want to believe that the Reds actually care about winning

Stanton is getting paid 3.5 miliion..I wish the guy the very best

dump griffey and his 12 million dollary salary..put Bruce in RF and I will be gushing myself

at 2:48 PM

Will T. said...

John, any word on the pitching order after Harang and Arroyo. I figure since the bullpen is pitching today there will be a mix-up. I would like to see Volquez, Fogg, Cueto, to take some pressure off of Cueto. Also, who or what would the Reds want in return for Freel? Would they get a relief pitcher?

at 2:49 PM

Anonymous said...

This does speak well of Bob Castellini and his commitment to winning.
I think it is good to send Bray down and let him have a few months to work on his stuff and then bring him up later this season.

at 2:53 PM

Unknown said...

Yeah dump Griffey, one of the best hitters in the lineup and eat the 12.5 million. Brilliant.

at 2:54 PM

reaganspad said...

Thanks Jack for FINALLY acknowledging that the Reds have improved from 2007 with the signing of Cordero. There may be hope for you...

hate the cubs

at 2:56 PM

Anonymous said...

$3.5 million is not a big commitment to winning, it's a big indictment of Krivsky's stupidity and careless spending.

What was the owner supposed to do? Pay $3.5 million AND put up more Stanton relief meltdowns?

at 3:00 PM

Unknown said...

Why would you want to dump Griffey in place of Bruce? Griffey has finally became a leader this spring and looks to have a big year. Let Bruce tune up in AAA and come to Majors to be our center fielder for years to come.

at 3:03 PM

Matt said...

Whats with all the griffey haters? I get so tired of it he is the only clean superstar from the 1990's and yet his hometown fans continue to bash him. Makes me sick to think of everything he has done in a Reds uniform like number 500 and soon to be 600 are for uncaring fans. Do you really think Jay Bruce gets this team to the playoffs over Griffey jr? You are sadly mistaken

at 3:06 PM

reaganspad said...

It is incremental with Jack, Richie Rich. He did not think Cordero was an upgrade to the bullpen until a few lines ago.

Maybe Jack has missed that JR. is hitting 340, with 11 walks and 1 strikeout, a OBP of 490 this spring. 5 doubles also shows he is running well.

These numbers tell us JR hits #600 in April and helps the Reds create early buzz, important for this young team

at 3:07 PM

Scott said...

This is great news.

at 3:16 PM

Rob Dicken said...

Jack is obsessed with getting rid of Griffey, playing Jeff Keppinger at every position on the field and batting within every spot in the line-up, and Josh Hamilton being the next best thing since sliced bread. He is as repetitive as a skipping record....but yet he is still here!

Anyway, I am glad Stanton is being cut. Unfortunately he had to be on the downside of his career when he arrived in Cincinnati. I would've have taken him ANY DAY 3 years ago or earlier.

Bruce, like Bailey, needs more pruning in the minors before coming up to the Majors full time. He's no where near ready to replace Junior.

at 3:28 PM

The Red Bengal said...

Kudos to the front office, mostly Big Bobby C. This is just another act in a line of many that this ownership is committed to winning. Good career Stanton, but ride off into the sunset with your 3 and a half mill unemployed check. Bray to AAA? Alright, good insurance. The reds have some decent players in AAA for a change. No more Larry Luebbers or Eric Owens call ups. Again, thank you Bob Castellini

at 3:29 PM

Osogato said...

Winnetka, he also had a $500,000 buyout clause for next season that must be paid in addition to his $3 mill salary for '08.

Oh, and, good move.

at 3:31 PM

hey hey redlegs said...

thank you! about time i wish we never even picked him up.

at 3:34 PM

matty buckets said...

This could be stupid but can't they find a way to get something out of Stanton? Could they not have him work with minor leaguers or throw batting practice or something?

at 3:35 PM

matty buckets said...

This could be stupid but can't they find a way to get something out of Stanton? Could they not have him work with minor leaguers or throw batting practice or something?

at 3:38 PM

ST fan said...

How much do REDS have to pay Mercker? He takes Stanton's place and it's Mercker's salary that is added to the payroll, not Stanton's which was already there. So Castillini eats Mercker's bucks, not Stanton's $3.5million. So Bob C. isn't quite as generous as it may look but IT"S A DANG GOOD MOVE.

I'm very high on 08 REDS! BC, WK and WJ along with Dusty and Jr have done a super job. Now if we can pray that Goodyear chooses a Library instead of a second BB team...wow.

There could be a trade before Monday.

at 3:40 PM

Branden said...

Hey John,
Do you know any reason if the reds were going to cut stanton, they didnt take the wes helms trade?

at 3:42 PM

BATSFAN said...

Whos, Viola and Watson?

at 3:47 PM

mrtonyb40 said...

encarnacion doesn't deserve to make this team. He played winter ball and still looks this bad!!

at 3:47 PM

MONEY MIKE said...

I am happy to see that the Reds are finally getting rid of Stanton, but is there not anyway we can just give to another team and let them eat his contract.

I realize there is a good chance that no one else wants him, but I sure would like to see the Reds save 3.5 million for the future.

at 3:48 PM

Unknown said...

Brings a whole new meaning to trimming the fat!

at 4:07 PM

cincy14 said...

stupid signing to start with

at 4:10 PM

anti-media said...

at 4:13 PM

Rob Dicken said...

encarnacion doesn't deserve to make this team. He played winter ball and still looks this bad!!

Totally off topic, but you seriously have to be joking. If you're not, then I am truly sorry that you consider yourself a baseball fan.

Encarnacion deserves to make this team because he has proven he can get the job done at the major league level. Look at his statistics the last 2 years. Has he gotten better from year to year, or worse? He definitely hasn't gotten worse.

Your comment is off topic and ridiculous...consider your reasoning with some sort of statistical references next time, and not base it off sheer opinion from Spring Training games.

at 4:18 PM

Stan said...

What about Joshua Roenicke making the team? He only has a 0 era, and pitched in today's spring training game.

I thought he had been sent to the minors, but it appears he has been recalled.

at 4:38 PM

Ol' Timey Redsfan said...

This is a huge move for the Reds. I think it should tell nay sayers that the Reds mean business when they talk about winning. Mercker and Lincoln have looked good this spring.

As for the 25th man, I wouldn't be surpised if it went to Cabrera. The Reds need a right handed power bat coming off the bench. I don't think they will carry 3 catchers, Ross looks fine to me.

Watching the young RP's who pitch in today's game, should give people a lot of hope for the future of the Reds.
A trade still could happen, I heard that Texas scouts when at the game today scouting the Reds.

at 4:41 PM

redsfan8557 said...

Its about time they let him go. Jack think you are coming around, stay prostive. GO REDS

at 4:41 PM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

So The Amazing Krivsky costs Big Bob another $3.5 million. Wow! His days are numbered.

at 4:42 PM

John Fay said...

Roenicke was sent to the minors. Minor leaguers can play in spring games.

I'm not sure the Phillies ever offered to take Stanton. I'm sure the Reds did everything they could get rid of guys -- offered to play part of contract, etc.

I think Mercker makes $500,000. I'm sure some incentives are involved also.

at 4:46 PM

Mike Stanton said...

About Time!

at 4:54 PM

Unknown said...

As much complaining as some people are doing about the high numbers in camp, the scouting department deserves a pat on the back for such strong competition. This isn't a perfect team by a longshot, but we're not contemplating names like Andy Abad or retreading Mark Portugal again this year. Seems a step in the right direction.

at 5:09 PM

steve said...

I think wayne k has done a good job over all for the reds they finally have gm thats knows how to
construct a organization from ground up.

at 5:11 PM

Anonymous said...

ST fan, technically you are correct, but the point is that the Reds are paying a guy $3,500,000.00 to sit at home and watch TV. Even if you are Bill Gates, that's tough to swallow...

at 5:25 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

Reds have not done a darn thing with Griffey except being forced to get rid of great talent like Hamilton in order to get pitching..the dude should have retired 4 years ago

Griffey has become marginal defensively in the outfield and looks like a grampa at the plate..he stunk up the 2nd half of last season.

Griffey wont be on this team when they finally become contenders next year

heck stick Hamilton in right field and spend some of that 12 million to get pitching

Coredro is a closer..verdict on bullpen is out..if they can go from miserable to below average reagan..I will be happy

Spring training dont mean jack

at 5:34 PM

Arden Dulou said...

Good move. Maybe the Bray move is actually what Baker hinted at, just to make sure he is healthy.

Another good move on boosting a very encouraging season.

at 5:49 PM

BobCat said...

you kriv haters really don't know anything about baseball. look at the state of the franchise before he got here and look at it now.

at 5:53 PM

mentalmidget said...

Speaking of relief, what is up with Cordero? I know it's ST and I'm not panicking but we are 2 and a half days from opening day. His last few outings have been less than stellar. He's given up at least one run in his last 3-4 outings and how many hits has he given up? I'm pulling for him, for sure. It's just nothing has been said in print about his recent lack of success (I refuse to say recent failures).

at 5:54 PM

Where the H is Claysville, OH? said...

They are saying Stanton will be designated for assignment on Monday. That gives the Reds ten days before they put him on waivers, which is enough time for the Phillies to come to play four games against the Reds and be gone before the Phillies claim him.

at 6:10 PM

Unknown said...

All of the player moves show just how inept Cluless Kriv has been.Also lets not forget we have noone on the roster for the two starters (not stars...but starters)he gave the Nats.!! Who won more games than the Reds in 07. He signed a number of bad people !! Time to WAKE UP CINCY AND FIRE KRIVSKY"

good call... having lopez at short vs gonzo would be much better and lopez's .245 ave last yr would be great!... and kearns (.266) in right instead of the now more stable b/c moving to right, griffey jr....
was the move great? no... but it allowed for the numerous moves we have made since... (hamilton, turns into volquez, gonzo gets SS and b/c of injuries we've seen keppinger... moving jr to right getting more productivity ... we've seen hopper, and let's just say the right side of the infield is a lot stronger without his errors...

I'M SO PUMPED THE REDS DROPPED STANTON! was watching everyday for a trade... no one else must have wanted him... :( why should we? good job BC and Krivsky!

at 6:11 PM

Joe said...

I am with the lay off Griffey group. The guy has been a big credit to the game of baseball and given last year's effort still has a lot to offer. I am also in the glad to see Stanton gone group. Let him pad his career appearance stats somewhere else! I am tired off the blame Krivsky crowd. The man is doing the job he was brought in for and the last time I looked he was not putting on a uniform and pitching or hitting for a living. Some of you who woudl like to rid of Krivsky probably thought ole leather pants Bowden was the man! There is no help for you if that is the case.

at 6:12 PM

Mark said...

Keep Belisle. He is versatile to work out of pen in long relief and as spot starter.
Thanks Stanton 7 adios!

at 6:14 PM

tb in bexley said...

john- i saw that Danny Herrera pitched a scoreless inning today. which minor league affiliate do you see him starting out at? i would love to see all 5'8" of him with that wicked change-up in a reds uniform some day.

at 6:16 PM

Unknown said...

All of the player moves show just how inept Cluless Kriv has been.Also lets not forget we have noone on the roster for the two starters (not stars...but starters)he gave the Nats.!! Who won more games than the Reds in 07. He signed a number of bad people !! Time to WAKE UP CINCY AND FIRE KRIVSKY"

good call... having lopez at short vs gonzo would be much better and lopez's .245 ave last yr would be great!... and kearns (.266) in right instead of the now more stable b/c moving to right, griffey jr....
was the move great? no... but it allowed for the numerous moves we have made since... (hamilton, turns into volquez, gonzo gets SS and b/c of injuries we've seen keppinger... moving jr to right getting more productivity ... we've seen hopper, and let's just say the left side of the infield is a lot stronger without his errors...

I'M SO PUMPED THE REDS DROPPED STANTON! was watching everyday for a trade... no one else must have wanted him... :( why should we? good job BC and Krivsky!

at 6:22 PM

Cincy fans hate to much said...

anti-media:

Sure he gave up two starters, but really they are at what seems to be a dime a dozen positions for the Reds and we upgraded in my opinion over both of what we gave up. Gonzo, and Kep are upgrades over error machine LopEz, who really only had one year where he managed to concentrate enough to be something less than a defensive liability. Lopez's last 5 years worth of errors were 21, 28, 17, 27, 21, Gonzalez last 5 years were 16, 7, 16, 16, 3. So even Gonzo's WORST years are better than Felipe's ONE good year.

When it comes to Kearns, obviously outfielders are a dime a dozen(Bruce, Freel, Dunn, Griff, Hopper) and quite frankly I am not that upset he is gone. Plus if you think about it indirectly the trade worked out great, if Kriv doesn't trade Kearns, we probably don't give Hamilton a chance, which means we can't exchange Hamilton for Volquez. To me to turn an outfielder into a pitcher, that looks pretty darn good, is a huge coup. Sure Kriv didn't plan it that way, but it sort of worked out that way.

Plus if Bray can ever be healthy, most say he will make us say Lopez and Kearns who?

plus remember you can't spell Lopez without an E...

at 6:25 PM

Ankur Varma said...

The only positive thing I will remember about Stanton's Reds stint is that nasty 3-2 curve against the Indians with the bases loaded and the score tied 0-0. Stanton struck the guy out to strand the runners and the Reds went on to win it in the 12th on a Gonzalez single, if I'm not mistaken. But I love this move, and I love the depth the Reds have in AAA.

I guess Stanton can try to go get the innings record somewhere else or retire with his 3.5 mil. Who else is pumped for Monday?!?

at 6:42 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

Keppinger had 3 more hits today..batting .423

reagan its a shame that you and the "experts" have determined that he cant be an everyday player. what i saw the second half of last season and this spring must be a figment of my imagination

oh well opening day is right around the cornet..IKEA is now open and castellini has raised the price of those great nosebleed cheap seats

we are in heaven

GO REDs

at 6:44 PM

reaganspad said...

Cannot wait until Griffey has a Griffey year and the Reds excercise his option. That will screwball this blog.

Hmmm he hit the most HR's of any RF in 2007. I think Dusty is going to fine tune his kitchen. Look for Grif to have more walks than strike outs in 2008, and he will hit #635 this year

Griffey is a competitor. He is thinking, OK Bruce, you want my job? earn it

Griffey is back in Red for 09. I can hear the howls in this blog now....

at 6:44 PM

Red Faced said...

D-Rod, the only thing worse than paying Stanton 3.5 mil to stay at home and watch TV is to pay him 3 mil to cost the Reds more wins this year.

EE will be OK. If he starts the season as slowly as he is playing in ST then he can share some of that playing time with the bench until he heats up. He's an RBI producer and we NEED his bat in the lineup. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt... for a while.

See you all Monday!! Now if we can beat that Kentucky boy the D-Backs will be putting on the mound I'll be happy.

at 6:47 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

joe..griffey stunk the second half of last year..Just as you are with Stanton..I am tired of Griffey playing only 75% of a season..just to pad his personal stats.

Nobody is saying he does not belong in the Hall of Fame or is not a good person.

The only appeal that he still has is name recognition and for fans that have had nothing else to get excited about

at 6:53 PM

Will said...

How do I go about getting tickets for opening day? What time do they go on sale for Monday's game?

at 6:54 PM

Will said...

How do I go about getting tickets for opening day? What time do they go on sale for Monday's game?

at 6:55 PM

Jeff said...

Regarding Keppinger's hitting, you bring up how well he is doing this spring in virtually every post, but when somebody else brings up how well a player you don't care for is doing, you always point out that it is only spring training so their numbers don't matter. Which is it Jack? Can you at least attempt to keep your stories straight?

As far as defense, yes, Gonzalez made more errors than Keppinger last year. If you “trend out” or project their error totals from last year over a 162 game season, Gonzalez would have made 23 errors to Keppinger’s 7. That is 16 more errors over the course of a season. But, error total isn’t the only metric for assessing defense.

Gonzalez has much better range (4.27 career range factor vs. 3.96 for Keppinger at SS – a difference of 0.31 plays per game). He makes about one more play than Keppinger every three games. That may not sound like much but over the course of a season it equates to about 50 balls that Gonzalez gets to and makes a play on that Keppinger does not. Where I come from 50 is more than 16. I'll also point out the fact that Gonzalez’s error rate last year was easily the highest it has been since 2001. I doubt he makes that many errors this year.

As for being a backup, this is the third organization Keppinger has been with in his career (Mets, Royals and Reds) and the third that seems to feel he’s a backup. I guess you know more about baseball than any of the folks in those organizations.

I’ll say it again, Keppinger is a good backup SS and possibly a good starting second baseman. He is a good hitter and is consistent in the field. He’s just not good enough defensively to start at SS.

at 6:56 PM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

keppinger also made a bad throw on crawford's routine groundball, pulled hatteberg off the bag and led to the run the rays scored in the first inning...

no doubt the guy can hit, and i hope they find a way to get him in the lineup 3-4 days a week, but he ain't no major league shortstop. he's made that abundantly clear with his shoddy defense this spring, virtually guaranteeing castro a roster spot in the process.

at 7:02 PM

reaganspad said...

kepp will get 10 starts at 5 positions just like Freel did a few years ago.

He is NOT a ML Shortstop on a championship team. That said, he will play a bunch, spell AGon early and some later, but when AGon returns, Kepp plays
1st base. WE have already had the Felipe experience at SS.

Young pitchers don't improve by giving the other guys additional outs.

Kepp plays 12 games at 2nd
Kepp plays 25 games at SS
Kepp plays 25 games at 3rd
Kepp Plays 50 games at 1st
Kepp Plays 20 games in LF

He gets 450 AB's, Hits 330 and he is a Great Utility Player.

at 7:20 PM

mentalmidget said...

I'm with Jack regarding Keppinger. This kid has proven what he can do. He deserves to be in that line-up, period!! He has the potenial to be a .300 hitter in the bigs for the next number of years. Edwin E. is going through deja'vu all over again. If he continues to struggle, like last year, it's off to Louisville again, like last year. He struck out with a man on third and one out today. Kepp is the man to go to 3b if that happens. I don't think Dusty is going to let him play SS in front of Gonzo. He's not as flashy at SS as Gonzo but I think, defensively speaking, Kepp is more than capable. His bat? I'll take Kepp over Gonzo 7 days a week!! Watch out EE!! You better start producing because Keppinger is already producing!!! Griffey WILL have a big year as long as he can play 130-140 games this year.

at 7:26 PM

KingsPoint said...

RedBlooded, you may be right. The Indians released LHP Aaron Fultz today. Fultz struggled in the second half of last year and was worse this spring, but he still doesn't figure to be out of work for long. He finished with a 2.92 ERA in 37 innings last season.

at 7:44 PM

Unknown said...

The only reason this organization is where it is now is because the guys before Krivsky knew how to draft.

Bruce, Bailey, Votto, and Cueto have no ties whatsoever to Krivsky.

Just think if Krivsky actually knew how to draft; our 5th starter wouldn't be Fogg, it'd be Lincecum.

at 7:53 PM

Unknown said...

Anyone still crying about Kearns and Lopez simply doesn't know much about baseball. Two lazy underacheivers who have been terrible since they left. These are the same people who want Sean Casey back, another non-producer and want Griffey and his 30+ homers traded.

at 8:14 PM

redsfan8557 said...

Jack you just said St means nothing, look at your last post

at 8:23 PM

Stan said...

No one talks about Darryl Thompson being a part of the Kearns/Lopez trade.

He looks to have the tools to make this a trade in favor of the Reds.

We're better off without Kearns and Lopez. We still have three pitchers from them. Two could be real studs.

at 8:36 PM

reaganspad said...

Ifs and buts clueless. If our past GM's had done their job, Dunn's childhood friend Scott Kazmir would be with us.

Those Brandon Phillips, Josh Hamilton, Jarod Burton Picks were pretty good ones. Thanks Wayne and stick to your plan. Pay no attention to the clueless one behind the post.

And Jack, we will all take Griffey hitting 30 HRs, driving in 90 while playing 75%. That give Keppinger the chance to play right field and keep his bat going to.

Remember, this is a team game. hate the cubs

at 8:48 PM

redsfanwoody said...

I am more of a fan of Bob now that he has shown he'll eat a contract to make the team better. I assume that Wayne may realize that trading for aging relief corps and giving them sweetheart deals. That has been a rough spot on his moves.

at 9:24 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

what is ..is..Keppinger is a far better hitter than Gonzalez, he played just fine defensively, team chemistry was better..the team won with Keppinger and others in there..Microanalyze all ya want..

part of my post regarding ST stats referenced Keppingers performance second half last year

I cant remember how many times I saw Gonzalez last year fail to make a play and then juggled the ball in his hands in disgust

You ll need to be getting over your man love for players like Gonzalez and Griffey..Get rid of both of em..Spend Griffeys 12 million on pitching..put Bruce in RF and Kepp at SS and watch the team win

But i now see where we differ..again..some of you are so used to losing all you can do is live vicariously through name players like Griffey and gonzalez..I wonder if you wear their jerseys to the ballpark

what you don't see.. ..the team stinks with them playing

Boys you need to wake up

at 9:37 PM

Joe said...

Jack in blue Ash

Jr had a mediocre July (ABs 88 Hits 18 HR 4 RBI 17 OBP .369 BA .205) I'll give you that. But to day he "stunk in the second half of the year" must means you are looking at different numbers than I am and not considering that with the Reds out of contention and his late season injury in September, Jr did not get consistent ABs. August is a month that typically falls in the second half of a baseball season and Jr's stats for August of 07 were as follows: (ABs 107 Hits 37 Total Bases 60 HR 4 RBI 19 Doubles 9 OBP .431 AVG .346) All of Jr's August stats were either 1st, 2nd or 3rd on the team for that month! If that stinks, I'll take a team full of that odor. Project those numbers over a season and you have MVP quality numbers. Granted I am a Jr. fan and will grant he is not the player he was 10 years ago, but that is life.

at 9:43 PM

Joe said...

I am in total agreement with eating the contract and letting Stanton build his career stats with a loosing team. If the Reds are going to field a winner in 08 they aren't going to do it with Stanton. He's had a very good career but let him take his money and enjoy the life he earned if he is not picker up. The fact that he has not been traded tells you something.

at 9:59 PM

redsfanwoody said...

Gee....... if you go to 30+ games a year,aren't you accepting losing? I mean you are paying money for the seats right? So if you are willing to pay,then you are accepting losing. If you didn't accept losing,why would you spend you money on a losing team?

Case closed. You accept losing also. You can quit putting down others now. And yes you live vicariously through Keppinger. Not sure how can knock other people of being fans of Griffey? Oh yeah,it 's the whole "i need more attention" syndrome.

at 11:04 PM

NVreds said...

Keppinger is not a starting ML SS, there's nothing to prove that statement, he doesn't have the range, and yes I've seen him play, & I've seen him live. He's also largely unproven at SS, 43 starts are no barometer on how a player will handle short for a whole season. I'd rather he concetrate on his hitting, instead of developing ML skills at SS.

That being said, gonzo is not my first option either. personally I'd like to see a 60%-40% platoon with him and kep. 60% going to gonzo, his range/arm/and fielding skills are all better than keps overall (keps looked above avg last yr, but thats no guarantee it happens all season). I'm writing off gonzo's last season, narron has no clue how to get a team ready, and he probably didnt get enough defensive work in ST last yr because everyone just assumed he was good to go. This is why baker will have a huge effect on this team, they seem way more ready than last yr. Just a hunch however, we'll see where everyone ends up.

We need a starting SS still, still we need a good def/range + decent hitting, I'm not sure if any of the SS prospects in our system will work out, but I do know one will probably work out to be a pretty good 2B.

SWITCH PHILLIPS TO SHORT HES OUR BEST OPTION!!!!!! (not this yr, next)

at 11:20 PM

NVreds said...

And no I dont think that because "I'm used to losing" thats a stupid statement

good riddence stanton! good luck to ya though

at 4:02 AM

outtatown tim said...

The Reds are really high on Rosales, it wouldnt surprise me if he is the shortstop of the future. I dont see Gonzo staying here after his contract runs out next year. That being said, I'll take Gonzo over Lopez any day.

at 7:14 AM

JackBlueAsh said...

joe..you hit the nail on the head..don't you just get tired over the "Reds being outta contention and Jr injured"?

Griffey is a Hall of Famer and does alot in the community..yet he should have retired a couple of seasons ago. No winning team would even consider Griffey starting in the outfield

Yep NV Reds.. Keppinger is no starting shortstop..Even though he batted .330 made fewer errors than Gonzalez and the team was winning..you are correct...

I SAW HIS ARMS FALLING OFF AND HIS HEAD EVAPORATING BECAUSE HES NOT AN EVERYDAY SHORTSTOP. ITS A GOOD THING THAT HE DOES NOT START BECAUSE THE MARTIANS WILL BEAM HIM UP

Romo was not considered, by everyone, to be a starting quarterback..lookie lookie

at 10:31 AM

Jeff said...

Jack - Please re-read my earlier post and let me know what you don't understand about it. Errors is only one measure of defensive prowess. Gonzalez is a much better shortstop than Keppinger because he has far better range.

at 1:12 PM

Anonymous said...

Keppinger is a major league shortstop and will NOT be playing much first base barring injuries. If EE remains in a funk, maybe Kepp plays some third base but Gonzo is a waste and I hope the next step in getting rid of the dead wood on this team is moving Gonzo out.

at 10:15 PM

Hugh D. Pohl said...

You guys are nuts. Gonzo had a good year last year and is a qulaity ML SS just as Kepp is a good utility guy who can hit. Nothing wrong with either one in their appropriate roles and yes, the Reds will need a SS a few years down the road but it won't be the man-love fave of JackBlue Ash.

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Friday, March 28, 2008

Reds to cut Stanton

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