The Reds have agreed to sign free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2013, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. Ludwick gets a $2.5MM guarantee and could earn another $500K in incentives, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets. Beverly Hills Sports Council represents Ludwick, who played for Cincinnati GM Walt Jocketty in St. Louis.
Ludwick, who can play left and right field, gives the Reds some much-needed outfield depth. Like left fielder Chris Heisey, Ludwick is a right-handed hitter. However, Ludwick has hit right-handers (.804 OPS) better than left-handers (.751 OPS) in his nine-year career.
Ludwick, 33, posted a .237/.310/.363 line with 13 homers for the Padres and Pirates in 2011. His batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage all dropped for the third consecutive season. However, UZR/150 suggests Ludwick has played average defense in the outfield corners in recent years.
Well, I saw that one coming.
Just about everyone saw this coming.
This guy is a dud, did nothing for the Pirates or Padres, when you see him in the OF he looks like he’s out of it, over the hill
Well, so much for the speculation that he might go to oakland, can’t say i’m disappointed or relieved, maybe a little more towards the relieved side
You know Oakland just traded for Seth Smith, right? Why would they need yet another outfielder?
there were still rumors being posted that the A’s may go after another of the 2nd tier outfielders as a DH, Ludwick belonging in that group.
Oh. My bad, I don’t keep a keen eye on A’s rumors.
A’s should get D. Lee & Fukudome
no, they shouldn’t
go to the main page, scroll down, and read under the headline “a’s notes”
Thank you, Reds, for taking him off the market.
Your not welcome. He could be decent in Great American Small Park, though.
Oh yeah. I think he could. The park plays perfectly to his strengths, unlike Petco. And he can still field.
The reverse splits aren’t necessarily helping though. Chris Heisy also hits RHP better than LHP so far in the majors, even though he has a relatively small LHP sample size. Hopefully Heisy’s trend doesn’t keep up, since he mashed LHP in the minors. Could be a good platoon. The only problem is Dusty doesn’t seem to do platoons.
Thank you Walt. Of all the right-handed outfielders that the A’s are rumored to have interest in, Ludwick was one of the two that I wanted least (along with Gomes).
the reds are making some good moves, makes me hope my cards counter by maybe signing oswalt and trading mcclellan for anything or packaging him for a second baseman of some kind. should be a good rivalry for 1st between the cards and reds!
Finally. All I seem to hear is how dominant the Cards will still be. It will be a close race, and you can even add in the Brewers.
Even if the Reds make the playoffs, I still don’t think they are a good enough team to actually compete for the World Series.
Anything can happen in the playoffs. The Cardinals were hot last year at the right time, and look who won (in the nicest way possible seeing who you’re a fan of, and I was rooting for you if it makes you feel any better).
Yeah. The playoffs are definitely a crapshoot. It all comes down to who catches fire at just the right time, and the overall health of the teams.
Thanks for reminding me, the Cardinals did have Pujols, Berkman, Holliday, Freese, Carpenter, and Molina. It’s not like they were a horrible team going in. All the Reds have is Votto, Bruce, Madson, and Latos. When you’re competing against teams like the Phillies and Dbacks, I don’t think the Reds are good enough yet.
You know the Reds scored the second most runs in the NL last year, right behind the Cardinals with “All the Reds have”. They also have Phillips, Stubbs can be a 30 HR-40 SB player (really optimistic, I know), Cueto was 6 innings off the ERA title. I can go on if you find need be.
And the “When you’re competing against,” doesn’t really matter. Any team can beat any other team on any given 5-7 game series. There’s a reason the game isn’t played on paper.
I realize that, but what have they done since NLDS in 2010 when they got swept by the Phillies? They aquired Latos and Madson, and now Ludwick. Even though they scored the 2nd most runs last year in the NL, they still didn’t even get close to the playoffs. The Reds haven’t proved to me yet that they are a playoff team.
Sean Marshall. Their pitching staff sucked so bad in 2010, it is MUCH improved from then. They will likely be a playoff team based because they will probably win the division or Wild Card. Let me put you in perspective, Bronson Arroyo was their “Ace” in 2010, unless you wanted to put Cueto there who had a slighly better ERA but a good bit less innings. Now we have Cueto and Latos, who could compete with basically any 1-2 with the offense behind them. The bullpen is in the Top 7 in baseball at least now. Offense is at least in the Top 5 in the MLB. The SP is at least in the top half considering the back end starters, which don’t really matter in the playoffs. You also have to think the young guys will improve a little bit. And last year, their SS’s hit like .230, and Cozart will start. He hit .300 in an 11 game stint, so you can expect him at at least be a .250-.260 hitter, which is much improvement.
I feel like I’m rambling now, but what more do I need to say in your mind to make them a “playoff” team.
I never said that they weren’t a playoff team, I said that they won’t go anywhere in the playoffs in my opinion. I think it will be a good NL Central race this year though.
Yeah, actually you said “the Reds haven’t proven to me that they are a playoff team.” It’s right up there, dude. About 6 inches or so. Oops, my fault. You said “proved.”
Still the same thing though that he just denied bascally, haha.
“The Reds haven’t proved to me yet that they are a playoff team.”
ZING. Read your post :P.
So, where did you earn your law degree?
Depends on the matchups. If they can avoid Philadelphia and get a team they match up well with in the first round, with that bullpen/rotation and the middle of that line up, they’re a serious threat.
Don’t even remind me of 2010 game 1. It didn’t happen. IT DIDN’T HAPPEN I TELL YOU! NEVER!
But you have to admit, the Reds gave away game 2…And the Chase Utley didn’t touch a single base besides home legally. They also had a ridiculous amount of errors.
1. Was “hit” by Chapman fastball.
2. “Stole” 2nd base, when he was thrown out on replay.
3. Didn’t touch 3rd on the way to home.
4. Well, he touched home. 1/4. Good for him.
Dude you are the biggest reds homer ever chill. They are a mediocre team just admitt it.
The Reds are far — FAR — more than mediocre right now. In fact, they’re looking somewhere between quite good and very good on paper.
And this is coming from someone who couldn’t be more indifferent about them. In fact, I’ve always liked the Cardinals better.
Thank you for helping my point. Sometimes I question if some people just stumbled upon the internet yesterday.
Very good teams don’t finish in 3rd place and especially not under .500
They are not nearly the same pitching staff as last year, and only finish a few under .500. They won in 2010. Theres nothing that points that they won’t be a very good team after the departure of Pujols (I know, I know. You picked up Beltran etc, but still losing your best player doesn’t help) and Fielder/Braun suspension for Brewers
Sure they might be good, but only time will tell if they will be “very” good. Their offense is good but not many teams can go so far with mediocre pitching
Getting Wainwright back makes the Cardinals rotation better again. Plus a line-up of Furcal, Jay, Holliday, Berkman, Beltran, Freese, Molina, Greene/Descalso, Pitcher is enough to make any starting pitching cringe. Even without Pujols
The Cardinals also can’t count on Wainwright coming back at full strength right away. And there’s a good chance of Berkman and Beltran regressing. Not to mention the loss of Tony LaRussa being significant.
I actually like the Cardinals. But some of their fans are as arrogant as a lot of Yankees, Red Sox and Giants fans.
Cards and Yanks fans are the worst!
no they’re not, maybe some people who post on here who call themselves cardinals or yankees fans might be, i bet you don’t actuallyknow or have met real yankees or cardinalfans outside of when they play your team whoever that may be, but the fans are far better than a lot of the people who post here
I’ll give any individual a chance as a whole on this site and others like it the are ignorant and arrogant. I just hate it when they act like question marks on one team are greater than question marks on there own team. Wainright vs. Latos. Both are questions one is not great than the other but yet MOST cards fans think it is a lock for Wainright to bounce back 100% and Latos as a Petco Product (obviously not looked at stats) Just frustrating and ment no insult!
2011 is over. And I said that they’re somewhere BETWEEN quite good and very good. And more people agree with that than not. You’ll just never admit it because you’re a Cardinals homer.
And make no mistake, the Brewers and Cardinals will not be as good as they were last year. And the Reds will definitely improve.
Yeah 2011 is over, youre right. I don;t know if you watched any of the playoffs but the Cardinals won the World Series.
The brewers are most likely losing Fielder and possibly Braun for 50 games so i see them slipping a bit. But just because the Cards lost pujols, its not like they lost their whole offense. Having Berkman, Freese, Holliday, Molina and Beltran in the lineup is good enough to win the division. Plus getting Wainwright back increases the chances even more. I assume that you think the Reds are taking the division just because Fielder and Pujols exited the NL Central? Don’t blink now, because your team’s superstar Votto is next to go because theres no way the Reds can afford to give him a hefty extension
How many times do I have to say that I’m completely indifferent to the Reds? THEY’RE NOT MY TEAM. I actually like the Cardinals better because I grew up a huge fan of Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman and Willie McGee.
Yes. The Cardinals won the World Series. And I rooted for them the whole way through the playoffs. But not only is Pujols gone, so is Tony LaRussa, which is huge. And there’s no guarantee that Wainwright will get back to 100% this year. And Berkman and Beltran could EASILY regress.
It will be a small miracle if they’re as good this year as they were last year. Sorry if you’re having a hard time facing that reality.
Also Duncan is gone so no more turning Kyle Loshe into a good pitcher for a year. And please quit acting like Wainwright is superman you can’t rely on him to bounce back to 100%
Umm… I’m pretty sure that I’ve said at least 3 times in this thread that the Cards CANT count on Wainwright coming back at 100%. Why are saying I’m acting like he’s superman?
I just wanna see how much smaller I can get this text.
Really?? Lol
Dude, the caps was sarcasm. I’m way over it. This is a BASEBALL site. Am I not aloud to discuss my team? I’m pretty sure that’s the point. I’m the biggest homer ever? Really? And I’m pretty sure most people here would say that they aren’t mediocre. Have you kept up with any of the signings this offseason?
If you want to make a statement, back it up. Give me some proof. That’s part of the point of this site. Let’s have a discussion.
Uh they have a good lineup I will give you that but their pitching is lets say below average. Cueto is okay and Latos is going from a pitching park to a hitting park. The rest of their rotation leaves much to be desiree. The bullpen is not good. This is a 80-85 win team not division winner like you guys think
Best offense in baseball in 2010. 2nd most runs scored in the NL last year.
Rotation:
-Johnny Cueto had a 2.31 ERA in 156 innings (6 innings from ERA title)
-Mat Latos had a 3.47 ERA in 194.1 innings. ERA under 2 in September when he was healthy again.
-Mike Leake had a 3.86 ERA.
-Bronson Arroyo had an ERA in the 5s, but also had mono the entire year. Expect closer to his 3.88 ERA with 215 IP in 2010 than his 2011 stats.
-Aroldis Chapman/Homer Bailey: No real stats to use for Chapman as a starter, but could be a #2 if he figures it out. Bailey had a 4.43 ERA, which is a decent #5.
Bullpen not good?:
(ERAs from 2011)
-Logan OndrusekRHP 3.23 ERA
-Jose ArredondoRHP 3.23 ERA
-Bill Bray LHP 2.98 ERA
-Sam Lecure RHP 3.71 ERA (Spent the beginning of the year in the rotation)
-Nick Masset RHP 3.71 ERA
-Sean Marshall LHP 2.26 ERA
-Ryan Madson RHP 2.37 ERA
See what I did there? I backed myself up. Now, how are these numbers so “mediocre”, since I took the time to back myself up.
Oh yeah, Latos had a BETTER ERA away from PETCO with more IP than he did at home. He is not a Petco product, ask Thomas Cassidy.
Best offense in baseball last year? Are you delusional? The Reds didn’t lead in one offensive category!
I edited it multiple times. I fixed it. My bad. I’m OCD when it comes to typos and stuff.
Chapman as a starter? The dude would walk 10 batters a start. Latos has always pitched in cool san diego pitching in heat is different plus the dude is a headcase. The reds are the third best team in the central end of story. The reds are good in theory but too many things have to go right for them to win the division.
Instead, lets say their pitching WAS below average. Adding Latos, Marshall, and Madson at the very least makes them average if not above.
They were a 79 win team last year. Latos, Madson, Marshall, a healthy Cozart>Janish, doesn’t mean much in your book does it?
Obviously you haven’t read Josh B’s posts.
Obviously you haven’t read Josh B’s posts.
Historically this Reds team doesn’t match up well with Philly at all.
The Phillies have fairly good numbers against their current pitching staff and have hit Latos around the yard. I think the Reds have won 2 games in the last 3 seasons at CBP, Cole Hamels is undefeated against them, and Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee have had a lot of recent success.
And yes, they did give away Game 2, very much so.
Don’t remind me of how bad we suck against the Phillies, haha. I can’t forget how right before the AS break we lost 4 games, 3 in extra innings. Those included a 19 inning game (I think) and Travis Wood having a Perfect Game into the 9th but the it was 0-0 against Halladay. Wood even finished the inning, and we STILL lost.
unlike the Rangers who choke every year right
And who exactly are you a fan of?
I’d rather lose the WS every year than not make it to the playoffs. Just saying.
Speaking as a Braves fan, be careful what you wish for. By the end of their streak, I was clinically depressed when October rolled around, anticipating the annual soul-crushing defeat…
Actually, with the additions of Latos and Madson (and Ludwick, who I believe could hit quite well in that ballpark, and potentially neutralize Aramis and Beltran’s production), and the Cardinals and Brewers losing their best player, I consider the Reds to be the favorites in that division unless something changes before Opening Day.
And that’s not to even mention Braun’s 50-game suspension, and LaRussa’s retirement. And there’s no guarantee, whatsoever, that Wainwright will be back at full strength, or that the aging Berkman and Beltran can repeat their 2011 performances.
The Reds have question marks too, of course. But not nearly as many as the Brewers and Cardinals do right now.
The cards don’t need to counter, Ludwick hasn’t been the same player he was in St Louis, he’s done but the Reds just can’t help themselves to the Cardinals leftovers.
I LOVE this signing. He did well in St. Louis then played in 2 hitters parks. Now he will be in GABP which is a hitters paradise. Could be a hidden gem.
It’s funny that people fail to realize that the new Busch Stadium is a big-time pitchers park simply because Pujols thrived there.
Actually, Busch III is more of a neutral park as opposed to a hitter’s or pitcher’s park.
Well we knew it was either Ludwick or Ankiel. Jocketty cant keep his former Cardinals away. I do wish we had just given Heisey a chance to play full time with Frazier as the 4th OF’er. This move does not make us better by any means, but does empty our pockets as I’m sure its 2 Million or more to sign him.
Castellini has more money than you think. A few million is not breaking the bank.
Well yea, he has about 5 more million to spend if he chooses. My point was we’re getting similar production as to what we had before we signed him. Frazier deserved his shot, and now it almost seems he’s now a waste on 40 man roster. His window is pretty much closed now, and unless there is a prolonged injury he has the month of September until they decide to lock it or not. 3 million bucks is still 3 million bucks. He could’ve saved 3 million for tons of other options: help bid on Jorge Soler, save it for the Trade Deadline, use it to help extend Phillips and/or Votto. He could’ve set it aside if we offered Madson his 12.5 M option and he accepted it, etc. We couldve done better things with that money. Having said that, I have no choice to be on board and hope Ludwick does well here. It has been a rather nice offseason (probably the best since we brought in Griffey). Go Reds!
Luddy has spent less time with the Cards than he has with other teams combined. Perhaps Jocketty just saw a need and a fit with bringing him in. Of course familiarity is a factor, but i doubt his being an ex-Card was the main reason. Rolen, Renteria and Cairo also have all spent more time with clubs other than the Cards. I understand you dislike the Cards because they are the team touted to once again win the division, but have some perspective.
Not a bad pickup. Looking forward the the NLc race!
you forgot Phillips,Rolen , Cueto, Stubbs and Arroyo
2.5 million…that’s it,that’s a bargain
Didn’t see this move coming. But who am I kidding, Jocketty seems to bring in EVERY former Cardinal, so i guess its not much of a shocker. Wouldn’t surprise me if Ankiel is next to be snagged for bench depth or whatever
Cards have snatched some former Reds. Jason Larue, Ryan Franklin, Kyle Loshe. The Reds have Rolen and Ludwick. People in glass homes…….
Ludwick was the most logical player for the Reds, someone who can hit lefties, which has been Heisey’s Achilles heel. Next player they’ll pick up is Theriot as a backup IF to finalize their roster.
Getting Ludwick at 2.5 M is a great low risk/high reward signing. GABP will wake up his bat. I think we are done with moves now. Jocketty was on 700 wlw tonight and he said he is comfortable going into Spring Training with Janish as the back up SS. Frazier starts the year in AAA bc of the Ludwick signing
Billy Beane,
This does not mean that you should go after Damon or Gomes, let them sign elsewhere as well
Please and Thanks
This is a Jayson Werth equivalent at way cheaper.
Yeah right. Werth is certainly one of the most overpaid players in baseball right now, but he’s still a quality starting outfielder. Ludwick hasn’t been any more than a 4th outfielder since his career year of 2008. I’ve given up thinking he’ll ever get anywhere close to those All-Star caliber numbers again.
However, he’s still a pretty good bench player as long as you give up expecting anything more from him.
Good move for the Reds. Adds depth to the lineup and backup for Heisy.
Not into this move. The Reds needed a platoon partner for Heisey that could make up for his lack of being able to hit left handed pitching. What did they get? Heisey 2.0. A right handed hitter that can’t hit lefties. Bad move. I would’ve gone with Ankiel or Magglio Ordonez.
You think Ankiel and his .282 OBP against lefties would be better than Ludwick? Ummm no. Ludwick will do just fine in 2012.
I guess you’re right, but Maggs was the guy I really wanted. Ludwick had one good year followed by 3 bad ones, and people just seem to expect him to bounce back. What has he shown to prove that anything close to a bounce back will happen? 3 straight years of decline (albeit in SD for some of that time) doesn’t do much for me.
Not a fan of the Ludwick signing. Would rather have had Heisey and Dennis Phipps get some time there. Phipps is going to be a solid ballplayer. Too many holes in Ludwick’s swing. And not a big fan of Ex-cards coming over (I’m looking at you Edmonds).
BTW Topher, last time I had a convo with ya, you weren’t too impressed with Alonso. This being before he got called up or before he saw significant time last year. Curious to hear your take on him now and if your opinion has changed. Again, I still say he’s gonna be a stud. Book Phipps being a solid “starter” (if/when he gets his chance) too.
Lots of “Ex-Cards” have played for the Reds the past few years. Rolen, Cairo, Edgar, Edmonds, Ludwick, and even their GM Walt Jocketty.
LaRue Franklin Loshe…ex Reds
Yes, indeed… Im not sure what you’re getting at…
Yes, indeed… Im not sure what you’re getting at…