Reds leave Nashville with little accomplished

The Cincinnati Reds came into the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee hoping to reload from their fantastic 97-win season by adding a leadoff hitter, resigning Ryan Ludwick or finding someone who can replace his big bat and obtaining some bench help.

Little progress was made, however.

Not only did the Reds watch the leadoff market dwindle while the few free-agents they were eyeing signed big money deals with larger market clubs, they accomplished next to nothing on the trade front as well. Angel Pagan re-upped with the San Francisco Giants for four years at the tune of $40 million, while Shane Victorino went back eastward with the Boston Red Sox for three years and $39 million. While that still leaves perhaps the marquee leadoff hitter, Michael Bourn, still on the market, he figures to land a contract that dwarfs even the previous two, more than likely somewhere in the five-year, $60 million range.

The trading front has been particularly quiet as well. The Reds had thought to be linked to Colorado in a deal involving Dexter Fowler, but general manager Walt Jocketty shot those rumors down. The Reds were also taking a look at Denard Span, but Washington slipped in and traded a top pitching prospect to bring him to D.C. Jocketty has confirmed that the Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in trading Gerrardo Parra or Jason Kubel, as they are in desperate need of a shortstop. However, the Reds would more than likely not pull the trigger on a deal like this unless they could not resign Ryan Ludwick.

It’s been confirmed multiple times that the Reds have a two-year offer out to Ludwick and his agent, but the club has not heard from the free-agent outfielder yet. They are hopeful to get Ludwick resigned, as his .275 / .346 / .541 slash line last season, coupled with his 26 home runs and 80 RBI, proved invaluable to the Reds, particularly when All-Star first baseman Joey Votto missed nearly 50 games on the disabled list with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The Reds are also in need of bench help with utility men Miguel Cairo and Wilson Valdez leaving via free-agency and neither expected to return. They have been linked with veteran infielder Jack Hannahan who spent last season with Cleveland where he batted .244 with four home runs and 29 RBI in 105 games. Hannahan spent most of his time at third base, but can also play shortstop and second base.

“We came here with great anticipation and optimism on doing certain things. When they don’t work out, it’s a little disappointing. But we’re certainly not through with trying to improve the club. This was such an odd Winter Meetings, very odd. There weren’t a lot of trade discussions. I think the free agents and clubs trying to make these multiteam deals slowed things down.” – Jocketty