December 27, 200817 yr The Reds signed outfielder Willy Taveras to a 2-year deal. Taveras will probably be the Opening Day center fielder/leadoff man. He hit .251 last year for Colorado and led the majors in stolen bases with 68 in 75 attempts
December 27, 200817 yr I like this move. He only 26 so he's just coming into his prime. Cincinnati has been lacking speed in the lineup for a while and Taveras gives them plenty of that.
December 27, 200817 yr Sweet. Whats next? 5th starter, RF, SS? The last piece of the puzzle is a Run Producing right handed bat. They are looking for that piece to play LF. Walt things Alex Gonzalez is going to be the opening day SS. I hope that's the case so Keppinger isn't playing everyday.
December 27, 200817 yr Taveras is a very good defensive centerfielder with great speed and a good arm, but he doesn't need to be hitting leadoff ... he's not a good on-base guy. Basically, he's Juan Pierre with defense and an arm ... and much cheaper.
December 27, 200817 yr Taveras is a very good defensive centerfielder with great speed and a good arm, but he doesn't need to be hitting leadoff ... he's not a good on-base guy. Basically, he's Juan Pierre with defense and an arm ... and much cheaper. He's better than anybody else the Reds had to offer to fill the leadoff void.
December 27, 200817 yr He's better than anybody else the Reds had to offer to fill the leadoff void.If Taveras is the Reds' best option in the leadoff slot, they're hurting ... a lifetime .331 OBP isn't good.
December 27, 200817 yr If Taveras is the Reds' best option in the leadoff slot, they're hurting ... a lifetime .331 OBP isn't good. Who would you put there? The only other option was Dickerson and you're the one bashing him all the time. Seems to me like you have something personal against the Reds. This is a move that could turn out very well. He's a year removed from hitting .320
December 27, 200817 yr Who would you put there? The only other option was Dickerson and you're the one bashing him all the time.Dickerson in a platoon role is probably a better leadoff option, but it's doubtful that Dickerson will cut it as an everyday player. Seems to me like you have something personal against the Reds.Nah ... I'm just calling it like I see it. This is a move that could turn out very well. He's a year removed from hitting .320The lifetime .331 OBP is much more meaningful than a partial season of hitting .320 ... you can be as optimistic as you want, but there's nothing about this move that helps the Reds offensively.
December 27, 200817 yr I wonder if this means they won't bring back Hairston. I don't know how many lead off type options were still available in free agency.
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