Reds Drop Spring Opener to Cleveland 11-10

Although the pitching was bad the takeaway from the first game of Spring Training good. Shin-Soo Choo worked the leadoff role to perfection his first time at bat in a Reds uniform. He walked and scored the first of five runs in the first inning. Joey Votto started the spring off on the right foot with a 2-3 performance.

Octavio Dotel Bad-mouths Miguel Cabrera

According to Eric Adelson, Pitcher Octavio Dotel doesn't hold the Triple Crown Winner, Miguel Cabrera in high regard as a team leader.

You have to step up and say something. Miggy’s more about his game. I don’t see him as a leader … Everybody has their eyes on Miggy Cabrera.”

Indians Sign Minor League Deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Oh How theMighty Have Fallen

It doesn't seem that long ago (2007) that Dice-K was all the rage. Boston bought him from the Saibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific league. In his sophomore season Matsuzaka won 18 games for the Red Sox against just three losses. He had an excellent ERA of 2.90 and finished fourth in the CYA race. The trophy went to Cliff Lee that season.

Cleveland Indians Lose Interest in Slugger Jim Thome

Ken Rosenthal reported that former Cleveland Indian slugger Jim Thome is no longer on their radar. They do not wish to take up roster space with a dedicated designated hitter, which apparently is what he is reduced to at this stage in his very good career.

Is Michael Bourn All He is Hyped-up To Be?

Michael Bourn is a decent baseball player. There, I said it. Not great, not so spectacular that we need to read everyday that he is still sitting on the top shelf at the market. Wonder why?

Former Reds Pitcher Micah Owings Signs With Nats as First Baseman

Former Reds pitcher Micah Owings has signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals today as a first baseman, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Mike Leake Signs 1 Yr - $3.06M Contract with Reds

According to Mark Sheldon, the Reds have come to an agreement with Mike Leake and avoided arbitration.

The contract is for one year and is worth $3.06M. Leake was seeking $3.5M and the Reds were only offering $2.65M. In 2012 he made $507,000.

Is Chris Carpenter's Career Over?

St. Louis Cardinal ace Chris Carpenter may have thrown his last pitch in his excellent career. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Carpenter will miss the 2013 season and probably end his career. The CYA winner in 2005, Carpenter has fashioned a brilliant 15-year career. He has a record of 144-94 with a 3.76 ERA. The three-time All-Star has a 3-0 record in World Series play with 2.00 ERA.

Carpenter, 37, missed almost the entire season in 2012 due to thoracic outlet syndrome. "If I have more health issues I’m not going to continue to try to battle through," Carpenter said, according to the Post-Dispatch.

Former Red Jeremy Hermida Signs Minor League Deal with Indians

MLB Trade Rumors reports that former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jeremy Hermida has signed a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians. Hermida played 44 games for Triple-A Tuscon and 13 games for the San Diego Padres in 2012.

Reds sign Southpaw Manny Parra

The Cincinnati Reds added a southpaw to bolster their bullpen.  MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Reds have signed Manny Parra to a one-year contract.

Reds sign lefthanded reliever Manny Parra to 1-year contract, designate for assignment RHP Todd Redmond.

— Reds (@Reds) February 1, 2013

They designated Todd Redmond for assignment to make room on the roster for Parra. Parra has a career record of 26-33 with an unimpressive ERA of 5.12, and has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers.