Red Letter Days

Red Letter Days

It’s a sign of just how far the Reds have fallen in 2005. Within the past five days, the Reds have essentially cut loose two of their veteran mainstays, second baseman D'Angelo Jimenez and closer Danny Graves. Both players have been designated for assignment, meaning that the Reds now have 10 days to either trade them, release them, or convince them to accept an assignment to the minor leagues (which isn't likely to happen).

It’s possible that the Reds will end up releasing both players, thereby receiving nothing in return for two serviceable veterans. If the Reds had decided to put Jimenez and Graves on the trading block at the end of last season, or even during spring training, they very likely would have acquired something tangible in return. Now they might be lucky to pick up a low-level prospect for either player. Both Jimenez and Graves have endured terrible starts to the season—Jimenez looks overweight and out of shape and Graves has been a virtual gas can in the eighth and ninth innings—and with the Reds floundering so badly as a team, they’ve lost almost all leverage in making decent trades for their starting second baseman and No. 1 reliever.

Where will Jimenez and Graves end up? In spite of horrific starts to 2005, both players will have little trouble finding employment elsewhere. Blessed with above-average power and speed, Jimenez has the kind of the on-base skills that will make him attractive to a team like the A’s, who desperately need some offense from their second base position. If Billy Beane is willing to overlook Jimenez’ defensive problems and his attitude—the latter trait has alienated teammates in stops almost everywhere—the A’s just might be the perfect fit. As for Graves, almost every major league teams needs help in the bullpen; his ability to throw strikes (only 13 walks in 68 innings last year) will surely appeal to some contending team. It’s just a question of whether Graves will be sought to close games (for a team like the Braves or the Cubs) or be used as a set-up reliever (for someone like the Red Sox or Yankees).

While the Reds try to convince other teams to compensate them for Jimenez or Graves, the team’s management will contemplate other moves. Another bad week of baseball will probably result in the end of Dave Miley's tenure as manager. He’s currently the game’s lowest paid skipper—and hoping not to become its latest managerial scapegoat.