The Cincinnati Reds will be looking to retain most of their power in the National League over the next season after having a good time in the 2010 regular season in terms of a defensive record. They’re move to sign on existing
players for the future, shows that they are looking to drive down costs in the long run. Team supporters are eager to see what the side does in the off season and at the moment; there have been good moves across the free agency, which has landed able players.
Arbitration is an instrument to drive costs and that is something the Reds would not like to enforce or offer to players. Players like Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cuetto are eligible for the offers but Cincinnati
is bent on cutting expenses next year.
Free agents who were denied the arbitration offer include Miguel Cairo and Arthur Rhodes. Cairo, who is a utility infielder, is one of the concerns of the club and the management is trying to get him back to the negotiation table.
However, progress is being made with left hand relief pitcher, Rhodes. The veteran has been involved in talks with the side but little progress has come through thus far.
One of the developing stories at the moment however is of the contract negotiations between the Reds and Joey Votto, who won the 2010 National League Most Valuable Player award. The two parties are now in negotiations over a contract
and General Manager, Walt Jocketty, recently issued a few comments on the matter.
He discussed the progression of the negotiation process. He said, "We've had contact, but nothing has picked up. I don't think anything will happen before the Winter Meetings. We've got Redsfest this weekend and I don't think we'll
get anything done."
The winter meetings will take place on the 6th of December and the GM expects to see the player’s agent there, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. He said, "I'm sure I will see (Lozano) down there, but we don't have anything
scheduled.”
Votto hasn’t been vocal about his demand and his inclination for indecision puts a question on a multiyear deal coming through in the long run. It seems the two parties might be back at the table after the meetings. Only time will
tell what becomes of the situation.
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