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Reds send Wood, two more to Cubs for Marshall |
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds acquired left-handed reliever Sean Marshall from the Chicago Cubs on Friday for young lefty starter Travis Wood and two other players. It was the second time in a week that the Reds gave up several prospects for pitching help. They earlier sent four players, including Edinson Volquez, to San Diego for starter Mat Latos. The 29-year-old, 6-foot-7 Marshall was 6-6 with a 2.26 ERA last season. He had five saves. The Reds have been in talks to try to re-sign closer Francisco Cordero, who became a free agent after last season. “Sean has been one of the best and most durable relievers in baseball the last couple of seasons,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. The 24-year-old Wood made 35 starts for the Reds over two seasons. He finished 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2011, with a stint in Triple-A after struggling early in the year. The Cubs also get 24-year-old outfielder Dave Sappelt, who batted .243 in 38 games with the Reds, and 19-year-old infield prospect Ronald Torreyes, who batted .356 in 67 games for Class A Dayton. “Twenty-four-year old left-handed starters who have already had success in the big leagues don’t grow on trees,” Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. “We had to give up a great relief pitcher in Sean Marshall and someone we were proud to call a Cub, but we think to acquire Wood and the two young guys, it was worth doing.” Wood made 17 starts for the Reds in 2010, going 5-4 with a 3.51 earned run average. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies before giving up a double to Carlos Ruiz, and left after finishing the 9th with the score tied at 0. He began last season in the Reds’ starting rotation, made 10 starts for Louisville, then returned to Cincinnati. He also had four relief appearances for the Reds last season. “He had a little bit of a down year last year, a little bit of a sophomore slump, but we still think all the ingredients are there to make him an excellent starting pitcher in the big leagues and you tend to not be able to get guys like that after their strong rookie years,” Epstein said. “But sometimes you have a chance to get them after they take a little bit of their lumps on the learning curve.” Wood said he relied too heavily on his cutter last season and “lost the ability to really stick that four-seam (fastball) in there.” His control was off, but he also sees a shot at redemption in Chicago. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “The Reds do have a lot of depth in their rotation. … Hopefully, I can get to Chicago and make a difference.” Besides the addition of Latos, the Reds return starting pitchers Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed reliever in his first two seasons, is also a possible starting pitcher next season. Epstein said the Cubs could still use some more starting pitchers in their farm system and at the major league level. He also said they’re weighing ace Matt Garza’s trade value versus locking him into a long-term deal. The right-hander was tendered a contract last week and is eligible for arbitration. “It’s hard to find top-of-the-rotation-type guys, so if you have them and there’s a way to keep them around, I think that’s always compelling for the club,” Epstein said. “Now, that said, we’re in a mode where we have to listen on everybody. If there’s a way to improve the long-term outlook for this club in a significant manner, then we just can’t look past opportunities like that. We’re not in a situation where we have to do anything with Garza, but generally, we’re in the business right now of taking our short-term assets and turning them into long-term assets.” Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Subscribe to our feed!. Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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Reds bolster bullpen with LHP Marshall, trade 3 to… |
The 29-year-old, 6-foot-7 Marshall was 6-6 with a 2.26 ERA last season. He had five saves. The Reds have been in talks to try to re-sign closer Francisco Cordero, who became a free agent after last season. “Sean has been one of the best and most durable relievers in baseball the last couple of seasons,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. The 24-year-old Wood made 35 starts for the Reds over two seasons. He finished 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2011, with a stint in Triple-A after struggling early in the year. The Cubs also get 24-year-old outfielder Dave Sappelt, who batted .243 in 38 games with the Reds, and 19-year-old infield prospect Ronald Torreyes, who batted .356 in 67 games for Class A Dayton. “Twenty-four-year old left-handed starters who have already had success in the big leagues don’t grow on trees,” Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. “We had to give up a great relief pitcher in Sean Marshall and someone we were proud to call a Cub, but we think to acquire Wood and the two young guys, it was worth doing.” Wood made 17 starts for the Reds in 2010, going 5-4 with a 3.51 earned run average. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies before giving up a double to Carlos Ruiz, and left after finishing the 9th with the score tied at 0. He began last season in the Reds’ starting rotation, made 10 starts for Louisville, then returned to Cincinnati. He also had four relief appearances for the Reds last season. “He had a little bit of a down year last year, a little bit of a sophomore slump, but we still think all the ingredients are there to make him an excellent starting pitcher in the big leagues and you tend to not be able to get guys like that after their strong rookie years,” Epstein said. “But sometimes you have a chance to get them after they take a little bit of their lumps on the learning curve.” Wood said he relied too heavily on his cutter last season and “lost the ability to really stick that four-seam (fastball) in there.” His control was off, but he also sees a shot at redemption in Chicago. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “The Reds do have a lot of depth in their rotation. … Hopefully, I can get to Chicago and make a difference.” Besides the addition of Latos, the Reds return starting pitchers Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed reliever in his first two seasons, is also a possible starting pitcher next season. Epstein said the Cubs could still use some more starting pitchers in their farm system and at the major league level. He also said they’re weighing ace Matt Garza’s trade value versus locking him into a long-term deal. The right-hander was tendered a contract last week and is eligible for arbitration. “It’s hard to find top-of-the-rotation-type guys, so if you have them and there’s a way to keep them around, I think that’s always compelling for the club,” Epstein said. “Now, that said, we’re in a mode where we have to listen on everybody. If there’s a way to improve the long-term outlook for this club in a significant manner, then we just can’t look past opportunities like that. We’re not in a situation where we have to do anything with Garza, but generally, we’re in the business right now of taking our short-term assets and turning them into long-term assets.” ___ AP sports writer Andrew Seligman in Chicago contributed to this report. Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Thanks for reading! . Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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Reds acquire Marshall from Cubs for Wood, two more |
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds acquired left-handed reliever Sean Marshall from the Chicago Cubs on Friday for young lefty starter Travis Wood and two other players. It was the second time in a week that the Reds gave up several prospects for pitching help. They earlier sent four players, including Edinson Volquez, to San Diego for starter Mat Latos. The 29-year-old, 6-foot-7 Marshall was 6-6 with a 2.26 ERA last season. He had five saves. The Reds have been in talks to try to re-sign closer Francisco Cordero, who became a free agent after last season. “Sean has been one of the best and most durable relievers in baseball the last couple of seasons,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. The 24-year-old Wood made 35 starts for the Reds over two seasons. He finished 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2011, with a stint in Triple-A after struggling early in the year. The Cubs also get 24-year-old outfielder Dave Sappelt, who batted .243 in 38 games with the Reds, and 19-year-old infield prospect Ronald Torreyes, who batted .356 in 67 games for Class A Dayton. “Twenty-four-year old left-handed starters who have already had success in the big leagues don’t grow on trees,” Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. “We had to give up a great relief pitcher in Sean Marshall and someone we were proud to call a Cub, but we think to acquire Wood and the two young guys, it was worth doing.” Wood made 17 starts for the Reds in 2010, going 5-4 with a 3.51 earned run average. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies before giving up a double to Carlos Ruiz, and left after finishing the 9th with the score tied at 0. He began last season in the Reds’ starting rotation, made 10 starts for Louisville, then returned to Cincinnati. He also had four relief appearances for the Reds last season. “He had a little bit of a down year last year, a little bit of a sophomore slump, but we still think all the ingredients are there to make him an excellent starting pitcher in the big leagues and you tend to not be able to get guys like that after their strong rookie years,” Epstein said. “But sometimes you have a chance to get them after they take a little bit of their lumps on the learning curve.” Wood said he relied too heavily on his cutter last season and “lost the ability to really stick that four-seam (fastball) in there.” His control was off, but he also sees a shot at redemption in Chicago. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “The Reds do have a lot of depth in their rotation. … Hopefully, I can get to Chicago and make a difference.” Besides the addition of Latos, the Reds return starting pitchers Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed reliever in his first two seasons, is also a possible starting pitcher next season. Epstein said the Cubs could still use some more starting pitchers in their farm system and at the major league level. He also said they’re weighing ace Matt Garza’s trade value versus locking him into a long-term deal. The right-hander was tendered a contract last week and is eligible for arbitration. “It’s hard to find top-of-the-rotation-type guys, so if you have them and there’s a way to keep them around, I think that’s always compelling for the club,” Epstein said. “Now, that said, we’re in a mode where we have to listen on everybody. If there’s a way to improve the long-term outlook for this club in a significant manner, then we just can’t look past opportunities like that. We’re not in a situation where we have to do anything with Garza, but generally, we’re in the business right now of taking our short-term assets and turning them into long-term assets.” Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Leave your comments on the news below. Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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Reds bolster bullpen with addition of Marshall |
The Cincinnati Reds have acquired left-handed reliever Sean Marshall from the Chicago Cubs for young lefty starter Travis Wood and two other players. It was the second time in a week that the Reds gave up several prospects for pitching help. They earlier sent four players, including Edinson Volquez, to San Diego for starter Mat Latos. The 29-year-old, six-foot-seven Marshall was 6-6 with a 2.26 earned-run average last season. He had five saves. The Reds have been in talks to try to re-sign closer Francisco Cordero, who became a free agent after last season. “Sean has been one of the best and most durable relievers in baseball the last couple of seasons,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. The 24-year-old Wood made 35 starts for the Reds over two seasons. He finished 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2011, with a stint at AAA after struggling early in the year. The Cubs also get 24-year-old outfielder Dave Sappelt, who batted .243 in 38 games with the Reds, and 19-year-old infield prospect Ronald Torreyes, who batted .356 in 67 games for Class A Dayton. “Twenty-four-year old left-handed starters who have already had success in the big leagues don’t grow on trees,” Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. “We had to give up a great relief pitcher in Sean Marshall and someone we were proud to call a Cub, but we think to acquire Wood and the two young guys, it was worth doing.” Wood made 17 starts for the Reds in 2010, going 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies before giving up a double to Carlos Ruiz, and left after finishing the ninth with the score tied 0-0. He began last season in the Reds’ starting rotation, made 10 starts for Louisville, then returned to Cincinnati. He also had four relief appearances for the Reds last season. “He had a little bit of a down year last year, a little bit of a sophomore slump, but we still think all the ingredients are there to make him an excellent starting pitcher in the big leagues and you tend to not be able to get guys like that after their strong rookie years,” Epstein said. “But sometimes you have a chance to get them after they take a little bit of their lumps on the learning curve.” Besides the addition of Latos, the Reds return starting pitchers Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed reliever in his first two seasons, is also a possible starting pitcher next season. Epstein said the Cubs could still use some more starting pitchers in their farm system and at the major league level. He also said they’re weighing ace Matt Garza’s trade value versus locking him into a long-term deal. The right-hander was tendered a contract last week and is eligible for arbitration. “It’s hard to find top-of-the-rotation-type guys, so if you have them and there’s a way to keep them around, I think that’s always compelling for the club,” Epstein said. Feel free to leave your comments below. Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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Sean Marshall dealt to Cincinnati Reds |
CINCINNATI _ The Cincinnati Reds acquired left-handed reliever Sean Marshall from the Chicago Cubs today for young lefty starter Travis Wood and two other players. It was the second time in a week that the Reds gave up several prospects for pitching help. They earlier sent four players, including Edinson Volquez, to San Diego for starter Mat Latos. The 29-year-old, 6-foot-7 Marshall, from Richmond, Va., and a former standout at Virginia Commonwealth University, was 6-6 with a 2.26 ERA last season. He had five saves. The Reds have been in talks to try to re-sign closer Francisco Cordero, who became a free agent after last season. “Sean has been one of the best and most durable relievers in baseball the last couple of seasons,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. The 24-year-old Wood made 35 starts for the Reds over two seasons. He finished 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 2011, with a stint in Triple-A after struggling early in the year. The Cubs also get 24-year-old outfielder Dave Sappelt, who batted .243 in 38 games with the Reds, and 19-year-old infield prospect Ronald Torreyes, who batted .356 in 67 games for Class A Dayton. Wood made 17 starts for the Reds in 2010, going 5-4 with a 3.51 earned run average. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies before giving up a double to Carlos Ruiz, and left after finishing the 9th with the score tied at 0. He began last season in the Reds’ starting rotation, made 10 starts for Louisville, then returned to Cincinnati. He also had four relief appearances for the Reds last season. Besides the addition of Latos, the Reds return starting pitchers Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed reliever in his first two seasons, is also a possible starting pitcher next season. Comment Below!. Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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Chicago Cubs Are Reportedly Discussing Trade with… |
Paul Maholm may not be the only left-handed starting pitcher that the Chicago Cubs are pursuing this offseason. The Cubs are reportedly discussing a trade with their National League (NL) Central rival, the Cincinnati Reds. Reports indicate that the Cubs would receive 24-year-old starting pitcher Travis Wood. The Reds would receive 29-year-old setup specialist Sean Marshall. The Cubs might also get prospects. Assuming these reports are true, it’s beginning to look like Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer want every left-handed player in MLB other than Prince Fielder on the Cubs’ roster in 2012. Seriously though, they’re placing a strong emphasis on adding left-handed hitters into their lineup and at least one left-handed pitcher into their starting rotation. Marshall has been one of MLB’s best left-handed setup specialists for the past two seasons. Marshall finished the 2011 season with a 2.26 ERA in 78 appearances. Marshall was praised by some fans as an All-Star candidate as he had a 0.95 ERA after 28.1 innings pitched. A midseason slump prevented him from being selected. The Reds acquired starting pitcher Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres. They’re currently looking to bolster their bullpen with a quality left-handed reliever. Marshall would be the perfect candidate because of his familiarity with the NL Central. Wood has become expendable because of Latos. The Reds selected Wood with a second-round pick in 2005. He had a solid MLB debut in 2010 that included a 5-4 record, 3.51 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 17 starts. Wood debuted against the Cubs on July 1, 2010. He earned a no-decision after he surrendered two hits and two earned runs in seven innings. Wood took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in just his third start. 2011 wasn’t as kind to Wood. He finished with a 6-6 record, 4.84 ERA and 1.49 WHIP. Wood was demoted to Triple-A for approximately two months for underperformance. He was also the subject of trade talks before the July trading deadline. Was 2010 a fluke? According to RedLegs Baseball, Wood was the No. 4 prospect in the Reds’ farm system heading into 2010. Epstein is also rumored to be intrigued in him. Wood appears to be extremely dependent on flyballs. That always worries me with pitchers at Wrigley Field. I prefer strikeout pitchers and groundball pitchers. A flyball pitcher is always at risk when the wind is blowing out. You might be wondering, “Why doesn’t Marshall just move back into the starting rotation?” I’d actually rather see that happen before a straight swap for these two players. I think the Cubs should just keep Marshall if they can’t get more for him. I’m guessing that Kerry Wood would become the full-time setup specialist. Jeff Samardzija would probably be the secondary guy. The Cubs might attempt to develop Andrew Cashner into a closer if Carlos Marmol doesn’t fix his control issues. Joshua Huffman grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs enthusiast. He immediately gained an admiration for Cubs fans after watching numerous games on WGN during the mid-90s. His favorite Cubs moment was Kerry Wood’s(notes) 1-hitter, 20K extravaganza that was only denied of a no-hitter by Kevin Orie’s defensive blunder. As a Packers and Cubs fan, he suffered through Steve Bartman and “4th & 26″ in a span of three months. More from Yahoo! Contributor Network Chicago Cubs Reportedly Want to Sign Starting Pitcher Paul Maholm: Fan’s Take Chicago Cubs Would Trade Ace Pitcher Matt Garza? Um, Why? Fan’s Take Hallelujah! Albert Pujols is Out of the National League: Chicago Cub Fan’s Take Greatest Playoff Games for the Green Bay Packers in the 21st Century: Fan’s Take Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content. Comment Below!. Posted in reds-news | Comments Off
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