LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Came down here to see what was going on with the Reds caravan, about 750 people joined me.
Nothing too exciting, really.
Only one fan asked a question of Bob Castellini, who was making one of his three stops on the caravan. The question was about getting an All-Star game.
"We'll get it," Castellini said. "We're on the case."
Thom Brennaman, the MC, noted that the games were picked "two or three years in advance" and Castellini jumped in, "more than that."
From what I hear, there's a chance at the 2017 game or the 2019 game. Baseball has said they could have the 2019 game -- the 150th anniversary of pro baseball -- but the Reds want the 2017 game.
I asked Walt Jocketty about Orlando Cabrera, and he said they've certainly had some interest and talks with him. As far as Jonny Gomes, they've talked more with his agent. With musical chairs going on with outfielders, Gomes could be left standing.
Overall, Jocketty said, "we are over budget." As for any additions, they'd have to be "reasonable and something that fits what we're trying to do." So basically, it'd have to be someone who agrees to a minor league deal, it doesn't look like they're willing to change the 40-man roster.
As for another off-the-wall rumor (Gary Sheffield), Jocketty said, "no."
During a Q&A with fans, someone asked him if he'd talked to the agent for Johnny Damon, Jocketty responded, "Johnny who?"
He then said he'd talked to Scott Boras, but "I don't think we'll be able to do that." He then added that "they think he's still with the Yankees."
Another question was about Edinson Volquez, and he said he was doing "great" and he hopes Volquez can return in early August.
Jocketty also said he expects Yonder Alonso to start the season in Louisville and still sees him as a year away from the big leagues.
Also on the trip was Todd Benzinger, who was asked which players he's seen at Dayton that could have an impact in Louisville soon. He mentioned shortstop Miguel Rojas, a 20-year old shortstop. "He's as good defensively as anyone in the game, the big leagues included."
Here are some photos from the Reds' Michael Anderson:
Nothing too exciting, really.
Only one fan asked a question of Bob Castellini, who was making one of his three stops on the caravan. The question was about getting an All-Star game.
"We'll get it," Castellini said. "We're on the case."
Thom Brennaman, the MC, noted that the games were picked "two or three years in advance" and Castellini jumped in, "more than that."
From what I hear, there's a chance at the 2017 game or the 2019 game. Baseball has said they could have the 2019 game -- the 150th anniversary of pro baseball -- but the Reds want the 2017 game.
I asked Walt Jocketty about Orlando Cabrera, and he said they've certainly had some interest and talks with him. As far as Jonny Gomes, they've talked more with his agent. With musical chairs going on with outfielders, Gomes could be left standing.
Overall, Jocketty said, "we are over budget." As for any additions, they'd have to be "reasonable and something that fits what we're trying to do." So basically, it'd have to be someone who agrees to a minor league deal, it doesn't look like they're willing to change the 40-man roster.
As for another off-the-wall rumor (Gary Sheffield), Jocketty said, "no."
During a Q&A with fans, someone asked him if he'd talked to the agent for Johnny Damon, Jocketty responded, "Johnny who?"
He then said he'd talked to Scott Boras, but "I don't think we'll be able to do that." He then added that "they think he's still with the Yankees."
Another question was about Edinson Volquez, and he said he was doing "great" and he hopes Volquez can return in early August.
Jocketty also said he expects Yonder Alonso to start the season in Louisville and still sees him as a year away from the big leagues.
Also on the trip was Todd Benzinger, who was asked which players he's seen at Dayton that could have an impact in Louisville soon. He mentioned shortstop Miguel Rojas, a 20-year old shortstop. "He's as good defensively as anyone in the game, the big leagues included."
Here are some photos from the Reds' Michael Anderson:
why 2017?? just wait two more years and get the 150th celebration in the town and with the team that started professional baseball.