Reds Trade Josh Hamilton to Rangers

[reds44]

Check out Hamilton's line this spring for the Rangers:

607/633/1107 ; 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 hr.

 

So far this looks like a win for the Rangers.

Did you stop to look at how the guy the Reds got back is doing?

 

Volquez has 19 Ks and 3 BBs to go with his 3.46 ERA (bad stat?) in 13 innings this spring. He is just filthy, and is going to be the Reds 3rd or 4th starter behind Harang, Arroyo, and maybe Cueto.

 

I'll take pitching over hitting 100 times out of 100.

 

So far it looks like a win for both teams.

 

You better hope he continues to display that control. In his try-out with the Rangers last season, he walked 15 in 34 innings. For 2007, he walked 75 in 178.2 IP. For 2006, he walked 17 in only 33.1 IP for the Rangers. Control has been his undoing. Granted he's young and still has a lot of time to learn to harnass his stuff. But, I would worry that the control he's shown in 13 IP could be quite fleeting once he's back on the mound come April.

He's 24 years old.

 

And the Rangers better hope Hamilton stays away from drugs, stays healthy, and hits left handed pitching. Not to mention his personal baby sitter Johnny Narron didn't go over too well in the clubhouse last year. It was a trade for two talented, young players each who have their flaws. It could (and I hope) it ends up being a win-win for both teams. I wish Hamilton the best the rest of his career and more importantly life.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Check out Hamilton's line this spring for the Rangers:

607/633/1107 ; 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 hr.

 

So far this looks like a win for the Rangers.

Did you stop to look at how the guy the Reds got back is doing?

 

Volquez has 19 Ks and 3 BBs to go with his 3.46 ERA (bad stat?) in 13 innings this spring. He is just filthy, and is going to be the Reds 3rd or 4th starter behind Harang, Arroyo, and maybe Cueto.

 

I'll take pitching over hitting 100 times out of 100.

 

So far it looks like a win for both teams.

 

You better hope he continues to display that control. In his try-out with the Rangers last season, he walked 15 in 34 innings. For 2007, he walked 75 in 178.2 IP. For 2006, he walked 17 in only 33.1 IP for the Rangers. Control has been his undoing. Granted he's young and still has a lot of time to learn to harnass his stuff. But, I would worry that the control he's shown in 13 IP could be quite fleeting once he's back on the mound come April.

He's 24 years old.

 

And the Rangers better hope Hamilton stays away from drugs, stays healthy, and hits left handed pitching. Not to mention his personal baby sitter Johnny Narron didn't go over too well in the clubhouse last year. It was a trade for two talented, young players each who have their flaws. It could (and I hope) it ends up being a win-win for both teams. I wish Hamilton the best the rest of his career and more importantly life.

 

Hamilton has the benefit of working with the best hitting coach in the majors; Volquez will have Dick Pole and a manager notorious for over working young pitchers. I think it's more likely Hamilton does better here.

[reds44]

Check out Hamilton's line this spring for the Rangers:

607/633/1107 ; 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 hr.

 

So far this looks like a win for the Rangers.

Did you stop to look at how the guy the Reds got back is doing?

 

Volquez has 19 Ks and 3 BBs to go with his 3.46 ERA (bad stat?) in 13 innings this spring. He is just filthy, and is going to be the Reds 3rd or 4th starter behind Harang, Arroyo, and maybe Cueto.

 

I'll take pitching over hitting 100 times out of 100.

 

So far it looks like a win for both teams.

 

You better hope he continues to display that control. In his try-out with the Rangers last season, he walked 15 in 34 innings. For 2007, he walked 75 in 178.2 IP. For 2006, he walked 17 in only 33.1 IP for the Rangers. Control has been his undoing. Granted he's young and still has a lot of time to learn to harnass his stuff. But, I would worry that the control he's shown in 13 IP could be quite fleeting once he's back on the mound come April.

He's 24 years old.

 

And the Rangers better hope Hamilton stays away from drugs, stays healthy, and hits left handed pitching. Not to mention his personal baby sitter Johnny Narron didn't go over too well in the clubhouse last year. It was a trade for two talented, young players each who have their flaws. It could (and I hope) it ends up being a win-win for both teams. I wish Hamilton the best the rest of his career and more importantly life.

 

Hamilton has the benefit of working with the best hitting coach in the majors; Volquez will have Dick Pole and a manager notorious for over working young pitchers. I think it's more likely Hamilton does better here.

I would never questions Hamilton's ability to play baseball. However, I have major concerns about his durability. Only time will tell I suppose.

[Derwood]

Yeah and the Reds have one of those on the verge of majors.

 

but will be blocked by Corey Patterson

[reds44]

Yeah and the Reds have one of those on the verge of majors.

 

but will be blocked by Corey Patterson

If/when Bruce is sent back to AAA it will have nothing to do with Corey Patterson and everything to do with his .557 spring training OPS. Bruce came into spring training with a chance to win a job, and he didn't win it. I have very little problem with Patterson opening the year in CF either. He is a good defender, great speed, has some pop in his bat, and it's almost a lock GABP will inflate his numers like it does everyone else. The problem is he belongs hitting 7th or 8th, not 1st where he will likely be.

[SouthSideRyan]

Yeah and the Reds have one of those on the verge of majors.

 

but will be blocked by Corey Patterson

If/when Bruce is sent back to AAA it will have nothing to do with Corey Patterson and everything to do with his .557 spring training OPS.

 

Losing it to Corey Patterson probably is more logical.

[CuseCubFan69]

Check out Hamilton's line this spring for the Rangers:

607/633/1107 ; 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 hr.

 

So far this looks like a win for the Rangers.

Did you stop to look at how the guy the Reds got back is doing?

 

Volquez has 19 Ks and 3 BBs to go with his 3.46 ERA (bad stat?) in 13 innings this spring. He is just filthy, and is going to be the Reds 3rd or 4th starter behind Harang, Arroyo, and maybe Cueto.

 

I'll take pitching over hitting 100 times out of 100.

 

So far it looks like a win for both teams.

 

You better hope he continues to display that control. In his try-out with the Rangers last season, he walked 15 in 34 innings. For 2007, he walked 75 in 178.2 IP. For 2006, he walked 17 in only 33.1 IP for the Rangers. Control has been his undoing. Granted he's young and still has a lot of time to learn to harnass his stuff. But, I would worry that the control he's shown in 13 IP could be quite fleeting once he's back on the mound come April.

He's 24 years old.

 

And the Rangers better hope Hamilton stays away from drugs, stays healthy, and hits left handed pitching. Not to mention his personal baby sitter Johnny Narron didn't go over too well in the clubhouse last year. It was a trade for two talented, young players each who have their flaws. It could (and I hope) it ends up being a win-win for both teams. I wish Hamilton the best the rest of his career and more importantly life.

 

Hamilton has the benefit of working with the best hitting coach in the majors; Volquez will have Dick Pole and a manager notorious for over working young pitchers. I think it's more likely Hamilton does better here.

 

He's funny and direct as heck. I remember him complaining about how stubborn Blaylock was and how he wouldn't listen until he was marred in a big slump.

[YearofDaCubs]

Check out Hamilton's line this spring for the Rangers:

607/633/1107 ; 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 hr.

 

So far this looks like a win for the Rangers.

Did you stop to look at how the guy the Reds got back is doing?

 

Volquez has 19 Ks and 3 BBs to go with his 3.46 ERA (bad stat?) in 13 innings this spring. He is just filthy, and is going to be the Reds 3rd or 4th starter behind Harang, Arroyo, and maybe Cueto.

 

I'll take pitching over hitting 100 times out of 100.

 

So far it looks like a win for both teams.

 

You better hope he continues to display that control. In his try-out with the Rangers last season, he walked 15 in 34 innings. For 2007, he walked 75 in 178.2 IP. For 2006, he walked 17 in only 33.1 IP for the Rangers. Control has been his undoing. Granted he's young and still has a lot of time to learn to harnass his stuff. But, I would worry that the control he's shown in 13 IP could be quite fleeting once he's back on the mound come April.

He's 24 years old.

 

And the Rangers better hope Hamilton stays away from drugs, stays healthy, and hits left handed pitching. Not to mention his personal baby sitter Johnny Narron didn't go over too well in the clubhouse last year. It was a trade for two talented, young players each who have their flaws. It could (and I hope) it ends up being a win-win for both teams. I wish Hamilton the best the rest of his career and more importantly life.

 

Hamilton has the benefit of working with the best hitting coach in the majors; Volquez will have Dick Pole and a manager notorious for over working young pitchers. I think it's more likely Hamilton does better here.

 

He's funny and direct as heck. I remember him complaining about how stubborn Blaylock was and how he wouldn't listen until he was marred in a big slump.

Speaking of Blaylock, that guy was a good 3B once upon a time and he dropped off completely the past couple of years.

[UMFan83]

Yeah and the Reds have one of those on the verge of majors.

 

but will be blocked by Corey Patterson

If/when Bruce is sent back to AAA it will have nothing to do with Corey Patterson and everything to do with his .557 spring training OPS. Bruce came into spring training with a chance to win a job, and he didn't win it. I have very little problem with Patterson opening the year in CF either. He is a good defender, great speed, has some pop in his bat, and it's almost a lock GABP will inflate his numers like it does everyone else. The problem is he belongs hitting 7th or 8th, not 1st where he will likely be.

 

Some pop? Tell that to his .386 SLG last year. Corey Patterson is an awful baseball player who should only be on a major league team if he was a late inning defensive replacement/pinch runner. Unfortunately (or fortunately) he will leadoff and start in CF for the Reds on Opening Day most likely.

[sneakypower]

I know it's off the topic, but it's unfathomable that the Giants gave Rowand a huge contract when they could have had Patterson for peanuts. And when Rowand predictably reverts to his old .320s OBP self, what's the difference? Or even Rajai Davis or Fred Lewis.

[RedFlash]

I know it's off the topic, but it's unfathomable that the Giants gave Rowand a huge contract when they could have had Patterson for peanuts. And when Rowand predictably reverts to his old .320s OBP self, what's the difference? Or even Rajai Davis or Fred Lewis.

 

Signing Vizquel, Rowand and Zito would have been great moves when the Giants were ever so close to the World Series. But seeing as I doubt the Giants will see a World Series appearance before Zito's contract is up, makes me believe the Giants are in an identity crisis.

[sneakypower]

Well everything Sabean does is unfathomable, it's just that signing is atop the list right now in my mind.

[reds44]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3304727&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1

 

Josh Hamilton, CF, Rangers

 

SPRING STAT LINE: .556 AVG., .600 OBP, .972 SLG, 5 DOUBLES, 2 TRIPLES, 2 HR, 13 RBIS

We didn't think it would be possible for Hamilton to pop more eyeballs this spring than last spring, when he came back from nearly four years out of baseball to just about leap off the field at us. But he's pulled that off, one spring after his stunning trade from Cincinnati to Texas in December.

 

"Josh Hamilton," said one scout, "has been the best player in Arizona. When he hits the ball, it has a completely different sound than just about any player out there. He's just a different player. If he stays on the straight and narrow, and he stays healthy, he could hit 40 home runs this year. Wait. You know what? In that park in Texas, he could hit 50. He's that good."

 

So how could the Reds have ever traded this guy? Read on.

 

Edinson Volquez, RHP, Reds

 

SPRING STAT LINE: 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 15 IP, 21 K

A scout we know announced to a large delegation of onlookers the other day: "The best trade this winter was Edinson Volquez for Josh Hamilton."

 

And after that Josh Hamilton riff a few paragraphs to the north, you would probably agree -- except that this scout meant it the other way around. That's how dazzling Volquez has been this spring.

 

That news might shock people who saw Volquez go 3-11, with a 7.20 ERA, in three different passes through Texas. But this spring, at age 25, he has totally clicked it into gear. In fact, he's tied with the Mets' duo of Johan Santana and John Maine for the lead in the whole sport in strikeouts.

 

But it isn't the number of whiffs that has stood out. It's how this guy has piled them up.

 

His first three March outings, in order, went: four punchouts in 2 1/3 innings against the Red Sox, eight K's in four innings against the Yankees and six strikeouts in five innings against the Phillies. And that's three of the four best lineups in baseball we're talking about.

 

"Unbelievable movement," said a coach of one of those teams. ... "Electric stuff," gushed one scout. ... "His changeup is really, really, really dirty," said Bako.

Awful trade for the Reds. :thumbsup:

[imb]

I like the "Boston and New York have the best lineups in baseball" line. Who knows what kind of lineups they ran out there those days. John Lieber has like a 1.20 era so far.

 

This guy will be good, more than likely, but let's not start sucking our own popsicles yet.

[David]

I like the "Boston and New York have the best lineups in baseball" line. Who knows what kind of lineups they ran out there those days. John Lieber has like a 1.20 era so far.

 

This guy will be good, more than likely, but let's not start sucking our own popsicles yet.

 

It's not like his arm will last long with Dustylol at the helm, anyway.

[SouthSideRyan]

I have a feeling we won't be seeing too much of reds44 come August.

[sweetpeteman]

Not only is Volquez going to be under a manager who is notorious for abusing pitchers, but also he already has had issues with walks, and is going to be under a manger who undervalues walks on offense, and sees no issue with them in pitching. He is going to be taught that nibbling on the corners and walking people is okay as long as you don't give up hits, except that he will give up hits and those walks will only hurt. Plus they will cause his pitch count to rise, meaning that Dusty, who doesn't see pitch counts, only innings, will leave him in for 120+ pitches because he is only in the 6th inning.

 

Volquez could be very good, but under Dusty he is going to be hindered and misled.

[Sosa21MVP]

Hey why doubt the word of one scout? :thumbsup:

[reds44]

I have a feeling we won't be seeing too much of reds44 come August.

Must be gas. I'm used to us sucking.

[Bote McBoteface]

Not only is Volquez going to be under a manager who is notorious for abusing pitchers, but also he already has had issues with walks, and is going to be under a manger who undervalues walks on offense, and sees no issue with them in pitching. He is going to be taught that nibbling on the corners and walking people is okay as long as you don't give up hits, except that he will give up hits and those walks will only hurt. Plus they will cause his pitch count to rise, meaning that Dusty, who doesn't see pitch counts, only innings, will leave him in for 120+ pitches because he is only in the 6th inning.

 

Volquez could be very good, but under Dusty he is going to be hindered and misled.

 

 

Actually, no. Dusty has gone on record several times saying things to the effect of "you can't walk guys...you won't stand a chance (dude)."

 

That's what's so frustrating about him. He realizes that walks kill his pitching staff, but doesn't really make the connection that MAYBE they might help his offense.

 

Young pitchers have thrived with Dusty at the helm before, and there is no reason to believe that Volquez, Bailey, and the other young Red's arms won't do the same. That's the problem, actually. Because Dusty will destroy their careers within a year or two.

[reds44]

Fox Sports: What Were They Thinking?

- Texas is a team that has a high-octane offense but a pitching staff that forces parents to cover their children's eyes, and so what was the big off-season move? Trading its best young pitcher, Edinson Volquez, to add a bat, Josh Hamilton. No knock on Hamilton. He's a legitimate offensive force. But guess what the biggest concern is in Texas? Right. It's pitching. Guess what's up with Volquez? He's in the Reds rotation.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7955898/Questions-pick-up-as-spring-winds-down

 

Volquez's updated spring line:

20 IP

26 K

4 BB

2.70 ERA

[CubinNY]

Hey why doubt the word of one scout? :thumbsup:

Or Paul Bako.

[Wheelimus]

I think if Hamilton's spring is any indication of his season there is little Volquez can do to make the trade lopsided in Cincy's favor. And I'm not sold on his spring being an indication of things to come.

 

But, if Arroyo and Volquez both can keep it up and they get a ton of breaks the Reds just might be in the Wild Card hunt.

[nilodnayr]

They are both on my fantasy team, so lets hope they both are awesome.

[CuseCubFan69]

Fox Sports: What Were They Thinking?

- Texas is a team that has a high-octane offense but a pitching staff that forces parents to cover their children's eyes, and so what was the big off-season move? Trading its best young pitcher, Edinson Volquez, to add a bat, Josh Hamilton. No knock on Hamilton. He's a legitimate offensive force. But guess what the biggest concern is in Texas? Right. It's pitching. Guess what's up with Volquez? He's in the Reds rotation.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7955898/Questions-pick-up-as-spring-winds-down

 

Volquez's updated spring line:

20 IP

26 K

4 BB

2.70 ERA

 

And they prove why they haven't a clue. It would be one thing talent for talent but when you need pitching and you have a guy like that, that just isn't a smart trade for the Rangers.