12/05/2005 9:22 PM ET
Reds do a lot of talking on Day 1
GM focuses in on compatible group; looming deals realistic
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
DALLAS -- Lots of talks, no transactions for the Reds.
Although it was a relatively quiet first day during baseball's Winter Meetings on Monday at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, Reds general manager Dan O'Brien had no problem keeping busy. Cincinnati is intent on filling big holes on its pitching staff and has made no secret of its willingness to make trades.
Brimming with offensive talent, especially in the outfield, the Reds have plenty of potential dealing chips that should attract teams, including Ken Griffey Jr., Wily Mo Pena, Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns.
"We've had dialogue of some degree or another with pretty much every team," O'Brien said early Monday evening. "We've zeroed in on a group we think we have the best potential match with. We followed up with meetings today."
One possible match for O'Brien could be with the Red Sox, who are looking for a left-handed-hitting first baseman and view Sean Casey as a potential candidate. Boston, which has an excess of starting pitchers, is shopping right-hander Bronson Arroyo. Third baseman Kevin Youkilis, a Cincinnati native and Sycamore High School graduate could also be part of any deal.
"I would say we've had talks with Boston but I'm not going to talk about specific names involved," O'Brien said.
Rumors around the hotel also identified Casey as a would-be fit for the Pirates, who also have starting pitching to spare including Josh Fogg, Kip Wells and Mark Redman. Casey is a native of the Pittsburgh area.
While negotiating with other clubs, the Reds are also exploring what's considered to be a very thin free agent market. O'Brien spent part of his day in talks with player agents.
Before the meetings, free agent relievers B.J. Ryan (Toronto) and Scott Eyre (Cubs) landed sizeable contracts. And starting pitcher Paul Byrd inked a two-year $14.25 million deal with Cleveland on Monday. Inflated contracts could make doing business more challenging for Cincinnati.
"It definitely changes the landscape," O'Brien said. "Every discussion following every signing, it seems like the price goes up. That's the environment right now."
The Reds have three of their own free agents on the market as well. O'Brien plans to talk with Barry Axelrod, the agent for infielder Rich Aurilia, sometime this week. He has not decided what will happen with outfielder Jacob Cruz, but prefers to offer him a Minor League contract. The club told infielder Luis Lopez he would not be offered arbitration before Wednesday's deadline.
Whether it's via trade or a free agent signing, what are the chances something might get done before the Reds contingent leaves Dallas? "I would say right now, there's a realistic possibility," O'Brien said.