Reds thread

[Cincyfan78]

this is from Redleg nation:

In Phillips last 4 seasons (ages 27-30) he put up a WAR of 1.0, 2.0, 2.6, 4.1. That’s improved every year, but does anyone sincerely believe that he’ll top that again this year? What about next? Statistical trends say that, at his age, if he’s not over his peak, he’s very, very likely to be at it.

His skill set would not seem to be ones that are going to age well. And the Reds are going to be paying him based on what he’s done the last 4 years, not on what he will do the next 5 (or possibly 6).

I would tend to believe that this is an owner driven contract (though I think all big money contracts are at least somewhat owner driven) and that ownership doesn’t want to face the brunt of the blowback from fans if Phillips is allowed to walk at the end of the year (or is traded at some point this season).

And while I have severe concerns about the long-term ramifications of the Votto contract in years 7-8-9-10, I believe his production now will make the contract “pay for itself” overall. I have no such illusion with Brandon Phillips. The difference, as I heard it came from someone in Reds management, is that Joey will compete for the MVP every year, Brandon will not.

If I could get Phillips for 3, maybe 4, years for $12M per..I’d probably say yes. 5 years or maybe 6? I’d have to thank him for his time in Cincinnati and wish him well.

 

[vancelot23]

All contracts, other than rookie contracts are driven by what a player does previously. I'm good with it.

 

[bengaldoug]

Phillips is worth more than simply his value as a second baseman to the Reds.....He's a much admired and very popular figure in the community, a very fan-friendly player, and a solid all around person along with his being a multiple gold glover and on his own level defensively at second base.....best of all, Cardinals fans hate him with a purple passion!

 

[Tubbs1518]

If they let Phillips leave they are morons. He is the most important player on this team.

 

[cincygrad]

I like BP -- I'd be happy with the reds paying him what is being tossed around. Hopefully it will happen.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Votto is the gentle giant that leads by example that everyone listens to when he speaks because he doesn't speak t hat much.

Brandon is everyones best friend, the guy that can build a clubhouse and is one of the best activists with his fanbase. A guy that helps gravitate attention, positive attention and can help boost attendance.

My 60 year old mother even said, she would not be nearly as interested in watching Reds Baseball if Brandon was not part of it, she also said the same thing about Barry Larkin if he didn't retire a Red.

 

[BigBlueNation111]

Morning Reds Nation!I sure hope Latos can have a solid outing like Cueto did.

 

[Tubbs1518]

Latos did not impress me today. Volquez could have pitched like that. Hope things get better.

 

[BigBlueNation111]

Latos did not impress me today. Volquez could have pitched like that. Hope things get better.

Looked good early but dropped off after that,looked tired to me in the 4th.

 

[Tubbs1518]

So much for a sweep. And so much for that great bullpen. Starting to agree with Kramer. We may not be as good as the Cards or Brewers.

 

[DanBengalfan]

too early to jump to conclusions.

a below average outing for latos, in the first half of 2011 his era was 4.04, the second half 2.87, so it appears he may get better as the season goes on.

 

[cincygrad]

Latos will be fine.... The bigger issue is that we don't have consistent offense. Scraping together a run here or a run there is not going to win many games. It will likely be a difficult year.

 

[kramer1]

We'll finish somewhere around .500. 3rd place.

Stubbs blows in case you hadn't noticed.

 

[BigBlueNation111]

too early to jump to conclusions.

a below average outing for latos, in the first half of 2011 his era was 4.04, the second half 2.87, so it appears he may get better as the season goes on.

I totally agree Dan,its way to early in the season to be righting these guys off just yet.I will say this though,Stubbs needs to get it going sometime or other this season or he'll be traded by July.I like the kid but his offense stinks! Poor Janish might be gone to,that Cozart kid is the real deal.

 

[bengaldoug]

Nice win yesterday, even though Dusty stubbornly stuck with Arroyo too long....it was clear he was done after six innings, which is fine for a first start.....fortunate to pull it out late....Chapman is awesome.....

 

[vancelot23]

Chapman is filthy. It's not fair to be that good.

 

[bengaldoug]

Chapman is filthy. It's not fair to be that good.

I am always amazed when someone makes square contact off him....Reyes' two out triple was an incredible piece of hitting....then he dialed up 100 on back to back pitches for the strikeout to get out of it, and it was moot......must be nice to be able to call on 100+ when you really need it, and now he has that splitter to go along....you're right, he's totally unfair.....

 

[Cincyfan78]

Reyes sat fastball and got good wood on it. Just about, no matter how fast you throw, MLB hitters (legit hitters) will be able to time that fastball. That's where he's got to be more comfortable looking to throw that slider or change for a first pitch strike. Especially as a starter.

 

[bengaldoug]

Reyes sat fastball and got good wood on it. Just about, no matter how fast you throw, MLB hitters (legit hitters) will be able to time that fastball. That's where he's got to be more comfortable looking to throw that slider or change for a first pitch strike. Especially as a starter.

He made excellent strides in spring training......he's gone from not being able to consistently throw strikes to not only throwing them consistently, but consistently being able to keep the ball low too......the next step is what you said, throwing his second and third pitches for strikes to first ball fastball hitters.....I'm betting it will come this year......

 

[BigBlueNation111]

Chapman is filthy. It's not fair to be that good.

Yesss sir!