Reds have no deals on horizon

[missionhockey21]

Reds have no deals on horizon
By Marc Lancaster
Post staff reporter

HOUSTON - The next 24 hours have the potential to be eventful around baseball, but the Reds aren't likely to make many waves.

Players must be on a team's roster as of midnight ET to be eligible for the postseason, effectively making this the final day for in-season trades. And beginning Thursday, teams can bring to the majors anyone on their 40-man roster.

The Reds' public stance on possible trades didn't deviate Tuesday. Asked if any big deals were in the works, general manager Dan O'Brien responded with a laugh and a flat "No."

Any not-so-big deals in the works?

"You don't have to worry," said O'Brien.

The Reds have denied the constant stream of rumors emanating from Chicago that they might deal Ken Griffey Jr. to the floundering White Sox, but it probably will take the passing of tonight's deadline to officially put it all to rest - at least until the offseason. The only other possible trade target on the Reds' roster would be infielder Rich Aurilia, but there are no indications that anything is imminent on that front.

Though it doesn't appear any members of the current roster will be gone after today, there will be at least one addition Thursday. O'Brien said injury-plagued right-hander Josh Hancock will arrive in Houston today and be activated from the 60-day disabled list Thursday.

Hancock has spent the entire season on the DL with a groin strain but also had trouble with a sore elbow that further delayed his return. He ended up making 11 appearances for Louisville (including eight starts) on various rehab assignments, culminating in three scoreless innings of relief Monday night.

He reported after the outing that he felt fine, an assessment that was confirmed by one last once-over from the Reds' medical staff in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

"He went in today and was given complete medical clearance," said O'Brien. "He's good to go."

Hancock likely will slide in as a long man in the Reds' bullpen, and would be the logical candidate for a spot start if the need should arise.

By next week, manager Jerry Narron will have plenty of relievers at his disposal. The Reds figure to add at least one more arm after Louisville's season ends Monday afternoon, and could bring up two. Hard-throwing right-handers Chris Booker and Allan Simpson are the odds-on favorites.

O'Brien said Tuesday that the team has not yet finalized its list of call-ups and wouldn't say how many there might be, other than to limit it to no more than a "handful" of players. Of the position player possibilities, the most likely to be brought up is outfielder Chris Denorfia.

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[Saber]

The Reds haven't been able to deal from their outfield surplus in years. Why would they do it now? Fire O'Brien and move some bodies.

[Providence A's]

This doesn't surprise me

[CincyRedsFan30]

That will happen during the offseason when the new owners come in. O'Brien will be out and John Allen might be too.