reds44

Are you serious? Theriot must be a GOD AWFUL SS if this is the case.

Have you looked at his stats? If he could come anything close to his 2005 he would be 3x the hitter Theriot is, and they are equal in the field, Lopez may even be better. I'm not sure where you get the idea that Lopez is the defensive equal of Ryan Theriot, but defensive systems that use play-by-play data (which BP doesn't) like PMR and Fielding Bible's +/- seem to agree that Theriot is solidly average while Lopez has been one of the worst fielding SS's in baseball over the last several years. His awful defense was pretty much the justification for the Reds trading him in the first place, despite a very good year at the plate in 2005. He is clearly not a SS. Not sure how he would perform at 2B. Offensively, at his best, he seems like a poor man's Brian Roberts. He's a switch hitter with speed, so you can see why Jimbo might like him, but I doubt he'd be an upgrade over DeRosa. He also seems to have a bit of an attitude of problem. It sounds like he is going to sulk on the bench if he doesn't get to play every day. I loved Lopez when he was on the Reds. At his best, he was an all-star SS. In 2005 he had an .838 OPS, and even the year after when his production went down alittle he had 44 SB's. There is no doubt the talent is there, and he would definatley be worth a flier on for any team. However, you just have to keep him far away from playing SS on an everyday basis.

That's a better idea. Lopez would be best used as a backup 3rd baseman (IMO, his best position defensively), SS, and 2nd baseman. He has never been able to hit lefties either, so he should only play vs. righties when he does.

Are we basing this on what the nats did with him? An organization that thinks christian guzman is a quality SS? He might be horrible but I'll take my chances. What? No we are basing it off the fact that he has been an awful defensive SS with no range and an erratic arm since he broke his ankle with Toronto.

Felipe Lopez can't play SS. He is about as bad as a defender as they come, and he doesn't nearly hit well enough to make up for it anymore. I'd certianly take him on the Reds as a backup UTIL INF, but he can't pay SS everyday.

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

Whoever is playing CF is going to leadoff. I'll be shocked if Patterson isn't in CF and leading off come March 31st.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3304727&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1 Awful trade for the Reds. :thumbsup:

What more does Bruce have to accomplish in the minor leagues (hell, all of last year, for that matter, having torn his way through each level from A+ on up to AAA at ages 19-20) to earn a big league job? He has little to nothing to prove at the minor league level. On top of that, it's absolutely stupid to hold competitions for starting jobs in spring training for a million reasons. Teams do it. Doesn't mean it's not stupid. He's had 253 AB's above high a ball in his career. Last year he had 135 Ks compared to to 47 walks, so yes he needs to prove he can have a better eye at the dish. He's 20 years old. You can't honestly believe some more time in AAA wouldn't do him some good. It's really not a big deal at all. I think most of the Cubs fans will agree that Bruce could stand to use about another month or so in AAA. What we find hilarious is that Bruce is likely to always be on the outside looking in, in Cincinnati, simply because if you haven't played for Dusty before, or don't come out hitting like Albert Pujols you instantly go into Dusty's doghouse (unless of course, you save HIS son from being run over). So whenever Jay Bruce get's his shot, he better take advantage of it, cause if he doesn't, he won't get a fair chance under DUSTY. And if you think that I have no problem with it. We will see what happens, and you may very well end up being right. However to think there is something out of place or "Dusty being Dusty" because Bruce is going to AAA is comical.

You should really listen to this, reds44. Because you know us. We're the type to say I toldja so. And we will be. Okay that's fine. What either of us say has nothing to do with what actually will happen. I know Dusty's past. I lived in the Chicagoland area when he managed the Cubs. I have no need to listen to what you say, when I already know what happend.

What more does Bruce have to accomplish in the minor leagues (hell, all of last year, for that matter, having torn his way through each level from A+ on up to AAA at ages 19-20) to earn a big league job? He has little to nothing to prove at the minor league level. On top of that, it's absolutely stupid to hold competitions for starting jobs in spring training for a million reasons. Teams do it. Doesn't mean it's not stupid. He's had 253 AB's above high a ball in his career. Last year he had 135 Ks compared to to 47 walks, so yes he needs to prove he can have a better eye at the dish. He's 20 years old. You can't honestly believe some more time in AAA wouldn't do him some good. It's really not a big deal at all.

You people are too funny. Bruce came into spring training having to win a job. He proceed to post a sub 600 OPS. He'll go to AAA, get some more seaso ning, and be up by years end. No big deal.

Gerald Laird is the name I've heard.

the majority of the Reds fan base is too busy looking for the next Pete Rose to know anything about baseball. They love Ryan Freel and hate Adam Dunn. I don't get it either. If people can't see the flaws in Dusty then they are blind.

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.

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.

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.

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. I would take the high slugging center fielder 100 out of 100 times. Yeah and the Reds have one of those on the verge of majors.

He might be able to do that if he fulfills his potential while hitting in Arlington He can slug .600 if he only has to hit against righties. He can not hit lefties.

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.

Will he? It's not hard for a GM to put a pitcher on a pitch count. Krivsky did it with Bailey last year.

He HATES them. Dusty has his good qualities and his bad qualities. He's been great with the players this spring, especially the young guys. However it's a very realistic possibility that CPatt is going to be the starting CF in two weeks. D'oh.

I have been preaching Cueto over Homer for well over a year now, and people are finally starting to come around. He has pinpoint control as well. The only reason he wasn't getting more hype then Bailey is because he is only 5-11. Edinson Volquez was making the Yankees look silly (8 Ks, 0 BB in 4 IP) with his heat (upper 90s) and change the other night. He's a step below Cueto though because his curve/slider is a work in progress. I think the Reds(save for Baker) are headed in the right direction. They have some really good prospects. I wish we had a Jay Bruce-type prospect in the wings. cubs were "headed in the right direction" in 2003, we all know how that turned out. They ended up 5 outs away from the World Series?

Could you get less guys on base for the 3-4-5 then that lineup? The only way it could be worse if it was Theriot/Pie 1-2.

I have been preaching Cueto over Homer for well over a year now, and people are finally starting to come around. He has pinpoint control as well. The only reason he wasn't getting more hype then Bailey is because he is only 5-11. Edinson Volquez was making the Yankees look silly (8 Ks, 0 BB in 4 IP) with his heat (upper 90s) and change the other night. He's a step below Cueto though because his curve/slider is a work in progress.