Cincinnati Reds Winter Meetings, Day 1: Much About Nothing

Did anyone actually expect the Reds to be active the first day of these meetings? You did? Consider yourself among the extreme minority then.

Here’s a couple of notes from Day 1…

Begging and pleading?

Those wanting the Reds to nab Shane Victorino…you might be disappointed and discouraged. It was reported (via Scott Lauber on Twitter) Victorino is wanting a three-year deal around $10MM per year. Can’t see the Reds making that offer especially since they would like to re-sign Ryan Ludwick.

Even though the Reds need that lead-off type hitter (and I will repeat, I don’t see Victorino as the answer), I can’t see them throwing this amount of money Victorino’s way. Not completely sold they’d send that much money Ludwick’s direction either.

And take Angel Pagan off your wish list, too. This is via a tweet from Fox Sport’s Ken Rosenthal as Pagan will re-sign with the Giants. The price? Four years, $40MM tweets Yahoo! Sports Tim Brown.

And the Reds have had no contact with Kevin Youkilis and his reps says John Fay. This should surprise no one, hometown guy or not. As Fay speculates, the only way this could transpire is if the Reds “lose out” on Ryan Ludwick and the market for Youk becomes slim.

Really? Ryan Hanigan?

Aug. 28, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Hanigan against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Not sure I get this unless you’re one that wants Devin Mesoraco to be given the keys to the Reds catching situation, but why would the Reds deal Ryan Hanigan? Yes, I saw a couple of tweets wondering why Hanny isn’t being mentioned in any potential deal.

Mes didn’t exactly get the chance to show all his wares last season. I know, I know. Gotta play more in order to get your game more in tune.

Such has left a few wondering that, despite his recent 50-game suspension, if the Reds had been better served to keep Yasmani Grandal and deal Mesoraco. To me, and regardless of their 2012 numbers and the suspension, I think the Reds did make the better choice. I say that because we saw Mesoraco’s competitive spirit on display more than once. Granted, one display cost him a few games, but nothing wrong with seeing some of those juices flowing.

Considering how the Reds value defense, not why sure you even consider Hanny in a deal anyway. He is no worse than the NL’s second best defensive catcher.

Bray back with Nationals

Bill Bray is back with the Nationals. The lefty reliever signed a minor league deal with them according to a tweet by Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

Offer to Ludwick (h/t to MLB Trade Rumors)

Dusty Baker made it known that the Reds have made an offer to outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Baker also states he hopes Ludwick accepts the Reds offer. Within the same piece on MLBTR, Tim Dierkes states that Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that the Mets have interest in Ludwick.

Have to think the Reds hold an edge for two reasons: Ludwick loves the makeup of the team and GABP is a better offensive park that Citi Field even with the fences brought in.

Maybe a third? Ownership?

Fay also tweets that the Reds and Ludwick’s agent will meet tomorrow morning. GM Walt Jocketty says if Ludwick is to be re-signed, it could be this week.