December 10, 200817 yr For all of those who say that Ramon Hernandez is a good addition, particularly because of the pitching staff.. Do you know anything about Hernandez's ability as a backstop or about managing pitchers? Or are you just saying that because you assume he speaks Spanish?
December 10, 200817 yr I never thought they would be able to unload Freel with that contract. Hernandez isn't anything to get excited about, but they needed to drop Freel's salary, and they needed a catcher, so it's a good move IMO. After looking at his stats, he seems to have some pop, and has a decent K/BB ratio.
December 10, 200817 yr I never thought they would be able to unload Freel with that contract. Hernandez isn't anything to get excited about, but they needed to drop Freel's salary, and they needed a catcher, so it's a good move IMO. I agree, but Hernandez makes more money than Freel. While I'm not sure how the financials will work out, I don't think the Reds will save any money on this....
December 10, 200817 yr Hernandez had a career high of 23 HR 91 RBI a couple years ago, maybe he can get back to that at GABP
December 10, 200817 yr Author Difference being Hernandez won't have a trip to the 60-Day. With Freel its a guarantee.
December 10, 200817 yr I agree, but Hernandez makes more money than Freel. While I'm not sure how the financials will work out, I don't think the Reds will save any money on this.... No they are spending more money really but its at a position they needed more. Addition by subtraction with Freel. The Reds can find 5 or 6 guys out there that do what Freel does for a long cheaper, there aren't to many good hitting catchers in the MLB and Ramon should be able to put up good numbers at BAGP. They need a big right handed bat that plays OF and Walt said that is what he is working on now. He is a veteran that should know how to work a staff by now and assuming he speaks Spanish like you said can only help Volquez and Cueto.
December 10, 200817 yr I was never really a big fan of Freel, but you could never question his effort. I will always remember the catch he made diving onto the warning track sprinting at full speed. He was playing right, sprinting to deep right center, dove at an angle and somehow caught the ball. It was amazing. I really think Hanigan would have done a fine job running the staff but he wouldn't have provided to ability at the plate Hernandez should bring.
December 13, 200817 yr It's sad to see a fan fav go, but honestly Freel's price tag no longer made it worth hanging onto
December 13, 200817 yr For all of those who say that Ramon Hernandez is a good addition, particularly because of the pitching staff.. Do you know anything about Hernandez's ability as a backstop or about managing pitchers? Or are you just saying that because you assume he speaks Spanish? FWIW... Hernandez was #6 in the majors this year in a pretty important stat. Catchers Win Proability 1. Joe Mauer 2. Russell Martin 3.G. Soto 4.Bengie Molina 5.Brian McCann 6.Ramon Hernandez 7.A.J. Pierzynski 8.Jason Kendall 9.Kurt Suzuki http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=c&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=3&season=2008&month=0
December 13, 200817 yr FWIW... Hernandez was #6 in the majors this year in a pretty important stat. Catchers Win Proability 1. Joe Mauer 2. Russell Martin 3.G. Soto 4.Bengie Molina 5.Brian McCann 6.Ramon Hernandez 7.A.J. Pierzynski 8.Jason Kendall 9.Kurt Suzuki Can't say I've ever heard of that stat, though I don't doubt it's importance. One thing I will say that stuck out to me regarding Hernandez' defensive stats was his very low percentage of base stealers thrown out the past two years (.227 in 2007 and .195 in 2008, which is a terrible number).
December 13, 200817 yr Can't say I've ever heard of that stat, though I don't doubt it's importance. One thing I will say that stuck out to me regarding Hernandez' defensive stats was his very low percentage of base stealers thrown out the past two years (.227 in 2007 and .195 in 2008, which is a terrible number). I had never seen that either, until someone sent it to me. Guess we will just have to wait and see. Personally, I'm happy with the trade though, seems he's a good clubhouse guy as well.
December 20, 200817 yr As the biggest Orioles' fan in Kentucky who has watched Hernandez for several years, I can say without question he's the laziest catcher I've ever seen. He had a decent arm a few years back, but it got to where he couldn't throw anyone out and he doesn't like to move around and block balls in the dirt. Hernandez has some power and can hit, but he's also a rally killer with double plays. Our bench has been horrible. I'm happy to add a high-energy guy like Freel. I guess the key is staying healthy.
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