The Reds finished a disappointing opening series of the home stand by losing two out of three games to the St. Louis Cardinals. Losing two out of three wasn't the primary disappointment in the series. The shocker was how the Reds lost those games. The team gave up thirteen runs in game one and fifteen in the series finale. Mike Leake, who has been a money pitcher for the Reds all season, got shelled and couldn't even last six innings against the Redbirds.
As the Pirates and Cardinals continue to climb over twenty games above the .500 mark, the Reds slip to a bottom of the Wild Card battle with the likes of Arizona and Washington. This team would have no chance at the playoffs if this situation had presented itself last season. The Reds are lucky to be playing ten games above .500 and still have a comfortable lead in the chance at a one game playoff with a division rival. The weaknesses of this team are starting to stick out and haunt the Reds in games.
The Reds are missing four of their top players in Ryan Ludwick, Johnny Cueto, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall. No doubt if the Reds were playing with these four, they would be closer to the division lead. The main issue with these injuries is that there is no end in sight for a couple of the players. Ludwick and Broxton are encouragingly coming along and may both be ready for a return in the next week. Broxton will revert to his eighth inning role in the bullpen and Ludwick will eventually bat cleanup in the lineup. This will help the Reds re-familiarize with the core of last season's NL Central Championship team, but how much will two players really help?
Marshall and Cueto are by the looks of it from a spectator's eye out for the season. This is purely speculation and there are no reports that back this up, but Marshall suffered a setback during one of his last throwing sessions and Cueto hasn't picked up a baseball since his injury. Cueto has been on and off the DL throughout the season so much that the Reds may just concentrate on getting him fully healthy for 2014. If Marshall and Cueto are expected to be back at some point this year, I wouldn't count on either to be activated on the roster until late September.
What the Reds really need right now is more production out of left field and third base. Xavier Paul, Chris Heisey, and Derrick Robinson are just average players starting in the two hole in Dusty Baker's lineup. No doubt these three deserve to be on an MLB roster, but none of them can be expected to win the Reds games with their bats. Ludwick will help defray some of the pressure Baker's lineup is being put under with a less than ideal two hole hitter, but that might take some time. The good thing about the Reds' hitters right now is that Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips seem to be finding the gaps again.
Todd Frazier has been the biggest disappointment of the entire season for Cincinnati. He is undoubtedly a great clubhouse teammate and one of the most promising prospects on the team after a prominent rookie season, but his .235 average and 0/28 hitting slump have really put a damper on one of the players the Reds expected to drive in runs. In all seriousness, if Scott Rolen is in playing shape and wants to take on the challenge of playing in the majors again, I think it would be a good idea to bring one of the greatest leaders in Reds history back and try a proven bat and glove at third base to at least platoon with the young Frazier like in 2012. When Rolen was with the Reds, the Reds won more times than not. That should count for something. I have no idea whether Rolen is enjoying his retirement or if he is itching to play again in the MLB, but it would be worth giving him a call.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Showing posts with label Brandon Phillips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brandon Phillips. Show all posts
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Ludwick's rehab assignment creates anticipation for complete lineup
Ryan Ludwick is entering a rehab stint with the Dayton Dragons on Wednesday and will move up the ranks of the minors during that rehab period in order to be integrated back with the Reds in the next twenty days. Ludwick will probably be back before those twenty days are through. I would guess the Reds will take it pretty slowly, but I could see him coming back as soon as the Cardinals series from August 2-4.
Ludwick's presence alone presents the Reds with a more appealing lineup for the final two months of the season. The Reds can shift Ludwick in the fourth spot in the order when he comes back and let him gradually work the rust off of his swing. Shin-Soo Choo and Brandon Phillips would then become the first two hitters with Joey Votto remaining in the third spot. Phillips is a natural fit in the second spot in the order just as Ludwick fits in the cleanup spot. Ludwick will take some time to get back to hitting like he did late last season. In fact, he said he might not be one hundred percent for the rest of this season. I do believe Ludwick can hit about ten to fifteen home runs before the season ends because of his resiliency and experience with injuries in the past. Ludwick has been around the league for quite some time now. He fractured his hip coming up to the majors with Texas in 2002, so he knows his body well and can adjust to the ups and downs of coming back from major surgery.
Ludwick's freak injury from sliding into third base during the first game of this season threw the Reds off of their plan for the season. Chris Heisey then struggled at the plate and consequently stepped up when he came back off the DL from an injury himself. Derrick Robinson and Xavier Paul have hit well at times this season, but both can be streaky at the plate. Adding Ludwick to the plethora of left fielders available to the Reds right now will stabilize the position and add competition. Paul will probably remain on the team as a lefty bat although Robinson offers his switch hitting and dynamic speed. The Reds never steal bases under Dusty Baker as manager, however, so Robinson's speed only goes so far in Cincinnati. Ludwick and Heisey could even platoon at the left field position, giving Ludwick time to catch up and Heisey more opportunities to raise his batting average back to a respectable number. Here is what the lineup will look like in a few weeks and how it helps the Reds.
1. Shin-Soo Choo-No changes here. Choo has been an expert all season long at getting on base and earning timely hits, so he will deservedly remain leading off.
2. Brandon Phillips-Phillips hits best batting second, according to GM Walt Jocketty in an AP story. "He has been all over the lineup and has been great about it, but we think his best spot in the order is second," Jocketty said earlier this year. Phillips should be applauded for his work in the cleanup spot with over seventy RBI's already, but he can focus at getting on base and moving runners over in the two hole.
3. Joey Votto-Much like Choo, Votto deserves to hit third, although batting him second right now without Ludwick in the lineup is an appealing option. Dusty Baker will never move Votto out of the third spot in the order.
4. Ryan Ludwick-The catalyst of the Reds' lineup. When he is in the lineup, he brings the Reds stability and a consistently productive group from top to bottom. When he is injured, the Reds tend to be inconsistent. Even though Cincinnati is twelve games over .500, the team can and will improve with a healthy fourth hitter.
5. Jay Bruce-Dusty Baker won't move Bruce in the order because he is one of the team's best power hitters and Baker doesn't want him in the fourth spot with back-to-back left handers. Bruce will have more opportunities for RBI's with Ludwick hitting in front of him.
6. Todd Frazier-Frazier was best last season with Ludwick excelling a couple spots ahead of him in the order. Both Frazier and Ludwick had career seasons and spectacular second halves last year, and they were two of the key reasons the Reds won the division crown.
7. Zack Cozart-Cozart is a quality player in the seventh spot in the order. The problem comes about when the Reds try to bat a shortstop who struggles to make contact second in the lineup. Cozart continues to exceed expectations with his impact fielding ability and has shown an ability to go through hitting surges. His main problem is consistency and putting together a string of productive hitting performances. That will come with more and more at bats. For now, let Cozart get through his troubles hitting seventh.
8. Devin Mesoraco-Right now, it seems that Mesoraco has surpassed Cozart as the best young player getting playing time in the Reds' batting order. Mesoraco is hitting .241 this season, a respectable mark for a catcher, and has shown some power with four homers and twenty-one RBI's in his 179 at bats. Mesoraco could see an increase in playing time with Ryan Hanigan struggling to stay healthy and get hits this season.
9. Pitcher-Mike Leake and Mat Latos are the two best hitting pitchers on the team. However, there is no Micah Owings on this Reds team hitting wise.
Ludwick's presence alone presents the Reds with a more appealing lineup for the final two months of the season. The Reds can shift Ludwick in the fourth spot in the order when he comes back and let him gradually work the rust off of his swing. Shin-Soo Choo and Brandon Phillips would then become the first two hitters with Joey Votto remaining in the third spot. Phillips is a natural fit in the second spot in the order just as Ludwick fits in the cleanup spot. Ludwick will take some time to get back to hitting like he did late last season. In fact, he said he might not be one hundred percent for the rest of this season. I do believe Ludwick can hit about ten to fifteen home runs before the season ends because of his resiliency and experience with injuries in the past. Ludwick has been around the league for quite some time now. He fractured his hip coming up to the majors with Texas in 2002, so he knows his body well and can adjust to the ups and downs of coming back from major surgery.
Ludwick's freak injury from sliding into third base during the first game of this season threw the Reds off of their plan for the season. Chris Heisey then struggled at the plate and consequently stepped up when he came back off the DL from an injury himself. Derrick Robinson and Xavier Paul have hit well at times this season, but both can be streaky at the plate. Adding Ludwick to the plethora of left fielders available to the Reds right now will stabilize the position and add competition. Paul will probably remain on the team as a lefty bat although Robinson offers his switch hitting and dynamic speed. The Reds never steal bases under Dusty Baker as manager, however, so Robinson's speed only goes so far in Cincinnati. Ludwick and Heisey could even platoon at the left field position, giving Ludwick time to catch up and Heisey more opportunities to raise his batting average back to a respectable number. Here is what the lineup will look like in a few weeks and how it helps the Reds.1. Shin-Soo Choo-No changes here. Choo has been an expert all season long at getting on base and earning timely hits, so he will deservedly remain leading off.
2. Brandon Phillips-Phillips hits best batting second, according to GM Walt Jocketty in an AP story. "He has been all over the lineup and has been great about it, but we think his best spot in the order is second," Jocketty said earlier this year. Phillips should be applauded for his work in the cleanup spot with over seventy RBI's already, but he can focus at getting on base and moving runners over in the two hole.
3. Joey Votto-Much like Choo, Votto deserves to hit third, although batting him second right now without Ludwick in the lineup is an appealing option. Dusty Baker will never move Votto out of the third spot in the order.
4. Ryan Ludwick-The catalyst of the Reds' lineup. When he is in the lineup, he brings the Reds stability and a consistently productive group from top to bottom. When he is injured, the Reds tend to be inconsistent. Even though Cincinnati is twelve games over .500, the team can and will improve with a healthy fourth hitter.
5. Jay Bruce-Dusty Baker won't move Bruce in the order because he is one of the team's best power hitters and Baker doesn't want him in the fourth spot with back-to-back left handers. Bruce will have more opportunities for RBI's with Ludwick hitting in front of him.
6. Todd Frazier-Frazier was best last season with Ludwick excelling a couple spots ahead of him in the order. Both Frazier and Ludwick had career seasons and spectacular second halves last year, and they were two of the key reasons the Reds won the division crown.
7. Zack Cozart-Cozart is a quality player in the seventh spot in the order. The problem comes about when the Reds try to bat a shortstop who struggles to make contact second in the lineup. Cozart continues to exceed expectations with his impact fielding ability and has shown an ability to go through hitting surges. His main problem is consistency and putting together a string of productive hitting performances. That will come with more and more at bats. For now, let Cozart get through his troubles hitting seventh.
8. Devin Mesoraco-Right now, it seems that Mesoraco has surpassed Cozart as the best young player getting playing time in the Reds' batting order. Mesoraco is hitting .241 this season, a respectable mark for a catcher, and has shown some power with four homers and twenty-one RBI's in his 179 at bats. Mesoraco could see an increase in playing time with Ryan Hanigan struggling to stay healthy and get hits this season.
9. Pitcher-Mike Leake and Mat Latos are the two best hitting pitchers on the team. However, there is no Micah Owings on this Reds team hitting wise.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Top Reds at the break
The Reds have had a 2013 season to remember. Cincinnati is now used to the Reds' winning culture that the Dusty Baker and Joey Votto era has cultivated for the first time in decades. The team is positioned in a decent spot eleven games over .500 and five games back from the first place Pirates. There are still many doubters as to whether the Pirates can maintain consistent winning and capture a division title. The Reds and Cardinals are the more proven teams, and with the Cardinals and Reds about to get healthier before the pennant race, it could come down to the last few weeks of the season for the MLB's most competitive division. The Reds have many contributors all across the infield, outfield, on the bench and in the bullpen, and on the mound, but there are five players that have stood out above the rest this season.
5. Aroldis Chapman-The closer has been lights out almost all season long. With the exception of a couple negative games, Chapman has been dominant in the closer role once again in 2013. He can still fire fastballs 103 MPH, and he has built upon his success with the slider this season. There have been reports recently that the Reds should trade Chapman. I don't care who the Reds could get in return, including Miami left fielder Giancarlo Stanton; Chapman should be untouchable this season in Walt Jocketty's mind. He is too valuable when the game is on the line and when something isn't broken on a team, don't try to fix it. I think the Reds organization is much more comfortable with Chapman in the ninth inning than with Francisco Cordero in 2010 when the Reds made the playoffs.
Stat Line: 3-3 2.79 ERA, 21 saves in 24 opportunities, 64 strikeouts, 1.12 WHIP, .175 opponent batting average
4. Brandon Phillips-This spot is really a toss up between Phillips and Jay Bruce, but I went with Phillips because of his quick adjustment to batting cleanup and his off the charts fielding ability. Phillips is the ultimate adaptor to any lineup Dusty Baker puts out, and he has adjusted to the fourth spot perfectly by leading the Reds in RBI's and being near the top of the NL in that category. Phillips is on pace to easily set a career high in RBI's. Phillips has also embraced the city of Cincinnati and played the game with pure joy and enthusiasm. Phillips is a clutch hitter and playmaker in the field who has molded his game to rival what Joe Morgan did for the franchise in the 70's.
Stat Line: .266 AVG, .320 OBP, 12 home runs, 74 RBI's, 44 double plays turned
3. Mike Leake-It's surprising to see Leake as the top performer in the Reds' rotation, especially after a mediocre 2012 when his ERA was in the mid fours. Leake is tied for the team lead in wins, and is second on the team in ERA by pitcher who has pitched in more than eleven games right behind Sam LeCure. Leake has resurrected his reputation as a rising young arm in the game. Many have compared his savvy baseball mind and ability to hit the correct spots while pitching to Greg Maddux. Leake is well on his way to making All Star appearances and becoming at least a third pitcher in the rotation.
Stat Line: 8-4, 2.69 ERA, 117 innings pitched, 26 walks
2. Shin-Soo Choo-Choo is the best leadoff hitter Dusty Baker has ever had, and he has helped the top half of the batting order tremendously. Choo is one of the best all around players the Reds have in terms of fielding, running, hitting for average and power, and getting on base. Choo is a five tool player and his addition to the club along with the trade for Mat Latos last season has led to the Reds' resurgence to a playoff caliber team. Choo gets on base almost as much as Joey Votto, and his transition to center field has been virtually seamless with his cannon for an arm and above average tracking range for fly balls. Choo may be playing his final half of baseball for the Reds, but even if that's true, fans should just enjoy the remainder of his time in a Cincinnati uniform.
Stat Line: .287 AVG, .425 OBP, 13 home runs, 31 RBI's, 64 walks, 11 stolen bases
1. Joey Votto-Votto has returned to All Star and MVP form after being thrown off his rhythm with a knee injury in 2012. Votto has been the best in the big leagues at getting on base, and when he is locked in and seeing the ball well, no pitcher can get him out. Votto hit .388 in the month of May and it wouldn't be surprising if he was able to pick his average back up in August when the games really begin to decide who remains in the playoff race. Votto leads the Reds in average, on base percentage, and walks. He is seventh in the NL in batting average this season.
Stat Line: .318 AVG, .434 OBP, 15 home runs, 42 RBI's, 71 walks
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
5. Aroldis Chapman-The closer has been lights out almost all season long. With the exception of a couple negative games, Chapman has been dominant in the closer role once again in 2013. He can still fire fastballs 103 MPH, and he has built upon his success with the slider this season. There have been reports recently that the Reds should trade Chapman. I don't care who the Reds could get in return, including Miami left fielder Giancarlo Stanton; Chapman should be untouchable this season in Walt Jocketty's mind. He is too valuable when the game is on the line and when something isn't broken on a team, don't try to fix it. I think the Reds organization is much more comfortable with Chapman in the ninth inning than with Francisco Cordero in 2010 when the Reds made the playoffs.
Stat Line: 3-3 2.79 ERA, 21 saves in 24 opportunities, 64 strikeouts, 1.12 WHIP, .175 opponent batting average
4. Brandon Phillips-This spot is really a toss up between Phillips and Jay Bruce, but I went with Phillips because of his quick adjustment to batting cleanup and his off the charts fielding ability. Phillips is the ultimate adaptor to any lineup Dusty Baker puts out, and he has adjusted to the fourth spot perfectly by leading the Reds in RBI's and being near the top of the NL in that category. Phillips is on pace to easily set a career high in RBI's. Phillips has also embraced the city of Cincinnati and played the game with pure joy and enthusiasm. Phillips is a clutch hitter and playmaker in the field who has molded his game to rival what Joe Morgan did for the franchise in the 70's.
Stat Line: .266 AVG, .320 OBP, 12 home runs, 74 RBI's, 44 double plays turned
3. Mike Leake-It's surprising to see Leake as the top performer in the Reds' rotation, especially after a mediocre 2012 when his ERA was in the mid fours. Leake is tied for the team lead in wins, and is second on the team in ERA by pitcher who has pitched in more than eleven games right behind Sam LeCure. Leake has resurrected his reputation as a rising young arm in the game. Many have compared his savvy baseball mind and ability to hit the correct spots while pitching to Greg Maddux. Leake is well on his way to making All Star appearances and becoming at least a third pitcher in the rotation.
Stat Line: 8-4, 2.69 ERA, 117 innings pitched, 26 walks
Stat Line: .287 AVG, .425 OBP, 13 home runs, 31 RBI's, 64 walks, 11 stolen bases
1. Joey Votto-Votto has returned to All Star and MVP form after being thrown off his rhythm with a knee injury in 2012. Votto has been the best in the big leagues at getting on base, and when he is locked in and seeing the ball well, no pitcher can get him out. Votto hit .388 in the month of May and it wouldn't be surprising if he was able to pick his average back up in August when the games really begin to decide who remains in the playoff race. Votto leads the Reds in average, on base percentage, and walks. He is seventh in the NL in batting average this season.
Stat Line: .318 AVG, .434 OBP, 15 home runs, 42 RBI's, 71 walks
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Cincy Sports Spot Awards: Part 2
Best Breakthrough Player: Todd Frazier-Frazier finally got his shot at third base in the MLB in 2012 when Scott Rolen went on the disabled list, and became one of the top rookies in the National League by flashing power and a consistent glove. Frazier hit .273 with nineteen homers and almost seventy RBI's. Frazier was the second best option the Reds had late in the season with Joey Votto out besides Ryan Ludwick. Not many fans expected Frazier to be more than a bench player in 2012 with the leader of the team at third base in Scott Rolen, but the native of New Jersey proved to be extremely valuable and the franchise third baseman for the next several years.
Best Fighter: Adrien Broner-The twenty-three year old who stands at 5'7, 147 pounds from Cincinnati is quickly becoming one of the best lightweight boxers in the world. Broner is currently unbeaten at 26-0 with 22 knockouts, and he is coming off of a big victory over Paul Malignaggi in late June. Broner has the skills to continue to move up the ranks of boxing as a three time world champion, and he is bringing the sport of boxing back to relevance in the city of Cincinnati with his ties to the area.
Best Play: Brandon Phillips double play-Phillips made one of the greatest defensive plays of all time on May 9 against the Brewers when he turned two by himself. Phillips grabbed the ball bare handed, fell to his knees tagging the base in fluid motion, and firing the ball to Joey Votto. Pure wizardry and something you will never see again in the game of baseball. Phillips continues to build his resume as a top three defensive second baseman of all time.
Best MLB Player: Johnny Cueto-Cueto was the workhorse of the Reds' rotation in 2012, pitching over 200 innings and earning nineteen victories, a career high. Cueto made a bold case to be the best pitcher in the majors and finished just short of his first Cy Young. Cueto also pitched in each of his scheduled starts throughout the year and finished with an ERA under three for the second time in his career at 2.78. Cueto was the reason pitching wise that the Reds were able to win the NL Central.
Best Record Breaking Performance: Marvin Lewis-Lewis returned for his tenth season as the Bengals' Head Coach, a franchise record, and led the team to a 10-6 record with wins over Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Lewis was masterful handling a team that started the 2012-13 season 3-5. He isn't the best in-game manager with his overly conservative game plans and questionable challenge calls, but Lewis knows how to run meetings and get the most out of his players. Lewis did a great job making Andy Dalton and Rey Mauluga team captains, and the team responded extremely well by winning seven of the last eight regular season games. Lewis is looking to make his third straight playoff appearance this upcoming season.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Best Fighter: Adrien Broner-The twenty-three year old who stands at 5'7, 147 pounds from Cincinnati is quickly becoming one of the best lightweight boxers in the world. Broner is currently unbeaten at 26-0 with 22 knockouts, and he is coming off of a big victory over Paul Malignaggi in late June. Broner has the skills to continue to move up the ranks of boxing as a three time world champion, and he is bringing the sport of boxing back to relevance in the city of Cincinnati with his ties to the area.
Best MLB Player: Johnny Cueto-Cueto was the workhorse of the Reds' rotation in 2012, pitching over 200 innings and earning nineteen victories, a career high. Cueto made a bold case to be the best pitcher in the majors and finished just short of his first Cy Young. Cueto also pitched in each of his scheduled starts throughout the year and finished with an ERA under three for the second time in his career at 2.78. Cueto was the reason pitching wise that the Reds were able to win the NL Central.
Best Record Breaking Performance: Marvin Lewis-Lewis returned for his tenth season as the Bengals' Head Coach, a franchise record, and led the team to a 10-6 record with wins over Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Lewis was masterful handling a team that started the 2012-13 season 3-5. He isn't the best in-game manager with his overly conservative game plans and questionable challenge calls, but Lewis knows how to run meetings and get the most out of his players. Lewis did a great job making Andy Dalton and Rey Mauluga team captains, and the team responded extremely well by winning seven of the last eight regular season games. Lewis is looking to make his third straight playoff appearance this upcoming season.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Reds All Star Game predictions
Joey Votto: Votto is hitless in his three prior All Star Games. He went 0/3 last year including a strikeout, so look for Votto to try and get his first hit early in the game. I think Votto will have a hit this year in one of his first two at bats after being considered the best hitter in the order due to his positioning in the lineup by Bruce Bochy.
Brandon Phillips: Phillips went 0/1 in the 2011 All Star Game after Rickie Weeks started above him for the NL that year. Phillips is now expected to be the table setter for the roster in an unnatural spot in the order for him right now. Phillips is probably most comfortable batting in the two hole, but his competitive juices and the adrenaline will certainly be flowing in his first start in the game. I'm not sure Phillips will be able to focus enough against top pitchers to get a hit tonight, but he will make some flashy plays in the field at second base. Mark that down.
Aroldis Chapman: Chapman was in the All Star Game last season when he pitched a third of an inning with a strikeout and a walk. Chapman might get more than just one out this year as one of the top five closers in the MLB. The NL will want to
display its power arms in this game, and Chapman, who reached 103 MPH against the Braves last weekend, can wow the New York crowd. Chapman will probably be given a full inning tonight, and if his fastball and slider are working right, he will rack up a couple strikeouts.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Monday, July 8, 2013
Reds weekend observations
The Reds fell back in their quest to gain control of the NL Central this weekend by dropping two of three to the lowly Seattle Mariners, a team in second to last place in the AL West and ten games under .500. As the All Star break approaches and the halfway mark in the season just completed, here are some observations on the progress of the team at this juncture.
-The bullpen and starting pitching can't be blamed for the Reds' troubles right now. The offense has been flopping over the past four series. The Reds have struggled picking up AL pitching, as the team is now 6-9 on the year against AL opponents. Zack Cozart is two for his last nineteen, and Brandon Phillips is five for his last twenty-one. The top of the lineup needs to start hitting and getting on base so the Reds can generate more runs. Luckily for the Reds, they have only one series left against the AL against Oakland on August 6-7.
-At just over the half way point, the Reds are still in good shape in terms of overall record. The team was nine games over .500 at the break last year and in second place, a game behind Pittsburgh. This year, the Reds are behind both St. Louis and Pittsburgh with some ground to make up. The Reds went on a long winning streak after the break last year in mid to late July, so as long as they keep pace and don't get over five games behind the first place Pirates, they should be fine going forward.
-The bullpen and starting pitching can't be blamed for the Reds' troubles right now. The offense has been flopping over the past four series. The Reds have struggled picking up AL pitching, as the team is now 6-9 on the year against AL opponents. Zack Cozart is two for his last nineteen, and Brandon Phillips is five for his last twenty-one. The top of the lineup needs to start hitting and getting on base so the Reds can generate more runs. Luckily for the Reds, they have only one series left against the AL against Oakland on August 6-7.
-A sweep of the last place Brewers could go a long way for this team. If the Reds can win three in Milwaukee, that puts them at fifteen games over .500 heading into a clash with the first place Braves. The Reds would then hope to take two of four in that series, and head into the break with one of the best records in the majors.
-The Reds will have two starters in the All Star Game for the NL roster in Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Phillips is getting his first start in his third appearance, and I could see him batting second on Bruce Bochy's lineup card. Votto is an experienced starter in the All Star Game, but he is hitless in his seven prior at bats in the game. Aroldis Chapman will make the team in back to back seasons and should be a nice weapon for the NL to use late in the game. Shin-Soo Choo and Jay Bruce could be considered snubs because they weren't elected to represent the Reds in the game, but with Choo's recent dip in batting average and Bruce's inconsistency at the plate, an appearance just wasn't in the cards. According to Bochy, Homer Bailey and Mat Latos were under heavy consideration for spots on the team as well.
-The second hitter in the lineup is costing the Reds a great deal of runs. Zack Cozart has found himself in a lot of favorable scoring opportunities throughout the season and hasn't been able to capitalize and extend those opportunities by getting on base or driving in runs. He has just nine RBI's and is hitting .216 in the last thirty days. The easiest solution is to move Votto up a spot in the order and shift Phillips to the third spot and Bruce to cleanup in the order. However, it is highly unlikely for Baker to move Votto, the best hitter on the roster, out of the third spot. Xavier Paul and Derrick Robinson are solid contact hitters with OBP's above .330, so another possibility is to platoon the two left fielders in the two hole.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
-The Reds will have two starters in the All Star Game for the NL roster in Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Phillips is getting his first start in his third appearance, and I could see him batting second on Bruce Bochy's lineup card. Votto is an experienced starter in the All Star Game, but he is hitless in his seven prior at bats in the game. Aroldis Chapman will make the team in back to back seasons and should be a nice weapon for the NL to use late in the game. Shin-Soo Choo and Jay Bruce could be considered snubs because they weren't elected to represent the Reds in the game, but with Choo's recent dip in batting average and Bruce's inconsistency at the plate, an appearance just wasn't in the cards. According to Bochy, Homer Bailey and Mat Latos were under heavy consideration for spots on the team as well.
-The second hitter in the lineup is costing the Reds a great deal of runs. Zack Cozart has found himself in a lot of favorable scoring opportunities throughout the season and hasn't been able to capitalize and extend those opportunities by getting on base or driving in runs. He has just nine RBI's and is hitting .216 in the last thirty days. The easiest solution is to move Votto up a spot in the order and shift Phillips to the third spot and Bruce to cleanup in the order. However, it is highly unlikely for Baker to move Votto, the best hitter on the roster, out of the third spot. Xavier Paul and Derrick Robinson are solid contact hitters with OBP's above .330, so another possibility is to platoon the two left fielders in the two hole.
Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Bruce key to next step
Jay Bruce has matured since taking the baseball world by surprise with his amazing debut in 2008. Sure, Bruce was electrifying his first few games in the league. He finished that season hitting .254, a fair but unspectacular clip for a rookie.
Bruce has been more consistent over the last few years in his hitting. His average has stayed in the mid-.250's over the last 2 seasons, but he has seen his power numbers rise each year. Bruce's best hitting for average came in the year the Reds failed to make the playoffs. Bruce hit .281 with 25 homers in 2010.
2013 has looked to be a major stepping stone for the right fielder in his quest for achieving greatness. Bruce has once again flashed an MVP caliber right field defense, and he has kept his average relatively high up to this point. Bruce is hitting over .300 in June, and has an overall average of .278. He took a little while to get going in terms of power hitting, but he has turned it on lately with 13 homers, including 3 in his last 5 games.
Bruce is very important to the Reds as the fifth hitter in the lineup. If the Reds want to continue to earn victories, they are going to rely on the middle order hitters to drive in runs. Shin-Soo Choo, Joey Votto, and Brandon Phillips have consistently shown the ability to get on base. Choo and Votto each have an OBP of over .400, and Phillips excels with an 0-2 count in his at bats by working his way back to a hitter's count. Bruce is the X-factor. If he can drive in the hitters at the top of the order, it won't matter how much an inconsistent bullpen struggles. The Reds will be too far ahead in the game to fret.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
All Star conversation: Position players
It is now June and we are just over a month away from the All Star Game. The Cincinnati Reds have the 2nd best record in baseball, and will surely garner attention from voters. I could see a few Reds fielders starting in the game, and the dominant pitching staff will surely be represented as well. The All Star game is a great opportunity for the best players in the game of baseball to come together and celebrate the sport they love.
Joey Votto-No surprise here. Votto cranked up his play in May, carrying the Reds with a batting average almost at .400 for the month and with 6 homers. His offensive wins above replacement is tops on the team at 2.6, and he has a ridiculous .454 on base percentage. Votto is certainly in contention for his second MVP award this year, and should be a lock to start the All Star Game at first base.
Shin-Soo Choo-As long as Choo can work his way out of the slump he has had recently, he should be in the outfield to start the All Star Game. Choo is a top 3 leadoff hitter in the MLB, and works the at bat almost as well as Votto. Choo leads the Reds in homers with 10, and his .438 on base percentage is not far behind Votto's.
Brandon Phillips-If I had to pick an MVP for this Reds team so far, it would have to be Phillips. His play in the field at second base is unmatched, and the 45 RBI's that Phillips sports has won this team a lot of games. It would be a shocker if Phillips isn't on the NL team.
Jay Bruce-Bruce is a streaky hitter, but when he is hitting well, there is almost nobody better. Bruce has been much more consistent this year by not burying himself with a low average to start the season. He has become more disciplined at the plate. Bruce is starting to hit for power again with 9 homers. He also has a .279 batting average, 38 RBI's, and is rock solid in right field. Bruce has made the All Star team in the past and is on track to do so again.
Todd Frazier-Frazier is my Wild Card for the team. He didn't hit any homers in May, but was one of the MLB's best hitters in April. Frazier is starting to regain his confidence in his stroke, and should bring his average back up to the .280 range in due time. Frazier still has 6 home runs and 32 RBI's, and definitely represents everything Reds want in a player and teammate. Watch out for Frazier if his numbers climb in June.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Reds observations heading into home stand
The Reds head back to Great American Ball Park with a much needed off day after a grueling, but successful road trip in which the Reds visited three big markets in Miami, Philadelphia, and New York. The Reds beat those three teams 7 times and only lost 2. If Aroldis Chapman hadn't allowed back-to-back homers against the Phillies last Sunday, it would have been 8-1. Cincinnati is 29-18, just a game back from St. Louis for the lead in the NL Central, and the team has won 10 of 12 games. The Cubs head to Cincinnati next for a 3 game set. Expect the Reds to take at least 2 out of 3 of those games with Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey, and Johnny Cueto each taking the hill. Here are some observations about the team's progress heading into the off day.
- Joey Votto is back to 100% and is locked in with the MLB's second best average. The former MVP is seeing the ball as well as anyone right now. He has multi-hit games in 7 out of the last 9 games. In May alone, Votto is hitting .443 with a .536 OBP. Votto isn't looking to do too much when he steps up to the plate. He is squaring up almost every pitch inside the strike zone and lofting these pitches into the outfield gaps. He has upped his home run total to 7, with one coming today against rising star Matt Harvey. Votto is giving the Reds the player they missed over the last half of the last season.
- Brandon Phillips is the MVP of this team over the first quarter of the year. What are you looking for from the cleanup spot? The name of that game is the RBI stat. The Reds have been great about getting on base at the top of their lineup. This is largely due to the production of new leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo and Votto, but Phillips has been accountable for the major portion of the offense. His 40 RBI's lead the NL and he bats at a solid clip of .284 with a .330 OBP. If Phillips continues to bring the runs home, this team will have a chance to finish with 100 wins.
- Tony Cingrani won't be ready for this rotation until next season. The 23 year old looked awfully impressive when the Reds first called him up, but fell back and was exposed because of an overused fastball. Cingrani throws gas with that pitch capable of reaching 95 mph. However, he lacks the necessary control and a secondary pitch to beat out Mike Leake, whose last two starts warrant his spot in the rotation. Cingrani was 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA, but gave up 5 runs in 9 innings over his final 2 starts. Look for Cingrani to work on a slider and a change-up in Louisville. He will probably take over for Bronson Arroyo if he leaves for free agency or outcompete Mike Leake for the 5th spot next spring. Cingrani has the upside to end up as a similar pitcher to Clayton Kershaw.
- Donald Lutz could be here for a long time. Some players don't need to spend time in the high ranks of the minors. The rookie left fielder was called up from Pensacola after hitting only .211 in Double A, yet has played much better at the highest level to warrant consideration for an opportunity to remain in Cincinnati for the rest of 2013. Lutz is the first German-developed player to reach the MLB and has major power potential. His .273 batting line includes 1 homer in his 6 hits, and more homers should come as he continues to reach a comfort level against MLB pitchers. Lutz has outplayed Derrick Robinson, whose best attribute is his running ability. Lutz is the better all around player with a contact approach at the plate and good fielding range, even though Robinson is batting .281. Lutz and Xavier Paul (.256 with 13 RBI's and a .383 OBP) have combined for a deadly left handed batting combination. When Chris Heisey heals from his injury in the next couple of weeks, expect him to return to Cincinnati because of his ability to hit from the right side. I could see the switch hitting Robinson being sent back to Triple A and Lutz remaining on the roster at least until after the All Star break when Ryan Ludwick is fully healthy.
- Chapman has recovered from the blown save. Everybody is making a big deal about the blown save in Philadelphia, but I credit that performance to his reported binging on Cuban pastries. Rickie Ricardo, a Phillies announcer, gave Chapman a box of 100 "Krispy Kreme-like" pastries, and the closer apparently ate 18 before the game. If I ate 5 Krispy Kreme doughnuts, let alone 18, I don't think I could move for the rest of the day. 18 may be a little bit of an overestimation, but eating sweets before athletic activity is never a good idea. Chapman's blown save was an abnormality. Before allowing back-to-back homers in 1/3 of an inning, including the walk-off shot by Freddy Galvis, Chapman hadn't allowed more than a run in 5 prior performances, and had only blown one other save in 12 opportunities. Chapman hasn't allowed a run since in two innings against the Mets. He is back to being focused and disciplined, and as long as he stays away from the pastries, he should return to consistent dominance for an extended period of time.
- This Reds team is only going to get better. This time last season, the Reds were 23-19 and didn't really hit their stride until mid-summer. Johnny Cueto is going to return to his ace form at some point sooner rather than later after earning a win in 5 innings in his first start off of the DL. Heisey should give the Reds a proven bat off the bench when he is ready. In the late summer, the bottom of the order will be bolstered with Ryan Ludwick most likely getting plugged into the 6th spot in the order. The Reds have more winning streaks in them, and we certainly haven't seen the best of the Reds just yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)