We're now into the second month of the season and if you were told the Reds would be without it's top starter, left fielder, and catcher for much of the season and still be 3 games over 500 and three games out of first place, would you take it? My guess is you would.
Still, some things have to change if this team is going to climb the standings in the National League Central. First is their record versus teams with a winning record. Right now it's 5-12. Huge red flag for a team predicted to win it's division.
Second, Zach Cozart. I almost hate to single out one guy, but he's got to start picking it up at the plate. The Cardinals with its almost American League style lineup, can get away with a weak-hitting short stop, but the Reds can't. He says he's comfortable hitting second. Says he hit there throughout the minor leagues, but he continues to get behind in the count and at the mercy of big league pitchers. Thankfully his defense has been sharp, but this team can't afford to have it's short stop hitting below .200.
Third, while this team isn't leading the world in strikeouts like the Astros and Braves, who rank 1-2 respectfully, the Reds are 5th. This team needs to put the ball in play more. Especially at crucial times.
I'm about to sound like a broken record as I've harped on this before. The team is hitting .271 (11th) with 118 runs scored (3rd) with runners in scoring position. However, they're not hitting in the clutch. With 2 out and runners in scoring position Cincinnati ranks 23rd in batting (.195) and 20th in runs scored (35).
Case in point. After trailing 3-0 in last night's game with Atlanta, a team with a winning record by the way, the Reds pulled within a run and had Brandon Phillips on 3rd with 1 out. Todd Frazier needed to put the bat on the ball, he struck out. Versus a team like the Braves, you have to drive that run in and tie the game. It changes the whole complexion of the ball game. Instead, Atlanta escaped still with the lead and then added on en route to a 7-4 win.
The addition of Shin-Soo Choo was supposed to improve this offense. And he's done his job by getting on base (.467 OPB). It's up to his teammates to find a way to drive him in. After all, his defense in center field is a downgrade over Drew Stubbs and you can't give away runs if you're not going to make up for it on the offensive end.
Now, it's a long season. Remember at the All-Star break last year, the Reds were in second place to Pittsburgh. We all know what happened from there. So, while this team certainly needs to pick-up their level and need to do it soon. It's not all doom and gloom at the moment.
Besides, Johnny Cueto, Ryan Ludwick and Ryan Hanigan have to return sometime don't they?
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Reds Enjoying Fruits of Offseason Labor
I try not to read fan comments when it comes to moves the Reds should make. Fans are so in the "what have you done for me this instant" mode, which, I guess, is why they call them fans.
Thankfully, Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty is a wise and experienced baseball executive.
Jocketty and his staff -- including manager Dusty Baker and his coaches -- deserve credit for the player decisions made in the offseason and in how they constructed the roster coming out of Spring Training.
The most recent example being last night's hero, Cesar Izturis. The well-traveled veteran short stop was signed to a minor league deal in the offseason. Not many gave him a great chance of making the roster as the Reds had acquired short stop Jason Donald in the trade for Shin Soo Choo (who I'll get to in a minute). But Izturis hit the ball well this spring to beat out Donald for the back-up short stop job. So far he has delivered through the first few weeks of the season. Saturday he provided a fly ball deep enough to advance Choo to third base in the 13th inning against the Marlins, setting the stage for Brandon Phillips' deciding sacrifice fly to beat Miami. And then there's Monday's game-winning hit versus the Cubs. All the while providing his sure-handed defense which he has been known for throughout his career.
Jack Hannahan was signed to back-up third and first base. He came off the bench to tie up Monday's game with an RBI triple. On the season he's hitting .368 and is 5 of 10 as a pinch hitter (.500 avg.) He's given the team some much needed bench production from the left-side and he's a very capable defender too.
Outfielder Derrick Robinson was signed as a six-year minor league free agent. After an impressive spring, he finally reached the Majors when Ryan Ludwick went down with a shoulder injury. The switch-hitter can play all three outfield positions, has held his own, hitting .250 and has utilized his speed to turn infield grounders into base hits.
Then there's Choo, whom the Reds traded the speedy but strikeout prone Drew Stubbs and promising short stop Didi Gregorius to acquire. All he's done is hit .366 with 6 double, 3 home runs, scored 17 times and an on-base percentage of .521! While there's still several scouts who believe his defense in center field is less than adequate, Choo has done exactly what the Reds had hoped he'd do in the lead-off position in the batting order. Recently reaching base 6 times in Saturday's game with Miami, something that hadn't been done by a Red since Sean Casey.
What makes a championship team is not just who's on the 25-man active roster, but who is on a team's 40-man roster. Because inevitably injuries occur and capable replacements are needed. That's where a team's scouting, drafting and shrewd signings really pay off. Less than a month into the season, the Reds have already reaped the benefits of those decisions.
Despite being without it's ace Johnny Cueto, starting catcher Ryan Hannigan, left-fielder Ludwick and left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, the team is fairing quite well. Granted it helps to be at home and facing Miami and Chicago. The real test will be this weekend when the Reds head on the road to face Washington and St. Louis (again). Still so far so good.
====
FYI:
Cueto, on the disabled list with a lat strain, began playing catch Monday and reported no discomfort. He'll continue to build up arm strength as long as he's pain free.
Marshall began a rehab assignment in Louisville Monday and threw a scoreless inning to start the game, with two strikeouts in the Bats 5-4 loss to Indianapolis. He's eligible to come off the disabled list, but the Reds won't do so until he's able to pitch back-to-back days.
Thankfully, Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty is a wise and experienced baseball executive.
Jocketty and his staff -- including manager Dusty Baker and his coaches -- deserve credit for the player decisions made in the offseason and in how they constructed the roster coming out of Spring Training.
The most recent example being last night's hero, Cesar Izturis. The well-traveled veteran short stop was signed to a minor league deal in the offseason. Not many gave him a great chance of making the roster as the Reds had acquired short stop Jason Donald in the trade for Shin Soo Choo (who I'll get to in a minute). But Izturis hit the ball well this spring to beat out Donald for the back-up short stop job. So far he has delivered through the first few weeks of the season. Saturday he provided a fly ball deep enough to advance Choo to third base in the 13th inning against the Marlins, setting the stage for Brandon Phillips' deciding sacrifice fly to beat Miami. And then there's Monday's game-winning hit versus the Cubs. All the while providing his sure-handed defense which he has been known for throughout his career.
Jack Hannahan was signed to back-up third and first base. He came off the bench to tie up Monday's game with an RBI triple. On the season he's hitting .368 and is 5 of 10 as a pinch hitter (.500 avg.) He's given the team some much needed bench production from the left-side and he's a very capable defender too.
Outfielder Derrick Robinson was signed as a six-year minor league free agent. After an impressive spring, he finally reached the Majors when Ryan Ludwick went down with a shoulder injury. The switch-hitter can play all three outfield positions, has held his own, hitting .250 and has utilized his speed to turn infield grounders into base hits.
Then there's Choo, whom the Reds traded the speedy but strikeout prone Drew Stubbs and promising short stop Didi Gregorius to acquire. All he's done is hit .366 with 6 double, 3 home runs, scored 17 times and an on-base percentage of .521! While there's still several scouts who believe his defense in center field is less than adequate, Choo has done exactly what the Reds had hoped he'd do in the lead-off position in the batting order. Recently reaching base 6 times in Saturday's game with Miami, something that hadn't been done by a Red since Sean Casey.
What makes a championship team is not just who's on the 25-man active roster, but who is on a team's 40-man roster. Because inevitably injuries occur and capable replacements are needed. That's where a team's scouting, drafting and shrewd signings really pay off. Less than a month into the season, the Reds have already reaped the benefits of those decisions.
Despite being without it's ace Johnny Cueto, starting catcher Ryan Hannigan, left-fielder Ludwick and left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, the team is fairing quite well. Granted it helps to be at home and facing Miami and Chicago. The real test will be this weekend when the Reds head on the road to face Washington and St. Louis (again). Still so far so good.
====
FYI:
Cueto, on the disabled list with a lat strain, began playing catch Monday and reported no discomfort. He'll continue to build up arm strength as long as he's pain free.
Marshall began a rehab assignment in Louisville Monday and threw a scoreless inning to start the game, with two strikeouts in the Bats 5-4 loss to Indianapolis. He's eligible to come off the disabled list, but the Reds won't do so until he's able to pitch back-to-back days.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Reds 5-4 win the recipe for success
While unfortunately I had to work and couldn't watch last night's 5-4 Reds win, after watching the highlights and reading the game stories, what was most comforting about the victory was your best players stepped up and were your best players. Mat Latos was brilliant for most of his 6 2/3 innings, Brandon Phillips hit a 3-run HR and Joey Votto knocked in the game-winning run.
Throughout a 162-game season a championship club is going to need contributions from everyone on the roster, but what usually makes a team championship caliber is having your best players lead the way. Afterall the Big Red Machine wouldn't have won all those pennants if Rose, Bench, Morgan and Perez weren't out front leading the charge. So, it's vital Votto, Phillips, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto and Latos have the seasons they're capable of having.
Curious to see how Thursday's afternoon finale with the Angels plays out. Both teams have spent a lot of energy (and bullpen arms) through the first two games. Both teams would love to win the series as the Angels head South to take on division rival Texas while the Reds welcome NL darling Washington Nationals.
No doubt the loss of left fielder Ryan Ludwick until the All-Star break at the earliest is a blow, especially as the Reds face arguably the toughest schedule of any team in the month of April. Which is why every win now is important.
While I have no doubt Phillips can handle the cleanup role, my gut feeling is Walt Jocketty is looking for a power-hitting left fielder at the trade deadline come July. I hope and pray I'm wrong and Ludwick returns from his separated shoulder injury displaying the same power he showed a season ago. However I'm leery because it's his back shoulder, the one used to drive through the ball, and he had to have surgery on it. As we saw with Joey Votto coming back from his knee injury last season, if you don't have a strong base it makes it hard to hit the ball out of the park.
In the meantime the Reds must live by the adage of "Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger." That an "Unleash the Heisey!"
Throughout a 162-game season a championship club is going to need contributions from everyone on the roster, but what usually makes a team championship caliber is having your best players lead the way. Afterall the Big Red Machine wouldn't have won all those pennants if Rose, Bench, Morgan and Perez weren't out front leading the charge. So, it's vital Votto, Phillips, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto and Latos have the seasons they're capable of having.
Curious to see how Thursday's afternoon finale with the Angels plays out. Both teams have spent a lot of energy (and bullpen arms) through the first two games. Both teams would love to win the series as the Angels head South to take on division rival Texas while the Reds welcome NL darling Washington Nationals.
No doubt the loss of left fielder Ryan Ludwick until the All-Star break at the earliest is a blow, especially as the Reds face arguably the toughest schedule of any team in the month of April. Which is why every win now is important.
While I have no doubt Phillips can handle the cleanup role, my gut feeling is Walt Jocketty is looking for a power-hitting left fielder at the trade deadline come July. I hope and pray I'm wrong and Ludwick returns from his separated shoulder injury displaying the same power he showed a season ago. However I'm leery because it's his back shoulder, the one used to drive through the ball, and he had to have surgery on it. As we saw with Joey Votto coming back from his knee injury last season, if you don't have a strong base it makes it hard to hit the ball out of the park.
In the meantime the Reds must live by the adage of "Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger." That an "Unleash the Heisey!"
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Reds 2013 Preview
Happy Easter everyone. And happy Opening Day Eve!
Now that the major questions have been answered -- Aroldis Chapman will close, Joey Votto's knee is healthy and Shin Soo Choo has proven more than capable in center field -- the grind of the 162-game season begins with perhaps the toughest test for any team on the opening week of the season.
The Reds begin with the Angels, who added former Red Josh Hamilton in the off season a year after signing former Reds-killer Albert Pujols, from there Cincinnati faces every body's National League darling the Washington Nationals -- who won a league-best 97 games a year ago. Lastly, the week caps off with Central Division rival St. Louis. Despite no Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals have plenty of hard-throwing youngsters (Trevor Rosenthal & Shelby Miller) and it's never wise to count them out.
The first three Reds opponents is all the more reason for the team to bring it's best squad North to begin the year. The only decisions yet to be made are the reserve infield spot (a battle among Jason Donald, Cesar Izturis & Emmanuel Burris) and the make-up of the bullpen (among Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Alfredo Simon, J.J. Hoover & Manny Parra). For me, I don't see how you can leave Hoover off. He's been lights out this spring, striking out 19 in 10 1/3 innings. That leaves the others battling for one spot and only Ondrusek has minor league options.
Looking ahead, the real key for Cincinnati over the course of the season is health, because they don't have much depth at Triple A in regards to position players or starting pitchers. Diehard fans would be wise to check the progress of prospects Billy Hamilton, Neftali Soto, Henry Rodriguez, as well as starting pitchers Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino who'll begin the year in Louisville. Hard throwers like Robert Stephenson and Nick Travieso are still a few seasons away.
Finally, aside from staying healthy, it's vital shortstop Zack Cozart continues to provide stellar defense while improving at the plate. One of the big question marks for the Cardinals is shortstop, as the injury to Rafael Furcal has forced St. Louis to go with Pete Kozma to begin the year. Many think before the trade deadline comes and goes, expect the Cards to trade for top of the line shortstop. They have always been willing to add payroll at the deadline and they have the prospects to pull off a trade for Cleveland's Asdrubal Cabrera or the Rangers Elvis Andrus. After trading Didi Gregorius to land Choo, the Reds are thin at shortstop, making Cozart's performance all the more imperative.
Well, it's time to get primed and ready Reds fans. This has the makings of another exciting season, in fact I can't remember the last time a Cincinnati squad was this much of a favorite in their own division. May be not since the Big Red Machine of the 1970s.
Now that the major questions have been answered -- Aroldis Chapman will close, Joey Votto's knee is healthy and Shin Soo Choo has proven more than capable in center field -- the grind of the 162-game season begins with perhaps the toughest test for any team on the opening week of the season.
The Reds begin with the Angels, who added former Red Josh Hamilton in the off season a year after signing former Reds-killer Albert Pujols, from there Cincinnati faces every body's National League darling the Washington Nationals -- who won a league-best 97 games a year ago. Lastly, the week caps off with Central Division rival St. Louis. Despite no Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals have plenty of hard-throwing youngsters (Trevor Rosenthal & Shelby Miller) and it's never wise to count them out.
The first three Reds opponents is all the more reason for the team to bring it's best squad North to begin the year. The only decisions yet to be made are the reserve infield spot (a battle among Jason Donald, Cesar Izturis & Emmanuel Burris) and the make-up of the bullpen (among Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Alfredo Simon, J.J. Hoover & Manny Parra). For me, I don't see how you can leave Hoover off. He's been lights out this spring, striking out 19 in 10 1/3 innings. That leaves the others battling for one spot and only Ondrusek has minor league options.
Looking ahead, the real key for Cincinnati over the course of the season is health, because they don't have much depth at Triple A in regards to position players or starting pitchers. Diehard fans would be wise to check the progress of prospects Billy Hamilton, Neftali Soto, Henry Rodriguez, as well as starting pitchers Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino who'll begin the year in Louisville. Hard throwers like Robert Stephenson and Nick Travieso are still a few seasons away.
Finally, aside from staying healthy, it's vital shortstop Zack Cozart continues to provide stellar defense while improving at the plate. One of the big question marks for the Cardinals is shortstop, as the injury to Rafael Furcal has forced St. Louis to go with Pete Kozma to begin the year. Many think before the trade deadline comes and goes, expect the Cards to trade for top of the line shortstop. They have always been willing to add payroll at the deadline and they have the prospects to pull off a trade for Cleveland's Asdrubal Cabrera or the Rangers Elvis Andrus. After trading Didi Gregorius to land Choo, the Reds are thin at shortstop, making Cozart's performance all the more imperative.
Well, it's time to get primed and ready Reds fans. This has the makings of another exciting season, in fact I can't remember the last time a Cincinnati squad was this much of a favorite in their own division. May be not since the Big Red Machine of the 1970s.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Reds could choose option 3 in Chapman decision
Without a doubt, the biggest story in Reds camp this spring is whether Aroldis Chapman will start or close. After the Cuban defector voiced is preference to return to the bullpen Saturday, general manager Walt Jocketty stated a decision would be forthcoming this week. Jocketty went on to say the organization would consider Chapman's wishes, but "we don't let every player tell us how they want to be used."
If Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daughtery is accurate that their are those within the organization who aren't sold Todd Frazier can be the club's everyday third baseman, it has been obvious from the quotes this spring that a similar divide exists regarding Chapman. While he's never tipped his hand, it's a safe guess, Jocketty would like to see how Chapman would fare in the rotation while Dusty Baker prefers having his power arm to close out games.
I've maintained all along, this spring is no different than last year, where Chapman was one of the better starters in camp -- and would have began the year in the rotation had the team not had all the injuries to the bullpen. Chapman could always go back to the pen. The danger in starting Chapman in the rotation this season is if it doesn't go well, it could cost the team games in the standings. While it would be difficult to leave someone with his power arm off the roster, perhaps the best course of action is to have Chapman begin the year in the minors. That way the organization could see how Chapman adjusts to starting without costing the big league club games in the process. If it doesn't work out, (say after 2 months) the team could always recall him and return him to the bullpen.
I know the counter argument to this scenario and I tend to agree this team is best with Broxton pitching in the eighth and Chapman in the ninth. However, Broxton filled the ninth inning role capably when Chapman had to rest a tired shoulder late last year and I think Broxton can do well as the closer for a short period of time. Afterall he's been a closer much of his career and it's why the Reds re-signed him this offseason. But he's proven to be better in big moments as a set-up guy.
The risk is if Chapman performs well as a starter in the minors, the club would then be forced to use Broxton full-time in the closer's role, and you likely kick out a capable member of the rotation (most likely Mike Leake). But at least then, the team would be able to quantify what the Cuban Missile can do as starter.
If Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daughtery is accurate that their are those within the organization who aren't sold Todd Frazier can be the club's everyday third baseman, it has been obvious from the quotes this spring that a similar divide exists regarding Chapman. While he's never tipped his hand, it's a safe guess, Jocketty would like to see how Chapman would fare in the rotation while Dusty Baker prefers having his power arm to close out games.
I've maintained all along, this spring is no different than last year, where Chapman was one of the better starters in camp -- and would have began the year in the rotation had the team not had all the injuries to the bullpen. Chapman could always go back to the pen. The danger in starting Chapman in the rotation this season is if it doesn't go well, it could cost the team games in the standings. While it would be difficult to leave someone with his power arm off the roster, perhaps the best course of action is to have Chapman begin the year in the minors. That way the organization could see how Chapman adjusts to starting without costing the big league club games in the process. If it doesn't work out, (say after 2 months) the team could always recall him and return him to the bullpen.
I know the counter argument to this scenario and I tend to agree this team is best with Broxton pitching in the eighth and Chapman in the ninth. However, Broxton filled the ninth inning role capably when Chapman had to rest a tired shoulder late last year and I think Broxton can do well as the closer for a short period of time. Afterall he's been a closer much of his career and it's why the Reds re-signed him this offseason. But he's proven to be better in big moments as a set-up guy.
The risk is if Chapman performs well as a starter in the minors, the club would then be forced to use Broxton full-time in the closer's role, and you likely kick out a capable member of the rotation (most likely Mike Leake). But at least then, the team would be able to quantify what the Cuban Missile can do as starter.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
With a Wave of his Wand, Jocketty transforms Reds Again
Well, what a difference a few days makes for the Reds. True to his word, general manager Walt Jocketty didn't rest until he improved the club at the leadoff position. Tuesday's trade for the Indians Shin-Soo Choo (and backup shortstop Jason Donald) just about completed the offseason shopping list.
On the surface it might seem like the cost may have been too high to acquire a player likely to leave via free agency after the 2013 season. However, I commend Ken Rosenthal's article on Fox Sports.com who deftly explains why the three-team trade is a win-win-win for everybody -- especially for Cincinnati.
My only concern is whether Choo can handle centerfield. There's no question the trade weakens the Reds defensively, but Choo's production from the leadoff spot more than likely may offset any defensive deficiencies.
Wednesday's news of an impending deal with utilityman Jake Hannahan means the club's roster is likely set 2 months before Spring Training begins. Here's a projected look:
Infielders-- Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Todd Frazier, Donald & Hannahan
Outfielders--Ryan Ludwick, Choo, Jay Bruce, Chris Heisey & Xavier Paul
Catchers--Ryan Hanigan & Devin Mesoraco
Starters--Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey & Aroldis Chapman
Relievers--Jonathan Broxton, Sean Marshall, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Alfredo Simon, J.J. Hoover
You may notice I left off Nick Masset and Mike Leake from the 25-man roster. My guess is Masset may begin the year on the disabled list as he comes back from shoulder surgery. As for Leake, well his future may be the most intriguing. Despite spending most of his first 3 seasons in the Reds rotation, his numbers weren't great in 2012 (8-9, 4.58 ERA) and if Chapman proves capable as a starter, Leake may get sent to the minors or he could end up in the bullpen.
Bottom line while the latest acquisitions make the Reds look like Indians South (joke), it provides the re-tooling the club needed to repeat as division champs and finally make at a World Series crown.
On the surface it might seem like the cost may have been too high to acquire a player likely to leave via free agency after the 2013 season. However, I commend Ken Rosenthal's article on Fox Sports.com who deftly explains why the three-team trade is a win-win-win for everybody -- especially for Cincinnati.
My only concern is whether Choo can handle centerfield. There's no question the trade weakens the Reds defensively, but Choo's production from the leadoff spot more than likely may offset any defensive deficiencies.
Wednesday's news of an impending deal with utilityman Jake Hannahan means the club's roster is likely set 2 months before Spring Training begins. Here's a projected look:
Infielders-- Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Todd Frazier, Donald & Hannahan
Outfielders--Ryan Ludwick, Choo, Jay Bruce, Chris Heisey & Xavier Paul
Catchers--Ryan Hanigan & Devin Mesoraco
Starters--Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey & Aroldis Chapman
Relievers--Jonathan Broxton, Sean Marshall, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Alfredo Simon, J.J. Hoover
You may notice I left off Nick Masset and Mike Leake from the 25-man roster. My guess is Masset may begin the year on the disabled list as he comes back from shoulder surgery. As for Leake, well his future may be the most intriguing. Despite spending most of his first 3 seasons in the Reds rotation, his numbers weren't great in 2012 (8-9, 4.58 ERA) and if Chapman proves capable as a starter, Leake may get sent to the minors or he could end up in the bullpen.
Bottom line while the latest acquisitions make the Reds look like Indians South (joke), it provides the re-tooling the club needed to repeat as division champs and finally make at a World Series crown.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Despite Signings, Reds Standing Pat
So far this offseason the Reds has accomplished two of their goals--sign a closer and re-sign left fielder Ryan Ludwick. While the latter move has yet to become official, general manager Walt Jocketty classified the negotiations as "close," meaning all we're waiting on is for Ludwick to pass his physical and the ink to dry on his signature.
However right now the 2013 Reds look very much like the 2012 squad. And while there's not much to quarrel about a team that won 97 games a season ago, it's still a team with flaws. The same flaws that led to its ouster at the hands of the World Champion Giants in the National League Division Series.
Jocketty has tried to find a solution at the leadoff position (I add parenthetically--replace Drew Stubbs) in the batting order for two years running now and has yet to come up with one. He certainly has tried but complicating matters are top minor league prospect -- speedster Billy Hamilton -- and the organization's reluctance to part with top pitching prospects.
Last winter Jocketty used much of his minor league surplus to land pitchers Mat Latos and Sean Marshall. It left the Reds without much depth at starting pitcher, which is why for the second-straight spring Aroldis Chapman is prepping as a starter. The performances of minor league starters Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino has helped add to some of that depth, but neither are ready for the big leagues yet.
Still it's puzzling that the Reds couldn't have done what the Washington Nationals did, which is trade for Twins center fielder and leadoff man Denard Span and sign free agent pitcher Dan Haren. The Nats sent one of its top minor league pitching prospects in Alex Meyer in exchange for Span and then signed Haren for 1-year at $13 million to be the fifth man in the rotation.
I'm sure the Reds revisited trading for Span whom they considered at last year's trading deadline. Without knowing the details (because believe it or not I'm not on Jocketty's speed dial) my guess is the Twins wanted too much or the Reds were unwilling to part with a top prospect like Hamilton or pitchers Robert Stephenson or Nick Travieso--both of whom were the team's top picks in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Not going after Haren I'm sure was mostly an economic move.
But not making those moves may just be the difference in this team repeating as National League Central Division Champs and actually advancing to a World Series. Span would give the team not only a speedster at the top of the lineup, but a left-handed hitter to help balance out the right-handed heavy lineup. Plus he's under contract for a couple more years. Haren would have fit nicely in the number 4 or 5 spot in the rotation, allowing Chapman to stay as the closer with Broxton and Marshall setting up.
I understand why Jocketty and the Reds would have been reluctant to part with either Stephenson or Traviseo for Span. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos are likely to become too expensive and a small market team must continue to draft and develop in order to stay competitive long term. Plus Hamilton is waiting in the wings as the team's leadoff/center fielder. In addition I get why they felt Haren was too rich for their blood.
But this window of opportunity won't last forever. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are only going to get older and consume much the team's budget going forward. All the while the front office sat on their hands and guarded its future at perhaps the expense of its present. How quickly a shot at a World Series Championship can slip through your fingers.
However right now the 2013 Reds look very much like the 2012 squad. And while there's not much to quarrel about a team that won 97 games a season ago, it's still a team with flaws. The same flaws that led to its ouster at the hands of the World Champion Giants in the National League Division Series.
Jocketty has tried to find a solution at the leadoff position (I add parenthetically--replace Drew Stubbs) in the batting order for two years running now and has yet to come up with one. He certainly has tried but complicating matters are top minor league prospect -- speedster Billy Hamilton -- and the organization's reluctance to part with top pitching prospects.
Last winter Jocketty used much of his minor league surplus to land pitchers Mat Latos and Sean Marshall. It left the Reds without much depth at starting pitcher, which is why for the second-straight spring Aroldis Chapman is prepping as a starter. The performances of minor league starters Tony Cingrani and Daniel Corcino has helped add to some of that depth, but neither are ready for the big leagues yet.
Still it's puzzling that the Reds couldn't have done what the Washington Nationals did, which is trade for Twins center fielder and leadoff man Denard Span and sign free agent pitcher Dan Haren. The Nats sent one of its top minor league pitching prospects in Alex Meyer in exchange for Span and then signed Haren for 1-year at $13 million to be the fifth man in the rotation.
I'm sure the Reds revisited trading for Span whom they considered at last year's trading deadline. Without knowing the details (because believe it or not I'm not on Jocketty's speed dial) my guess is the Twins wanted too much or the Reds were unwilling to part with a top prospect like Hamilton or pitchers Robert Stephenson or Nick Travieso--both of whom were the team's top picks in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Not going after Haren I'm sure was mostly an economic move.
But not making those moves may just be the difference in this team repeating as National League Central Division Champs and actually advancing to a World Series. Span would give the team not only a speedster at the top of the lineup, but a left-handed hitter to help balance out the right-handed heavy lineup. Plus he's under contract for a couple more years. Haren would have fit nicely in the number 4 or 5 spot in the rotation, allowing Chapman to stay as the closer with Broxton and Marshall setting up.
I understand why Jocketty and the Reds would have been reluctant to part with either Stephenson or Traviseo for Span. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos are likely to become too expensive and a small market team must continue to draft and develop in order to stay competitive long term. Plus Hamilton is waiting in the wings as the team's leadoff/center fielder. In addition I get why they felt Haren was too rich for their blood.
But this window of opportunity won't last forever. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are only going to get older and consume much the team's budget going forward. All the while the front office sat on their hands and guarded its future at perhaps the expense of its present. How quickly a shot at a World Series Championship can slip through your fingers.
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