The Ciincinnati Enquirer is today reporting that the Reds and Rich Aurilia situation is looking a lot like it did last season. Aurilia is looking for a commitment from the team for a full time position next season and the Reds do not look ready to give him one. The two sides have until ten days after the World Series to decide on their mutual option. I believe that Aurilia will be elsewhere next season unless they announce that Phillips is moving to short and Aurilia will be their fulltime second baseman.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal is reporting that Butch Wynegar is in the running for the vacant hitting coach position. That is the first mention I’ve heard of anyone in the running for the open coach’s positions.
Baseball America has posted this season’s list of Minor League Free Agents. The following are the Reds minor leaguers who are now free agents.
Cincinnati Reds
C Ryan Jorgensen
C Rafael Motooka
1B Earl Snyder
2B William Bergolla
2B Matt Kata
3B Habelito Hernandez
SS Javier Colina
SS Aaron Herr
SS Gary Patchett
SS Hector Tiburcio
OF Gary Varner
RHP James Abbott
RHP Giancarlo Alvarado
RHP Joel Barreto
RHP Tim Bausher
RHP Jeff Bruksch
RHP Josh Hall
RHP Jake Robbins
RHP Edward Valdez
LHP Chad Bentz
LHP Jan Granado
LHP Richard Stahl
There is really not any big surprises here in my opinion. Bergolla, Hall, and Valdez were the three names that caught my eye right away. Don’t be surprised if a few of these guys are resigned before next spring.