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Post by kinsm on Feb 1, 2015 20:21:10 GMT -5
They countin on that tv money, yo. Who knows? Maybe Fox Sports Ohio loses the contract to a local company? I thought that's how they paid Votto, Phillips, Homer, and Jay? National tv money went to them, the local will go to Cueto. I could see this club having a 160M$ payroll in 5 years, I still don't want half of it going to 4 players though.
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Post by kramer1 on Feb 1, 2015 22:24:46 GMT -5
I thought that's how they paid Votto, Phillips, Homer, and Jay? National tv money went to them, the local will go to Cueto. I could see this club having a 160M$ payroll in 5 years, I still don't want half of it going to 4 players though. 160m and 4th place. This team is in shambles right now. It's an absolute mess from top to bottom. Votto is the number 1 contributor. He's an albatross. I cannot wait til we get out from under Bruce...what a B.U.M. And then there's Bailey. What in the HELL is Jocketty thinking? Why do we root for this damn team? WHY?
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 6, 2015 18:13:55 GMT -5
On a team with little bench power, this could be a good move...
Reds Express Interest in Viciedo John Fay, Enquirer, 2/6/2015
The Reds are interested free agent Dayan Viciedo.The Chicago White Sox released Viciedo this week after designating him for assignment. Viciedo hit .231/.281/.405 with 21 home runs and 58 RBI for the Chicago White Sox in 2014. He's played first base, third base and outfield in his five-year big league career.
His best year was 2012 when he hit .255/.300/.444 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI.
Viciedo, a 25-year-old Cuban, signed with the White Sox in 2008. He has 3.1 years service time, so the club that signs him will control him for three years.
"We inquired about him," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "I don't know how far it will go. We're looking at where we would play him."
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 6, 2015 18:21:40 GMT -5
Basically, just Jocketty saying that one-year deals with Frazier and Chapman are the most likely outcomes...
Todd Frazier Talking to Reds, Trying to Avoid Arbitration John Fay, Enquirer, 2/6/2015
Todd Frazier said he and his agent continue to talk with the Reds in hopes of getting a deal done before a potential arbitration hearing.
"We've talked about a variety of different things," Frazier said. "Hopefully, we'll get something done before the hearing."
Frazier was asked not to reveal when the hearing is. Frazier is first-time arbitration-eligible. He filed for $5.7 million. The club countered at $3.9 million.
The Reds have not taken a player to arbitration since they beat Chris Reitsma in 2004.
Frazier would like to avoid the hearing.
"You always hear that you don't want to go," he said. "But I'm confident in my agent. He's been preparing. I have a lot of faith in him."
The Reds signed catcher Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28-million deal last week. Mesoraco, like Frazier, was first-time arb-eligible and coming off a breakout year.
The Reds and Frazier have talked about a multi-year deal. Frazier is likely to be more expensive than Mesoraco.
In baseball, contracts are largely determined by "comparables." The closest player to compare to Frazier is probably Seattle's Kyle Seager. Both are third basemen. Frazier, 28, has hit .258/.336/.451 with 73 home runs and 235 RBI in his career. Seager, 27, has hit .262/.328/.429 with 70 home runs and 264 RBI in his career.
The Mariners gave Seager a seven-year, $100-million contract this offseason.
Aroldis Chapman is the only other arb-eligible Red who remains unsigned. Chapman filed for $8.7 million. The Reds countered at $6.65 million. Chapman is arb-eligible for the second time.
Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the club continues to talk with Chapman's agent as well. Jocketty said it's more likely that the Reds reach a one-year deal in both cases.
"We've got less than in a week in Frazier's case and little over a week with Chapman," Jocketty said. "Hopefully, we'll get something done."
Former Red Mat Latos lost his arbitration hearing with the Miami Marlins. Latos will get the Marlins' offer of $9.4 million. He filed at $10.4 million.
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 8, 2015 9:40:42 GMT -5
Rotation, Health and Leadership Questions Loom for Reds John Fay, Enquirer, 2/8/2015
The Reds had a busy day Saturday, adding veteran relievers Burke Badenhop and Kevin Gregg 10 days before pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz.
The moves answered one big question: Will the club do anything to fix the bullpen? The Badenhop signing was a big enough coup that I didn't get any Twitter complaints about it. A rare, rare thing these days.
But a lot of questions remain about this club. We'll look at 10 of them — one for each day until pitchers and catchers report. Some will be resolved before spring begins, others will play out over the season.
— Is Joey Votto healthy? This is the big question going into spring. Votto's knee/quad injury was, to borrow the Winston Churchill quote, a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
The Reds have gotten reports that Votto is fine. But Votto was purposefully vague when asked about the knee at Redsfest. He's not likely to be any more forthcoming when he gets to Goodyear, so until he's out there playing and hitting like he did in 2013, we won't know.
— What will the Reds do with Raisel Iglesias? To me, he may be the most intriguing guy in camp.
Scouts raved about his stuff in the Arizona Fall League. As did, Reds manager Bryan Price.
"Four pitches with command — that spells out starting pitcher, especially when it's plus-stuff across the board," Price said. "He was 93-97, so the velocity is there. The action on his fastball is there, much better changeup than I anticipated seeing and two quality breaking balls and a good feel. His last (appearance) that he made in the fall league, he had two strikeouts on 3-2 breaking balls. That type of confidence and ability to execute those pitches in those situations suggests he's a little bit more advanced than a lot of guys who are getting their first chance in big league camp."
Iglesias could slot nicely in the No. 4 starter spot and leave the No. 5 spot for others.
— What about Johnny C? The Reds have taken the never-say-never approach with Johnny Cueto's contract status. But in light of Max Scherzer's seven-year, $280-million deal, Cueto is going to be frightfully expensive.
And seven-year deals with pitchers usually don't work out, regardless of the money. Cueto's given the Reds an Opening Day deadline. How will it affect Cueto if the Reds have to admit he's too expensive?
— Will Price be different in Year 2? Price admitted his first year was a learning experience in some regards.
My guess is he'll have a sense of urgency from the start. He's on the second year of a two-year contract and his new third base coach, Jim Riggleman, has a lot of big league experience. A good start will be important after last year's rough ride.
— Will the Reds add more players before spring? Probably not, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Saturday. After inquiring about outfielder/infielder Dayan Viciedo, Jocketty said the Reds are not a likely fit. "He wants more playing time than we can give him," Jocketty said. "He wants to start or at least platoon."
— What will the lineup be? Price hasn't committed to anything other than Billy Hamilton leading off and Zack Cozart batting eighth. The biggest question is who will hit No. 2? The addition of Marlon Byrd gives Price more choices.
— What will his sophomore year bring for Hamilton? Hamilton's rookie year was mixed bag. He had a terrific first half. His defense was top-shelf from start to finish. He won some games with his legs. But he got caught stealing a ton. And his bat wilted down the stretch. Skipping Winter Ball and working on strength should help. But Hamilton has to raise his walk rate a bit and strike out fewer times to be an effective leadoff man.
— Can the new guy lead? The Reds talked a lot about Byrd's leadership skills when the trade was made for him. It was obvious the front office and coaching staff wants a change in the clubhouse culture. That can be tough for a new player — even a veteran — to affect.
— Will the Reds go to arbitration? Todd Frazier's and Aroldis Chapman's arbitration cases remain unresolved. The Reds haven't gone to arbitration since 2004. Both sides try mightily to avoid it. But Chapman is over $2 million apart and Frazier is $1.8 million apart.
— Can Jay Bruce bounce back? Bruce's knee obviously had an adverse impact on his season last year. It was a miserable year for him. The Reds need him to be at his 2012, 2013 level when he won the Silver Slugger as the best hitting right fielder in the National League.
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 10, 2015 19:16:35 GMT -5
Ranking the Teams: 24 through 19 By David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 2/10/2015
It's the second day of our pre-spring training power rankings. Did I mention that parity makes it really difficult to do these rankings with a high degree of confidence? I did? OK, let's move on and say this about this group of teams: All of these teams have playoff potential; I think they're all significantly stronger than Monday's six teams (Nos. 30-25). But all of them have what I believe will be a fatal flaw.
So read on, debate, argue and be glad you're not shoveling snow at the moment.
24. Cincinnati Reds
Big offseason moves: Acquired OF Marlon Byrd from the Phillies for RHP Ben Lively; traded RHP Mat Latos to the Marlins for RHP Anthony DeSclafani; traded RHP Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for SS Eugenio Suarez and RHP Jonathan Crawford; signed LHP Paul Maholm; signed RHP Burke Badenhop; signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million extension.
Most intriguing player: Johnny Cueto had a monster 2014, going 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA while leading the National League in innings and strikeouts and the majors in lowest opponents' batting average. But the right-hander, 29 later this month, is a free agent after 2015 and if the Reds don't sign him he becomes possible trade bait during the season depending on the Reds' status in the pennant race.
Due for a better year: Jay Bruce had knee surgery in early May, returned less than three weeks later and proceeded to hit .217/.281/.373. His value declined from 4.9 WAR to minus-1.1 WAR. The knee was presumably a factor as his fly ball rate dropped 10 percent from the year before, resulting in a big power decline. But keep in mind that the 2013 WAR figure was a career high, propped up by a high defensive rating that he has otherwise not matched in recent seasons.
Due for a worse year: The Reds traded Simon, the converted reliever who had a big first half and made the All-Star team and then predictably declined in the second half. He would have been the easy choice here, but let's go with catcher Mesoraco, who had a breakout season as he slugged .534. The list of catchers who have had a season at the plate at his level is short and odds are we see some regression.
I'm just the messenger: It's easy to envision how the Reds climb back into the NL Central race: Bruce bounces back, Joey Votto stays healthy and returns to being one of baseball's premier hitters, Byrd adds better production to left field, Billy Hamilton improves at the plate, Cueto comes close to his 2014 numbers and Homer Bailey makes 34 starts instead of 23. That could all happen and maybe we see a fun season in Cincy as the Reds host the All-Star Game and then make it to the postseason. But that's a lot of ifs. For every guy who may improve, there's a Cueto, Mesoraco or Todd Frazier who may decline a bit. And while trading Simon was a good idea, you still have to replace the 15 wins and 196 innings he provided last season.
The final word: The Reds have two major issues: rotation depth and getting on base. Only the two biggest keys to winning baseball games. Outside of Votto, nobody on this team draws many walks; the Reds were 13th in the NL in walks and 14th in on-base percentage. Certainly, getting 150 games from Votto will help but they still have too many low-OBP guys such as Hamilton, Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart to run out a consistent offense. If Mesoraco and Frazier decline, the offense will still be one of the worst in the league. The rotation is now reliant on a comeback season from Tony Cingrani and a fifth starter to emerge from a group of mediocre candidates -- and that's aside from Cueto and Bailey both staying healthy.
Prediction: 75-87
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 11, 2015 14:40:11 GMT -5
Jonathan Lucroy to Miss 4-6 Weeks Associated Press, 2/11/2015
MILWAUKEE -- All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy will miss four to six weeks of spring training for the Brewers because of a strain of his right hamstring.
The injury is near the top of Lucroy's hamstring, close to the hip, an area that had given Lucroy a little trouble at the end of last season, assistant general manager Gord Ash said Wednesday.
Lucroy was fine when he was examined Jan. 26 in Milwaukee at the time of the team's winter fan outreach event, Ash said. The Brewers are unsure how Lucroy aggravated the injury.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the team's spring training facility next week in Arizona. Ash said he was hopeful that Lucroy would be ready for the April 6 opener against Colorado.
"One thing we wanted to make clear here, he can still throw, he can still hit," Ash said.
Lucroy will also get more work on the practice field at first base, as the Brewers had planned, though he won't get game experience this spring. He won't run or do any other activities that might further strain the injury.
The injury doesn't change the long-term plans to get the right-handed Lucroy as many as 30 games at first base, Ash said. It's a way to keep his bat in the lineup while limiting his workload behind the plate.
Left-handed hitting Adam Lind, acquired in the offseason from Toronto for pitcher Marco Estrada, is expected to be the regular first baseman in Milwaukee.
Lucroy started 133 games at catcher last year, hit .301 with 13 homers and 69 RBIs, and finished fourth in voting for the National League MVP award. He was one of the few regulars in an otherwise free-swinging lineup who was able to consistently work counts.
Ash said Lucroy mentioned he had some concern about his right hamstring at the end of last season, and Lucroy told doctors that he was having trouble with the hamstring in November.
He was cleared in late January. The team said that Lucroy's agent told general manager Doug Melvin last weekend that the hamstring was bothering him.
Lucroy was diagnosed with the injury by the team doctor Monday. Another examination Tuesday confirmed the extent of the injury.
Melvin is already in Arizona. Ash said his boss is optimistic and "pleasantly surprised" with the progress made by injured right-handed relievers Tyler Thornburg and Jim Henderson. Thornburg (right elbow) and Henderson (right shoulder) were each lost in the middle of the 2014 season.
"Given what we're seeing here, barring early setbacks, they're viable candidates," Ash said, "which is very good news for us."
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 11, 2015 17:19:53 GMT -5
Seems like a good signing: no risk, maybe a decent bench bat...
Reds Sign IF Chris Dominguez to Minor-League Deal C. Trent Rosecrans, Enquirer, 2/11/2015
The Reds signed former University of Louisville All-American Chris Dominguez to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big league camp, the team announced on Wednesday.
Dominguez made his big-league debut last season for the Giants, playing eight games for San Francisco. In his 17 plate appearances in the big leagues, he had just one hit — a home run. He was released by the Giants last week.
A third-round pick in the 2009 draft, the 28-year-old hit .274/.307/.460 with 21 home runs at Triple-A Fresno last season. With the Grizzlies, he played five different positions — third base, first base, shortstop, left field and right field. He's a .278/.312/.446 hitter at Triple-A.
A right-handed hitter, Dominguez has 94 home runs in parts of six seasons in the minors.
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Post by redsfanman on Feb 11, 2015 19:20:07 GMT -5
The best thing I can say about the Chris Dominguez signing is that there's no risk. I also don't see much upside. He'd have to surpass a bunch of better candidates, including Josh Satin, to make the team. With guys like Satin, Lutz, Soto, Jermaine Curtis and now Dominguez around I just have to wonder where they're all going to play.
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Post by vtreds22 on Feb 12, 2015 19:04:29 GMT -5
Ranking the Teams: 24 through 19By David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 2/10/2015 It's the second day of our pre-spring training power rankings. Did I mention that parity makes it really difficult to do these rankings with a high degree of confidence? I did? OK, let's move on and say this about this group of teams: All of these teams have playoff potential; I think they're all significantly stronger than Monday's six teams (Nos. 30-25). But all of them have what I believe will be a fatal flaw. So read on, debate, argue and be glad you're not shoveling snow at the moment. 24. Cincinnati RedsBig offseason moves: Acquired OF Marlon Byrd from the Phillies for RHP Ben Lively; traded RHP Mat Latos to the Marlins for RHP Anthony DeSclafani; traded RHP Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for SS Eugenio Suarez and RHP Jonathan Crawford; signed LHP Paul Maholm; signed RHP Burke Badenhop; signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million extension. Most intriguing player: Johnny Cueto had a monster 2014, going 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA while leading the National League in innings and strikeouts and the majors in lowest opponents' batting average. But the right-hander, 29 later this month, is a free agent after 2015 and if the Reds don't sign him he becomes possible trade bait during the season depending on the Reds' status in the pennant race. Due for a better year: Jay Bruce had knee surgery in early May, returned less than three weeks later and proceeded to hit .217/.281/.373. His value declined from 4.9 WAR to minus-1.1 WAR. The knee was presumably a factor as his fly ball rate dropped 10 percent from the year before, resulting in a big power decline. But keep in mind that the 2013 WAR figure was a career high, propped up by a high defensive rating that he has otherwise not matched in recent seasons. Due for a worse year: The Reds traded Simon, the converted reliever who had a big first half and made the All-Star team and then predictably declined in the second half. He would have been the easy choice here, but let's go with catcher Mesoraco, who had a breakout season as he slugged .534. The list of catchers who have had a season at the plate at his level is short and odds are we see some regression. I'm just the messenger: It's easy to envision how the Reds climb back into the NL Central race: Bruce bounces back, Joey Votto stays healthy and returns to being one of baseball's premier hitters, Byrd adds better production to left field, Billy Hamilton improves at the plate, Cueto comes close to his 2014 numbers and Homer Bailey makes 34 starts instead of 23. That could all happen and maybe we see a fun season in Cincy as the Reds host the All-Star Game and then make it to the postseason. But that's a lot of ifs. For every guy who may improve, there's a Cueto, Mesoraco or Todd Frazier who may decline a bit. And while trading Simon was a good idea, you still have to replace the 15 wins and 196 innings he provided last season. The final word: The Reds have two major issues: rotation depth and getting on base. Only the two biggest keys to winning baseball games. Outside of Votto, nobody on this team draws many walks; the Reds were 13th in the NL in walks and 14th in on-base percentage. Certainly, getting 150 games from Votto will help but they still have too many low-OBP guys such as Hamilton, Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart to run out a consistent offense. If Mesoraco and Frazier decline, the offense will still be one of the worst in the league. The rotation is now reliant on a comeback season from Tony Cingrani and a fifth starter to emerge from a group of mediocre candidates -- and that's aside from Cueto and Bailey both staying healthy. Prediction: 75-87 Schoenfield has the Mets ranked 10th. He is out of his damn mind.
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Post by psuhistory on Feb 12, 2015 21:02:22 GMT -5
Ranking the Teams: 24 through 19By David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 2/10/2015 It's the second day of our pre-spring training power rankings. Did I mention that parity makes it really difficult to do these rankings with a high degree of confidence? I did? OK, let's move on and say this about this group of teams: All of these teams have playoff potential; I think they're all significantly stronger than Monday's six teams (Nos. 30-25). But all of them have what I believe will be a fatal flaw. So read on, debate, argue and be glad you're not shoveling snow at the moment. 24. Cincinnati RedsBig offseason moves: Acquired OF Marlon Byrd from the Phillies for RHP Ben Lively; traded RHP Mat Latos to the Marlins for RHP Anthony DeSclafani; traded RHP Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for SS Eugenio Suarez and RHP Jonathan Crawford; signed LHP Paul Maholm; signed RHP Burke Badenhop; signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million extension. Most intriguing player: Johnny Cueto had a monster 2014, going 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA while leading the National League in innings and strikeouts and the majors in lowest opponents' batting average. But the right-hander, 29 later this month, is a free agent after 2015 and if the Reds don't sign him he becomes possible trade bait during the season depending on the Reds' status in the pennant race. Due for a better year: Jay Bruce had knee surgery in early May, returned less than three weeks later and proceeded to hit .217/.281/.373. His value declined from 4.9 WAR to minus-1.1 WAR. The knee was presumably a factor as his fly ball rate dropped 10 percent from the year before, resulting in a big power decline. But keep in mind that the 2013 WAR figure was a career high, propped up by a high defensive rating that he has otherwise not matched in recent seasons. Due for a worse year: The Reds traded Simon, the converted reliever who had a big first half and made the All-Star team and then predictably declined in the second half. He would have been the easy choice here, but let's go with catcher Mesoraco, who had a breakout season as he slugged .534. The list of catchers who have had a season at the plate at his level is short and odds are we see some regression. I'm just the messenger: It's easy to envision how the Reds climb back into the NL Central race: Bruce bounces back, Joey Votto stays healthy and returns to being one of baseball's premier hitters, Byrd adds better production to left field, Billy Hamilton improves at the plate, Cueto comes close to his 2014 numbers and Homer Bailey makes 34 starts instead of 23. That could all happen and maybe we see a fun season in Cincy as the Reds host the All-Star Game and then make it to the postseason. But that's a lot of ifs. For every guy who may improve, there's a Cueto, Mesoraco or Todd Frazier who may decline a bit. And while trading Simon was a good idea, you still have to replace the 15 wins and 196 innings he provided last season. The final word: The Reds have two major issues: rotation depth and getting on base. Only the two biggest keys to winning baseball games. Outside of Votto, nobody on this team draws many walks; the Reds were 13th in the NL in walks and 14th in on-base percentage. Certainly, getting 150 games from Votto will help but they still have too many low-OBP guys such as Hamilton, Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart to run out a consistent offense. If Mesoraco and Frazier decline, the offense will still be one of the worst in the league. The rotation is now reliant on a comeback season from Tony Cingrani and a fifth starter to emerge from a group of mediocre candidates -- and that's aside from Cueto and Bailey both staying healthy. Prediction: 75-87 Schoenfield has the Mets ranked 10th. He is out of his damn mind. He thinks Harvey and Wright make major comebacks, and everyone beats up on the Braves and Phillies. This analysis of the Reds is very pessimistic, but it doesn't seem implausible...
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Post by kinsm on Feb 12, 2015 21:28:45 GMT -5
The Braves and Phillies should suck.
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Post by general on Feb 12, 2015 21:39:18 GMT -5
I thought that's how they paid Votto, Phillips, Homer, and Jay? National tv money went to them, the local will go to Cueto. I could see this club having a 160M$ payroll in 5 years, I still don't want half of it going to 4 players though. Why in the world would you think the Reds payroll will increase that much? The Reds went out of their way to get worse this season, just so their payroll wouldn't increase over $120M. They are definitely at their max. I forget if I'm still one of your "ignored" posters, so forgive me for quoting sir.
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Post by kinsm on Feb 12, 2015 21:48:07 GMT -5
National tv money went to them, the local will go to Cueto. I could see this club having a 160M$ payroll in 5 years, I still don't want half of it going to 4 players though. Why in the world would you think the Reds payroll will increase that much? The Reds went out of their way to get worse this season, just so their payroll wouldn't increase over $120M. They are definitely at their max. I forget if I'm still one of your "ignored" posters, so forgive me for quoting sir. I'm fairly sure my answer explained that. Their payroll rose in conjunction with the increased national tv contracts, I expect the same when they sign a new local tv deal. And yes you are.
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Post by general on Feb 12, 2015 21:50:33 GMT -5
Why in the world would you think the Reds payroll will increase that much? The Reds went out of their way to get worse this season, just so their payroll wouldn't increase over $120M. They are definitely at their max. I forget if I'm still one of your "ignored" posters, so forgive me for quoting sir. I'm fairly sure my answer explained that. Their payroll rose in conjunction with the increased national tv contracts, I expect the same when they sign a new local tv deal. And yes you are. What did I do to hurt your feelings? I don't even remember. I just talk baseball.
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