NL Central Over / Under
It’s my opinion that this division is the most interesting of all the divisions for the sole reason of each team having a chance of winning it. Every team goes 81 and 81 this year! Just kidding. Here are my thoughts on how the division will shape up come the end of September 2008. I ask of you… Over, or Under?
- Chicago Wins 88-1/2 games
- Cincinnati Wins 76-1/2 games
- Houston Wins 75-1/2 games
- Milwaukee Wins 78-1/2 games
- Pittsburgh Wins 66-1/2 games
- St. Louis Wins 74-1/2 games
Please comment with the line number and “Over”, or “Under”. Next week… AL Central
From the Reds:
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds Executive Vice President and General Manager Wayne Krivsky today announced the acquisitions of RHP Edinson Volquez and minor league LHP Danny Herrera from the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Josh Hamilton.
Hey Guys,
Quick update from the Godfather,
MLB has started its Top 50 Prospect List , check it out! Speaking of MLB prospects, I don’t think Bob (the Senior Editor) will be mad if I go ahead and fill you in on one thing we plan to bring you this season. Full Minor league coverage from our own Mafia expert. Look for more info to come.
I also wanted to show you this very interesting link — according to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci My Reds have the best chance for a turnaround in 2008.
1. Cincinnati Reds. The Reds weren’t quite as bad as their 72-90 record indicated and they hired a veteran manager who fits the turnaround profile: Baker. Cincinnati was outscored by 70 runs last year, but the eighth inning alone accounted for 53 of those runs. (The Reds allowed more runs in the eighth, 123, than any other inning.) The signing of closer Francisco Cordero, while an extravagant one (the most expensive free agent in franchise history at four years, $46 million), at least on paper, improves Cincinnati’s eighth-inning chances, with David Weathers and Jared Burtonsetting up Cordero.
The 2007 Reds had the worst bullpen in the NL (5.13 ERA). If they can improve the bullpen the way the 2007 Indians did, the 2008 Reds — especially if young hitters Jay Bruce and Joey Votto contribute — could be a playoff team.
Francisco Cordero has agreed in principle to become the closer for the REDS. Dusty Baker starts his plan to bring this once proud franchise back to the glory of the 70’s and early 90’s. Here is the story from MLB.COM.
There was a great write up on Dusty over at Trents Reds Blog
”Baker, 58, has agreed to a 3-year contract through the 2010 season. He becomes the 60th field manager in club history, the 50th skipper since 1900 and the first hired outside the organization since Lou Piniella in 1990.
In 2007 the fifth-place Reds went 72-90 under managers Jerry Narron (31-51) and Pete Mackanin (41-39). Mackanin replaced Narron on July 1.
Baker has been named National League Manager of the Year 3 times by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (1993, 1997, 2000), twice by The Sporting News (1997, 2000) and once by The Associated Press (1993). His teams finished first or second 9 times and won at least 90 games in a season 5 times.
In 14 seasons as a Major League manager he has produced a 1,162-1,041 record (.527), including 840-715 (.540) in 10 years with the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002) and 322-326 (.497) in 4 campaigns with the Chicago Cubs (2003-06). His 1,162 career victories tie Lou Boudreau for 38th on the all-time list, and his .527 career winning percentage also ranks 38th all-time.
Baker skippered his team into the playoffs 4 times, into the National League Championship Series twice and in 2002 guided the Giants to the NL pennant. In 2003 and 2004, he led the Cubs to consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1971-72. His 1998 Giants club lost to the Cubs in a tiebreaker, and in 1993 the Giants won 103 games but finished second in the West Division to the Atlanta Braves, who won 104.
Baker has been to the playoffs 9 times overall during his baseball career, including 4 times as a manager, 4 times as a player and once as a coach. As an outfielder he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the 1981 World Series title. He has participated in 5 World Series overall, including 3 as a player (1977, 1978, 1981), as manager in 2002 and as a coach in 1989.
In 19 seasons and 2,039 games as a player (1968-86) Baker hit .278 with 242 HR and 1,013 RBI for the Braves, Dodgers, Giants and Oakland Athletics. He was an All-Star twice (1981, 1982), won a pair of Silver Slugger Awards (1980, 1981) and earned a Rawlings Gold Glove Award (1981).”
Some quotes that have emerged:
I tried to tell the 411 on Friday that Dusty Baker had interviewed for the manager position with the Reds and has been in Sarasota all week. My e-mail was read but little credence was put into the news, wild speculation is what I infered. Today, ESPN says Dusty Baker has gotten a three-year deal to manage the Reds. Looks like the Grand Jury does it again….
Alot was made about the song Joey Votto (OF Reds) came to bat with. One might expect Metallica or maybe Creed. Something softer you say? maybe some country or even a popular pop song, wrong Again.
Votto walked to his first ab to a stadium sound system blasting Mr Robotto. Everyone was caught off guard, even Votto. When asked about his unique song selection he was quoted as saying not only did he not request it, he wanted to know how he could request it not be played.
Last week Dunn switched Hoppers pants for a pair 2 sizes too small, in the 9th Hopper said he took a walk in his final at bat because he was afraid to swing! Afraid his pants would split.
The chemistry in the Reds dugout seems to be phenomenal, Dunn added that hopes the Reds pick up his option, he wants to be a Red — even if people don’t want him to be one
Sorry to break the news Tony, seems if it’s up to Dunn he will still be pulling pranks in Cinci.
GP
The Reds honored Craig Biggio in yesterdays game and presented him with a second base, framed and brought out by Ken Griffey Jr. A great gesture from the Reds for a man who has meant so much to baseball for so long.
Since 1957, Biggio is only the third player to have 1,000 career at-bats against the Reds, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. Not a bad group to be associated with if you ask me.
From one Reds fan to you Mr Biggio, Thanks for the memories and everything you’ve done for my fantasy baseball team over the years.
GP