Reds sign Taveras

[Post Count Padder]

Reds signed outfielder Willy Taveras, who had been with the Rockies, to a two-year deal.

Whether it's Dan O'Brien, Wayne Krivsky or now Walt Jocketty, Reds GMs seem to love handing out multiyear deals to true mediocrities. Score a point for Taveras' agent, who somehow convinced the Reds to go to two years after no one was willing to trade a minor prospect to the Rockies for him just a couple of weeks ago. What makes it especially silly in this case is that Taveras would have been under control for 2010 even if he had signed a one-year deal. He has just 4+ years of service time and wouldn't have been eligible for free agency unless he was non-tendered again. Taveras almost certainly will act as the Reds' everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter. Chris Dickerson, who had 17 extra-base hits in 102 at-bats last season (Taveras had 18 in 479), is still an option in left at the moment, but the Reds probably aren't through.

[Bote McBoteface]

Pretty typical move of a team managed by Dusty.

[rawaction]

They had to replace Corey Patterson's production.

[PrimeTime]

He had to sign a new horse since he lost his other one.Im sure Dusty will say how Willy will save them and be what the team needs.

[SweetZombieJesus]

speed doesn't slump dude!

[Backtobanks]

Kenny Williams is POed.

[Outshined_One]

I can't wait to read the press clipping with Dusty trumpeting the fact that he finally has a legitimate leadoff hitter.

 

Taveras is atrocious offensively and defensively. This will be fun.

[Tarver]

Jocketty's gonna screw around and get a pink slip when Dusty does. He should be finding ways to launch Baker, not listening to his dumbass philosophy and signing absolute turds to multiyear deals.

[Outshined_One]

Jocketty's gonna screw around and get a pink slip when Dusty does. He should be finding ways to launch Baker, not listening to his dumbass philosophy and signing absolute turds to multiyear deals.

 

Nah, let him continue this.

 

I'd prefer to see both retire as Reds!

[Guest]

Taveras is atrocious offensively and defensively. This will be fun.

I buy the first part completely.

 

But defensively? Really?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

UZR has Taveras as an average defender, PMR has him a little above average.

[Outshined_One]

Taveras is atrocious offensively and defensively. This will be fun.

I buy the first part completely.

 

But defensively? Really?

 

He's always taken bad reads on balls and taken questionable routes, but he was able to make up for it with his speed and arm. However, for whatever reason, the last two years have been unkind to him. His UZR was bad in 2007 and 2008 (-17.4 and -9.7), his FP and Range Factor both dropped significantly. Maybe Coors has hurt him, but something more might be going on. He had good years in 2005 and 2006, but I really think the guy is overrated.