Reds hire hitting coach

ENQUIRER STAFF REPORTS

November 3, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Brook Jacoby is the new hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds, the team announced Friday.  Jacoby, 46, returns to the organization after four seasons with Texas, first as a hitting coach for the Rangers’ Arizona Rookie League club, and then as their minor league hitting coordinator.  He worked in the Reds’ minor league system from 2000-2002, for the first season as a roving hitting instructor and the last two years as hitting coach at Class AAA Louisville.  Jacoby joins manager Jerry Narron’s staff that includes bench coach Bucky Dent, first base coach Billy Hatcher, third base coach Mark Berry, bullpen coach Tom Hume and bullpen catcher Mike Stefanski.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/SPT04/311030033

Wow - that's great!  Growing up in Cleveland, he was one of my favorite players.  There were years when he was about the only good thing going for the Tribe...not a great hitter, mind you - not much power most years, not a lights-out average (he only hit .300 one year, career average of .270), struck out a lot, but he always seemed like a bright guy and a solid gamer...

 

Mel Hall was the real hero of the 80's Indians. :)

Super Joe Charbeneau and Cory Snyder, baby...and Len Barker and Rick Manning...

 

You know how kick-ass it is that Julio Franco was still playing last year?  And that he stole a base off of us!  I really hope the Mets keep him next year...dude's amazing...

Move the Cleveland stuff to the Indians thread!  :whip:

Geesh.  :roll:

Reds on verge of signing SS

BY JOHN FAY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

November 19, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - It looks as if free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez could be a Red by next week.  Several media outlets reported Gonzalez and the Reds have agreed to a deal.  His agent, Eric Goldschmidt, told Foxsports.com a deal had been reached but would not specify what club.

 

Gonzalez, 29, hit .255 with nine home runs and 50 RBI last season for Boston and committed only seven errors in 111 games for a .985 fielding percentage.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061119/SPT04/611190440

Everyone on the blogs is bitching about this, but they were still complaining about the Arroyo/Wily Mo Pena trade in June and July.  Honestly, I have yet to see a trade that wasn't bitched about.  I mean, we picked up Brandon Phillips for nothing and half the bloggers/commenters were still bitching...

Most people seem to have the feeling that:  change is bad!  Especially when it comes to teams with historic roots.  This is a signing..not even a trade so I say "go for it"!!

Complaining is the default mode for the really intense fans, I guess.  Reading this Bengals forum you'd swear we were down by 30 points, when we're actually up by three...it's really insane.  I mean, we ain't looking brilliant by any means, but they make it sound like we're getting blown out or something...just nuts.

...and rumor has it that we're going to sign Mike Stanton...and, of course, the move is being trashed by commenters on RedLegNation and RedReporter - I'm shocked!  Anyway, here's the story:

 

 

Reds reinforce bullpen with Stanton

Ken Rosenthal / FOXSports.com       

 

The Reds, moving to reinforce their bullpen, have reached agreement on a two-year contract with free-agent left-hander Mike Stanton, FOXSports.com has learned.  Stanton, 39, pitched for both the Nationals and Giants last season, finishing with a 3.99 ERA in 672/3 innings.  After getting traded to the Giants on July 28, he filled in for injured closer Armando Benitez, converting eight of 11 save opportunities.

 

The Reds lack an established closer on their roster. Right-hander David Weathers, the club leader with 12 saves last season, is a free agent.  Left-hander Eddie Guardado likely is out for 2007 after undergoing elbow-ligament transplant surgery.  The Reds are expected to announce the signings of both Stanton and free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez this week.

 

Full story at http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6188014

Reds to sign Stanton

BY JOE KAY | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

November 20, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Left-handed reliever Mike Stanton has reached a tentative two-year agreement with the Cincinnati Reds, a person familiar with the discussions said on Sunday.  Stanton, 39, played for Washington and San Francisco last season, making 82 appearances that proved he hadn’t lost his knack for pitching often.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061120/SPT04/311200017

If we can expect an off season of signings like Stanton and Gonzalez... I don't see next season being an improvement over last.

 

We now have two old left handed relievers and a light hitting but great defensive shortstop that we paid a lot of dough. I'm skeptical.

 

 

Of course, we just traded LaRue, which is a great move. I'm sure were eating some of his salary, but still. Nice work.

 

 

See new uniforms at Redsfest

BY JOHN ERARDI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

November 30, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Redsfest returns Friday and Saturday following a two-year hiatus while the convention center downtown expanded.  One of the highlights will be the unveiling of the Reds' new uniforms at 5 p.m. Friday as part of a fashion show presented by Macy's.  Some of Friday's other highlights include pitcher/singer-guitarist Bronson Arroyo headlining a steady flurry of music acts, and former Reds fireballer Rob Dibble, of Fox Sports Net, using Redsfest as a backdrop for the taping of a segment on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period."

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061130/SPT04/611300341/1071/SPT

New uniforms again?

What is this, the 4th change in uniforms in 10 years?  :wtf:

^ You have to change uniforms every few years to maximize sales of your gear.  People just "have" to buy the new stuff when the old stuff becomes obsolete.

 

---

From the 11/10/06 Cincinnati Business Courier:

 

Reds games to cost more in '07

Cincinnati Business Courier - November 10, 2006

 

A game at the Great American Ball Park will cost more next year for most seats.  The Reds announced Thursday that ticket prices will rise from $1 to $4 per non-premium seat for the 2007 season.  Tickets for the lowest-priced "outer view" seats will remain at $5.  The team is also trying a new pricing structure, charging more for certain "premier" and "select" series.  Those include:

 

* Cleveland Indians, June 8-10;

* St. Louis Cardinals, June 29-July1;

* Arizona Diamondbacks, July 6-8;

* Chicago Cubs, July 27-29;

* San Diego Padres, Aug. 10-12;

* Florida Marlins, Aug. 24-26.

 

Season ticket holders won't be subject to price increases if they purchase the packages by Jan. 31, the Reds said in a news release.  Season tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

 

Full story at http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/11/06/daily48.html?surround=lfn

 

New uniforms again?

What is this, the 4th change in uniforms in 10 years?  :wtf:

 

only reason i can think of is increased merchandise sales.

The biggest reason for new unis, I suspect, is that the new owner wants to make his mark. Followed by more merch sales, and then the simple fact that vests are terrible.

 

I was under the impression that we were losing black, which is an abomination, but sadly that's not the case. The new unis look good though, I like the new typeface for Cincinnati for the aways and Mr Red has more prominence in the alt logo. Luckily, the black hats are gone -- I think we're back to all Red hats.

Luckily, the black hats are gone -- I think we're back to all Red hats.

 

GOOD!!!!  I would suspect that the new owners would like to return the unis back to a more traditional look.  They have been talking about paying tribute to the great history of the team since they arrived.

Unfortunately, there's still the completely unnecessary black drop shadow on the C on the hat, iirc. We'll see today at five.

Are you the same Cramer from 'Seinfeld'?

You have a real problem with the color black don't you buddy? Fu**ing racist. :-D

 

Just kidding.

 

Seriously though, speak for your yourself on the uniforms.

I loved when they put black in the jersey's. And the vest's are cool to me. As a matter of fact, anything is better than what they had in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's until they went to the current design.

Do you want them to bring those plain, boring, no style uniforms back?

I think they should keep black in. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't mind seing a little more. Almost every other team in this this city besides Xavier ( and high-school teams ) have black as a primary color in there jersey's and I don't mind at all that the Reds are included in that.

Well, let's just disagree on black in Reds unis. There's just no precedent for it and no reason for it to be there. It looks like late 90s Mets, Royals and whoever else decided to up the hip factor with black. So, so lame.

As for vests, I'm not as opposed to them in theory. The away vest are ok. But the combination of vest and pinstripe is too much for me to take.

 

One thing about the Reds that I kinda dig is that the tradition with the uniforms is frequent change. The Yankees, Tigers, Cards all have kept it pretty much the same; the Reds mix it up every decade or even every few years. I like that you can associate a time with a uni. The modern unis to me will always say 1999. Just like the doubleknit poly says 1990. Or the ice cream man get ups say 1995. Obviously, some I like, some I don't. Lately, more of the latter.

 

Aesthetically, I'd like to see some kind a combination of the 1955 and 1956 jerseys used as the basis. Throw in a bit of 1908 or 1911. Maybe use 1939-1946 for the Sunday alternates.

 

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/dressed_to_the_nines/uniforms.asp?city=Cincinnati&league=NL&sort=year&increment=18&pos=37

 

 

The Pro Shop already has the new jerseys for sale.

 

http://shop.mlb.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2566634

 

They are somewhat of an improvement except the "Alternative". I never like the all red jersey. I didn't care for the Reds in pin stripes so the new home jersey is better. Their old road uniforms were may favorite and I'm not sure the new version works for me. Until we see how good they look on Javier Valentin, I'll try to reserve judgment.

I do believe I called it:

I would suspect that the new owners would like to return the unis back to a more traditional look.  They have been talking about paying tribute to the great history of the team since they arrived.

 

New uniform blast from past

BY JOHN ERARDI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

December 1, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - The Reds borrowed a page Friday night from their longtime business manager Frank Bancroft, who in the mid-1890s began displaying the Reds new uniforms in a downtown store window as a way of revving up fans for Opening Day.  With a similar purpose, but in a decidedly more upscale manner, the Reds unveiled their latest new look in a fashion show at Duke Energy Center on the first night of resurrected Redsfest, coming off a two-year hiatus for convention center expansion.

 

Among the new uniform’s features:

 

• A return to red as the dominant team color. Kiss that black on the road uniforms goodbye.

 

• A return to sleeves on the home uniforms. For now, the vested look is no more.

 

• The Mr. Redlegs insignia is on the left sleeve of the home white uniforms. The pinstripes are off the home uniforms.

 

• The names on the back of the jerseys are in a new font, as is the “Cincinnati” that is spelled out across the front of the road uniforms. The font was created by Major League Baseball and is reminiscent of the font used on the team’s uniforms in the early to mid-1930s.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/SPT04/312010030

^Yeah, the road uniforms suck.

 

Another thing. I heard they might use the organ a lot more intead of modern music and such. God I hope not. I hated going to Sunday games because of the organ. Sunday crowds are the most boring and I'm pretty sure it's because of the organ. You know when a player comes up to bat in a key situation and they play a few bars of his favorite song? That got me pumped up too. But the organ being used in the same situation didn't get me pumped up and I could sense the same thing in the crowds.

If they start catering more and more to the older fans, there going to start losing more and more of the younger fans.

The older looking unis are a good thing....the organ is definately a bad thing!  We'll see how things unfold.

Cincinnati Bell Technology Pavilion

MARK SHELDON / MLB.com

December 1, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - A new feature is coming to Great American Ball Park that will allow Reds fans to see home run balls both coming and going.  In a special three-year partnership announced Friday during the opening of Redsfest, the Reds and Cincinnati Bell revealed plans for a new and improved party area above the center-field batter's eye.

 

Called the Cincinnati Bell Technology Pavilion, a new two-story riverboat-styled rooftop deck will be built while the existing lower pavilion is slated to undergo a renovation.  The new pavilion will also serve as a meeting and technology center that is open year-round. Inside, Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions will display and demo vendor products and services for prospective clients.

 

Full story at http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/content/printer_friendly/cin/y2006/m12/d01/c1749083.jsp

I love the new road uni, I almost dropped 150 on one last night at Redfest. I think they did a really strong job with that font, making it recall the past without looking too self-consciously old-timey. It's my favorite of the bunch. To each his own I guess.

 

I don't like the C-Reds logo; I much prefer the wishbone alone without text. Love the new Mr Red.

 

One problem with all the unis they were selling at Redfest was the selection of players names on the back. Arroyo? Philips? Who knows if they'll be anything more than flashes in the pan. Maybe after two more seasons of Brandon at second. Griffey? Yeah, I love him but... I just can't pull the trigger.

I'd buy a Denorfia, just because...

The organ haters, about 5 posts up, have no class.  :shoot:

Ken Griffey Jr. also receiving a lifetime achievment award  :clap:

 

Gammons to receive Baseball America award Tuesday

JERRY CRASNICK / ESPN

December 5, 2006

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN's Peter Gammons will receive Baseball America's Lifetime Achievement Award when the magazine holds its annual banquet at baseball's winter meetings Tuesday.  Gammons will be one of 16 honorees at this year's Baseball America dinner. The list also includes Detroit's David Dombrowski (Executive of the Year) and Jim Leyland (Manager of the Year), Minnesota's Johan Santana (Player of the Year), and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Full story at http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2685798

Will Junior move to right?

Griffey not dismissing switch to RF but also not embracing possibility

BY JOHN FAY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

December 6, 2006

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Ken Griffey Jr. is preparing for the season like a center fielder.  "That's the only way I know how," he said.  But the Reds have not ruled out playing Griffey in right field. The club broached the subject with his agent, Brian Goldberg, a couple of weeks ago.

 

Playing Griffey in right would allow the Reds to move Ryan Freel to center.  Freel can cover more ground than Griffey because of his speed.  It's possible that part of his reluctance to move from center comes from the way Freel plays.  Freel is so reckless that other outfielders tend to shy away from getting near him when the ball is in the air.

 

More at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/SPT04/612060376&GID=JRBVScT9tctkfhAlA6FVHhn3lwOfkOgCzurE0iHKUW4%3D

Redsfest sets attendance record

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

December 7, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Redsfest created a lot of goodwill with fans and raised a lot of money for charity.

 

Last weekend's event raised $167,000 for the Reds Community Fund. Redsfest, back after a two-year absence, drew 7,251 for Friday's session and 10,829 for Saturday's - both records.

 

Redsfest 2007 is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 7-8 at the Duke Energy Center.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/SPT04/612070337

^I guess it is a good thing that attendance was so high, but the crowd was so thick I wondered why we even bothered going. I'm convinced that the main convention hall could have been much bigger.

 

Well, at least I had a chance to see the new center, the bright corridors and upstairs ballroom are spectacular.

Reds trade for Hamilton

Krivsky: 'It's worth the gamble'

BY JOHN FAY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

December 7, 2006

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Reds pulled off one of the shockers at the Winter Meetings this morning when they traded for Josh Hamilton, the talented but troubled outfielder.  The Reds worked out a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Hamilton after the Cubs selected him from Tampa Bay in the Rule 5 Draft.  "It was a prearranged deal," Krivsky said. "We did a lot of homework. We talked to ownership. Hopefully, this will work out."  Hamilton, 25, had spent two years on suspension as the result of drug problems.

 

He was the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft and signed for $3.95 million.  He was suspended in February 2004 for violating baseball's drug policy.  The outfielder didn't play from July 2002 until June this year because of injuries and unspecified personal issues.  He was cleared to play June 30 of this year and played at Single-A Hudson Valley.  Under the rules of the Rule 5 Draft, the Reds must keep Hamilton on the roster or offer him back to Tampa Bay for half the $50,000 fee it cost to select him.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/SPT04/312070012/1078/COL02

 

I love the new uniforms.

i'd really love to see what hamilton is truly capable of (other than doing a line of coke off of the coffee table)

Almaraz leaves position with Reds' front office

BY JOHN FAY | [email protected]

December 13, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Johnny Almaraz, the Reds’ director of player development/international operations, resigned Tuesday after 17 years with the organization.  Almaraz is the second high-ranking front office person to leave the organization since the season ended. Larry Barton Jr., a special assistant to the GM, resigned in October.

 

General manager Wayne Krivsky issued a statement wishing Almaraz well. Almaraz issued a similar statement.

 

More at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061213/SPT/312130032

Reds open Hall to Rose

The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will announce a Pete Rose exhibit to recognize baseball’s all-time hits leader, the Reds announced today.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

December 18, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - This would mark the Reds’ first official recognition of Rose since he was banned from baseball in 1989 for gambling.  Rose is scheduled to appear at a Tuesday morning press conference at the museum.  Details of the exhibit will be announced then.

 

The Reds and Major League Baseball have not allowed Rose to participate in any official team events, such as the opening of Great American Ball Park, the closing of Cinergy Field or the reunion of the Big Red Machine.  The team has not retired Rose’s uniform number 14.

 

More at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/SPT04/312180022

Ken Griffey Jr. breaks hand in accident

December 22, 2006

By JOE KAY

ASSOCIATED PRESS

 

CINCINNATI — Ken Griffey Jr. broke his left hand in an accident at home, the latest in a series of injuries that have hampered the career of the All-Star outfielder.  Griffey’s throwing hand will be in a hard cast for three weeks, then will be re-examined, Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said Friday.

 

Butcher said he could not say when or how the accident occurred because Griffey did not authorize any more details to be released. Butcher also could not say whether Griffey would be ready when spring training starts in mid-February.

 

More at http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS99/61222019

Recovering Guardado accepts to minor league deal with Reds

 

Feb. 5, 2007

CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  

 

CINCINNATI -- Closer Eddie Guardado has marked his calendar.

 

The 36-year-old reliever accepted a minor league contract Monday from the Cincinnati Reds, who are giving him a chance to work his way back from reconstructive elbow surgery. The left-hander has been playing catch for about two weeks.

 

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9976192

Its great to hear that the Harangatang(all rights reserved) will be staying around for another 4 years!

 

Reds, Harang reach deal

ENQUIRER STAFF REPORTS

February 6, 2007

 

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Reds and pitcher Aaron Harang have avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a four-year contract through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011.  The contract is worth $36.5 million, including the fifth-year buyout.  Harang, the Opening Day starter in 2006, was 16-11 in 2006 with a 3.76 ERA for the season. He led the National League in strikeouts (216) and complete games (6).

 

He was tied for the National League lead in starts (35) and victories (16), and ranked among the leaders in innings pitched (234.1, third), ERA (3.76, 11th), shutouts (2, tied-third), ERA on the road (2.98, third), fewest walks per nine innings pitcher (2.2, ninth) and strikeouts per 9ip (8.3, sixth).

 

More at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070206/SPT04/302060044

:)

'I can get used to this'

Reds ensure Arroyo, Harang will stay put

BY JOHN FAY | [email protected]

February 8, 2007

 

CINCINNATI - Two days after signing their No. 1 starter through at least 2010, the Reds made the same move with No. 1A.  Right-hander Bronson Arroyo agreed to a two-year extension today with an option for 2011.  That means Arroyo and Aaron Harang will be in the rotation for at least the next four years.

 

The new deal pushes Arroyo's deal to $33.07 million, including the buyout.  It pledged $25 million in new money. The deal is an extension of the three-year deal Arroyo signed with Boston Jan. 19 of last year.  It will pay him $9.5 million in 2009 and $11 million in 2010.  The Reds have an option for $11 million in 2011 with a $2 million buyout.  The 2011 salary can rise to $13 million based on inning incentives.

 

Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/SPT04/302080023

Its great to hear that the Harangatang(all rights reserved) will be staying around for another 4 years!

 

...I heard them using that on WLW on Tuesday, so you'd better file a case and defend your intellectual property!

 

I can't WAIT for the Reds to start back up.  Warm weather, baseball games, GABP, sounds pretty perfect to me.

I can't WAIT for the Reds to start back up.  Warm weather, baseball games, GABP, sounds pretty perfect to me.

 

As long as Ink and I both stay the hell away from GABP!  I was 0-5, I think, and Ink was what, 1-20 or something crazy?

 

Its great to hear that the Harangatang(all rights reserved) will be staying around for another 4 years!

 

...I heard them using that on WLW on Tuesday, so you'd better file a case and defend your intellectual property!

 

Damnit!!!!  My friend and I used this term when Harrang first joined the Reds.  If it existed before that, we were unaware.  Our intentions were to do something similar to the Wolf Pack in Philly for Ryan Wolf.  Me and all of my friends were going to wear ape outfits...sit out in the bleachers (with a giant sign proclaiming 'The Harranatangs')...and do a monkey - strikeout dance everytime he got a K.  Needless to say...it never happened  :|

This takes away from a lot of the fun/hype though (as well as the agony of the former process).

 

Opening Day tickets might go to online drawing

CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER | [email protected]

February 21, 2007

 

CINCINNATI - No Reds fans will wait in line through the chilly weather for days on end to get Opening Day tickets this year.  The Cincinnati Reds said Wednesday that if single-game tickets for Opening Day are still available after multi-game packages are sold, fans will have to register online for the chance to buy those tickets.

 

The Reds will first aim to sell Opening Day tickets as part of their variety of season-ticket plans. Feb. 24 is the last day to guarantee Opening Day tickets with those packages.  The team will host a Select-A-Seat Day on that day, allowing fans to go into Great American Ball Park to choose their seats.  If Opening Day tickets still remain after that, fans can register online March 5-6 for the right to buy them.  Winning fans will be notified March 7 and will have until noon March 9 to buy a set number of tickets.

 

Full story at http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/02/19/daily36.html?surround=lfn

the Reds front office can take thier gimmicky terms like "Power Pack" and flush them down the toilet.  "oooh i want to buy those tickets because they are assembled in a "power pack"".  Grow up!  then can throw their "power stacks" in the river while there at it.