Reds reload roster
Worried their rickety bullpen was dragging them out of playoff contention, the Cincinnati Reds swung an eight-player trade Thursday, with Washington getting relievers Gary Majewski and Bill Bray but giving up two everyday players.
The Reds gave up right fielder Austin Kearns and shortstop Felipe Lopez, hoping to shore up one of the majors’ worst bullpens.
“We paid a steep price,” Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. “I’m sure this will be a controversial trade. I know a lot of people will be leaving nasty messages on my voicemail, and I’ll have some who think it’s great.”
Besides right-handed Majewski and lefty Bray, the Reds acquired shortstop Royce Clayton, infielder Brendan Harris and pitching prospect Daryl Thompson. The 36-year-old Clayton, will take over at shortstop for Lopez, who made his first All-Star team last year.
The Reds also gave up reliever Ryan Wagner, a first-round draft pick in 2003. Nationals general manager Jim Bowden acquired all three players when he ran the Reds.
Yankees pick up Ponson
Sidney Ponson is about to get another chance, this time with the New York Yankees. Ponson was cut by the St. Louis Cardinals last week and the Yankees expect to sign the talented-but-troubled pitcher today.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the deal “made sense, compared to everything else that was available to us.”
Once among baseball’s more promising pitchers, Ponson’s career was derailed by alcohol problems. Baltimore released him last September during a $22.5 million, three-year contract, saying his behavior gave them grounds to terminate his deal.
The 29-year-old righty was 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA for St. Louis.
“I think he’s capable, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he does well,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa manager said.
Ponson is set to make his first start for the Yankees on Tuesday night at home against Seattle. The Yankees will pay between $150,000 and $175,000 to sign Ponson for the rest of the season.
Huff back home in Houston
Aubrey Huff figured a ticket out of Tampa Bay was inevitable. Even so, he was surprised to end up in such a familiar place.
Huff was in the lineup for the Houston Astros on Thursday night, batting fifth and playing third base against the Florida Marlins.
A day earlier, the Devil Rays traded him to Houston for two minor leaguers and cash. The deal sent him back to the state where he played high school and junior college ball.
“I was expecting it (a trade) to happen by the deadline for sure somewhere, but I wasn’t sure where,” Huff said. “It kind of surprised me it was Houston, but I’m glad it is.”
Kubel, Ford out of action
Minnesota Twins left fielder Jason Kubel was scratched from Thursday night’s lineup because of soreness in both knees. During the fifth inning of the 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians, Lew Ford, his replacement, strained a muscle in his right side swinging at a pitch. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list after the game.