The Reds have been trying all off-season to upgrade their starting rotation. That seems like a pretty good idea since they don't have much experience behind Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and Matt Belisle. Also, it seems like a pretty good idea because Matt Belisle is their #3 starter. They've been after Erik Bedard since the season ended, though their trade of Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez seems to have been the end of that pursuit. Now GM Wayne Krivsky appears ready to dive into the scrap heap. When asked about adding another starter he said: Josh Fogg! Oh yeah, now that's the cure for what ails ya. I understand wanting to add another veteran arm to the rotation, but at the same time what do Volquez and Homer Bailey have left to prove in AAA? If they add someone like Fogg to the rotation, there won't be room in the big league rotation for both of them and one will likely start the year back in the minors. I suppose the Reds think they have a chance in 2008 after the whole NL Central had back-to-back down years, but they should consider that their best way to contend is a lights out rotation where Bailey and Volquez step up behind Harang and Arroyo."Yeah, I am," he said. "We'll see. We're still having conversations with a lot of people. It's the same as it's been."
Krivsky will not name names. But it's believed that the Reds have been in contact with right-hander Josh Fogg.
"I'm not going to confirm that," Krivsky said.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-10-2008 @ 10:01PM
RedsFan said...
How about a big innings eater like Livan Hernandez? I think he would be perfect for this Reds rotation but in the # 2 spot. I think this would allow Matt Belisle to move back to a bullpen role which is a better fit for him and would strengthen the pen and allow Bailey and Volquez a chance at the Major League level. If one or both of the latter falter then move Belisle back to #4 and go from there. But give the young guys a chance and strengthen the bullpen all in one signing (Hernandez not Fogg)
This would make a rotation of Harang, Hernandez, Arroyo, Voquez, and Bailey and a bullpen of Belisle,Burton,Weathers, Cordero, Bray, Coutlangus, and Stanton-balance and talent. The Reds are going to score plenty of runs, just like always, but they really need to consider a guy like Hernandez because he can help the bullpen just because he pitches so deep into games. I hope the Reds have at least thought about him.
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1-11-2008 @ 12:24AM
Eric said...
1) Can't count on Volquez to make a solid contribution yet. His numbers haven't proved that.
2) Can't count on Homer Bailey either. He did OK, and NO BETTER than OK, during his starts last year before they shut him down. He hasn't proven much yet either.
3) I agree with RedsFan that Hernandez would be better than Fogg, but I don't think that's going to happen. At this point in his career, he's probably going to find himself a big market team to pay him a little more money.
4) Also agree with RedsFan that Belisle does better out of the bullpen. And lets face it; any bullpen that doesn't include Todd Coffey is fine by me!
5) While Fogg wouldn't exactly be a major plus, he would give the Reds some flexibility to work Homer and Volquez in where they needed them without rushing them and putting too much pressure on them, esp. Homer. Don't want to ruin his arm. He IS the future.
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