The Reds obtained infielder Jeff Keppinger

from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for minor-league pitcher Russ Haltiwanger.

 

The 26-year-old Keppinger was traded by the Mets to the Royals last July 19. He hit .300 in 87 games for Triple-A Norfolk and .354 in 22 games for Triple-A Omaha. He also played in 22 games for the Royals, batting .267 with two homers.

 

Haltiwanger, 22, spent last season at Class A Dayton, going 0-4 with one save and a 4.15 ERA in five starts and 35 relief appearances.

 

To make room for Keppinger on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated infielder Ray Olmedo for assignment. The 25-year-old Olmedo hit .282 in 100 games for Triple-A Louisville last season. He also played in 30 games for the Reds, batting .205

Aurilia, arguably one of our best players last year, is no longer on the team. When are we going to pick someone up to replace his production. We need pitching too. I'm getting worried about this upcoming year :cry:

Aurilia, arguably one of our best players last year, is no longer on the team. When are we going to pick someone up to replace his production. We need pitching too. I'm getting worried about this upcoming year :cry:

More shaking my head than worried. We know most likely what the season is going to be like.

I don't see why people are upset about Aurilia leaving. He didn't want to be here in the 1st place...

After 18 months of people wanting Rich out of town, now he's the guy we missed. Reds fans are classic. They picked up a solid AAA IF for the 40 man and gave up a below average pitcher and Olmedo. What a bad move... :lol:

My comment was directed at the Reds off-season in general.

My comment was directed at the Reds off-season in general.

I know I'm in the minority, but I'm glad they didn't strap this franchise down in an unreal market. "Playing the game" is going to be very costly for a lot of teams as this free agent class unfolds. Guys like Milton are not what we needed...

After 18 months of people wanting Rich out of town, now he's the guy we missed. Reds fans are classic. They picked up a solid AAA IF for the 40 man and gave up a below average pitcher and Olmedo. What a bad move... :lol:

 

For the record I have never wanted Rich out of town. I think this is a pretty decent trade for us. Did we actually have to get rid of Olmedo, we could have kept him in Louisville, right?

For the record I have never wanted Rich out of town. I think this is a pretty decent trade for us. Did we actually have to get rid of Olmedo, we could have kept him in Louisville, right?

The guy we traded was not on the 40 man, so someone had to go. I do hope they can bring Rey Rey back into the system. I'm not sure he has much market value, but I'm sure Leather Pants took note today... :lol:

Guys like Olmedo are a dime a dozen; decent glove and every above average pitcher can knock the bat out of his hands.

 

This kid they picked up, while honestly I wasn't familiar with him at all before, sounds like he can hit a little.

 

As someone said above, we can complain about the lack of a Zito-esque signing all we want, but this is a .500 team (at best), and I think the Reds are smart not to over-burden themselves with contracts that ultimately wouldn't make enough of a difference in the long run.

Guys like Olmedo are a dime a dozen; decent glove and every above average pitcher can knock the bat out of his hands.

 

This kid they picked up, while honestly I wasn't familiar with him at all before, sounds like he can hit a little.

 

As someone said above, we can complain about the lack of a Zito-esque signing all we want, but this is a .500 team (at best), and I think the Reds are smart not to over-burden themselves with contracts that ultimately wouldn't make enough of a difference in the long run.

I couldn't agree more!:thumb:

We've made some real doozies in the past, prior to Wayne. My bet is that this kid is someone who Wayne knew of previously and didn't have to deal much to get. Sound familiar??? That Phillips guy worked out alright if I'm not mistaken. And perhaps it's the winter blahs, but I for one am more optimistic than I was at this time last year. Just waiting on 09 and the end of the Junior era to see what happens then.

I don't have a problem with it...as if it would matter...

I know I'm in the minority, but I'm glad they didn't strap this franchise down in an unreal market. "Playing the game" is going to be very costly for a lot of teams as this free agent class unfolds. Guys like Milton are not what we needed...

 

I actually think you're in the majority, but the minority make themselves heard more often. My only question would be does the organazation ever see itself as a spender b/c the market may only get worse? Teams are free spending now b/c of the TV deal, and the Reds are standing pat. I hope they know how to draft and develop players.

Guys like Olmedo are a dime a dozen; decent glove and every above average pitcher can knock the bat out of his hands.

 

This kid they picked up, while honestly I wasn't familiar with him at all before, sounds like he can hit a little.

 

As someone said above, we can complain about the lack of a Zito-esque signing all we want, but this is a .500 team (at best), and I think the Reds are smart not to over-burden themselves with contracts that ultimately wouldn't make enough of a difference in the long run.

You nailed it. This has been there MO in the past so it is good to see that they are not repeating themselves. I am sure there will be more deals as we get closer to Spring. With a few breaks (no pun intended) this season may be one we remember...... for all the right reasons.

While we know nothing about this guy, the people at RotoWord do:

 

Once again, we're left baffled by a Wayne Krivsky move. The Reds just had practically the same player on the roster in Brendan Harris before giving him away to the Rays. Both are 26-year-old right-handed hitters. We'd give Harris the clear edge, based mostly on his versatility. Keppinger is just average at second base and has little experience elsewhere. Harris is about as good at second base, is a fine third baseman and can handle short if necessary, though not on a regular basis. On offense, there's hardly any difference at all. If the Reds weren't going to have room for Harris, they shouldn't possess a spot for Keppinger. Also, this costs them a superior defensive infielder in Ray Olmedo. We're not impressed at all with how Krivsky has handled his offense since taking over.