Minnesota Twins
Agreed to terms with RHP Ramon Ortiz on a one-year contract.

[url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/transactions/index.jsp]http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/transactions/index.jsp[/url]

Let’s be glad the Twins, and not the Reds, made this mistake. The Reds need a solid addition to the rotation a lot more than they need a clubhouse barber who serves up dingers like McDonald’s serves up Big Macs.

HMZ

You don’t think this is Batgirl’s blog, do you??

Also, just heard that Ramon Ortiz is back! Free haircuts in the clubhouse again. We spent $3 million on him! Harang certainly deserves a lot more than he is going to get!

I don’t think it’s quite that wide open. The way I see it, Freel, Dunn, and Griffey are locks. So is Conine, but he’s not really an OFer. At least, he shouldn’t be – not any more. The Reds have him listed as an IFer, and I think that’s what he’ll mostly be. Hamilton, Dickerson, and Wise are probably long shots. Which leaves Crosby, Hopper, and Denorfia…probably two out of those three will make the 25-man roster. And which two will depend on how they do in spring training. Of course, I’m rooting for Bubba, but he was signed to a split contract. So they could stash him in the minors if they wanted to. I think Denorfia and Hopper both still have options left, so they could be sent down and called up all season.

As for which one ends up the starter…maybe none. The two who make the roster could end up sharing the position (maybe with Conine thrown in once in awhile, too).

I think Freel will start in CF, with Griffey in right.

Haven’t been in the hoyel rooms overlooking the field, so I can’t comment on the view. I will comment on the Philly steak-and-cheese though: I’d rather go to Arby’s.

But how’s the view from those hotel rooms overlooking the field?

Though I guess you need a passport to get into Canada these days. I think that’s one reason Ottawa is moving to Allentown or wherever. It’s too much of a hassle getting callups over the border.

Oh, and don’t even think about driving to the ballpark. Not only is the traffic the kind of stuff that nightmares are made of, it’s also $15-$25 for parking. Walk or use public transportation.

The seats down the first and third base lines don’t face home plate either, so expect to come back to your hotel room with a really stiff neck.

Which means I’ll still at least get to see him in Buffalo, when the Chiefs come here to play the Bisons, and I’ll be sure to give him your regards, RHM. As for when the Bats come here – I’ll give your regards to Love Shack, Heartthrob, and non-roster invitee DeWayne Wise.

Now may I respectfully recommend that you get to work on coming up with a snappy nickname for Norris Hopper!

HMZ
Still peeved that The Tribe let Jeremy Guthrie go last week…

I may just have to wait to see little Ray Ray until the Reds face the Jays in the WS.

Looking at the spring training schedule, the Reds play the Jays four times. You’ll probably get to see Olmedo with his new team when you go down to Florida.

Still, worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood.

I always wanted to stay in one of those hotel rooms that overlook the field in Toronto. I hate to think about what they must cost, though.