Reds Notes: Hamilton, Gomes, Madson, Larkin

Did you survive Black Friday? You did? Glad you did. Here’s a few Reds related tidbits from the past few days…

Praises are still be heaped on the Reds top prospect. I think we can call Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated a believer as well. Verducci spent some time watching games in the Arizona Fall League and Hamilton did impress. It wasn’t so much his speed that has Verducci agog with B Ham either, although everyone has cited this as the number one reason.

Verducci sees Hamilton as more than just a slap-hitter, a common tag placed on Hamilton due to a perception that he lacks power. While he won’t hit a lot of home runs the natural way, Verducci says Hamilton as owns some power to the gaps. He does state that Hamilton will have to adjust to major league pitchers as far as baserunning is concerned. Hamilton likes to take a walking lead and MLB pitchers will not permit him to have that opportunity.

(Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE)

Gomes is a member of the Red Sox…for $10MM

Yep. Ten million dollars for two years. That’s the agreed upon deal between former Red Jonny Gomes and the Boston Red Sox. I honestly cannot believe it. While many Reds fans have a soft spot in their hearts for Gomes, you have to wonder what the Boston front office was thinking laying out that kind of money. We all know how he is in the clubhouse, but do you give a guy that has never had a salary over $1.75MM a robust raise like that?

One train of thought could be that the Sawx have come to a conclusion that re-signing Cody Ross is becoming a little unlikely. I wouldn’t rule that out as, well, it is the Red Sox.

Larkin leads Brazil to WBC berth

Facing the home favorites from Panama seemed like a daunting task for Brazil. In Panama City, no less. And in a stadium named after Rod Carew. Didn’t faze the Brazilian team led by former Red Barry Larkin. All Brazil did was shutout the heavily favored Panamanians in a 1-0 win.

"“It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, it doesn’t matter where you play, it doesn’t matter when you play,” Larkin said. “If you have a plan, a mentality, if you execute, if you do the small things — you can win. You can play with anyone in the world.” (via worldbaseballclassic.com)"

Sounds like the attitude the 1990 Reds had as they faced off in the World Series against the Oakland A’s. Also sounds like a future MLB manager, doesn’t it?

(Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE)

Madson may be an Angel

So former Red Ryan Madson (all of one year and no games pitched) is talking with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Angels had 22 blown saves last season and they do need to shore up the closer’s role. While Madson is also considered a possible closer option for the Reds, Jim Salisbury tweets the Angels are hot on him (whatever that means).

Some thought that maybe a return to Philly could be in the works even though Madson would not be the closer with Jonathan Papelbon there. That is, unless, the Phils would trade Papelbon. Or Madson would serve as the Phils’ set-up man.

(UPDATE: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick states that Madson and the Angels have agreed upon a one-year deal.)

Cyber Monday

So, I’ve been thinking. When you went out on Black Friday, did you get the special Reds fans something? If you didn’t, or even if you did and you want to get he/she something else, scroll back up to the top of the site and click on “Store”. It will take you to Fanatics and they have whirls of Reds items for men, women and children (youth, toddlers and infants) for under $20! Seriously…under $20. They also have a few sale items where you can get an extra 20% off!

And if you get over $50, you can get 3-day shipping for free! There is a coupon code directly on the site for this, so be sure you get that. Even if you don’t get $50, 3-day shipping is available for only $4.99.

Oh, me? I wouldn’t mind this. And, yes, it’s under $20… (hint)

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