Graves DESIGNATED for ASSIGNMENT

[Cooner]

Would anyone drop Dempster for him? Or Street?

In a non-keeper, I dumped Street for him. He'll be the closer full-time (unless he blows it) while Street will be closing only until Dotel is back (and possibly again if Dotel gets traded).

I would definitely dump Dempster for him, hasn't Dempster officially lost the job to Joe Bo (not like he's all that solid either...)

[9er Fan]

I just dropped Kolb for Wagner. Anyone think that was a dumb move?

[mamorris]

Wagner has blown all 3 of his career save opportunities.

If it is his job, it'll be very interesting to see how he goes in the closers role.

I certainly won't be rushing to pick him up.

Blown saves are a misleading stat for middle-relievers and setup guys. If I enter a game in the sixth inning (or later) with a 1-run lead and give up a run, I'm charged with a blown save, even though it was never really a chance for me to pick up a save. That would be my guess as to what happened in Wagner's case.

[thehat]

1. Anyone owning Graves should drop him immediately. He's been horrible for three years and his only value existed as a closer, which he isn't going to be at this point...and that's if he even gets a big league job. There is zero reason to keep him on your roster in some delusional hope he regains value that just isn't there anymore.

1A. About a month or so ago, when the closer injury epidemic hit its zenith, I suggested that anyone owning Graves should trade him immediately, as his value could only go down from where it was at that point in time. Hope some of you took that advice and profited.

2. The Reds couldn't trade him. They probably tried, but who's going to take on that contract for a guy who can't pitch anymore. He's not in Jason Giambi's league in terms of the dollars involved, but the situation is pretty much the same.

[ravenmad22]

It seems possible that Mercker will get a shot. The only thing going against him is that he's a lefty. Here are some positives:

1. Mercker has been excellent since joining the Reds in '03

2. Mercker has a lot more experience than Wagner and won't buckle under the pressure.

3. Mercker has been better than Wagner lately

4. Reds may not want to rush Wagner into the job just yet.

Just playing devil's advocate here.

[NZF]

Blown saves are a misleading stat for middle-relievers and setup guys. If I enter a game in the sixth inning (or later) with a 1-run lead and give up a run, I'm charged with a blown save, even though it was never really a chance for me to pick up a save. That would be my guess as to what happened in Wagner's case.

I'm sure it was and I'm fully aware of the rules for blown saves.

All I'm saying is until the guy steps up and closers, we will not know if he's up to the job or not and I'm not in a rush to grab him and wait to find out.

[redsoxguy111]

Just read this on ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2066723

[Transmogrifier]

I just dropped Kolb for Wagner. Anyone think that was a dumb move?

I do. There had to be someone better to drop.

[wrveres]

Just read this on ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2066723

good read ...



"His performance has been unsatisfactory and unacceptable," O'Brien said, in a conference call. "It hasn't been up to the standards we've come to expect for the Cincinnati Reds organization.

standards ... what standards? ..
Cincy hasn't had Standards for 20 years ..

If this is so true, these new found "Standards", how the hell does Paul Wilson or Eric Milton still have a job?

[logan]

as a now former owner of graves i really wanted to see him turn it around. he was awesome trade bait last year before the all-star break. that was a very good read and it sucks that they pulled a "patriots" style move on him. hopefully he gets on with someone and has some good years to come.