Danny Graves, having pitched miserably for Cincy, and having given a fan the finger, was designated for assignment today.

 

Normally I'd post this in the MLB forum but knowing Jack's connection to Cincy (see Riedling) and the front office's penchant for reclamation projects ala Chad Fox and their modus operandi of seeking out experienced pitchers, one has to wonder if he's being considered by Beinfest and company?

 

Before you discount this out of hand consider this. Graves saved 41 games in 2004 sporting a 3.98 era. And as badly as he's pitched this year (2005) he already has 10 saves.

 

Here's some clips from Rotoworld (newest to oldest) -

 

The Reds can't do anything about their biggest problems, so their closer follows D'Angelo Jimenez out the door. Graves has struggled all season, but he had a 3.45 ERA a week ago and he was 10-for-12 in save opportunities. He's still an average reliever and that has value. The Reds will probably trade him before allowing him to become a free agent, although they'll have to swallow most of his salary in the process. It's very unlikely that he'll step into the closer's role elsewhere, but there figures to be plenty of interest in him as a setup man.

 

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Pitching in a non-save situation, Danny Graves gave up five runs while getting just one out today.

Three singles, a double and an intentional walked turn into four runs. Ricky Stone then allowed an inherited run to score after taking over. Graves is 10-for-12 in save opps, but his ERA is up to 7.36 because of the nine runs he's allowed in his last two non-save situations. It might be a while before he's again inserted just to get some work in.

 

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May. 20, 2005 - 11:04 pm et

Danny Graves got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and pitched a scoreless ninth tonight to earn a save in a 2-1 win over the Indians.

Graves entered in the eighth with the bases loaded and struck out Travis Hafner to preserve the lead. He wasn't so impressive in the ninth, but with one on, he was helped out by a blown call from home-plate umpire Bill Welke, who ruled that Jhonny Peralta wasn't hit on his sac bunt attempt even though the pitch clearly got him on the forearm. Graves came back to strike out Peralta for the first out of the inning, and that meant that no run scored on Grady Sizemore's single to center.

 

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Pitching for the first time in six days, Danny Graves gave up five runs in a game the Reds were already down 6-3 today.

Mike Cameron and David Wright homered off him. It had seemed as though Graves' struggles might be over, as he had pitched five straight scoreless innings before tonight. He has a 5.40 ERA.

 

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Danny Graves was charged with his second blown save tonight after giving up a three-run double to pinch-hitter Robert Fick in the ninth against the Padres.

At least it wasn't his mess. Graves inherited all three runners from Ryan Wagner. After giving up the double, he was able to retire three batters and preserve the tie. He's getting booed in Cincinnati at the moment, but he won't receive the lion's share of the blame for tonight's loss.

 

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May. 2, 2005 - 11:21 pm et

 

Danny Graves blew his first save of the year after giving up two homers in the ninth tonight against the Cardinals.

Graves entered with two men on, two out and a four-run lead. The first batter he faced, Jim Edmonds, homered to make it a one-run game. It looked like he would get out of it after that, but Mark Grudzielanek reached on Sean Casey's error and John Mabry followed with a go-ahead homer. Graves has definitely been struggling, giving up runs in seven of his last nine appearances, but it never cost him until tonight. Expect him to bounce back soon. He's not much more than an average reliever, but his job is secure.

 

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Apr. 20, 2005 - 11:01 pm et

 

Danny Graves pitched a scoreless ninth against the Pirates tonight to earn his sixth save of the season.

Graves has six saves, one strikeout, and has allowed five walks. He won't be able to remain effective if those ratios stay that way, but he's still a good bet to provide similar value to that of his 2004 campaign.

 

 

 

Graves by the way is a UM alumni.

 

Just a thought.

No thankyou

Can't believe they cut him.

wow, me neither.

Odd move by the Reds.

 

Couldn't hurt to make him an offer once he becomes a free agent.

Alot of teams will want him at minimum...

He's been bad since the hot start in the first two months of last year. He'll give you a heart attack every inning.

 

I hope he goes to the Braves

I was shocked to see Graves was designated for assignment. He was the Reds!! This is the kind of crap that makes me hate MLB and the men who run it. They didn't even give this guy a chance. I think the Reds will regret this because Graves was well liked by his teammates and it creates alot of tension between the players and the front office. Hell, Eric Milton stinks this year and is making what 6 or 7.3 million dollars...Oh well, I never liked the Reds anyway..

AND who can blame him for flipping off a fan...we all know how the fans act on this forum. The fan probably deserved it!

Very surprising move by the Reds. Doubt that we will see Graves here though.

You can never have enough pitching. Bring him. I am positive a change of scenery will do him good.

Hmm He went to college at UM and the Marlins are in a real good position right now. I don't see why he wouldn't accept an offer from us if we were to make one. I'd like to see him come in and get rid of Perisho, it's only a matter of time before he fails

Hmm He went to college at UM and the Marlins are in a real good position right now. I don't see why he wouldn't accept an offer from us if we were to make one. I'd like to see him come in and get rid of Perisho, it's only a matter of time before he fails

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We wouldn't get rid of Perisho cause he's a lefty. Mecir is decent against lefties but can't pitch 2 days in a row as I understand.

Hmm He went to college at UM and the Marlins are in a real good position right now. I don't see why he wouldn't accept an offer from us if we were to make one. I'd like to see him come in and get rid of Perisho, it's only a matter of time before he fails

781385[/snapback]

 

Mecir is decent against lefties but can't pitch 2 days in a row as I understand.

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wow wish I could tell my boss I couldn't do anything 2 days in a row. Basically it's his job. I'd rather have graves on the staff than Kensing or Perisho.

wow wish I could tell my boss I couldn't do anything 2 days in a row Basically it's his job. I'd rather have graves on the staff than Kensing or Perisho.

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I don't remember hearing about the consecutive days thing just that he can't work more than 1 inning but wouldn't be surprised and it's not because he's choosing to. He has a foot disorder that he was born with.

wow wish I could tell my boss I couldn't do anything 2 days in a row Basically it's his job.? I'd rather have graves on the staff than Kensing or Perisho.

781407[/snapback]

 

I don't remember hearing about the consecutive days thing just that he can't work more than 1 inning but wouldn't be surprised and it's not because he's choosing to. He has a foot disorder that he was born with.

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I understand that if I knew for a fact that's why he's not able to pitch consecutively then that's cool. But if it's just because either Mckeon doesn't want him too or he chooses not to then that's different. But if the foot does bother him to where he couldn't go back out then that's reasonable.

Mecir can barely walk after a game.

 

This is his last year in the bigs by his own admission. Mecir joined the Fish rather than retire in hopes of going out on top.

 

He was born with a club foot and subsequent surgeries have left one leg an inch shorter than the other. Not only does it affect his foot, pitching causes tremendous spinal and hip pain.

 

It's a miracle of modern science he can pitch at all.

 

He's last guy anyone should be complaining about. He's a warrior.

Mecir can barely walk after a game.

 

This is his last year in the bigs by his own admission. Mecir joined the Fish rather than retire in hopes of going out on top.

 

He was born with a club foot and subsequent surgeries have left one leg an inch shorter than the other. Not only does it affect his foot, pitching causes tremendous spinal and hip pain.

 

It's a miracle of modern science he can pitch at all.

 

He's last guy anyone should be complaining about. He's a warrior.

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I'm not complaining about him. He's done a hell of a job so far for us, and I do know about his club foot, I didn't know it cause as much pain though. The guy is a warrior for goin out there still and giving us quality innings.

Mecir can barely walk after a game.

 

This is his last year in the bigs by his own admission. Mecir joined the Fish rather than retire in hopes of going out on top.

 

He was born with a club foot and subsequent surgeries have left one leg an inch shorter than the other. Not only does it affect his foot, pitching causes tremendous spinal and hip pain.

 

It's a miracle of modern science he can pitch at all.

 

He's last guy anyone should be complaining about. He's a warrior.

781414[/snapback]

 

I agree totally. My comment about him not being able to pitch on consecutive days was not a slight to him in any way. I'm still trying to remember where I heard that. I'm thinking it was during an ESPN telecast of a game but could've read it somewhere. But yeah, the fact that this guy can get out there at all is amazing.

Mecir can pitch on consecutive days... he just can't pitch more then 1 inning.. which isn't a problem... and I'm sure if it came down to it, he would probably take one for the team and pitch an extra inning. The only players that really go 1+ is are people used in long relief and Mecir isn't long relief.

 

Graves is overrated... he got so much press for the fast start he had last year and other then the first two months of last year, he's been terribly unreliable. His career year last year was what, an opponenets batting average of .282? Give me a break! I don't want him at all.

He is better than Karsay (who a lot of us were excited about), and he did earn a save against us in the one game that the Reds won against us this year. Can't say it would hurt us to make an offer...

From today's Sun-Sentinel:

 

"ANOTHER OPTION?

 

Danny Graves is ready to make a South Florida return.

 

Designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds Monday, the former University of Miami standout has told associates he hopes to land with the Marlins.

 

He doesn't have a choice, at least for the next 10 days. That's how long the Reds have to trade him before putting him on waivers for the purpose of releasing him. The Reds would likely swallow the bulk of Graves' remaining 2005 salary, about $4.5 million, in return for a minor-leaguer.

 

Graves is in the final year of a three-year, $17.25 million deal with the Reds, with whom he lost favor due to a 7.76 ERA and making an obscene gesture to a fan after his latest rough outing Sunday.

 

A right-hander, Graves has 10 saves in 12 chances and played for manager Jack McKeon in Cincinnati. In addition, he was one of pitching coach Mark Wiley's charges in 1996-97 with the Indians.

 

If Graves is not acquired via trade and he clears waivers, he is free to sign with anyone for the prorated league minimum (about $225,000)."

For the minimum salary, why not sign him and give it a shot if/when he becomes a free agent? It's not a major risk. If he doesn't do the job, send him on his way. The potential reward outweighs any potential risk.

Since you can never have enough pitching, I'd take him, even though his speed is down. We dont need him to close here which might work for him.

AP's take on it -

 

Danny Graves Move Stuns Reds Players

 

By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer

 

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

(05-24) 01:44 PDT CINCINNATI (AP) --

 

If the Cincinnati Reds were looking to shake things up by getting rid of closer Danny Graves, they succeeded.

 

The clubhouse was visibly shaken.

 

Players sat in folding chairs, staring blankly ahead, a few minutes after learning that Graves had been designated for assignment on Monday, ending his career in Cincinnati.

 

"To give up on a guy like Danny Graves ? I just can't believe it," first baseman Sean Casey said.

 

Graves couldn't believe it, either. He intended to arrive at the ballpark and apologize to fans for making an obscene hand gesture to one of them following his poor ninth-inning performance the previous day.

 

He never expected to be packing his laptop and the rest of his belongings in his locker.

 

"I feel like I've been given up on," Graves said. "It's a shock to me."

 

It was one final shock to a career-turning month.

 

Graves criticized fans for booing after the bullpen blew a six-run, ninth-inning lead against St. Louis on May 2. After that, the closer got rough treatment from fans every time he stepped on the field. The catcalls were as loud as ever Sunday when Graves gave up five ninth-inning runs in a 9-2 loss to Cleveland.

 

Graves walked off the field with his head down, got a drink in the dugout and then walked toward the steps to the clubhouse. One fan in the high-priced seats kept heckling him. Graves said that when he heard a profanity, he yelled back and made the hand gesture.

 

A day later, he was gone.

 

"A lot of the off-field emotions had something to do with it, and last night when I flipped the man off had something to do with it," Graves said. "A fan cussed at me. I regret doing it. I planned on apologizing today."

 

General manager Dan O'Brien said it had more to do with Graves' pitching than with his gesture. Graves' ERA was 7.76, and he had given up nine runs in his last three appearances covering 2 2-3 innings.

 

"I did hear about the incident after the fact, but the bottom line was Danny's performance, and the deterioration in that was the final ingredient," O'Brien said.

 

Manager Dave Miley watched Graves get worse as the fans' taunts grew louder.

 

"It became a confidence factor," Miley said. "His confidence has been shaken in the month of May, and we weren't comfortable bringing him in certain situations. We weren't seeing what we were accustomed to seeing."

 

Graves' teammates suspected he wasn't at full health, contributing to his problems. Rather than get rid of him, they thought the team should have done more to help a pitcher who is the club's career saves leader and was willing to do whatever was asked.

 

"It's just shocking," Casey said. "The only thing that bugs me about this whole thing is that Danny Graves has been so loyal for eight years to this organization. Anytime a manager has asked him to take the ball, he's never said no. He's never complained. You never heard a gripe out of him. You never heard anything out of him.

 

"I just think it's wrong. He's a guy you try to find answers for, to see if everything's OK with his shoulder."

 

Graves, 31, maintains he hasn't fully recovered from 2003, when he agreed to try to help the team by becoming a starting pitcher for the first time in his career. He went 4-15 and wore down, losing velocity off his 94 mph fastball. He hasn't gotten it back ? he's been throwing 88 mph.

 

"I changed roles and probably ruined my career," Graves said. "I don't know. I don't have the answers."

 

Graves is in the final guaranteed year of a $17.25 million, three-year deal, making a base salary of $6.25 million. If he clears waivers, a club could sign him for a prorated share of the $316,000 minimum, with the Reds paying the remainder of his salary.

 

Graves' teammates pointed out that there were a lot more problems than just the closer. Cincinnati was 16-28 following a 5-3 win Monday over Washington.

 

"We've pitched terrible, I've pitched terrible," said starter Paul Wilson, who is 1-5 with a 7.77 ERA. "And Danny is taking the brunt of it. This hurts. This hurts a great deal. There's nothing Danny's done or said that would give them enough reason to do this."

Here's the Herald's say:

 

GRAVES NOT LIKELY

 

The Marlins likely won't pursue former University of Miami reliever Danny Graves, who was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds. Graves, 31, an All-Star last year and a favorite of Marlins manager Jack McKeon, is 1-1 with a 7.76 ERA. But he also had 10 saves, giving him a club-record 182 for his career.

 

The Reds have 10 days to try to work out a trade for Graves, though the right-hander's $6.25 million salary likely will lead teams to wait for the Reds to place him on waivers, after which a club could sign him for a prorated share of the $316,000 minimum salary, with the Reds paying the remainder of his salary.

 

 

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