As we all bask in the glow of Homer Bailey's second career no-hitter, let us try and take an objective look at where these Reds stand.
Last night's win coupled with losses by Pittsburgh and St. Louis moved the Reds within four games of first in the NL Central. The team's 48-36 record puts them in third place, but it is actually better than this time last year, when they were 44-36 and tied for first.
The team has dealt with more injuries this year, which have led to concerns about the bullpen and offense. But despite all of that, the team is 4 1/2 games clear for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Which means they're in the playoffs.
So, while I recognize this team's flaws and agree they should try an address them come the trade deadline at the end of the month, can those in Reds Country refrain from calling for manager Dusty Baker's job? I mean the name-calling on Twitter is ugly, petulant and some are borderline racist. I'll grant you isn't the greatest strategist or the best handler of a bullpen, but the man has won over 1600 games and everyone in that locker room busts his tail for him.
Plus, take into consideration Ryan Ludwick, Johnny Cueto, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton have not performed up to their abilities because of injury. Ask any team how would they do without its number one starter, clean-up hitter and top two set-up in the bullpen and I'll bet you most would say they'd be lucky to have won 48 games and be firmly entrenched in the Wild Card race.
Yes it is frustrating to watch this team not perform up to the level of St. Louis or Pittsburgh, but give those teams credit, and take into consideration that just because every so-called expert felt the Reds would win the division, it doesn't mean they're going to. Division championships are earned, not given. Just ask the Cardinals back in 2010. I bet Redbird fans were just as frustrated at they're team because of the Reds unexpected success as we are now.
I think fans need to resign themselves to the real possibility that this team may not win the division and reach the playoffs as a Wild Card team. It's not ideal, but accept it and stop with the name-calling. There's still another half a season to be played.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Reds Trade Deadline Wish List Likely a Bat, Reliever
The revelation last weekend from outfielder Ryan Ludwick that the earliest he could return would be mid-August likely means Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty will likely be looking for an outfield bat come the July non-waiver trade deadline.
While the rotating door of Xavier Paul, Donald Lutz and Derrick Robinson have done a nice job in the wake of the injuries to Ludwick and later Chris Heisey, Ludwick's prolonged absence behooves the front office to address the outfield situation.
Heisey hasn't proven he can play every day yet, and let's face it, even if Ludwick does return by August or early September, he won't be the same player that clubbed 26 home runs and 80 RBIs a season ago. Besides, the division pennant may be out of reach by then. No, the Reds need to seriously look at adding an outfield bat with some pop. The question will be do they have the trade chips to pull it off.
In addition to outfield help, the team likely will be in the market for a bullpen arm. With Sean Marshall on the disabled list again it would make sense if they were looking for another left-handed reliever. Manny Parra has yet to step up, and he too has already made one trip to the DL this season. Plus, whenever the Reds have to give closer Aroldis Chapman, set-up men Jonathan Broxton and Sam LeCure a day off to prevent over use, the rest of the bullpen has been shaky. Especially Logan Ondrusek and (I hate to say it) J.J. Hoover. Granted it's a long season and they may be able to turn it around by July. But it wouldn't surprise me if Jocketty looks to trade for a Broxton-type reliever like he did last year to add to the bullpen depth.
MY TWO CENTS:
I understand Matt Garza's point in regard to the comments the Cubs starter made toward Johnny Cueto's pitch that sailed over David DeJesus' head. But one, I don't believe Cueto was throwing at anybody. And two, if he was, he's protecting his own player Todd Frazier who was hit, by Garza, after Jay Bruce just took him deep. Now I would never abdicate throwing at anybody's noggin in any circumstance. I believe Garza is just sticking up for a teammate, but please, next time keep your trap shut.
Along those same lines, I don't think Aroldis Chapman was throwing at the Indians Nick Swisher. We all know Chapman can be wild, although I don't blame Swisher as the second 100 MPH fastball was too close for comfort. Swisher handled the situation perfectly. All he said to Chapman after the second pitch was, "Don't do that," meaning get a handle on your command or me and my teammates will begin to think you ARE throwing at me. Swisher almost got the best revenge nearly hitting another 100 MPH fastball from Chapman over the left field wall.
Bottom line, unintentional or not, the Reds don't want to get a reputation as head hunters or be perceived that way, especially from the umpires. My advice, stay away from the head.
While the rotating door of Xavier Paul, Donald Lutz and Derrick Robinson have done a nice job in the wake of the injuries to Ludwick and later Chris Heisey, Ludwick's prolonged absence behooves the front office to address the outfield situation.
Heisey hasn't proven he can play every day yet, and let's face it, even if Ludwick does return by August or early September, he won't be the same player that clubbed 26 home runs and 80 RBIs a season ago. Besides, the division pennant may be out of reach by then. No, the Reds need to seriously look at adding an outfield bat with some pop. The question will be do they have the trade chips to pull it off.
In addition to outfield help, the team likely will be in the market for a bullpen arm. With Sean Marshall on the disabled list again it would make sense if they were looking for another left-handed reliever. Manny Parra has yet to step up, and he too has already made one trip to the DL this season. Plus, whenever the Reds have to give closer Aroldis Chapman, set-up men Jonathan Broxton and Sam LeCure a day off to prevent over use, the rest of the bullpen has been shaky. Especially Logan Ondrusek and (I hate to say it) J.J. Hoover. Granted it's a long season and they may be able to turn it around by July. But it wouldn't surprise me if Jocketty looks to trade for a Broxton-type reliever like he did last year to add to the bullpen depth.
MY TWO CENTS:
I understand Matt Garza's point in regard to the comments the Cubs starter made toward Johnny Cueto's pitch that sailed over David DeJesus' head. But one, I don't believe Cueto was throwing at anybody. And two, if he was, he's protecting his own player Todd Frazier who was hit, by Garza, after Jay Bruce just took him deep. Now I would never abdicate throwing at anybody's noggin in any circumstance. I believe Garza is just sticking up for a teammate, but please, next time keep your trap shut.
Along those same lines, I don't think Aroldis Chapman was throwing at the Indians Nick Swisher. We all know Chapman can be wild, although I don't blame Swisher as the second 100 MPH fastball was too close for comfort. Swisher handled the situation perfectly. All he said to Chapman after the second pitch was, "Don't do that," meaning get a handle on your command or me and my teammates will begin to think you ARE throwing at me. Swisher almost got the best revenge nearly hitting another 100 MPH fastball from Chapman over the left field wall.
Bottom line, unintentional or not, the Reds don't want to get a reputation as head hunters or be perceived that way, especially from the umpires. My advice, stay away from the head.
Did Reds Trade Away the Wrong Short Stop?
The return of Drew Stubbs to Cincinnati calls to mind the off season trade in which the Reds acquired Shin-Soo Choo. Choo has been everything the Reds needed from the lead off position in the batting order. But there was another player involved in the deal not there, and that's because the Indians moved him to Arizona for pitching in return. That player is short stop Didi Gregorius.
The switch-hitting rookie has been just what the Diamondbacks needed, carrying a .324 batting average with 4 homers and 11 RBIs. He's slugging .541 with an on-base percentage of .385 through 29 games, while hitting second in the batting order.
Monday night, he clubbed a 2-run home run as well as RBI triple versus Texas ace Yu Darvish as the Diamondbacks rallied to sweep a double-header from the American League West leading Rangers, 5-4.
Gregorius has been superb in the field, committing just 3 errors while helping to turn 12 double plays and recording 50 put outs and 83 assists. A fielding percentage of .978.
By comparison, Reds short stop Zack Cozart -- who like Gregorius also hits in the two hole, is hitting .232 with 5 homers and 22 RBIs, while slugging .368 and an on-base percentage of .258. Granted Cozart has played in 16 more games than Gregorius and his fielding is just as exceptional, only 3 errors in 175 chances for a fielding percentage of .983. Still, it's easy to wonder if the Reds, this time around, traded away the wrong short stop.
Back in 1987 off season, the Reds had two highly thought of short stops in Kurt Stillwell and Barry Larkin. In need of starting pitching help, then Reds General Manager Murray Cook sent Stillwell, along with reliever Ted Power, to Kansas City for starter Danny Jackson and infielder Angel Salazar.
The rest, as they say, is history. Jackson won 23 games for the Reds in 1988 and was part of the 1990 World Series Championship squad. Stillwell was a career .249 hitter in his 9 seasons in the big leagues, while Larkin, spent 19 seasons in his native Cincinnati. He collected 2340 hits, 198 homers, 960 RBIs and 379 stolen bases and hit .295. A 12-time All-Star, Larkin won the 1995 National League Most Valuable Player award, became the first short stop to become a member of baseball's famed 30-30 club (Homers and stolen bases) and, like Jackson, was a part (a big part) of the '90 championship squad. A career that led to induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame last summer.
After acquiring Gregorius from the Indians, Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers compared him to the Yankees Derek Jeter, another future hall of famer. High praise for sure.
Now it's been reported Reds GM Walt Jocketty did not want to have to part with Gregorius last off season, and it's impossible to know if the Choo trade would have been agreed to had Cozart been included in the deal instead of Gregorius.
The question that only time will answer is whether trading Gregorius and keeping Cozart is akin to the Reds trading away Barry Larkin, leaving them with Kurt Stillwell this time around.
The switch-hitting rookie has been just what the Diamondbacks needed, carrying a .324 batting average with 4 homers and 11 RBIs. He's slugging .541 with an on-base percentage of .385 through 29 games, while hitting second in the batting order.
Monday night, he clubbed a 2-run home run as well as RBI triple versus Texas ace Yu Darvish as the Diamondbacks rallied to sweep a double-header from the American League West leading Rangers, 5-4.
Gregorius has been superb in the field, committing just 3 errors while helping to turn 12 double plays and recording 50 put outs and 83 assists. A fielding percentage of .978.
By comparison, Reds short stop Zack Cozart -- who like Gregorius also hits in the two hole, is hitting .232 with 5 homers and 22 RBIs, while slugging .368 and an on-base percentage of .258. Granted Cozart has played in 16 more games than Gregorius and his fielding is just as exceptional, only 3 errors in 175 chances for a fielding percentage of .983. Still, it's easy to wonder if the Reds, this time around, traded away the wrong short stop.
Back in 1987 off season, the Reds had two highly thought of short stops in Kurt Stillwell and Barry Larkin. In need of starting pitching help, then Reds General Manager Murray Cook sent Stillwell, along with reliever Ted Power, to Kansas City for starter Danny Jackson and infielder Angel Salazar.
The rest, as they say, is history. Jackson won 23 games for the Reds in 1988 and was part of the 1990 World Series Championship squad. Stillwell was a career .249 hitter in his 9 seasons in the big leagues, while Larkin, spent 19 seasons in his native Cincinnati. He collected 2340 hits, 198 homers, 960 RBIs and 379 stolen bases and hit .295. A 12-time All-Star, Larkin won the 1995 National League Most Valuable Player award, became the first short stop to become a member of baseball's famed 30-30 club (Homers and stolen bases) and, like Jackson, was a part (a big part) of the '90 championship squad. A career that led to induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame last summer.
After acquiring Gregorius from the Indians, Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers compared him to the Yankees Derek Jeter, another future hall of famer. High praise for sure.
Now it's been reported Reds GM Walt Jocketty did not want to have to part with Gregorius last off season, and it's impossible to know if the Choo trade would have been agreed to had Cozart been included in the deal instead of Gregorius.
The question that only time will answer is whether trading Gregorius and keeping Cozart is akin to the Reds trading away Barry Larkin, leaving them with Kurt Stillwell this time around.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Clutch Hitting Cure to Beating Good Teams
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?
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, 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.
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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.
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