Reds extend Phillips

[heyzeus]

"Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio confirms that the Reds and Brandon Phillips have agreed on a six-year, $72.5 million extension.
The deal will run through his age-36 season in 2017. Phillips, who turns 31 in June, batted .300/.353/.457 with 18 homers, 82 RBI and 14 stolen bases last season and won his third Gold Glove award for his defense at second base. He was previously due to hit free agency following the 2012 season. It's a little surprising to see the Reds commit this much money to someone who will likely enter his decline phase before long. "

[cards2468]

Well there goes that pipe dream.


Still though, I know Jocketty likes to lock up internal talent, but between this deal and Votto's, you can't help but think of a recent time in Reds history when they struggled while half their payroll was tied up between Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr.

[vinsanity]

Still though, I know Jocketty likes to lock up internal talent, but between this deal and Votto's, you can't help but think of a recent time in Reds history when they struggled while half their payroll was tied up between Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr.

Pretty much. I liked Phillips, but I'm surprised he got that years/dollars after Kinsler's deal. His shouldn't have sniffed it.

[Slider]

yikes...first Kinsler and now Phillips. We had better hope that DD/Greene combo works well because 2b are not cheap any more...come to think of it hardly anyone is anymore.

Let's see, small market, and fans who refuse to come to the ballpark and ownership tying up big money...yeah I see this going well (for us that is)

[MDCardsFan]

yikes...first Kinsler and now Phillips. We had better hope that DD/Greene combo works well because 2b are not cheap any more...come to think of it hardly anyone is anymore.

Let's see, small market, and fans who refuse to come to the ballpark and ownership tying up big money...yeah I see this going well (for us that is)

Wong, Kolten. That's where our hopes have to lie.

[ThatGuy]

Wow. Reds better capitalize soon. Those 16,000 fans are going to be watching an aging team with relatively little payroll flexibility pretty soon.

[cpebbles]

16,000? Half of those were Cardinals fans who aren't going to show up for the next series.

[Socnorb11]

yikes...first Kinsler and now Phillips. We had better hope that DD/Greene combo works well because 2b are not cheap any more...come to think of it hardly anyone is anymore.

Let's see, small market, and fans who refuse to come to the ballpark and ownership tying up big money...yeah I see this going well (for us that is)

Wong, Kolten. That's where our hopes have to lie.

Yup. And he's looked fantastic so far this year (small sample size noted).

[jim]

I'm surprised. Just read in the P-D today about the financial situation the Reds might be in and whether they could afford him. It's a good move for the Reds.

[ThatGuy]

16,000? Half of those were Cardinals fans who aren't going to show up for the next series.

Good point.

I saw some Reds fans trying to rationalize the poor turnout because it's the beginning of the season, it's during the week, etc. Well, I can guarantee a Monday game at the beginning of the season against a (potentially) good division rival would not draw 16,000 fans in St. Louis.