The Reds agreed to sign Jason Isringhausen to a minor league deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Yesterday, GM Walt Jocketty confirmed to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that the sides were nearing an agreement. The Reds offered the longtime closer a contract Tuesday, after they worked him out and liked what they saw.
The 37-year-old appeared in nine games for the Rays last year and posted a 2.25 ERA. Since 1995, Isringhausen has earned 293 saves, good for 22nd on the all-time list. The righty has posted 7.4 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 in his career. He'll help former Cardinals teammates Scott Rolen and Russ Springer try to lead Cincinnati to the playoffs for the first time since 1995. For now, Isringhausen will report to Triple A, where he'll likely spend a couple weeks.
nycredsfan
Color me skeptical that this will be a good thing, but given the ridiculous asking prices for relievers on the trade market, I’m happy that Jocketty is at least getting creative. Maybe Izzy can find some of his old magic.
bringbackericthered
I am glad he isn’t breaking the bank just for a reliever too.
Unless we go for broke and get Soria (Yeah right) no point in over paying for a BP arm.
We got some wiggle room. So lets see what can be done.
Especially if we can move Harang for something (most likely salary relief)
codfather
I heard Tom Hume was considering a comeback….maybe the Reds can sign him too…
cards28
I hope the reds are enjoying our sloppy seconds.
nycredsfan
hmm, let’s see. Former Reds: Felipe Lopez, Ryan Franklin, Jason LaRue
Matt Stamp
BOOYAH cards28…
Brady Johnston
Kyle Lohse, too…
Guest
You guys had Lohse and Franklin for half a season… doesnt count. Izzy was a huge part of the reason the cards blew 30 plus saves a few years back, cant imagine he got any better in his downtime but you never know, Kenny Powers is looking good
EdinsonPickle
Who cares, as long as they perform well it doesn’t matter whose sloppy seconds the Reds or Cardinals or whoever is signing.
Jedediah
Had Lohse for 2 half seasons…1 calendar year exactly in fact
Adam
dont forget dennys reyes
BigRedOne
It’ll be great when the Reds get Dan Haren!
Jay
I doubt that is going to happen but if it did Sweet……
Brent I
Just can’t see Dan Haren in the Reds plans…Another #3 SP isn’t a need…It’s a spot of wealth for the Reds. The Reds almost have too many #3 type SP’s…(like 3 or 4 of them)…& every other team knows it, too.
Which is probably why Walt signed Springer & Isringhausen for the pen…instead of dealing some of those quality young arms for rental players.
Gunner65
Agreed … with the way our starting staff has performed … starting pitching is the least of our needs. Fixing the Bullpen & getting Rolen back is what this team needs more then anything