When the winter meetings ended in Dallas, Reds fans wondered what happened to the promise that Walt Jocketty made that he and Bob Castellini would go out and get players needed to win the National League Central in 2012. Many probably started having doubts. Since then, however, the promises became complete with the flurry of activity. The main pieces the Cincinnati Reds needed: a starting pitcher (Mat Latos), a left fielder (Ryan Ludwick), a closer (Ryan Madson), stronger bull pen help (Sean Marshall) and a utility infielder; not filled. That was until Wednesday when the general manager was at it again. The Reds gave up left-handed reliever, Jeremy Horst, in exchange for utility infielder Wilson Valdez of the Philadelphia Phillies. Yes, it is that same Wilson Valdez that pitched the 19th inning last season in the marathon game to get the win.
Valdez appeared in 99 games last season with the Phillies, primarily at shortstop. With his outing against Cincinnati last May, he could potentially back up Paul Janish as the emergency reliever if the Reds partake in a 19 inning game again this season. As Reds fans, let us hope it does not get to that point this season. Prior to Valdez’ stint in Philadelphia, he spent time in New York with the Mets. The signing of Valdez probably signifies more of a defensive utility man than a hitter. Valdez hit only one home run last year while batting .249. This signing, however, completes the main goals the general management wanted to accomplish during the off season.
Jose Arredondo and Nick Masset avoided arbitration this week by coming to terms on two year deals. Arrendondo’s salary this season will rise to $725,000. Last season Arredondo returned from Tommy John surgery, but after some initial problems with control, the second half of the season Arredondo showed signs of his potential. This is why the Reds grabbed Arredondo when the Los Angeles Angels organization let him go. Masset will make $2.1 million for the 2012 season. In 2011, Masset struggled mightily. From beginning to end, it appeared Masset just could not get going. Every time he showed signs of putting it together, in pressure packed situation Masset failed way too often. Reds fans have become familiar with slow April’s and May’s, but it did not end last season. Count on a better pitcher this year.
The only other issue that Cincinnati will have to deal with between now and “Opening Day” will be health. Key injuries from the end of 2011 are many. Johnny Cueto’s triceps, Homer Bailey’s shoulder, Bronso Arroyo’s back and lingering mononucleosis, Zack Cozart’s elbow, and Scott Rolen’s shoulder, just to name the bigger issues. What appears to be likely will be signings of major league ball players to minor league contracts. They then will compete for a spot or be insurance players in the event of an injury. With many fans and media starting to back the Cincinnati Reds as their preseason pick to win the Central, Jocketty and Castellini want to make sure that prediction holds true throughout the season. One quiet deal that probably slid under the RADAR came with the signing of veteran catcher Dioner Navarro. When Ramon Hernandez inked a deal with the Colorado Rockies, that left Ryan Hannigan and a young Devin Mesoraco as the primary catchers. With the amount of beatings catchers take in a season, Navarro without question qualifies for the Reds insurance catcher. Expect more insurance signings heading into spring training, which starts February 19 with the first team workout.
