Archive for January, 2010

I can’t believe it! The Cincinnati Reds signed Aroldis Chapman to a 5 year, 30 million dollar deal. I take back what I said yesterday. I think it surprised all of baseball that the Reds made a move like this. Chapman immediately becomes the top prospect in the Reds’ system and could join a dangerous young rotation if Edinson Volquez returns healthy from Tommy John surgery and Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey develop. The Reds had been particularly quiet this offseason, sitting on a team that went 78-84 last year. Where the 22-year-old Chapman begins the season – in the [...]

There have been multiple reports that the Reds are a finalist to sign the Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman. He is reported to throw 100 mph. That is very rare for a left-handed pitcher to reach that velocity. Other reports have stated that his fastball is his only major league pitch while his curve and changeup aren’t quite ready yet. I believe this report is a big tease to Reds’ fans. The Blue Jays have offered him 20 million for a 3 year deal. There is no way the Reds will make an investment like that today. They will probably give [...]

The Cincinnati Reds signed free agent outfielder Josh Anderson. He played last season with the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals. His additon to the already crowded outfield picture is a bit puzzling. He hit .240 last season while playing all 3 outfield positions. He also hit only 1 homerun and stole 24 bases in 118 games. Cincinnati is his fifth major league team since making his debut for the Houston Astros in 2007. He is coming back home of sorts. He grew up about 150 miles South of Cincinnati. And, he went to Eastern Kentucky University where he played [...]

Edwin Encarnacion was released from the hospital on Saturday in the Dominican Republic after burning his face with fireworks. He was celebrating the New Year. His injuries did not require any surgery and he will be ready for the start of spring training. He never did have good hands at third base.