The Reds are in agreement with veteran infielder Cliff Pennington on a minor league contract that would pay him a $1.5MM base salary in the Majors, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter). He’ll be in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring. Pennington is represented by Sosnick, Cobbe & Karon.
The 33-year-old Pennington spent the past two seasons with the Angels, where he batted a combined .232/.287/.320 through 405 plate appearances. Offense has never been a calling card for Pennington, a switch-hitter with a career .243/.310/.341 hitter through 3108 plate appearances, spanning 10 seasons. But, he’s a versatile defender capable of providing average or better glovework at shortstop, second base and third base, which makes him a nice utility option to have on hand — particularly for a Reds team that has yet to see Jose Peraza establish himself as a big leaguer.
Colorado Red
Really need a backup SS to Jose.
If Jose gets hurt, no one really ready to take over on a daily basis.
redsfan48
Alex Blandino or Nick Senzel would likely be the regular SS if Peraza gets injured.
Colorado Red
Alex is defiantly an option.
There is no noise from the Reds on Nick playing short, and I do not expect them to call him up until late May or early June.
redsfan48
Interestingly, there was an article today, just hours after that post, saying Senzel will spend the vast majority of the spring at SS and 2B. I bet if he hits well he could be up as soon as the Reds get the extra year of control
Daver520
Senzel would not be an option at Shortstop and will not even be a consideration
dhud
Senzel is already practicing at SS amongst other positions
Would most definitely be a consideration
BrandonGregory74
Senzel was asked during a Reds Caravan event where he’d like to play everyday and he answered “Shortstop”.
dhud
Most scouts agree Blandino cannot handle the position on a regular basis
ClearEyesRedLegs
When Senzel is ready I’d like to see Peraza backing up second and Suarez at SS if he can play it
hallwagner1
Surprised he couldn’t get a major league deal as a utility infielder. There are far worse ones than him currently on major league rosters.
pd14athletics
Agreed. I feel the Braves made sense for him.
bastros88
maybe he can pitch for them
bleacherbum
The Padres still need a veteran UTL infielder who can fill in for Galvis from time to time and bounce around to spell 2B/3B, Pennington would have been a nice fit.
Now it looks as if JJ Hardy is the best SS backup option left. Yunel Escobar is still available but I’m not sure if he can still handle SS know he has been playing 3B/2B the last couple years for the Halos.
Harry h
He’s a pretty good fill in guy I remember last year he hit a grand slam to win a game for the Angels !!!
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Didn’t even know this dude still played.
ksoze
Won’t make the roster, if Senzel shows he can indeed play SS, he’ll be up by May. Until then Blandino will be the backup.
BrandonGregory74
Peraza hasn’t shown patience at the plate. I hope he gets it before he’s passed up