Narron: Aurilia may be MVP

[missionhockey21]

Narron: Aurilia may be MVP
By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

ATLANTA - Reds manager Jerry Narron couldn't name the Reds' MVP off the top of his head.

"Let me think about it, and I'll get back to you tomorrow," Reds manager Narron said.

Then after thinking for a while Narron said: "With Rich (Aurilia) being out and the way we've played, he may be the MVP."

Aurilia's illness - he missed his fourth straight start Sunday with a viral infection - has coincided with the Reds' slide.

Aurilia's absence is compounded by the fact Ryan Freel is on the disabled list.

But the Reds could be in much the same situation next season if they don't bring Aurilia back.

Narron would like to have Aurilia back.

"Rich knows how to play it," Narron said. "I think he's very, very good major league player. I like guys who know how to play the game and know how to win. He's a baseball player."

The Reds have a mutual option with Aurilia that would pay him $2 million next year.

Either side can opt out.

Reds General Manager Dan O'Brien wouldn't say whether the Reds will ask Aurilia back.

"It's really difficult to say at this point," O'Brien said.

Aurilia has been outspoken about his desire to play every day and outspoken about his unhappiness when he hasn't been in the lineup.

Given Freel's problems with injuries and Edwin Encarnacion's struggles to adjust to the major leagues, the Reds may be willing to commit to Aurilia as a starter and move Freel back to a utility role.

The other side of that is Freel gives the club an added dimension in the leadoff spot because of his speed.

The situation with Aurilia will be resolved fairly quickly. His option must be exercised 10 days after the conclusion of the World Series.

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[missionhockey21]

Ugh, from hearing those comments made on Aurilia, I wouldnt be surprised if we keep him and have him start next season.

[Slyder]

Why!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[theFatty]

Average - OBP - Slugging - HR - RBI
.301 - .369 - 576 - 35 - 92
Or
.269 - .324 - .440 - 13 - 54

And he chooses the bottom player?

[Geki Ace]

He'd be the MVP if he was named Griffey. Or Dunn. Or Lopez. Or Casey. Or Harang. Or Weathers.

Screw Aurilia at two million.

[redsrbetter]

This really sucks fellas. I really do not want Aurilia back next season. Yes, Freel would be an awesome utility guy, and Aurilia has done decent this season. But lets compare the two.

Aurilia- 92 games played, .268 BA, .323 OBP, .440 SLG., 13 HR, 54 RBI, 1 SB.
Freel- 77 games played, .282 BA, .380 OBP, .391 SLG., 3 HR, 15 RBI, 29 SB.

This team already is stacked with SLG% guys. Freel brings a better BA and OBP to the table. He also brings the SB threat. Whereas Aurilia is nowhere near Freel in any of these categories. Aurilia does not help this team win as much as Freel does. No doubt the team is hurting without Aurilia, but they are completely neglecting how well they would be doing with Freel in there.

Dump Aurilia in the offseason. Start Freel at 2B until Olmedo or Bergolla become the next Felo. Then Freel can go back to the utility role. Man, I wish Freel didn't get injured so often. This wouldn't even be a question right now if that were the case.

And as far as MVP goes. I think we have to give that to Griffey this season.

[Slyder]

Average - OBP - Slugging - HR - RBI
.301 - .369 - 576 - 35 - 92
Or
.269 - .324 - .440 - 13 - 54

And he chooses the bottom player?

Or this player
.248- .387- .555- .942- 35- 92
.277- .329- .475- .804- 19- 66- 79rs- 13 sb

[Saber]

If you needed a reason to fire Narron, this would be it.

[theFatty]

Or this player
.248- .387- .555- .942- 35- 92
.277- .329- .475- .804- 19- 66- 79rs- 13 sb

Yeah I was going to do Dunn but was lazy. The bottom one is FeLo?

[Slyder]

Yeah I was going to do Dunn but was lazy. The bottom one is FeLo?

Yep. Dunn and FeLo are right also could have used Harang. There are so many people who should be listed in front of Aurilia in terms of value.

[CincyRedsFan30]

As I said before, Narron is clueless. I think O'Brien has forced him into liking Aurilia as much as he does himself. Dan must use some sort of brainwashing technique to get everyone to like Rich.

[realmofotalk]

I think O'Brien has forced him into liking Aurilia as much as he does himself. Dan must use some sort of brainwashing technique to get everyone to like Rich.

I sense a non-trustworthy source.

[missionhockey21]

If you needed a reason to fire Narron, this would be it.

No doubt Saber. Sadly, this will likely just make the Reds FO all that much more happy with Narron and they need to leave town as much as he does.

As I said before, Narron is clueless. I think O'Brien has forced him into liking Aurilia as much as he does himself. Dan must use some sort of brainwashing technique to get everyone to like Rich.

Dan O has one powerfully weird fascination with this dude. Maybe they were connected in a past life or something?

[HollywoodLeo]

wtf? This would be like naming Brian Lawrence the MVP of the Padres season...

[General]

No..this would be exactly like Dan Kolb winning the Cy Young.