Hamilton vs. Fairfield
Madison vs. Waynesville
2012 HomeWorld
Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2010 > February > 01 > Entry
Hopefully Cabrera is not another Gonzalez
When the Cincinnati Reds signed Miguel Cairo to a minor-league contract last week, I thought to myself, “Omigosh, they’ve signed the wrong Latin infielder to play shortstop. It’s Orlando Cabrera whom they need, not Cairo.”
Well, they rectified that little misdeed Monday when they signed the 36-year-old Cabrera to a one-year, $2.02 million deal.
And how did that happen when they said they already were over budget? Easy, they traded outfielder Willy Taveras and his $4 million contract to the Oakland A’s, along with the versatile Adam Rosales.
I’m sure the Reds had to include Rosales in the deal to make the A’s take Taveras. I would have taken two broken bats and a used rosin bag for Taveras, just to get rid of him and his $4 million contract.
THE TWO BIGGEST mistakes the Reds have made since they signed pitcher Eric Milton were the signings of outfielder Corey Patterson, followed up by the signing of Taveras. Both were bigger failures than the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
It is amazing the A’s took Taveras. Aren’t the A’s the original Moneyball team, the team that places so much value on on-base percentage? It was bad enough that Taveras hit only .240 last season, but even sadder was his on-base average as a leadoff hitter, .275. And his slugging average was .285.
I mean, I know the A’s don’t rely that much on scouts any more - it’s not the Moneyball way - but didn’t somebody tell them, “Hey, this guy can’t play?” The Reds must be laughing under their armpits.
During spring training last year, Taveras said he thought he could steal 100 bases last season. Man, he barely reached base 100 times and he walked only 18 times all year. Adam Dunn stole that many bases and he is 6-7 and 275 pounds.
WHILE MANY are excited about the acquisition of Cabrera, mostly that excitement comes from fans believing, “Well, the Reds finally are trying to do something, trying to fill the shortstop hole.”
I’ll reserve judgment on that one for now. I’m still thinking about shortstop Alex Gonzalez. When the Reds signed Gonzalez to a four-year, $14.5 million contract everybody was giddy. Even former Reds shortstop Dave Concepcion said, “Alex Gonzalez will make everybody forget about me.”
Yeah, right. How’d that one pan out?
Everybody pointed back to 2004 when A.G. played 159 games and hit 23 homers and drove in 79 runs for the Florida Marlins. And they said his defense was solid gold.
In his 3 1/2 years with the Reds, Alex played only 290 of the 576 games in which he could have played. He missed the entire 2008 season. When the Reds traded him to Boston last season he was hitting .210. And his defense was leakier than a milk carton with a hole in the bottom.
So color me skeptical right now about Cabrera, who is 36 (Colombian age). He combined to play 160 games last year for Oakland the Minnesota and hit .284 with a .316 on-base average, nine homers and 77 RBIs. His career average over 13 1/2 seasons in .275.
Nice numbers? Yes. But I still think back on the Alex Gonzalez deal and shudder. At least the Reds didn’t give Cabrera four years. It’s only one year, with a $4 million mutual option for 2011. And he seems to be a stopgap until somebody in the organization steps up and says, “Hey, I can play shortstop,” somebody like Paul Janish or Todd Frazier or other prospects in the organization.
And what did the Reds get for Taveras and Rosales. Really, it’s who cares. They got Aaron Miles and a player to be identified later. Miles hit .185 in 74 games for the Cubs last year.
Doesn’t matter. The big thing is that the Reds rid themselves of a heavy liability in Taveras - both financially and in talent. It was the old addition by subtraction trade.
THE AARON BOONE event Saturday at the Dayton Marriott, put on by the Dayton Heart Institute, was a rousing success. Nearly 450 people showed up to hear Aaron and me talk baseball.
One of the most asked question I get everywhere is: “Is Dave in Ask Hal a real person?” I always lead my Ask Hal column in the Sunday Dayton Daily News with a question from Dave of Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek. Some believe he is my alter ego and I make up his questions.
Not true. Those who attended the Aaron Boone function saw him, but didn’t know it. Dave stood up and asked a question during the question-and-answer period. I could have ‘outed’ him right then. But I didn’t. He likes his dirty little secret.
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment |
Tweet
Comments
By Роман
May 27, 2011 10:24 AM | Link to this
Автокондиционеры-установка на отечественные автомобили, все грузовые, трактора, сельхозтехнику. Заправка, диагностика, ремонт г.Орехово-Зуево. продажа комплектов для самостоятельной установки автокондиционеров на отечественные автомобили.
By Dan
February 4, 2010 12:28 PM | Link to this
It’s not perfect, but the Reds went out there and got the best option available, which no matter what should be an upgrade overall above what Janish would have been. It’s a signing the Reds had to make, and because of that it’s not really comparable to the other recent busts they’ve had.
By Hopalong
February 4, 2010 2:40 AM | Link to this
Dickerson-LF;Cabrera-SS;Votto-1b;Bruce-RF;Rolen-3rd;Hernandez-C;Phillips-2nd;Stubbs-CF;Maloney-P
By Aaron B.
February 3, 2010 3:49 PM | Link to this
Everyone in the lineup except for Votto projects to be a #6 hitter or lower on a better team including our latest addition. I expect the offense to still struggle and I expect Pujols and the Cardinals to continue to juggernaut their way to the top of the standings. Still think we are a couple of yrs away and that is assuming they keep the good nucleus of starting pitching in tact somehow.
By michael
February 3, 2010 5:54 AM | Link to this
The difference between OC an AG is simple. OC actually plays nearly everyday. Its time to win.
By cory r
February 2, 2010 9:32 PM | Link to this
like the pickup but why not take a shot with damon—-will definitely be a solid lead off batter, hit 25-30 hrs and provide leadership.the price will probably be right. why not try it, if it doesent workout trade him at the deadline. we should have signed abreau last year, need to take a shot.
By Mike-Cinci
February 2, 2010 9:15 PM | Link to this
Hal is remembering the bad trades and I don ‘t blame him because there have been some bad ones but dealing Taveras and signing Cabrera will be a good move. The Reds needed a SS and it is only a one year deal. They traded a guy they did not want(the fans did not want him either) and who would not play and signed a guy who will be the starting SS. What is there to complain about? We should not be worrying, we should be celebrating! Hal did not mention that prior to last season when he was hurt Aaron Miles had been a consistent 280-300 hitter. He should improve the bench. Some complained about Pena to Boston for Arroyo, Jose Guillen to Oakland for Harang, Lopez and Kearns and their soon to be inflated contracts to Bowden for Herrera,Bray,and Majewski(damaged goods), Jeff Stevens to Cleveland for Brandon Phillips, and Griffey to the White Sox for Massett. The Reds got a little better last week. This is good news. Now if Bruce and Stubbs prove to be good players and Phillips, Votto, Cueto, and Bailey continue to improve, and Rolen, Harang, Bailey, and Hernandez stay healthy we may have something. There are a lot of “ifs” but there are hopeful signs.
By Whit
February 2, 2010 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hal, I think you are wrong about AG’s contract…that was only a three-year deal, and he was here for 2 1/2, so your “possible games played” stat is off.
By jim t
February 2, 2010 11:37 AM | Link to this
Norm, I don’t see it as a problem having a mix. I do agree that OC’s fielding fell off big time last year considering he won a gold glove in 2007.I wouldn’t call him the worst at his position. Quite Frankly I’ll bet you a Beer that his fielding improves over last year. I hope one of the youngsters wins the LF job. I also have my concerns about Leadoff. I think Stubbs pojects as a guy who hits farther down in the order. Especially if the power he demonstrated last year with the reds is for real.Do like the speed in the line up and other than the 5th spot in the rotation I like it. The bull penn is sound. The bench is a ? All that said, I hope by July we are in the race and buyers at the deadline. Remember we have a lot of payrol flexibility in 2011. 30 mil comes off the books.Some of that will be used for raises but we still should be able to fill a hole or two.
By Norm
February 2, 2010 11:01 AM | Link to this
Jim yes they are a mix and that is the biggest part of the problem. As for his 2 gold gloves he led all major league SS in errors last year. We complained about bad defense so we go get the worst at his position. I honestly think it would take a miracle for the Reds to make the playoffs this year and maybe next. There are so many glaring needs on this team like LF and a leadoff hitter. I hope if one of the young guys have a good spring they give him a shot. Or if not at least by July if they are out of it bring up some of the hopefulls and give them MLB at bats and playing time.
By Monroe
February 2, 2010 10:55 AM | Link to this
Signing Corey Patterson and Taveras were ill-conceived deals (approximately 10 million between them), but nothing compared to the 4 yr / 46 million Cordero contract. Yes, Cordero has been fine, but that’s simply a luxury the Reds can’t afford.
By jim t
February 2, 2010 10:48 AM | Link to this
Norm, I think they are a mix. A young scrappy team and a few older vets. Sounds like a good combination. I would hardly call OC a retread. He has 2 gold gloves and is a 275 hitter that knows what it takes to compete on a Championship team.Hopefully another young guy steps up and we add him in Left field. Also it would be nice if Bruce, Stubbs and Bailey use this year to establish themselves as regular contributors.
By barry
February 2, 2010 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hal,this my first post.Youre by far the most respected and talented Reds writers Ive followed,a native cincinnatian now living in Knoxville,Tn,I was disappointed last year by your retirement from the Reds. I am happy I can still follow your insightful and penetrating views. Barry Steinberg
By steven ross
February 2, 2010 10:32 AM | Link to this
Rolen at 3B and Cabrera at SS equals plenty of experience but I’d be shocked if Rolen didn’t end up on the DL before June. Aging vets are short-term hopefuls.
By Norm
February 2, 2010 10:25 AM | Link to this
Here we go again with the Reds. How much money was included in that deal with Oakland? Getting rid of Willie t was a great move. As for Cabrera that makes the left side of the infield a big ??????? on defense. Offensively anything is better than Janish. I am sick and tired of waiting till someone steps up. Why have they not yet? Who is working with these guys. I do not want another Joe Rand, Rich Aurila re-tread. Make up your minds are you a young scrappy team or just someone trying to get by with bits and pieces
By Jack
February 2, 2010 10:12 AM | Link to this
I am a little skeptical of Cabrera myself due to his age and position, BUT, it does show the Reds are doing something. This is not a Wily T. situation in which everyone knew it was a dumb free agency move. As a fan, I appreciate the effort. Stubbs, Cabrera, Votto, Phillips, Bruce, Rolen, left fielder to be announced, and Hernandez. I actually like this team.
By JIM T
February 2, 2010 9:59 AM | Link to this
lISTENUP, LMAO! Your calling me out Huh. I think you get my point.I like Janish but it is apparent he doesn’t have the bat to play everyday.Many have that problem. He’ll make a nice living as a back up but he won’t be a starter. Sorry I don’t have the time or space to name a hundred. You can start with Golden hands Juan Castro. It used to be you could get by with a good field no hit SS, times they do change. SS didn’t use to be 6’0 tall and weigh 190 lbs either.
By Listenup
February 2, 2010 9:47 AM | Link to this
OK, Jim T start naming the 100 guys who failed.
By jim t
February 2, 2010 9:09 AM | Link to this
I think this was a great signing for 2010. It improves the offense and gives us a guy who can handle the bat in the 2 hole. I think that is were people are missing the boat on OC. His OBP may be a little low but he moves runners and rarly K’s. He can steal a base.I think his fielding will be better than last year but not as good as Janish.I might point out for all you thinking Janish could improve like Davey C and Ozzie Smith, for every one of them I’ll show you 50 guys who never improved their hitting and always were good field no hit players.The club is better with OC. Great move Walt.
By cincy diehardl
February 2, 2010 8:41 AM | Link to this
Maybe part of this signing was to light a fire under Janish. Concepcion wasn’t the only shortstop here when he came up. SS has become an offensive position thanks to Larkin! I still think the Reds need a legitimate number 4 hitter. Maybe Bruce is that hitter eventually. It all comes down to things breaking right for The Reds, especially as to pitching if the new pitching coach is the real deal and produces results.
By HavaKlu
February 2, 2010 3:46 AM | Link to this
Signing Cabrera was a great move. The guy hardly ever misses a game and anyone who saw him in the playoffs with the Twins could see he plays with a swagger and wants to win.
By Herb
February 2, 2010 2:10 AM | Link to this
Hopefully O-Cab was the right move, it definitely has to make you think of A-Gon but it gives us some hope in this off season when the front office was pretty much saying the 2010 team would be the team they ended with on 09. Getting rid of WT is just as good if not better. Now we don’t have to gripe and wonder what role is Taveras going to play and is he just in the lineup because he’s making more than someone who should be getting a chance. I don’t think its time to talk about the world series yet… but were still going to be better than the Pirates!
By dennis beckley
February 1, 2010 11:53 PM | Link to this
Hal to me youre the best and I agree only time will tell,but we look a whole lot better on paper than last year,if pitching shows up it should be fun
By tobesure
February 1, 2010 10:40 PM | Link to this
There have been a couple of pretty good ss, that hit under .200, when they were beginning their careers with the Reds. Janish hasn’t yet been given a full opportunity. Since he led the majors in fielding last year, when playing, it seems a bit premature to just write him off. We didn’t exactly bring in Derek Jeter, you know.
By Steve M.
February 1, 2010 9:21 PM | Link to this
I’m skeptical, too, Hal. Smacks of the same ballplayer as AG, except older. Regarding the A’s and Taveras’ OBP, I’m sure you know by now that before your pixels were dry, the A’s had DFA’d Willy right into unemployment.
By TB05
February 1, 2010 8:51 PM | Link to this
Hal, I agree that Cabrera is no sure thing, but he’s the best option out there. I think he fills our leadoff need and he’s solid major league talent. Something we don’t have a lot if. Rosales was a nice hustle guy, but that’s not how pro-ball is played.
By redsfandownunder
February 1, 2010 7:21 PM | Link to this
I’ve read the comments on the Oakland mlb.com site and the consensus is they’ve been hoodwinked. I agree. I feel a lot better having Miles coming off the bench to pinch hit than I do Tavares or Rosales and the Reds saved 1.3M to boot. It’s a great trade to make up for what was a crappy acquisition in the first place.