Looking that way but tbh, the season started this way despite the narrative as starting pitching becoming the team's strength. I'd think the new rules might be more detrimental to this team vs a more mature staff as well. The direction, even with a 6-man rotation, is still positive in the big picture. So much raw talent.
Lodolo will probably get a few rehab outings in Louisville. Maybe not enough to retool per se but hopefully a chance to work some things out.
Have to think his presence alone will boost ticket sales and revenue through merchandising. Should help offset some of the massive contract he’s going to command.
Speaking of hitting, did the Reds replace their hitting coach last year or is much of this years rise in batting averages a tangible result of the new rules and the shift being eliminated.
May actually serve him some good for that to happen.
As far as the new hitting coach, they decided to promote from within the assistant hitting coach under Zinter, Joel McKeithan who was credited with working primarily with Drury during his turn around last season.
Also thought the pitching staff would be much better going into the season and injuries certainly have played a part in that not being the case. Still very high on the "Big 3" and not apart of the impatient group that can't see the forest for the trees as young pitchers continue to grow and develop. Especially with a simple trip to the minors that can fix issues they're having to come back better. Who knows, all of them could still get it together this year plus Abbott in the equation now. Multiple options for the 5-6 between Williamson, Lively, Weaver & Stoudt in AAA. Still some help to come back off the IL for the bullpen. The one concern I have is Lodolo's durability after going down in the first month 2 seasons in a row missing significant time on the IL.
Re Lodolo, at least at this point his problem is not shoulder/elbow related but foot. Of course, a balky foot could cause one to alter delivery that could have an adverse effect on shoulder/elbow. As for Ashcraft, he's a max effort guy and they frequently break down. Greene's very young but has already had one TJ surgery. Hopefully the younger guys will keep developing but it will likely be those guys who will have to carry the Reds over the finish line.
The unusually high rate of injuries to the pitchers is something that needs to be addressed either in how they are working out or strength and conditioning training or whatever. All I know is this is a yearly thing and it seems like it plagues the Reds more than anybody.
He is light years from commanding anything. He has to learn to hit MLB pitching first. 10 K's in 14 AB's so far. The talent is obviously there but he's way overmatched at this stage.
You're right. Thought about this too. Since there is a strong likelihood of Marte & Arroyo both reaching MLB while the current infielders are still in a Reds uniform, would the Reds trade them for an Ace (not a rental) with the infield depth? They were worth Seattle trading for Luis Castillo last year. Hate to lose either, especially Marte but this team could use an ace in the future.
Need a legitimate answer as to why Salazar was demoted to Louisville. He proved to be durable pitching multiple innings and 3 consecutive scoreless games in June since the bad game at Fenway. Let prospects grow & develop by playing through the struggles. He looked much better out there in the last 3 games.
As to Marte/Arroyo.....don't know about Arroyo but Marte will likely be the Reds 3B the second half of '24. People don't like to hear it but I'm telling you, India will be the odd man out, very likely dealt for pitching help( I expect he and Senzel both to be traded in the off season). CES at 1B, McLain at 2B, EDLC at SS, Marte at 3B will be the Reds INF beginning in '24.
Maile has surprised me so far in 2023 and his offense has made it where carrying 3 catchers might not be necessary all season. However, if he continued to get more AB's, those should come as the #2 catcher and makes Casali more expendable especially with Chuckie Robinson's production in AAA. Maile's production could dip in a larger role. Maybe not as far as his overall career numbers (.210, 16 HR & 89 RBIs) and feel like there are too many other viable options at DH when the Reds can't even find every day playing time for Barrero, Benson, Hopkins, Friedl now back. Also Steer to the OF and Stephenson needing to be preserved playing DH with screws holding together his collarbone. Still have Newman and eventually Myers & Fraley.
Casali knows the league and was a brilliant pick up I think for a very young staff but the trading deadline and a Votto decision looms for sure.
I like Casali and was pleased what he gave the Reds from 2018-20 and thought it was a smart decision for Krall to bring him back in the offseason. I think the production Maile has given the Reds, Stephenson staying healthy sticking with the plan of regular games at DH plus the insurance policy of Robinson hitting .336 and has a rapport built with the young pitchers on the Reds last season and current prospects like Abbott, Williamson, Stoudt, Lively and the relievers on this team from his work with the Bats. It makes dealing one of the catchers a plausible scenario at the deadline. Maile as the #2 catcher given how much Stephenson will have to play DH, he should see more AB's than most backup catchers in the league. If the catchers stay healthy, Robinson will only get to work more with these young pitchers in Louisville especially Stoudt who may end up helping this team yet before the season ends.
Griffey's deferred salary and Votto's contract has set this club back a decade or more. They represent the Jocketty and Williams era of unfulfilled promises and mind-boggling decisions. Krall ignored all the naysayers like me and looks like he's made the right moves for the franchise longer term. Barring injury, Votto and perhaps even guys like Casali or Myers will be his next biggest decision to make.
Robinson could be this team's Corky Miller of the 2000's. Working with the prospects in AAA, called up when a catcher is hurt, roster expansion in September and hang around Spring Training getting familiar with the Reds pitchers throughout the entire organization. There is a reason the Reds brought him back.
None of the three should be on the roster. Rest of the bullpen is very solid.
Herget & Cruz, absolutely. Gibaut is having a solid season 3.26 ERA, 1.15 WHIP & 5 wins. He can stay.
Yes which is why I say with Robinson stashed away in AAA there really isn't any need for 3 catchers when 2 of them in Stephenson & Maile have been productive. Should there be one injury, look how many of these guys Chuckie has already caught before and the rapport between the pitchers with him is hardly an issue there. Many teams would love to have Tyler Stephenson with a quality backup like Maile or Casali. The Reds could package one of them with a Barrero or Senzel and get a decent relief pitcher. Curt has been good for the Reds in the past '18-20 but would be the odd man out hitting .167, 0 HR & 5 RBIs. Having all 3 and Robinson hitting over .330 in Louisville is about like having 4 in the organization. Whenever CES does get here, Votto, Senzel and Myers who the Reds still are going to keep for now, tough decisions will have to be made. Would think Casali & Myers are the most expendable based on level of production & upside going forward.
Barrero has options. That would free up one roster spot. Could trade Senzel since this year is about as good as it will get with him but won't get much in return. There is still value in having utility players like him & Barrero that play both the infield and outfield plus are cheap. So the Reds may look elsewhere within to make room CES and the injured players.
