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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Ryan Ludwick to join Reds

Puzzling strategy. With Ludwick, Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs, and Jay Bruce, aren’t the Reds outfielders going to wilt in the hot sun due to their skin color?

Ryan Ludwick and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night because the deal was pending a physical and no announcement had been made by the team.

An All-Star in 2008 with St. Louis, the 33-year-old Ludwick was traded from San Diego to Pittsburgh at the July 31 deadline last season. He batted a combined .237 with 13 homers and 75 RBIs.

Ludwick could give the Reds the right-handed bat they’ve been seeking to complement lefty sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. He figures to see playing time in left field, a spot filled mostly by Chris Heisey down the stretch last season after Cincinnati traded Jonny Gomes to Washington in late July.

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 01:07 PM | 7 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: padres, pirates, reds

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1. JJ1986 Posted: January 17, 2012 at 01:53 PM (#4038658)

I like offense/defense platoons, but Ludwick isn't actually a better hitter than Heisey.

2. Steve Parris, Je t'aime Posted: January 17, 2012 at 02:58 PM (#4038720)

It's not sexy, but they needed this move for depth. Heisey will still get plenty of PAs backing up the three.

3. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:12 PM (#4038823)

I think GAB will help Ludwick as his long fly balls will end up over the fence a bit more often.

Would not surprise me if he stays healthy that he crank 25 odd homers.

4. TDF, situational idiot Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:58 PM (#4038863)

It's not sexy, but they needed this move for depth.

Absolutely. With Alonzo and Sappelt gone, they were down to...well, Frazier.

Heisey will still get plenty of PAs backing up the three.

I either hope this isn't true because Ludwick isn't likely to be any better, and I think Heisey has a future but Ludwick doesn't, or that it is true because Ludwick thinks it's 2008.

5. flournoy Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:03 PM (#4038869)

This seems as good a place as any to ask: Does anyone have any well formed opinions about Devin Mesoraco?

6. robinred

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:06 PM (#4038874)

Devin Mesoraco?

He is going to be FREAKING AWESOME.

Wait, I guess that is not really what you meant.

7. hokieneer Posted: January 17, 2012 at 08:14 PM (#4038967)

Awesome deal, I really like it. The Reds have need a RH HR hitter for most of my adult life. Not that Ludwick is the answer, but he'll help.

While Heisey is a solid player, when you factor in defense and baserunning, his offensive is nearly void of any on-base skills. Ludwick could end up being better overall at the plate. Plus this gives the team an option to play Heisey in CF when Stubbs gets in those 4 month funks.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Ryan Ludwick to join Reds

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