Press Clippings December 6, 2012

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Bronson Arroyo: Chapman starting will be ‘very difficult’ By dclark | 12/5/2012 8:07 PM ET

Reds starting Bronson Arroyo said he thinks teammate Aroldis Chapman is better suited to be a closer for the Reds than a starter as the team intends to use him since signing Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21 million deal.

Arroyo had this to say about Chapman during a conversation this afternoon with Eddie and Tracy on 700 WLW:

Honestly, you know, I don’t want to stick a thorn into anybody’s side, but I find it difficult to think he’s going to be able to pull it off as a starter. Just because what makes him special is that he throws so hard. And if you’re going to have to throw 180 to 200 innings, you know, the velocity is definitely going to come down and, you know, he has a little bit of command problems, and he hasn’t really been able to identify a second pitch that he can throw consistently.

So when you add all those things up, to me it’s going to be it’s going to be very difficult for him to start. That being said, you know, maybe he can go out there and throw, because is honestly one of the greatest specimens of an athlete I’ve ever seen. This guy is built like Usain Bolt. He probably could have been at the tops in any sport that somebody would have shown him as a little kid.

Maybe he can pull off throwing 96, 97, 98 for seven innings and get away with mostly throwing fastballs like a guy like David Price does but, ah, you know, I’m not sure.

Definitely (throwing fast) is what’s made him successful. Without question. And it doesn’t mean that he can’t translate it over to being a starting pitcher but … people don’t realize what a grind it is to go out there and actually take the ball for seven innings. Because when you come out of the bullpen, you can ride on adrenaline for three outs a lot. And you can’t do that as a starter, you know, it’s such a marathon. And you’ve gotta pace yourself. And there’s just situations you’re going to get into early in a ballgame. And you just can’t afford to blow out everything you have to save something for a little bit later. And find ways to get outs without having to go balls to the wall. And you know all those things come with maturity and with time and being in those situations a lot.

And he’s not battle-tested but obviously the organization, um, wants to give it a shot.

Here’s the podcast that includes the chat with Arroyo:

Eddie and Tracy later talked to Reds reliever Sam LeCure, who said he doesn’t disagree with Arroyo:

Number one, I love that about Bronson, dude, he just says whatever he’s thinking. That guy’s a very cool dude. … Sometime’s it’s not what you want to hear but I really respect that about him. So that’s that.

Number two, you know, I don’t know, I feel like I would kind of side with Bronson a little bit. It’s not that he doesn’t have the stuff to do it it’s just that he hasn’t had the innings to go out there and kind of refine the third pitch. You know, a lot of times you can say there’s a lot of great two-pitch guys in the bullpen. … I’m sure whatever he’s gonna throw up there is gonna be good. I think there’s gonna be some growing pains.

I just worry that people are going to expect him to go out there and have a 1.51 ERA and strike out 400 people and walk 12, you know what I mean. It’s just not that way. … I’m worried that the expectations are going to be too great. I think he’ll be successful. I don’t think he’s going to be as successful for another two or three years as people are going to expect him to be right out of the gate.

Reds' winter meetings progress at a crawl By John Fay | 12/5/2012 11:37 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Reds manager Walt Jocketty came to the winter meetings thinking things would get done.

After three days, not so much.

“The last three days have been really slow,” Jocketty said. “When we got here there was a lot optimism, a lot of momentum. It really slowed down.”

The meetings end today with the Rule 5 draft at 9 a.m. There’s a very good chance the Reds will go home without making a major move at the meetings for the fourth straight year. The Reds haven’t made a trade at the meetings since they obtained catcher Ramon Hernandez for Ryan Freel and Justin Turner in 2008.

It was more of the same Day 3 at the winter meetings:

The Reds did not close the deal with left fielder Ryan Ludwick.

And they’ve gotten nowhere with leadoff.

Things continue to progress with Ludwick.

“I had a conversation with (Ludwick’s) agent today,” Jocketty said. “And I spoke with Ludwick. We’re still a little ways apart. Hopefully, we’ll get something resolved.”

The Reds will have an answer soon.

“We’re going to figure it out one way or another this week,” Jocketty said. “I think he wants to get it resolved too.”

Ludwick would have to undergo a physical. There’s a chance a deal could be announced at Redsfest, which is Friday and Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

“That would be nice,” Jocketty said.

As for leadoff, the Reds have not made progress.

Jocketty shot down a rumor that the Reds and Rockies had been talking.

The Reds and the Arizona Diamondbacks have talked. But Arizona GM Kevin Towers told Arizona writers pretty much what Jocketty told Cincinnati writers: They’ve talked, there’s interest, but no fit yet.

The D-Backs are looking at moving an outfielder.

If the Reds don’t sign Ludwick, Jason Kubel could be a fallback option.

The same is true of Justin Upton, but Upton’s contract makes that deal more difficult on the Reds’ end. Upton makes $14.25 million in ’14 and $14.5 million in ’15.

But Upton’s or Kubel’s price would be steep in terms of players given up.

“We’re trying to make our club better,” Towers told Arizona writers. “The only way we’ve discussed Justin or Kubel is really addressing another area of need. If it’s a front-of-the-rotation starter, a shortstop.

“If we’re going to do something, it’ll be a deal where our club is going to be better. We’re not looking to add prospects to our system. We’re not rebuilding. Any deal that we do is really with a focus on the 2013 club being better.”

Gerardo Parra could be a fit even if the Reds sign Ludwick. He’s a good defender. He could leadoff. And he’s cheap.

The have looked at trading Shin-Soo Choo. He had solid numbers – .283/.373/.441 – but he’s a free agent after the 2013 season. He’s another fallback player if the Reds don’t sign Ludwick. Choo played right field exclusively the last three years, but he could shift to left.

Boston is said to be trying to move Jacoby Ellsbury. Like Choo, he’s a free agent after this year. He hit .271/.313/.371 last year after hitting .321/.376/.552 in 2010.

Could Reds trade for Jacoby Ellsbury? By dclark | 12/5/2012 5:45 PM ET

There’s been significant buzz from Reds fans on Twitter about Jacoby Ellsbury, possibly fueled by Buster Olney’s earlier blog post ranking the Reds No. 2 among teams that would be a good fit for Ellsbury.

From Olney’s blog post:

(The Reds) could use a leadoff hitter and a center fielder and they have some depth in their rotation, especially with Aroldis Chapman slated to make the transition from the bullpen into the starting five. Homer Bailey made great strides in the second half of last season, posting a 3.21 ERA — in fact, the Reds have talked to him about an extension. He could be a fit for the Red Sox. Maybe Mike Leake, still early in his career, could interest Boston. It all depends on how they evaluate the Cincinnati staff. The Reds also have Mat Latos, but it’s hard to imagine Cincinnati swapping the talented right-hander for a one-year rental, given all that they traded for him last winter.

CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) also Tweeted this earlier:

#redsox seem willing to talk about just about anyone, even lester and ellsbury. very active here #obvs

Our own John Fay (@johnfayman) Tweeted earlier about Ellsbury, including the following:

On the money issue: #reds did not talk to either victorino or pagan, who were fits, because of money. Ellsbury will make similar money.

RT @J_Howe_Votto_19 any word on if the reds might try to trade for ellsbury?//going to make $9 million or so. That’s problematic for reds

In just 303 at-bats in 2012, Ellsbury hit .271 with four homers and 26 RBIs with 14 stolen bases. The year before, he finished second in American League MVP voting after hitting .321 with 32 homers and 105 RBIs with 119 runs scored, 212 hits, 39 stolen bases and a .928 OPS!

He turned 29 three months ago. He made $8.05M last year and will be second-year arbitration eligible in 2013.

Late this afternoon on 700 WLW, Tracy Jones told Reds reliever Sam LeCure that he was hearing that the Reds were interested in Ellsbury (but didn’t cite a source). LeCure responded by saying it was the first he’s heard of it but did express that it would be exciting to have a player like Ellsbury in center field at GABP.

Rolen undecided By John Fay | 12/5/2012 12:33 PM ET

Seth Levinson, Scott Rolen’s agent, confirmed that Rolen is undecided about whether he’ll play next year or retire.

Rolen is going to give it some more time before deciding.

I think the Reds would be open to Rolen in some role. But, given that he’s missed roughly half of the games the last two years, they’ve got to proceed as if Todd Frazier is their .

Arizona and the Reds By John Fay | 12/5/2012 12:59 PM ET

Arizona GM Kevin Towers told Arizona writers pretty much what Walt Jocketty told us: They’ve talked, there’s interest, but no fit yet.

The D-Backs are looking at moving an outfielder.

I think a lot depends on Ludwick. If he doesn’t sign, Jason Kubel is a fallback option.

The same is true of Justin Upton, although Upton’s money makes that deal more difficult on the Reds end. But upon further review, the Reds may be able to handle Upton’s $14.25 million salary in ’14 and $14.5 in ’15. How? Joey Votto actually makes more this year ($17 million) than ’14 ($12 million) and ’15 ($14 million).

But Upton’s price would be steep in terms of players given up.

“We’re trying to make our club better,” Towers said. “The only way we’ve discussed Justin or Kubel is really addressing another area of need. If it’s a front of the rotation starter, a shortstop.

“If we’re going to do something, it’ll be a deal where our club is going to be better. We’re not looking to add prospects to our system. We’re not rebuilding. Any deal that we do is really with a focus on the 2013 club being better.”

Gerardo Parra, to me, is a fit even if they sign Ludwick. He’s a good defender. He could hit leadoff. And he’s cheap.

Leake will prepare as a starter By John Fay | 12/5/2012 5:58 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mike Leake will prepare at starter, despite the fact that Aroldis Chapman is moving to rotation.

“I talked to his agent,” Walt Jocketty said. “Bryan Price talked to him. He’ll stay as a starter. It’s something that probably won’t be determined until . We’ll see how it shakes out.”

Leake went 8-9 with a 4.58 ERA this season.

Seventy-eight of Leake’s 83 major league appearances have been as a starter. He is 28-21 with a 4.10 ERA as a starter and 0-1 with a 17.36 ERA as a reliever.

LOOKING AT HANNARAN: Jocketty confirmed the Reds have talked to Jack Hannahan about a utility role.

Hannahan, 32-year-old left-handed hitter, hit .244/.312/.341 with four home runs and 29 RBI in 318 at-bat for Cleveland last year. He played mostly third, but he also played seven games at shortstop. He can first base as well.

RULE 5: The Reds will probably continue their streak of not picking anyone in the major phase of the Rule 5 draft. The draft is tomorrow at 9 a.m. The Reds have not picked anyone in the big league phase since 2007.

“There’s a couple of guys we looked at the major league level,” Jocketty said. “I’m not sure if we’ll do it or not. We’ll probably pick some guys in the minor phase.”

The Reds pick second last.

“If guys are as good as we think they are, they probably aren’t going to be there,” Jocketty said.

It cost $50,000 to pick a player in the Rule 5. If he doesn’t stay on the 25-man roster all year, he must be offered back at $25,000.

Reds have interest in Hannahan By John Fay | 12/5/2012 10:53 AM ET

The Reds have talked to Jack Hannahan. He hit .244/.312/.341 with four home runs and 29 RBI in 318 at-bat for Cleveland last year. He played mostly third, but he also played seven games at shortstop. He can first base as well.

He’s a 32-year-old, left-handed hitter. The Reds need bench help.

Votto honored (or honoured) again By John Fay | 12/5/2012 11:26 AM ET

Joey Votto won the Tip O’Neill Award for the third straight year. The award goes to the top Canadian baseball player. In the release about the award, Votto indicated he will play in the World Baseball Classic:

“I thank the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for recognizing my contributions to our division championship team,” Votto said. “This spring, I am very much looking forward to representing our country in the World Baseball Classic and having the opportunity again to play alongside the best baseball players in Canada.”

Redsfest: Baseball's winter party By John Kiesewetter | 12/5/2012 9:51 AM ET

Nothing eases the pain of the Reds' disappointing playoff collapse (again) than the first sure sign of the new baseball season – Redsfest!

Reds fans of all ages can have fun celebrating the good times last summer: fabulous rookies Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier; flame-throwers Aroldis Chapman, Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos; and heavy hitters Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Ryan Hanigan.

All will be at the Duke Energy Convention Center for the annual fan festival, along with 60 more current and former players, coaches, minor league stars and broadcasters.

“It’s the highlight of the off-season,” says Reds broadcaster . “Year in and year out, it gets bigger and bigger, and comes up with new things to appeal to people.”

Hours: 3-10:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown.

Redsfest grows again this year to 250,000 square feet on three floors, the biggest ever. Here’s the scoop on Fox Sports Ohio Redfest presented by PNC Bank to benefit the Reds Community Fund:

Kids Stuff: The Reds Heads Fun Zone moves to the third level after years on the main floor. Kids will find the batting cage, speed pitch, inflatable playthings, story-time sessions with players, circus performers, a photo opportunity with Santa, live music and arcade games. Parents will find a lounge area.

Lineup: Also confirmed to attend are Manager Dusty Baker, Bronson Arroyo, Chris Heisey, J.J. Hoover, Mike Leake, Sam LeCure, Sean Marshall, Devin Mesoraco, Xavier Paul and . Votto and Frazier will be there Friday only.

Minor League Player of the Year Billy Hamilton leads the list of future stars which includes Tony Cingrani, Daniel Corcino and Tucker Barnhart.

Among the 20 Reds alumni are Eric Davis, Joe Morgan, Dave Parker, Jack Billingham, Leo Cardenas, Wayne Granger, Tommy Helms, Jim Maloney, Jim O’Toole and Ron Oester.

The updated list of confirmed attendees is available at reds.com/redsfest.

On stage: All current and former players will be introduced on the Main Stage at 5:30 p.m. Friday, before a welcome by Reds President and CEO Bob Castellini at 5:57 p.m.

Other highlights: The kids-only press conference starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the team awards (7:30 p.m.), a Hot Stove League discussion (8:10 p.m.) and the Live Wax concert (9:15 p.m.).

Brennaman hosts a chat with former players at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, and Arroyo wraps up Redfest with a 5:15 p.m. concert Saturday.

The full schedule posted at reds.com/redsfest will be on info screens at Redsfest.

Autographs: Over 100 player autograph and photograph sessions are free with a Redsfest general admission ticket. Specific times for player appearances will be announced 30 minutes prior to the sessions on Redsfest info screens and on the Reds official Twitter account @Reds.

Freebies: The first 10,000 fans each day receive a free Reds winter headband and drawstring backpack. Fans buying two-day tickets ($25; $12 for 12 and younger) receive one free View Level ticket to the Reds-Angels Opening Night game April 3.

Media row: In the new “Reds Connect Zone” on the main floor, fans can watch Reds radio affiliates interview players and chat with bloggers Jamie Ramsey (“Better Off Red”) and Dallas Latos (“So I Married a Baseball Player”).

More fame: The 1975, 1976 and 1990 World Series trophies and other artifacts will be displayed in an expanded Reds Hall of Fame & Museum section on the main floor.

Memorabilia: Baseball cards, balls, bats, hats jerseys, pictures, posters, yearbooks, toys and other collectibles will be available at dozens of dealers tables.

Deal me in: Once again you can watch someone win an autographed jersey off a Reds player’s back in the sold-out Reds Community Fund Celebrity Poker Tournament on the third floor Saturday.

Registration and side games start at 3 p.m. before they start dealing Texas Hold ’Em at 4 p.m. Spectator tickets ($45) include food and two drink tickets.

Go to bat for Sandy victims

Reds fans can help Todd Frazier’s New Jersey hometown recover from Hurricane Sandy by contributing to a huge piggy bank on the Redsfest main floor.

Toms River, N.J., near the Atlantic coast took a direct hit from the Oct. 29 super storm.

The Toms River East Little League indoor baseball facility has been turned into a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief center, providing food and clothes to residents.

Frazier, a star for the Toms River team which won the Little League World Series in 1998, has been coordinating efforts to help the Presbyterian Church of Tom’s River, which he attends, and the Toms River East Little League.

The indoor baseball facility was renamed the Frazier Field House Saturday to honor the Frazier family. Todd’s older brothers Charlie and Jeff also played for Toms River East and were drafted by major-league teams.

MLB.COM

Jocketty: Ludwick talks continuing amid quiet scene Activity at Meetings slowing, Reds could have free-agent infielder Hannahan on radar By Mark Sheldon | 12/5/2012 6:20 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Reds' efforts to re-sign free-agent left fielder Ryan Ludwick continued on Wednesday during the third day of the Winter Meetings. But a deal wasn't quite in reach yet.

"We had a conversation with his agent today. And I spoke with Ludwick," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We're still a little ways apart. I hope we get something resolved."

Jocketty has not set a deadline on ending talks to speed up negotiations.

"We're going to figure it out one way or another in the next couple of days," Jocketty said. "I think he wants to get it resolved too."

Before any deal with Ludwick could be completed, the 34-year-old would have to take a physical.

If the Reds were to sign Ludwick quickly, they could have something to reveal this weekend during Redsfest, when much of the team is in town.

"That would be nice," Jocketty said.

As far as other developments, there have been precious few regarding the Reds. There were talks held with the representative for free-agent infielder Jack Hannahan. The Reds are believed to be one of multiple clubs looking at Hannahan, who could fill a utility role for them.

A veteran of four clubs over his six seasons, Hannahan batted .244 with four home runs and 29 RBIs in 105 games for the Indians. He's a left-handed hitter and has most of his experience at third base.

As for Cincinnati's top priority of landing a leadoff hitter, nothing has been fruitful.

"That's been less productive the last 48 hours," Jocketty said.

There was some hallway speculation again that the Reds and Rockies were discussing a deal for leadoff hitter and center fielder Dexter Fowler. That was shot down by the Reds, however. Colorado continues to be interested in acquiring Major League ready starting pitching.

With last week's signing of Jonathan Broxton, and the Reds expecting to move Aroldis Chapman from closer to a starter, it would seem that fifth starter Mike Leake is a logical trade chip.

Leake still seems to be in the club's plans, though, and there are currently no thoughts of converting him to a reliever. Jocketty spoke to Leake's agent this week and pitching coach Bryan Price has spoken to Leake.

"He'll still probably be a starter for now," Jocketty said. "It's something we'll determine in Spring Training and see how it shakes out."

Jocketty wished there was more going on in Nashville. He even left the suite to visit the baseball trade show in the hotel for the first time in years because things had gotten so quiet.

"The last two days have been really slow," Jocketty said. "I talked to some other clubs, too. They're saying the same thing. There was a lot of optimism and a lot of momentum when we first got here. It has really slowed down. I'm not sure why. This place is so big, you never see anybody."

About two leadoff guys (From Mark Sheldon’s “Mark My Word” Blog) By Mark Sheldon | 12/5/2012 7:56 PM ET

As the Reds have had little luck in talks about leadoff hitters, I’ve gotten several questions this week about Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury.

I would say that the chances of Boston moving Ellsbury are slim, especially if they don’t go after Josh Hamilton. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington told reporters as much today.

According to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal, trading Ellsbury is “not our intent,” said Cherington. “We’re expecting him to have a good year in 2013 and be a big part of what we’re doing.”

Ellsbury agent Scott Boras held court with reporters and was asked if a “sign and trade” was doable.

“I do what Jacoby Ellsbury tells me to do,” Boras said. “And I think Jacoby is at this point focused on playing in Boston and seeing where things go after this year. I’m sure Ben and I will be talking about his contract here in January, and until we’re told otherwise, that’s the focus of it.”

Boras was also asked a lot about Michael Bourn, whom he viewed as a “franchise guy.”

“I think there are a number of teams that feel Michael Bourn is the centerpiece of what they want to do,” Boras said. “Atlanta was not a playoff team until he got there in ’12. They weren’t in ’11. A lot of teams have come to me and said they viewed him as the core of the Atlanta team. So I think Michael’s… being a quality leadoff hitter, having speed, and just having the defensive dominance. For a pitching staff to gain that many more outs, it just enhances the investment you made in your pitching. And it also provides for the core of the lineup, that guy who’s just constantly on second base and gives them the ability to score more runs. He’s really a key guy for success.”

More from Boras on Bourn:

“I think that the value of a player, to me, is represented upon his standing among his peers. So when you take out the metrics of the game, the performance, the great thing about Michael is that his consistency is greater than all. His defensive acumen, there’s just a huge separation between him and every other player at that position. And offensively, he provides the leadoff spot. I think if you have center field, you have leadoff, and your 3-4-5 hitter, there aren’t many of those in the game. Those all add premiums to him that most of the other players in this market don’t have.”

**My translation for the Reds: Bourn’s price is too high for them.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS

Hall of Fame ballot is in my hands By Hal McCoy | 12/5/2012 8:52 PM ET

NOTES OFF A cuff stained with salad dressing because my wife is making me mix my own southwestern salad every night for dinner.

PEOPLE ASK ALL the time what I do in the off-season and I like what I recently read what Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby once said.

“People ask me what I do in the winter when there is no baseball,” he said. “I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

LAST MONDAY, life was good for my nephew Michael Mitchell’s effervescent wife, Debbie, a revered member of her church and an active soccer mom in Barberton near Akron.

That’s when pounding headaches sent her to Urgent Care and a hospital emergency room three days in a row. They gave her medication and sent her home.

On Friday she suffered a seizure while driving and the 42-year-old mother of two ended up in the hospital. Late Friday night she passed away from a blood clot in her brain.

As a donor, she provided body parts for five people, but she left Mike and his two sons way too soon.

A message? Enjoy the moment. Take nothing for granted. Be thankful for every day you walk the face of this earth.

BASEBALL’S WINTER MEETINGS conclude Thursday and so far the Cincinnati Reds have done nothing but occupy hotel space in the sprawling Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

The place is so massive (and it’s all under roof) that the two times I attended previous winter meetings there I feared leaving my room for fear I’d never find it again. And that was when I good see.

Just because the Reds don’t do anything at the meetings, fear not. It was last year AFTER the winter meetings that General Manager Walt Jocketty made trades to acquire pitches Mat Latos and Sean Marhsall and signed free agent Ryan Ludwick.

As teams who do nothing at the meetings like to say, “We laid a lot of groundwork for future deals.”

THE HALL OF FAME ballot arrived in the mail this week — the most difficult ballot I’ve ever seen.

Why? Because the Titanic Trio is on the ballot — the iconic threesome of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa.

All three have the statistical accomplishments that normally gains a player quick induction into the Hall of Fame.

Normally. These are not normal times.

All three are associated with PED’s, performance enhancement drugs. There is one word attached to all three. Cheaters.

They cheated to gain unfair advantage. What is so sad about the entire controversy is that none of the three needed an unfair advantage. All three were talented enough to perform well enough to make the Hall of Fame without using PEDs.

It was enlightening to hear on the MLB Network that several Hall of Famers said they are considering boycotting the 2013 Cooperstown Induction ceremonies if any of the Taboo Trio is elected.

There are only 70 surviving Hall of Famers and about 60 of them are regulars at the ceremony. A large absentee list would make a mockery of the ceremonies, a potential unfortunate occurrence because Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown is the best weekend in baseball.

A possible boycott, of course, won’t (or shouldn’t) sway voters one way or another as to whether to vote for Bonds, Clemens and Sosa.

Fans often ask me about Gaylord Perry, a Hall of Famer who is an admitted cheater, a guy who wrote a book entitled, “Me and the Spitter,” a tell-all on how he used baseballs loaded up with illegal substances to get batters out.

Is there any difference between applying illegal substances to baseball than applying illegal substances on your body (or in it)? Yeah, there is a big difference, but both are cheating.

My answer? I didn’t vote for Gaylord Perry.

And when I send in my ballot in the next couple of days, there will no ‘X’s’ in the boxes next to Bonds, Clemens and Sosa.

There are 37 names on the ballot and electors are permitted to for up to 10. They don’t have to vote for 10. They can vote for none (but no votes counts as one vote against everybody on the ballot) or one or two or as many as they want up to 10.

I’ve never voted for as many as 10. Depending on the ballot I usually vote for three, four or five.

Other that knowing I won’t vote for the Troubled Trio, I haven’t finalized my ballot.

Oh, yeah. Mark McGwire is still on the ballot, too, for the seventh time,. He is 0 for 6 on my ballot and it will be 0 for 7.

In the past I’ve voted for Lee Smith, Jack Morris and Edgar Martinez, so I’ll stick with those three. And after more study, maybe two or three more — none named Barry, Roger or Sammy.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Larkin: Drug cheats do not belong in Hall of Fame By Howard Rumberg | 12/6/2012 4:35 AM ET

NEW YORK (AP) — wants to keep baseball's most exclusive club clean.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer after a 19-year career with the Cincinnati Reds, Larkin told The Associated Press in a phone interview Wednesday that players who cheat shouldn't receive baseball's highest individual honor.

"I think if you cheated, no, you don't deserve it because I know how difficult it was for me to get there and how difficult it was for me just to compete on an everyday basis," Larkin said. "I think if you cheated I think you made a decision and I don't think you belong."

Larkin was in New York to sign items that will be auctioned off as part of Steiner Sports' 25th anniversary. All the proceeds of the online auction will go to charities that are supporting families affected by Superstorm Sandy.

The 1995 NL MVP was speaking about a month ahead of the voting results for next year's Hall class. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are all up for selection for the first time.

Ultimately, Larkin thinks the players who used performance enhancers will be kept out of Cooperstown just as Pete Rose has been denied admission because he is banned for life for gambling on the sport.

"I look at what has happened with Pete Rose. Pete Rose is not a Hall of Fame player, banned from baseball. But if you go up to the Hall of Fame all of his records, his bats, everything in is represented in the Hall of Fame — 4,256 (hits)," Larkin said. "I see a very similar thing happening with guys that are associated with or been accused of using steroids. I think they will recognize their accomplishments but I don't think those players will be admitted to the Hall of Fame."

Larkin spent nearly his entire career playing in the Steroids Era. And he doesn't want to jump to conclusions about the stars he played against. The three-time Gold Glove shortstop would like to see baseball offer definitive guidance on who has done performance enhancers and who has not before admonishing them.

"There can't be this hearsay. If you can prove it, then that's what it is," said Larkin, who will manage Brazil in March's World Baseball Classic. "If you can't prove it you're innocent until proven guilty."

These days, the 12-time All-Star discusses the dangers of steroid use with many of the young players he helps support through his Barry Larkin Charitable Foundation.

With a team in New Jersey, the Jersey City Reds, and two more on the way, one in Orlando — where he currently lives — and another in his hometown of Cincinnati, Larkin has ample opportunity to dissuade young athletes from using illegal substances.

"We talk about not cheating, we talk about shortcuts," Larkin said. "These kids are impressionable. They're very aware."

TRANSACTIONS

Wednesday's Sports Transactions By The Associated Press December 5, 2012

Major League Baseball

American League

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: Agreed to terms with OF Lew Ford, OF Conor Jackson, OF Jason Pridie, RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Adam Russell, C Allan De San Miguel, C Jose Gil, C Chris Robinson and LHP Jan Novak on minor league contracts.

DETROIT TIGERS: Traded LHP Andy Oliver to Pittsburgh for C Ramon Cabrera.

TEXAS RANGERS: Agreed to terms with OF Chih-Hsien Chiang on a minor league contract.

National League

ATLANTA BRAVES: Exercised the 2014 option on manager Fredi Gonzalez. Named Dave Holliday and Brad Sloan special assistants to the general manager/major league scouts. Promoted Don Chiti to special assistant to the general manager/pitching development and special assignment. Agreed to terms with C Jose Yepez and C Matt Pagnozzi on minor league contracts.