December 15, 2008 Ramon Hernandez is looking forward to a fresh start with the Reds, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He said, "It's a new start with a new team in a new division. I'm very happy, very excited. I'm used to competing. When you get to June and you're already out of the competition, you get to the stadium and there's nothing to fight for."
Our View:The Reds expect him to benefit from a change of scenery. His power numbers should benefit the most while playing his home games at the Great American Ballpark.
December 9, 2008 Ramon Hernandez has officially been dealt to the Reds for Ryan Freel and two prospects, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:Hernandez has one year remaining on the four-year $27.5 million deal he signed with Baltimore before the 2006 season. His power numbers could increase now that he will play 81 games at the Great American launching pad in Cincinnati.
December 9, 2008 The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have nearly completed a deal sending catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds for two mid-level prospects and Ryan Freel.
Our View:Hernandez hit .257 last season with 15 home runs and 65 RBI in 463 at-bats. He should be able to produce similar, if not better numbers with the Reds who also play in a very hitter-friendly ballpark and have a more potent offense. The Orioles will almost certainly lean on prospect Matt Wieters to do most of the catching in 2009.
December 9, 2008 MASN.com reports that catcher Ramon Hernandez could be headed to the Reds, but that the Milwaukee Brewers have also entered the mix.
Our View:Baltimore appears ready to go with prospect Matt Wieters behind the dish. Hernandez's bat would likely play well in Cincinnati while he would probably split time with Jason Kendall in Milwaukee.
December 6, 2008 The Orioles still want to unload catcher Ramon Hernandez, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View:He is due $8 million for 2009, but the Reds and Astros could be fits, if Baltimore would eat a sizable chunk of his salary. The Tigers covet a catcher, but are listed in Hernandez's no-trade clause.
