:thumb: I think the are a big time bat away from contending, lets see if Walt can get it done.

 

IMO they are stuck because they need a big time bat but are not willing to give up the prospects it will take to acquire such a bat.

I like the signing. If nothing else, we've added some depth in the outfield and a lot of speed. Taveras is better & faster than Freel, so I like this move.

 

Hairston is left worries me some, but I'd prefer to do that and give him a shot to see what he can do before giving up too many prospects for a "big" bat.

 

We should go after Manny...

If Taveras is the Reds' best option in the leadoff slot, they're hurting ... a lifetime .331 OBP isn't good.

 

 

Disagree of course. Very good signing for the Reds, 68 SB's is huge, if he just brings the OBP up a little, which I believe he will, he could steal 75-80. He didn't have a good year, but .291, .278, and .320 averages the three years before last aren't bad. By the way, Jimmy Rollins has a lifetime .333 OBP.

.251 in Coors is not that impressive. Hopefully, it was just a down year. But I think his skill set is already full developed.

.251 in Coors is not that impressive. Hopefully, it was just a down year. But I think his skill set is already full developed.

 

Coors has no effect on him. He has zero power.

.251 in Coors is not that impressive. Hopefully, it was just a down year. But I think his skill set is already full developed.

 

Coors has no effect on him. He has zero power.

 

 

 

I think you're missing John Anthony's point. As big as the outfield in Coors is, Taveras should have been able to hit for a much higher average.

I think you're missing John Anthony's point. As big as the outfield in Coors is, Taveras should have been able to hit for a much higher average.

 

Why would it matter how big their OF is? Teams wouldn't play him deep at all so it's not like he's going to get any bloop hits.

Why would it matter how big their OF is? Teams wouldn't play him deep at all so it's not like he's going to get any bloop hits.

 

 

Because they have huge gaps, and there is a ton of ground to cover in the outfield.

Because they have huge gaps, and there is a ton of ground to cover in the outfield.

 

He's not a gap to gap hitter.

He's not a gap to gap hitter.

 

 

I realize he's not a gap to gap hitter, but outfielders simply can't afford to play shallow in Coors because of the vastness of the outfield. He should have had balls fall in at Coors that wouldn't fall in at most places.

I realize he's not a gap to gap hitter, but outfielders simply can't afford to play shallow in Coors because of the vastness of the outfield. He should have had balls fall in at Coors that wouldn't fall in at most places.

 

They're going to take a couple steps in with willy at the plate. That'll make a big difference between balls dropping and being caught.

This move solidifies their defense up the middle. 207 infield hits in the past few seasons is very impressive, plus he's the all time leader in steals percentage. I like the move.

They're going to take a couple steps in with willy at the plate. That'll make a big difference between balls dropping and being caught.

 

 

I'm sure they will, but they will still be playing deeper than they would at just about every other ballpark. Coors Field has more pop ups turn into bloop hits than any other ballpark. It is the most hitter friendly ballpark in the majors because of their vast outfield.

I'm sure they will, but they will still be playing deeper than they would at just about every other ballpark. Coors Field has more pop ups turn into bloop hits than any other ballpark. It is the most hitter friendly ballpark in the majors because of their vast outfield.

 

Before the humidor, sure. Not any more. The ball is not flying around in that park the last two seasons...

What are the Reds paying? That will determine if I like/dislike this pickup.