The possibilities of Lou; Aurilia's replacement?

[redsrbetter]

Sunday, November 20, 2005
Reds insider: Sweet Lou would be a nice addition
Much hinges on new ownership

By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

Now that we know Lou Piniella met with the Reds CEO-to-be, we can only guess what they talked about. It's safe to say Lou didn't come to Cincinnati to get Robert Castellini's tips on finding fresh cantaloupe in Tampa.

Piniella is basically a free agent and the biggest name available.

That doesn't mean Castellini wants him to manage. He could bring Piniella in as a consultant or special scout.

Piniella has been mentioned for the Los Angeles Dodgers manager job. But he doesn't seem in a rush to get a job. He just recently negotiated a buyout of his contract with the Tampa Bay Devils Rays.

"I haven't pressed anything. I'll be quite honest with you. I've talked to a couple teams, but I basically haven't pressed anything," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I was going to take it easy for a while. I wouldn't be in a hurry to do anything."

So perhaps a scouting/adviser gig would be appealing. He could work out of Tampa - and remain available if the New York Yankees job opens after next season.

The Piniella situation is like all things Reds these days: We'll know a lot more when Castellini and his partners officially take over.

NO BOONE, MAYBE POKEY: The Reds have a need for a veteran middle infielder now that Rich Aurilia and the club have parted ways - at least for the time being.

Former Reds Bret Boone and Pokey Reese are available.

General manager Dan O'Brien said the Reds aren't interested in Boone but Reese is a possibility.

"I don't think Bret fits into our plans," O'Brien said. "With Pokey, we're still investigating it from a medical standpoint."

Reese missed all of last season after surgery on his right shoulder.

Reese would fit well into the Juan Castro defensive specialist role, although it would be nice to add someone closer to Aurilia's class offensively in case Edwin Encarnacion struggles at third.

MORE FREE AGENCY: O'Brien said that the Reds haven't brought any free agents in to visit Great American Ball Park.

"Most of the players we are talking to are familiar with our facilities," O'Brien said. "It's more of a case of us going to them."

Again, don't expect any big signings until Castellini takes over - well, don't expect any small signings either.

BURNS BABY BURNS: Right-hander Mike Burns, the waiver claim from Houston, will have a shot to make the club out of spring training.

Burns, 27, was 0-0 with 4.94 ERA in 29 appearances with the Astros this year. He split time between Houston and Triple-A Round Rock. He was 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA and 13 saves for Round Rock.

"He's been very effective since he became a full-time reliever in 2004," O'Brien said.

Burns is not overpowering.

"His strength is his control and command," O'Brien said.

Burns, a 30th round pick, had a breakout year in 2004 when he went 11-3 with 1.67 ERA in Double-A.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...00420/1071/SPT

[redsrbetter]

When O'Brien was talking about possible replacements, he did not mention the need for a 2B. Only a backup 3B and a strong fielder. This may mean that Freel is being considered for the starting 2B job.

This article also makes me feel like Lou is definitely going to be with the Reds in some capacity next season. Just the knowledge of him meeting with Castelinni shares that he has interest. This could be very huge.

[Red Hot Mama]

When O'Brien was talking about possible replacements, he did not mention the need for a 2B. Only a backup 3B and a strong fielder. This may mean that Freel is being considered for the starting 2B job.

2B? Isn't that where they're going to be starting Bucky Dent?

[Wally Mo Pena]

bucky bleeping dent mind you, he had it leagally changed. if pokey makes more than half a mil, it'll be too much.

[redsrbetter]

I don't want Pokey in Cincinnati at all. It will just be a cancer to have him around with him and Griffey not getting along. I say we keep Freel at 2B and play Bergolla or Olmedo when Freel needs a break.

[trevortime101]

I have heard and I have no real source. so take it with a grain of salt.

That the Reds have been talking with Padres about aquiring 2B Mark Loretta and SP Tim Stauffer for Adam Dunn.

Now I think Eatons name has been mentioned and some others. I think they are just perliminary talks but I do believe you have expressed intrest in Loretta for 2B.

trev

[theFatty]

I don't want Pokey in Cincinnati at all. It will just be a cancer to have him around with him and Griffey not getting along. I say we keep Freel at 2B and play Bergolla or Olmedo when Freel needs a break.

Agreed. Freel is a solid player and could start just about every day at 2B. But when we have young guys like Olmedo and Bergolla, he doesn't have to play everyday. We have depth at the position, and don't need any other 2B's.

[redsrbetter]

I have heard and I have no real source. so take it with a grain of salt.

That the Reds have been talking with Padres about aquiring 2B Mark Loretta and SP Tim Stauffer for Adam Dunn.

Now I think Eatons name has been mentioned and some others. I think they are just perliminary talks but I do believe you have expressed intrest in Loretta for 2B.

trev

Its going to be hard just to take this with a grain of salt bro. The reason is because this is the first thing I have heard about any hint of talks surrounding this team and any possible transactions. Therefore, I am excited that it is possible that there may be talks. As for the mentioned deal, definitely not for Stauffer. He just isn't the talent we need for a guy like Dunn. And to add Lorretta, I simply would be upset to add any 2B, Lorretta or not. I know he is a great player, but we need our payroll to go toward pitching and to sign Dunn LTC if he is not traded. No room for Lorretta.

Dunn for Eaton and a good pitching prospect or two, now that is something to consider.

[Wally Mo Pena]

That the Reds have been talking with Padres about aquiring 2B Mark Loretta and SP Tim Stauffer for Adam Dunn.

Now I think Eatons name has been mentioned and some others. I think they are just perliminary talks but I do believe you have expressed intrest in Loretta for 2B.

I certainly hope the reds haven't been asking after loretta. Not that i think he's a bad player, i just don't see where a 10 year veteran making 3 mil+ with a .770 career OPS fits on this team. I'll take freel for less than a third the money, .025 points lower career OPS, and with a definite niche as leadoff man.

Eaton is interesting though. i think Dunn is worth more than Eaton alone, but the padres probably don't see it that way. I certainly think Eaton is worth more than Kearns/Pena alone, so if the two teams want to deal, there's going to have to be some additional pieces.

I could see Kearns and valentin for eaton since the pads need a catcher. Or kearns, larue, and hancock for eaton and stauffer. something like that.