Rumors about Freel per Fay

[jake2bake4]

This was posted about an hour ago on John Fay's blog.

Rumors mill

The press room at Ed Smith Stadium also serves as the lunch room for media, scouts and front office people, so it's a breeding ground for rumors.

Here's one I heard today: The Reds are actively seeking a catcher.

That serves to reason. They've got to be concerned about David Ross' back. He's missed three weeks after having spasms. He also hit only .203 last year. Paul Bako, the third catcher, only hit .205.

I think the Reds would move Ryan Freel in a second to get catching help. The problem is Freel is owed $7 million over the next two years. Freel has been playing some infield, i.e, the Reds may be showcasing him as utility guy.

So what do you guys think?

[Lark11]

Personally, I'd keep Freel. His salary just isn't that much compared to the market and his versatility really extends the bench for an NL team. In addition, while I agree that the Reds need a catcher,to get one who is an appreciable upgrade over Ross/Valentin/Bako then they'll need to pay a much higher price than Ryan Freel.

If it were up to me, I'd talk to the Rangers about Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. For me, Salty is going to be the better hitter, but Teagarden is going to be the better defensive catcher.

I'd have no problem bringing in one of the those guys and installing him as the starting catcher. Teagarden could be a solid offensive catcher and a stud defensively. Salty could be a stud offensive catcher and a solid defensive catcher.

[tmil23]

admin said:

Personally, I'd keep Freel. His salary just isn't that much compared to the market and his versatility really extends the bench for an NL team. In addition, while I agree that the Reds need a catcher,to get one who is an appreciable upgrade over Ross/Valentin/Bako then they'll need to pay a much higher price than Ryan Freel.

If it were up to me, I'd talk to the Rangers about Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. For me, Salty is going to be the better hitter, but Teagarden is going to be the better defensive catcher.

I'd have no problem bringing in one of the those guys and installing him as the starting catcher. Teagarden could be a solid offensive catcher and a stud defensively. Salty could be a stud offensive catcher and a solid defensive catcher.

Salty would be a great addition, but the Rangers had him as the centerpiece of the Tex. deal. It'd take a lot more than Freel to get him.

[Lark11]

tmil23 said:

admin said:

Personally, I'd keep Freel. His salary just isn't that much compared to the market and his versatility really extends the bench for an NL team. In addition, while I agree that the Reds need a catcher,to get one who is an appreciable upgrade over Ross/Valentin/Bako then they'll need to pay a much higher price than Ryan Freel.

If it were up to me, I'd talk to the Rangers about Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. For me, Salty is going to be the better hitter, but Teagarden is going to be the better defensive catcher.

I'd have no problem bringing in one of the those guys and installing him as the starting catcher. Teagarden could be a solid offensive catcher and a stud defensively. Salty could be a stud offensive catcher and a solid defensive catcher.

Salty would be a great addition, but the Rangers had him as the centerpiece of the Tex. deal. It'd take a lot more than Freel to get him.

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. Freel alone isn't going to bring in anyone better than what we've got. We'd have to pay more to get Teagarden or Salty.

If it were me, I'd consider dangling Dunn (at the deadline) or maybe even Homer. Both are Texans and could be of interest to the Rangers. Obviously, it wouldn't be a straight 1-for-1 swap, but I'd could imagine a nice package deal.

[tmil23]

I'd be fine with shipping out Maloney, Freel and our AA catcher (forget his name) for Salty.

[schellis]

Freel/Homer/and one of the Reds three ML catchers for Salty and a prospect.