Cincinnati Reds: Buttering Cliff Lee?
“Someday, I want to be just like him, one of the best pitchers in the big leagues.”
I've been accused of many things.
Paranoia, scrutinizing words, conspiracy freak, reading too much into what people say, and on one occasion attempting to take an up-skirt photograph—I swear, I knew the girl and thought she'd be cool with it.
“Someday, I want to be just like him, one of the best pitchers in the big leagues.”
I can't get those words out of my head. Why would Johnny Cueto say that? What did he really mean? Did he say it in Spanish? If so, was anything lost in translation?
Or did he say it in English? That would raise a huge red flag. Cueto does not speak very good English. He's only 24—give the kid a break. Most likely, someone would have had to coach him to get that phrase.
How many times do you hear an opposing pitcher say he wants to be like Mike...or in this case, Cliff Lee? Almost never. In fact, never.
Friday night Lee blanked the Reds, striking out seven and walking zero.
That brings Lee's 2010 strikeout per walk ratio to 67/4. Friends, that is nothing short of mind blowing.
In 77 and two-thirds he's allowed two long balls. This would be so perfect pitching in Great American Ball Park.
“Someday, I want to be just like him, one of the best pitchers in the big leagues.”
Is Reds' General Manager, Walt Jocketty planning an offer to one of the most tabled pitchers of the season? Did Jocketty get Cueto to say that? Did Jocketty use a fake Spanish accent and say it himself?
Cliff Lee is a free agent after this season.
Mike Leake will need to hit the pen before the season is over.
Aroldis Chapman is not progressing as quickly as Reds' country had hoped.
What do these factors have to do with a possible trade for Lee? Leake has been the top pitcher thus far in 2010. Unfortunately, he has never endured a full profession season.
His most innings pitched at Arizona State was in the high 120s. Currently, he is sitting on something in the low-80s.
To me, he has looked fatigued in his last two starts. The heat and humidity of Cincy is nothing like the heat of Arizona or his hometown of San Diego.
Unless the Reds would resign Cliff Lee, he's nothing more than a "rent boy." Or a guy that finishes out the season after being traded from a bad team to a contending team.
For those, like myself, who thought Chapman would bring us 20 years of back-to-back titles, that's not looking as if it will happen. Maybe next year.
No doubt, Seattle would want the bank for Lee—probably one Major Leaguer (Jay Bruce) and a couple of prospects (Yonder Alonso and Brad Boxberger). Those players are guesses, but smart money says players of that caliber would be needed.
The Cincinnati native Castellini family, the Reds majority owners, are sick and tired of losing. And they aren't silent owners. They are true fans. Classy one's at that—unlike many professional sports teams owned by true fans.
They also seem to be doling out more money this season. They know the Reds are close.
Close enough to get into a bidding war with the big boys? No clue. Yet.
“Someday, I want to be just like him, one of the best pitchers in the big leagues.”
As soon as I decipher the true meaning of the Friday night Cueto quote, I will know.
