Notes: Reds in hunt for Astacio
02/26/2006
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Continuing their attempts to improve pitching depth, the Reds still believed they were in the hunt to sign free agent Pedro Astacio.
"It's still ongoing. There's still some dialogue," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. "Just like the other clubs that are probably interested in him, they'd like to have him as soon as possible. I do know he's throwing in the Dominican [Republic] and getting his work in."
Besides the Reds, Astacio has been courted by the Nationals, Rockies and Padres. Washington is believed to be a long shot since it offered the right-hander a Minor League contract last week.
Astacio, 36, was 6-10 with a 4.69 ERA in 24 games last season for the Rangers and Padres while earning $800,000. Because he was not offered a contract this winter, he is not allowed to re-sign with San Diego until May 1.
Phone messages for the pitcher's agent, Stephen Schneider, were not returned.
Because of the late timetable, it seems likely Astacio would need to accept a team's offer in the next few days.
"He has to get into a camp as soon as possible," Krivsky said. "He needs to start and he needs to get his innings in game situations. The games start this week."
The Reds' first exhibition game is Thursday against the Tigers.
The 25th man? The fight for the final roster spots is shaping up to be tough, with a lot of veterans vying to land a job. Quinton McCracken, Tuffy Rhodes, Jacob Cruz and Frank Menechino are all non-roster players in the mix.
"There are a lot guys for that last spot or last two spots," Reds manager Jerry Narron said on Sunday. "It might be two [spots] for three [players] or one spot for three guys or four guys. We don't know right now. All of them bring something. That's what makes it interesting."
McCracken is a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions and be used in multiple situations as a pinch-hitter. Rhodes collected 360 home runs in 10 seasons in Japan and might provide power from the left side of the plate. Menechino plays three infield positions and has a reputation for his hustling and strong work ethic.
Cruz had a club-record 20 pinch-hits for Cincinnati last season and can play the outfield and first base. He also has the advantage of having been in the organization for the previous three seasons. But his chances were hurt when the Reds signed left-handed-hitting first baseman Scott Hatteberg to a big-league contract just before camp opened.
Narron said McCracken, Rhodes, Cruz and Menechino all will start in Tuesday's exhibition game against Kia, the Korean professional team. More outfield opportunities will be created this spring because Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena are leaving camp to play in the World Baseball Classic.
"I'm going to try with all of them to give every chance in the world to make this club," Narron said. "And I'm also going to give them every chance in the world if they don't, to get enough playing time so other clubs can see them. They're all big-league players. They can all contribute to Major League clubs."
Rain go away: Rain on Sunday morning disrupted a streak of perfect weather during camp this year. Most of the outdoor drills were scratched, including pitchers throwing to hitters off the mound. Hitters took batting practice indoors.
Nothing was missed that couldn't be made up later in Spring Training.
"It's always better to have these days before you start playing games," Narron said. "The only time you really get messed up is when you miss a game."
More signings: The Reds agreed to one-year contracts on Sunday with pitchers Brandon Claussen, Justin Germano and Jason Standridge and first baseman Joey Votto.
Source: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Continuing their attempts to improve pitching depth, the Reds still believed they were in the hunt to sign free agent Pedro Astacio.
"It's still ongoing. There's still some dialogue," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. "Just like the other clubs that are probably interested in him, they'd like to have him as soon as possible. I do know he's throwing in the Dominican [Republic] and getting his work in."
Besides the Reds, Astacio has been courted by the Nationals, Rockies and Padres. Washington is believed to be a long shot since it offered the right-hander a Minor League contract last week.
Astacio, 36, was 6-10 with a 4.69 ERA in 24 games last season for the Rangers and Padres while earning $800,000. Because he was not offered a contract this winter, he is not allowed to re-sign with San Diego until May 1.
Phone messages for the pitcher's agent, Stephen Schneider, were not returned.
Because of the late timetable, it seems likely Astacio would need to accept a team's offer in the next few days.
"He has to get into a camp as soon as possible," Krivsky said. "He needs to start and he needs to get his innings in game situations. The games start this week."
The Reds' first exhibition game is Thursday against the Tigers.
The 25th man? The fight for the final roster spots is shaping up to be tough, with a lot of veterans vying to land a job. Quinton McCracken, Tuffy Rhodes, Jacob Cruz and Frank Menechino are all non-roster players in the mix.
"There are a lot guys for that last spot or last two spots," Reds manager Jerry Narron said on Sunday. "It might be two [spots] for three [players] or one spot for three guys or four guys. We don't know right now. All of them bring something. That's what makes it interesting."
McCracken is a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions and be used in multiple situations as a pinch-hitter. Rhodes collected 360 home runs in 10 seasons in Japan and might provide power from the left side of the plate. Menechino plays three infield positions and has a reputation for his hustling and strong work ethic.
Cruz had a club-record 20 pinch-hits for Cincinnati last season and can play the outfield and first base. He also has the advantage of having been in the organization for the previous three seasons. But his chances were hurt when the Reds signed left-handed-hitting first baseman Scott Hatteberg to a big-league contract just before camp opened.
Narron said McCracken, Rhodes, Cruz and Menechino all will start in Tuesday's exhibition game against Kia, the Korean professional team. More outfield opportunities will be created this spring because Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena are leaving camp to play in the World Baseball Classic.
"I'm going to try with all of them to give every chance in the world to make this club," Narron said. "And I'm also going to give them every chance in the world if they don't, to get enough playing time so other clubs can see them. They're all big-league players. They can all contribute to Major League clubs."
Rain go away: Rain on Sunday morning disrupted a streak of perfect weather during camp this year. Most of the outdoor drills were scratched, including pitchers throwing to hitters off the mound. Hitters took batting practice indoors.
Nothing was missed that couldn't be made up later in Spring Training.
"It's always better to have these days before you start playing games," Narron said. "The only time you really get messed up is when you miss a game."
More signings: The Reds agreed to one-year contracts on Sunday with pitchers Brandon Claussen, Justin Germano and Jason Standridge and first baseman Joey Votto.
Source: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/
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