Reds Sign Renteria

[RipCity32]

The 2010 World Series MVP has finally found a home for the 2011 season.

ESPN is reporting that Edgar Renteria and the Reds have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Renteria stands to make as much as $3 million based on incentives included in the contract. The report, credited to Bruce Levine, states that the team will announce the deal on Thursday afternoon.

Renteria's departure from the Giants is not a surprise. In December, he said that their $1 million offer showed "a lack of respect" that wasn't enough money for him to leave his family and other business interests. There had been some talks of rekindled talks between the two sides, but the Giants have a crowded infield and Renteria was obviously less than thrilled by their level of interest in his services.

The Reds have no such glut of infielders. Orlando Cabrera wasn't offered arbitration as a free agent after posting a 78 OPS+ for the team during the 2010 season which left Paul Janish as the expected starter at shortstop. It's possible that the Reds will use Renteria off the bench, but given his earlier comments and Dusty Baker's fondness for veterans it seems likely that Renteria will be in the lineup more often than not.

That doesn't necessarily mean it would be the right choice, however. Renteria was limited to 72 games because of injury last season and posted fairly unimpressive numbers when he was in the lineup. He did rebound in the postseason, of course, but his overall production wasn't better than what Janish would likely provide Cincinnati in the 2011 season.

Renteria had previously expressed interest in a return engagement with either the Marlins or Cardinals, but there's a familiarity with the Reds. Walt Jocketty was the G.M. in St. Louis when Renteria was there, something that might have paved the way for this deal coming to fruition.

 

[Rios15]

Lack of respect?

 

[MJB]

should bring some ship swag to the team and experience. good vet player.