Press Clippings December 4, 2015

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1988 - The Reds sign Rick Mahler of the Braves as a free-agent. Mahler would play two seasons in Cincinnati, going 16-19 with a 4.00 ERA during 355.1 .

MLB.COM Redsfest set to connect organization with fans By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

CINCINNATI -- It takes more than several days to convert the Duke Energy Convention Center into a baseball paradise for Reds fans, and the finishing touches of that effort were being made Thursday for 2015 Redsfest this weekend.

Work crews were assembling displays, booths, elements for the main stage and more. Analogically fitting, the Reds themselves have a roster that is being worked on this winter for a rebuilding effort into 2016 -- and stretching possibly into 2017.

Cincinnati, which is coming off a 98-loss, last-place 2015 season, is actively exploring trades of some key players soon approaching free agency -- closer Aroldis Chapman is drawing plenty of interest -- as it focuses on the long term.

Meanwhile, events like Redsfest, and the Reds Caravan in January, remain vital for the club to promote itself, its message and to provide a more personal relationship between fans and players.

"It's a reminder of why we do the things we do, to stay connected in the community and not just hide and stop talking to the media and put your head in the sand until it all gets better," Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini said. "These fans are with us through thick and thin, and we're going to be there for them. I don't cancel Redsfest because we've had a bad season. It's for the fans. It's about the fans. And this is a great way for the fans to connect to the franchise and the players."

More than 80 current and former Reds players, coaches and broadcasters are scheduled to appear at Redsfest, which runs from 3- 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Joey Votto, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips are just some of the attendees. There will also be a large collection of Minor Leaguers, including the organization's top three prospects -- Jesse Winker, Robert Stephenson and Amir Garrett.

The rebuilding does not make selling the experience of Redsfest any harder for Castellini and his staff.

"Not really. It's always about the connection. The connection today might be a little more of a focus on, 'Who's next?'" Castellini said. "That's exciting, especially for these young kids playing the game. It's exciting to be able to watch a guy get drafted, get into our system, go from [Class A] to Double-A to Triple-A and come to the Majors. If you're a kid that's been following those guys through our Minor League system, it's pretty exciting to watch them come all the way through."

One of those types of young players is starting Michael Lorenzen. Although he was a first-time Major Leaguer last season, this will be Lorenzen's third time attending Redsfest.

"When I get the opportunity to be face to face with everyone, it's the best part of the year for me," Lorenzen said. "I look forward to it every year."

For fellow pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, this year will mark his first time as a participant. DeSclafani was acquired in a trade with the Marlins for Mat Latos during the Winter Meetings in 2014, less than a week after Redsfest.

"The fan interaction is probably going to be the best that I've been a part of," DeSclafani said. "I've heard this is a big to-do in the city of Cincinnati. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything works and how much fun everybody is going to have."

For more information about Redsfest, go to reds.com/redsfest.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Lorenzen is a big fan of the fans, Redsfest By C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @ctrent

Last year at Redsfest, Michael Lorenzen heard someone walk by his table and say, "who is Michael Lorenzen?"

"I was like, that's right, that's me," Lorenzen said on Thursday, a day before this year's version of the team's winter event starts at the Duke Energy Center. "Maybe this year there will be more people that know who I am."

They should. The 23-year-old right-hander appeared in 27 games with 21 starts last year, just two years after the team took him in the first round of the 2013 draft.

As the outgoing type, Lorenzen enjoys the atmosphere of Redsfest and is going to stay in Cincinnati for a couple of weeks to visit schools and hospitals before returning to his native California.

"I play to have an impact on people, so the more people who know who I am, the more people I feel like I'm able to reach, so I'm excited about it," Lorenzen said.

Some of the big names on the team – Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier – are scheduled to appear, even though all four have been mentioned as potential trade candidates in rumors, while closer Aroldis Chapman is not scheduled to appear. The Reds have openly discussed their desire to trade Chapman, a free agent following the 2016 season, before the offseason is over.

That uncertainty over some of the team's biggest names, as well as the damper of losing 98 games in 2015 could make for a strange vibe in the team's largest offseason event. However, it's just that transition that makes the two-day event even more vital, Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini said on Thursday.

"This is about connecting with the fans, regardless of the year you have, the personal connection you have that the fans have," Castellini said. "We view ourselves as stewards of this thing, so the connection to the community and making the connections between the players and the fans, and making it more personal and intimate, that's what this event is all about. So regardless of the season we've had, that's an important component that we do and this is one of the major events we do this with. We're always going to do Redsfest and do it big and do it loud and proud. It's for the fans, that's what it's all about."

And this year, he noted, may be even more about the guys who are in the same position Lorenzen was a year ago – a name known to many of the diehards who scrounge boxscores from Pensacola and Dayton, but not as recognizable to a more casual fan.

So in addition to the likes of Homer Bailey and Billy Hamilton, the Reds will have Jesse Winker, Nick Travieso, Robert Stephenson, Amir Garrett and Cody Reed among other minor-leaguers.

"It's exciting to be able to watch a guy get drafted, come up through our system, go from Double-A to Triple-A and then come up to the majors and if you've been following those guys through our minor-league system, it's exciting to see them come all the way through," Castellini said. "If anything, that's more of an emphasis this year."

That emphasis will extend beyond Redsfest and into the season. In what is expected to be part of a rebuilding process, the Reds could make trades – even this week while players are in Cincinnati – that leave the team without the instantly recognizable stars.

"We're fans first, we're no more pleased with the results than any other fan," Castellini said. "We're in it for the long haul. Teams ebb and flow, injuries happen. You have to be ready to weather the storm and we think we've got a fan base that's intelligent, dedicated and they're going to stick with us. So far they have.

"Certainly economics play a role in it and fans make decisions based on their own economics and what they want to do, but we're going to continue to put on the best fan experience we can at Great American and continue to develop. The good news is I think we have a strong enough player development system and minor league system that the dip in productivity isn't going to be that deep or that long. I think we're looking at a short window to get things retooled to use Walt (Jocketty's) term. This is not an armageddon situation. We're here for the long haul and we have a lot of faith in our baseball operations system. We're going to have fun at the ballpark and the team's going to be back soon."

Redsfest

When: 3-10:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Duke Energy Center, Downtown

Tickets: The two-day tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids (12 and younger). The one-day tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for kids. Admission is free for children 3 and under. Tickets are available at reds.com, (513) 381-REDS, the Great American Ball Park box office, select Kroger stores with Ticketmaster retail outlets and Redsfest

WCPO - Channel 9 Going to Redsfest? Here are 9 things you don't want to miss By Laurel Pfahler / WCPO

CINCINNATI - Before the Reds get serious at the Baseball Winter Meetings next week in Nashville, fans can have a little fun at the team’s official annual winter warm-up event.

Redsfest takes over the Duke Energy Convention Center for a 10th year on Friday and Saturday.

The event, presented by PNC Bank, features more than 300,000 square feet of activities, including autograph and photo booths with current and former Reds, interactive games for fans of all ages, game-used and authentic memorabilia and more.

Reds COO Phil Castellini said it’s a great way to re-energize fans after a disappointing 64-98 finish to the 2015 season and hopefully excite them about the future. The event helps connect fans with the team during the offseason, while also supporting outreach programs through the Reds Community Fund, which benefits from the proceeds of the event.

“It’s a great way to bridge the winter months,” Castellini said. “You take a little time off after the season, you have Redsfest in December, Caravan in January and players report to spring training in February, so it really helps us keep baseball in the front of mind all year long.”

More than 80 current players and coaches, minor leaguers and broadcasters are scheduled to attend, including Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Brandon Phillips, Billy Hamilton, Zack Cozart and Bryan Price. Reds Hall of Famers and alumni also are scheduled, including new additions like , Corky Miller, Dmitri Young and Greg Vaughn.

Here are the Top 9 things you don’t want to miss at Redsfest:

1. Entry giveaways: Who doesn’t like free stuff? The first 11,000 fans each day at Redsfest (basically everyone) will receive a free Reds drawstring bag and a Mr. Redlegs knit cap, so don’t let your excitement about what’s inside make you miss the free handouts on your way in.

2. Autograph sessions: There will be more than 100 player autograph and photo sessions available free of charge with a general admission ticket. The Reds estimate about 22,000 autographs will be signed in three types of sessions: general public, season ticket members only and kids only. Once you enter the main floor exhibit space, check the info screens to see times for specific player appearances, which will be announced 30 minutes prior to the sessions. Fans can also find that information through the @Reds Twitter account or via text alerts by texting REDSFEST to 66128. For each autograph session, the player will sign only for the first 225 people to get in line, so be sure to stay aware of the time schedules and get in line fast.

3. Photo sessions: Photo sessions will be open for 50 minutes each, allowing as many fans through as possible. Booth No. 1 takes the photo for you and provides a printout on the spot for a $10 donation to the Reds Community Fund. Booth No. 2 and 3 are free and require you to bring your own camera. Booth No. 4 is free to Reds Season Ticket Members.

4. Main stage highlights: See everyone at once at 5:30 p.m. Friday when current and former players will be introduced to the crowd. Then, be sure to catch Walt Jocketty and general manager Dick Williams on the Hot Stove Report at 7:10 p.m. For those going Saturday, Jocketty and Williams will have a do-over at 11:30 a.m. Food lovers looking for something less baseball centered will find entertainment in the Redsfest Cooking Show featuring “Chopped” champion and Great American Ball Park executive chef James Major at 8:35 p.m. Friday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Two members of the Harlem Globetrotters will perform at 4:35 p.m. Friday and 1:45 p.m. Saturday.

5. Play ball: Test your baseball skills in the fan activities such as speed pitch, batting cages and base-running, or play some ball at the two Wiffle ball fields on the main floor. The Coca-Cola Reds Rookie Field is designed for younger kids and will provide “open swing” time during the event. A variety of activities will take place on the Gorilla Glue Field of Dreams, including open swing (3-5 p.m. Friday and 6-6:30 p.m. Saturday), a Celebrity Home Run Derby (5-6:30 p.m. Friday) and other fundamental learning sessions. For the full schedule, visit: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/redsfest.jsp?loc=indoor .

6. Fun for kids: Kids will find all the entertainment they need upstairs. Be sure to check out the Reds Heads Fun Zone on the third floor for more than 20,000 square feet of kids activities, including a batting cage, high-speed pitch, bounce houses, trampolines, arcade games, kids story time (where players will read to them), a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and various stage performances. It’s also the best place to sign up young Reds fans for the 2016 Reds Heads Kids Club, Reds Rookie Baby Club and Club Red Teen Club. The second floor holds several activities for Reds Season Ticket Members, such as the mascot visiting rooms and the new 18-hole putt putt course.

7. The Reds Connect Zone: Stop by to get a free photo in one of the three photo booths in the Reds Connect Zone, charge your phone for free and see Reds players and staff members taking part in live interviews with the Reds on the Radio affiliate network. There also are booths with information on spring training, the Reds Community Fund and Reds Fantasy Camp.

8. Reds Hall of Fame: The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will display trophies and Reds artifacts and hold Reds trivia and autograph sessions with Reds Hall of Famers. The 700WLW Reds on Radio flagship station will broadcast live from the Hall of Fame Stage on Friday night.

9. Let’s go shopping: Looking to do some holiday shopping for fellow Reds fans – or yourself? Find Reds merchandise and apparel in the team shop and game-used merchandise in the Reds Authentic area, or purchase season tickets and Holiday Gift Packs at the Reds Tickets booth in the center of the main floor. Also be sure to check out the Topps Memorabilia Gallery to find an array of items from local vendors. It’s perfect for window shoppers, too.

Redsfest Schedule And Facts

When: 3-10:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Duke Energy Convention Center

Ticket prices: Adults -- $25 for two-day pass, $17 for one-day pass; Kids (ages 12 and younger) -- $12 for two-day pass, $7 for one-day pass. Children 3 and under are free. Passes include a free ticket (one per day pass) to April 10 game vs. the Pirates.

Where to buy tickets: In the main lobby at Great American Ball Park, by phone at 513-381-REDS, online at www.reds.com/redsfest , Ticketmaster locations at participating Kroger stores or at the Duke Energy Center, starting 9 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday.

Proceeds benefit: The baseball-themed outreach programs of the Reds Community Fund

What you can bring: Small bags and purses are allowed but no luggage or rolling duffel bags larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches are permitted. Strollers are allowed, but may not inhibit guest movement or block aisles. There is a coat check for $2.

Main Stage Schedule

FRIDAY

4:35 p.m. Harlem Globetrotters exhibition

5:30 p.m. Introduction of Reds players past and present

6:30 p.m. Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Kroger

7:10 p.m. Hot Stove Report, presented by FOX Sports Ohio featuring Walt Jocketty and general manager Dick Williams

8:05 p.m. 2015 Team Awards

8:35 p.m. Redsfest Cooking Show featuring “Chopped” champion and GABP executive chef James Major, presented by DNC Sportservice

9:10 p.m. Reds Feud, presented by The Ohio Lottery

SATURDAY

11:30 a.m. Hot Stove Report presented by FOX Sports Ohio featuring Walt Jocketty and general manager Dick Williams

12:30 p.m. Redsfest Cooking Show featuring “Chopped” champion and GABP executive Chef James Major, presented by DNC Sportservice

1:05 p.m. Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Kroger

1:45 p.m. Harlem Globetrotters exhibition

2:10 p.m. Cincinnati Ballet

3:30 p.m. Game Show, presented by CDK Global

4:20 p.m. Reds Alumni “Bull Session,” presented by Majestic

5:10 p.m. Reds Feud, presented by The Ohio Lottery

ESPN.COM A winter meetings wish list for each NL team By Jonah Keri / ESPN.com

We've weighed in on the game plan for American League teams heading into next week's winter meetings in Nashville. Time to check in on the .

…

Cincinnati Reds

Notable free agents: Burke Badenhop, Manny Parra

Biggest needs: SP, SP, SP!

The upshot: Last season, the Reds shattered an all-time record for most consecutive starts by rookie . GM Walt Jocketty and manager Bryan Price both talked up the value of giving all those young pitchers prolonged exposure in key roles, as a way to get a better feel for their ability to handle the job, and to expedite Cincinnati's rebuilding process. Still, when we talked in September, both Jocketty and Price admitted they'll need some veteran innings eaters to complement the young arms and to avoid burning out both those kids, and the veterans who'll work out of the bullpen. Whether that's a quality pitcher like Ian Kennedy or a lesser type like Kyle Kendrick, expect the Reds to be active on that front.

Pitching aside, we could see Cincinnati get more aggressive about shipping key players out, rather than bringing in new ones. Jay Bruce was linked to trade rumors for much of last season, and All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier now looks like a candidate to be dealt, too.

TRANSACTIONS Date Transaction 12/03/15 LHP Nick Hagadone elected free agency. SS Paul Janish elected free agency. Tampa Bay Rays designated LF Joey Butler for assignment. RHP Domingo German elected free agency. signed free agent RHP Jim Henderson to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Seattle Mariners signed free agent LF Nori Aoki.