Reds and Cordero reach prelimenary agreement

[CincyRedsFan30]

The Cincinnati Reds, moving toward the first big acquisition of the Dusty Baker era, are in serious talks with free-agent closer Francisco Cordero, major-league sources say.

Cordero is still talking to three clubs, but it is believed that the Reds have emerged as the front-runner over the Brewers and an unidentified third team.

The Brewers, who are on the verge of losing setup man Scott Linebrink to the White Sox, offered Cordero a four-year, $42 million contract, sources say.

Cordero, 32, would fill a major void for the Reds, who last season converted only 54.8 percent of their save opportunities, the lowest percentage in the National League.

By signing Cordero, the Reds could shift right-hander David Weathers back to a setup role. Weathers, 38, performed admirably as a fill-in closer last season, converting 33 of 39 save chances.

Cordero was 44-for-51 for the Brewers while going 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA and striking out 86 in 63 1/3 innings. He made the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

[redsrbetter]

Awesome! Please don't make this out as season's past and make excuses as to why we didn't get a guy. This is a need, so make every effort to make this happen.

I almost don't want to get too excited, because in turn I could learn to really dislike Krivsky if Cordero were not signed.

[love_that_reefer]

Reds are better off trading for someone who can close. 4 years for $40 +mil isn't worth it for a guy like Cordero.

[McKain]

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Reds, Cordero reach preliminary agreement

4 years, 46 million

Lots of money to go to him, but it had to be done.

[Doppelgänger]

Very excited to hear this. Now if they could only find some way to move Griffey...

[redsrbetter]

Sounds like we have him! I know it is a lot of money guys, but I agree with McKain, it just had to be done. Castelinni is serious and we know it now. I think the Milton money is being well spent here. We finally have a closer!

[redsrbetter]

Per C Trent:

Krivsky denies it all

Just got off the phone with Wayne Krivsky.

I asked him about the reports the Reds have agreed to a deal with Brewers closer Francisco Cordero, his response was, "Those reports are inaccurate. We haven't signed him, but we have had conversations with him."

That they've "had conversations" with Cordero is a big statement by Wayne. Usually he won't even got that far, so I'm assuming there is an agreement in principle, even though Wayne denied there was an agreement. Wayne, however, usually won't admit to a signing until all the contracts are signed and the paperwork is filed -- in triplicate -- to the Commissioner's Office.

I asked Wayne about any payroll restrictions and the fact that it seems like Castellini is open to opening his checkbook: "Ownership has given the parameters to work within, and it’s my job to make it work. In my time here, they’ve been very supportive. Bob and I have a great relationship."

Typical Krivsky. But at least he admits there have been talks. But I know far better than to believe that the preliminaries are false. This is the way Wayne works as evident in the past. He must think we are crazy not to read between his words by now.

[redsrbetter]

I am reading that there is an option year for the fifth year for $11 million. I wonder if it is a team or player option.

[HollywoodLeo]

Good signing for the Reds

They still need some starting pitching to go around Harang and Bailey, though

(and Homer's no lock yet, himself, either. You never know with hot prospects sometimes.)

[redsrbetter]

I am definitely excited no matter what. I would have complained big time if something wasn't done like this.

So what do you guys think? Is this it for the Reds offseason? We all know we need a good #2 pitcher for sure. Is Hamilton all but gone now? Do we have any more money to spend?

[Doppelgänger]

I sure hope not, I would much prefer move Griffey or nobody. He will only be with us for 1 more year, I think we can juggle everyone around for 1 season.

[Hardy Blonde]

If you guys do sign him you best treat him good otherwise I'll hurt somebody!

[redsrbetter]

Hey blondie,

I know Cordero is awesome on the field. Did you view him as a good clubhouse guy as well?

[redsrbetter]

I sure hope not, I would much prefer move Griffey or nobody. He will only be with us for 1 more year, I think we can juggle everyone around for 1 season.

I agree man, but Griffey likely isn't going anywhere. It would be the best possible move though for sure. Then we could keep Hamilton around to play RF. Have freed up money to go after some pitching as well. Or, will we spend more money despite keeping Griffey around and realise that we will only have Jr. for one more season and just go for it?

[Doppelgänger]

I think we should keep Hamilton around either way, and try to Juggle all the outfielders until someone gets hurt (which is bound to happen with our OF). I just don't like the idea of trading Hamilton and then losing Dunn and Griffey this off season.