You’ve probably heard the rumors that Reds GM Walt Jocketty was looking to get rid of some players very soon. Jocketty says that it’s nonsense:
“I don’t where that came from,” he said. “First of all, I would have never said ‘clean house.’ It’s not necessary.”
Jocketty also said that the Reds might not trade any of the major players on the current roster.
“There’s a strong possibility we’ll have everyone till the end of the year,” he said. “Dusty (Baker) and I haven’t been here that long. We’re still evaluating the team.
“We haven’t had the luxury of seeing everyone over a long period of time.”
Over a long period of time, Adam Dunn has averaged 40 homers and 100 RBI. Jocketty needs to re-sign Dunn immediately.
There’s more:
The Reds have had seven straight losing seasons. Ownership wants to end that streak. So does Jocketty.
“Absolutely,” Jocketty said. “We talked about it from the beginning. A winning record is important. You want to change the culture and get the players to believe they can win.”
A winning season? What’s that? I don’t understand the concept.
Finally, for what it’s worth, here’s what Fay says:
The Reds haven’t fielded calls about Griffey and Adam Dunn. The Griffey to Tampa Bay rumor is just that – a rumor.
Ryan Freel and Bronson Arroyo would be difficult to trade as well….
Freel is a probably a month from playing and is owed $4 million in ’09. Arroyo is owed $25 million for 2009 and ’10.
As always, take all of this with a grain of salt. Circumstances could change quickly as we approach the trading deadline.