Jonathan India’s impressive play is forcing the Reds (and Eugenio Suarez) to pivot. The 24-year-old infielder is looking more-and-more likely to make the roster, per Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It wasn’t the plan to break camp with India at the keystone, but the former No. 5 overall pick of the 2018 draft has forced the issue by hitting .333/.474/.633 this spring. To make room, the Reds will need to pull off the unorthodox move of shifting their third baseman up the defensive spectrum – again.
Last year it was free agent signee Mike Moustakas continuing an experiment begun in Milwaukee and sliding to second base from the hot corner – which was occupied by Suarez. At the benefit of Moustakas’ 109 wRC+ bat, they weathered the storm of passable, if uninspired defense at second (-3 DRS, 0.0 UZR, 0 OAA). Now, Moustakas may return to the hot corner.
Meanwhile, Suarez, now 15 pounds lighter, will slide to shortstop where he began his Major League career with the Tigers back in 2014. He hasn’t played more than a dozen innings up the middle since 2015, however. Since the Reds began trying out Suarez at shortstop just a few days ago, the experiment has quickly become more strategy than gimmick. Defensive metrics frowned upon Suarez’s glovework last he tried to captain the infield (-12 DRS, -10.4 UZR in 96 games in 2016), but in fairness, his bat has the potential to justify the sacrifice. Even in a down year, Suarez was four percent better than average at the plate in 2020. Of course, to make this experiment worthwhile, he’ll need to be closer to the 134 wRC+ hitter he was in 2018-19.
Beyond India’s impressive spring, the Reds may also be attempting to cover for a relative dearth of proven shortstops on the roster. If not Suarez, the top contenders are Kyle Farmer, a 30-year-old former catcher with 10 career starts at short, and Dee Strange-Gordon, 33 in April, who owns an unimpressive 80 wRC+ over 2,131 plate appearances dating back through 2016 and hasn’t started more than seven games at shortstop since 2013. Even then, when he was still in his athletic prime, defensive metrics weren’t kind to his glovework. As of now, it’s not even clear if the non-roster invitee will be added to the 40-man roster. Jose Garcia, 22, might be the long-term solution, but the consensus is that he overreached in 2020 – evidenced by a .194/.206/.194 line in 68 PA – and needs more seasoning in the minors.
If India indeed gets the nod at second, as seems likely, it could be argued that the Reds will have third basemen at five positions around the diamond: both India and likely centerfielder Nick Senzel were drafted as third basemen, Suarez has spent five consecutive seasons at third, Moustakas will be positioned at third, and right fielder Nicholas Castellanos spent the first four years of his career as a third baseman with the Tigers. Essentially, if a player on the Reds throws right-handed, it’s safe to assume he was, at some point, a third baseman. Given their experience in this niche, whether or not you’re a believer, it’s hard to argue that the Reds don’t know what they’re doing.
Whether the offense has enough gravity to overcome their defensive shortcomings will be fascinating to track throughout a full 162-game season. If the Reds pull it off, they’ll have identified an unlikely market advantage during an era known for innovation: the ability to transition third basemen up the defensive spectrum.
MetsFan22
Reds should bring him up.
Hosmer for HOF
Question reds fans, I’ve heard of Jonathan India vaguely before (former high first round pick) does he have a bad rep? I’ve gotten a slight vibe he’s an unwanted child in the league but I could have weird, wild perception on this one. Thanks
letmeclearmythroat74
I have never heard anything like that and I follow the Reds closely. I know he was talked about in trades for guys like Lindor and Storey etc … but he’s right on pace where he should be from where he was drafted as for time wise, at least in my opinion. His minor numbers haven’t been great so this tear in spring training may not translate to MLB yet. His power numbers didn’t seem to be around in the minors. But you never know , some times it takes a year or 2 for things to click.
bot
His last year of college ball- he had a breakout year. He was suppose to be a high floor prospect who cut his way to bigs quickly but he has never hit well enough as a pro and that’s where the bad wrap came in. He fell out of prospect rankings and couldn’t ever get going. I think he hit roughly a 100 in a recent Arizona fall league. He has a great walk rate and some power but his average has been very low.
Last spring training – Garcia blew up like that and made the big league club and it earned him a whole 68 at bats. Regardless of India’s results – he’ll get more of a chance than Garcia last season but hard to get your hopes up over a spring training stent when there’s been so many unproductive stents prior to this one.
I say he gets 450 at bats and hits maybe 240 w some pop and a decent walk rate. Prob bats 6/7 in line up
mp2891
Fell out of prospect rankings? He’s considered the 9th best 3B in 2021 and 8th best in 2020, while being the Reds’ 5th best prospect both years (according to MLB.com).
bot
After being drafted, 5th overall, he was a consensus top 100 prospect in baseball. By the time the next season came along – he was out of rankings and haven’t sniffed em since. So yeah, he fell out of rankings. And hasn’t lived up to the high floor hype at all
earmbrister
Similar to Jesse Winker, he had a wrist injury that limited him quite awhile in the minors. He was the 5th overall pick in 2016 out of the SEC. He was finally healthy last year, and there was a lot of chatter out of the alternative site about how good he looked. If he is league average as a rookie at the keystone, that’s a major win.
bot
Winker raked 2019 vs righty’s out of the 1 hole. Shoulda inked him into that spot and bat shogo 9.
joeshmoe11
He had a few nagging injuries that weren’t enough to keep him out of the lineup but likely caused his production to lah a bit. He has been largely dismissed by a portion of the fanbase who expected him to tear thru the minors like Senzel did because of the similar pedigrees. He was healthy all last season and would’ve been more in the conscience if he had a minor league season because he’s a talented hitter
mp2891
And Senzel was rushed through the Minors and has had a poor start to his career in the Majors. Lets hope they don’t make the same mistake with India.
earmbrister
Senzel tore thru the minors, he wasn’t rushed. Garcia was rushed.
ksoze
Senzel was rushed. The overall time was fine, until you factor all of the time missed due to injury. He came up a season early, and so did Garcia.
earmbrister
Senzel was drafted out of college. He played at the Rookie level, A ball, A+, AA, and AAA, and hit at every level. He became a big leaguer at age 24. Senzel was considered the most complete hitter in his draft class. He was hardly rushed.
Garcia only played at the A and A+ levels before joining the Reds at age 22. He had a light bat in his brief stay in the minors and had an OPS+ of NINE in Cincy.
Garcia was completely overmatched at the plate in MLB. Equating the two is ridiculous.
mbauza25
That’s wrong the kid is a humble person
Yankee Clipper
Many times humility is misinterpreted taken for something like arrogance. The dangers of prejudging…..
davidmp2
Reds put him in trade talks instead of Senzel. Lots of teams wanted Senzel. That’s probably where the impression comes from. He had a wrist injury that impacted his bat and of course nobody saw him last year.
Heinouanus
India was just drafted in 2018. He was injured and was trying to get fully healthy again. His seasons in the minors he showed a good eye and walked alot. If the power shows up like it did in college he’ll be a good player.
DarkSide830
Alex Blandino, hitting near .400 with a OPS also over 1.000: Am I a joke to you?
qbert1996
There is a reason he’s a career minor leaguer my friend. He could bat 1.000 in spring training and not start for them
DarkSide830
well the fact is hes a natural shortstop on the 40 man roster who is doing well, meaning you don’t have to jump through several hoops to structure your infield.
Yankee Clipper
He’s got to run out of options at some point though, no?
RePete
Blandino tore his ACL? He had a knee injury a couple years ago. Was looking good before that. I do think he will be out of options, unless he is granted another due to the shortened season.
Col_chestbridge
Funny enough,the position you would most expect to see a former 3B – 1B, not occupied by a former 3rd baseman.
Miamitws
Actually Votto started off as a 3B.
oldmansteve
Votto never played 3B as a professional so it its not fair to say he “started as a 3B.”
mlb1225
Votto started 19 games at 3B in 2002 at Rookie Ball, 7 at catcher and 3 in left field. I’d consider that playing 3B professionally.
Lurking
Never is a long time
Flyby
This has to be in the minors because he has never played an inning at 3b in all his years at the MLB level as i thought he did play 3b as well.
Freddie Morales
When the alternative is Kyle Farmer, you should take the hit on D and play India at 2B, Suarez at SS, and Moose at 3B
oldmansteve
Unless Suarez has gotten significantly better at defense, I feel like they would be better off with India at SS.
Armaments216
India at SS might have made sense if they had a solid defender at 2B. But with Moose at 2B they’d have both middle infielders playing out of position. They’re hoping the improvement with India instead of Moustakas at 2B helps offset Suarez’s defensive liabilities at SS.
CalcetinesBlancos
Will be interesting to see how a guy who turns 30 during the season does being moved back to short.
Hope Votto has a well-padded mitt.
Texas Outlaw
I fear for the Reds infield defense. Ugh.
joeshmoe11
Reds shift more than most and have an extreme high strikeout pitching staff. While it may look like a mess the actual effect of possibly having a few butchers out there won’t be large.
earmbrister
These are very valid points. One podcaster stated that on average a MLB SS has two opportunities a game for an outstanding play in today’s game. There has never been a better time in MLB history to start a below average fielder at SS. Suarez’s bat should play very well at SS.
JoeBrady
earmbrister43 mins ago
on average a MLB SS has two opportunities a game for an outstanding play
=====================================================================
Assuming that this is true, that is 324 chances a year that Suarez has. So, how many of those does Suarez get to, as opposed to say, Ahmed? 50? 75?
How long before the difference between the two becomes more than the difference in hitting?
bot
I thought it was gonna be india for Rosario after the lindor trade. Indians weren’t hurting for the short stop and at this point – I like India’s upside better than Rosario. He’s also the kinda player Cleveland has always done well to develop
oldmansteve
Their outfield will not be much better.
earmbrister
Senzel is an above average fielder in CF. Meanwhile, the importance of the corner outfielders’ defense in a small ballpark is minimized. And neither of them are butchers.
ksoze
Castellanos is horrible in the field, and Senzel is an average CF. His pop time stinks. Hopefully that will improve this season
earmbrister
Isn’t pop time a catcher metric?
EasternLeagueVeteran
Even Johnny Bench and Pete Rose played third for the Reds. I guess moving players around and in and out of the infield is what the Reds do.
Chico Gordo
Pete Rose was pretty good at the hot corner. JB on the other hand, not so good.
amk1920
The top 5 of the 2018 draft aka 5 teams that passed on Jarred Kelenic.
Alex Bregman
What has Kelenic done besides complain about service time?
He is a career minor leaguer
Journey man
FletcherFan60
Facts
FletcherFan60
Facts
FletcherFan60
Bad take
Why
Calling a 21 year old a career journey man….. huh. Plus, complaining about service time after the now former president of the mariners comes out and blatantly gives the most convincing speech on how Kelenic will be manipulatated for service time is the right thing to do. They gotta fix this stuff with the new CBA. He’s helping his union members by being vocal.
johnrealtime
It was a troll comment. “Alex” doesn’t believe Kelenic is a journeyman
KCJ
Alex Bregman –
I’m sorry but that’s one of the dumbest comments I’ve ever read on this site. That’s like me saying, “well, Alex lives in his parents right basement now, so he’s going to forever be mooching off of people for free rent”.
mp2891
I hope that’s sarcasm Alex.
Questionable_Source
Oh, you think Kelenic would be a better 2nd baseman?
joeshmoe11
MLB draft is a crapshoot. High school kids from Wisconsin don’t face premier competition so I get why teams would have pause. Reds drafted a hs kid from Pittsburgh last year and there was a bunch of concern about competition level too
TrueBrew
One of my favorite old time plays was a pop up in foul territory near 3rd base. Rose and Bench converge on it from 3rd and home respectively. Rose catches the ball. Bench can’t stop his forward movement and slams into Rose. Rose holds on to the ball. Bench bounces off Rose and falls down.
Pete Rose was an Allstar at 4 positions including 3rd.
jetpacks4
Rose was playing first on that play. But still a great play!
Not a clever name
And a hall of famer, or at least should be.
Eatdust666
He should definitely be a Hall of Famer, IDGAF what anyone else says and heck, you don’t even need to be a Cincinnati fan to believe that!
Rangers29
The Reds are a big sleeper team right now imo. India being introduced to this offense just inspired an odd amount of confidence in me for this team. Yes, the defense is piss-poor, but I seriously think that the offense can cover for them. Suarez, Senzel, India, Castellanos, Moustakas, and Votto could provide a deep order if some of the aforementioned players bounce back.
Looking over to the pitching side, I think that Tyler Mahle is guaranteed to have a great season in 2021. The dude is like Tyler Glasnow; he has all of the talent in the world, but he needs to execute better. I think there could still be a 3-headed monster in Cincy despite Bauer’s absence.
The bullpen is also looking good with Garrett, Doolittle, (the great) Tejay Antone, and Lorenzen if he can find a LR spot or a 5th starter role.
I know this is going against popular belief, but here’s how I’d rank the NL Central right now:
Brewers
Cardinals
Reds
Cubs
Pirates
HalosHeavenJJ
Reds still have a solid 1-2 atop the rotation too
But that defense has the potential to sink a pitching staff. After a few routine grounders get through the pitchers will look for K’s and start to nibble a lot of times.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
I thought they were a big sleeper last year but they weren’t near as good as I thought they’d be. Moose was a mistake signing, and they are spending too much money. They need to cut some budget and hope they’ll have money to make some key plays in FA/Trade Market in a few years. I don’t see them as serious contenders for the next few years.
Rangers29
I don’t think the Moustakas signing was a mistake by any means, nor do I think that the Castellanos signing was a mistake. Just because they did poorly doesn’t take away from the fact that they’ve both been consistent offensive performers throughout their careers. They’ll both bounce back imo.
bigguccisosa300
Bloggerboy watches a few spring training games and is ready to proclaim the Next Big Thing!!
bot
I’ve always liked mahle but those are big shoes to fill. Bauer was head and shoulders better than any other red player last season.
Senzel and india are unproven. Senzel has never stayed on field since coming down w vertigo and india hasn’t been able to hit since being drafted. And Doolittle is toast- He’s getting rocked again this spring.
Reds greatest downfall though is David Bell the manager. That guy is the worst manager in the history of the sport. He’s way out of his league, a hot head, and a terrible game manager. As long as he is there – they’ll underperform.
My prediction is reds will start slow and be out of it quick. Other teams will get hot and desperate and want guys like Castillo Gray and Suarez. The weight of return will determine the future of reds. If they can unload all 3 for hefty returns and mix in 4 top draft picks- they can rebuild rather quickly and effectively. If they can’t – Kroll is just as inept as Bell. And they are one bad Castillo trade away from reclaiming the worst franchise in baseball back from Colorado
stymeedone
Please list the likely contenders that will be looking to improve at 3B. Their pitchers will find a market, but Suarez, not so much. The reason so many 3B are playing other positions for Cinci is that it is a strong position throughout the league. If the Nationals don’t contend, Suarez might not move anywhere.
bot
Suarez is better than most 3rd basemen but where the value comes in w trade is his contract. He signed a terrible extension a couple years back so now he makes a tick over 10 mil for the next 4 seasons til age 32. So that should put reds in a position for a hefty return or u simply don’t trade the guy.
Toronto has the prospects and need to acquire all 3 players.
Nats
Atlanta- he’s a great fit for those tight wads
Tampa could acquire him w a pitcher if they are in it
Brewers but they don’t have the prospects to acquire him
Yanks could move him off 3rd and acquire him and Castillo. Yankees desperately need cap relief and talent.
I do agree that 3rd is super deep but there will be buyers for a talent and contract like his. There always is
Lurking
If Gavin Lux struggles again in LA, or any infielder gets significantly hurt, the dodgers likely are in the market
Turner to 1B. Muncy to 2B. Suarez to 3B.
Lux is the backup starting SS is Seager goes down, and again the guys can rotate to open 3B up
bot
Lux would be the headliner in that deal
drasco036
Just out of curiosity, who do the Brewers have to drive in runs outside of Yelich? Their pitching is good, not great. Relief corp has two really good pitchers…
My list is:
Cardinals
Cubs
Reds
Brewers
Pirates
The Reds got significantly worse in the off season, losing Bauer, DeSclafani, Bradley and Inglesias.
I don’t see how a team that finished 3rd in the division and got worse will beat the Cubs who at the worst kept pace and the Cardinals who got better.
Sideline Redwine
Nah. Got rid of some players, now will have the shakiest infield in the bigs, two proven starters, aging bat-only players throughout the lineup.
The Central may not look too good, but nothing about this team screams playoffs or anything near. When I hear “sleeper” I think playoff team–not “oh they might be over .500 this year!”
earmbrister
Brewers
Reds
Cardinals
Cubs
Pirates
The Cardinals don’t have the pitching to win consistently, nor do the Cubs. And the Cardinal offense has been lacking for awhile. One big FA signing improves that, but doesn’t solve that.
People are sleeping on the Reds rotation. Disco won’t be missed. Gray and Castillo is an excellent TOR. Mahle should be a quality #3 starter, and Antone is a stud. Having Miley as a #5 starter is a luxury, as is Lorenzen.
The Brewers are also overlooked when it comes to their pitching.
drasco036
I guess we will have to let the division play out…. The Reds got worse than they were last season.
The Cardinals got significantly better by adding Arenado and his amazing glove but more importantly, removing Fowler and his shaky defense and Carpenter. A lot is riding on Carlson in the outfield.
The Cubs won the division and got slightly better. Pederson is going to be an improvement over Schwarber and even though they lost Darvish, they gained more starting pitching depth. The offense has potential to be one of the leagues best and I really like Ross so far this spring dropping Baez to the 6th hole.
The Brewers do nothing for me even though I really like Wong. Bradley’s bat cannot be relied on and they desperately need someone to step up offensively so Yelich has some protection. Otherwise it will be more of the same next year. I cannot see them finishing anywhere above 4th.
It appears this board simply has Chicago and St Louis fatigue because you simply cannot deny the talent on both rosters. Flawed rosters of course but their talent is still head and shoulders above the rest of the division. Not to mention, St Louis has one of the best front offices’ in the game. It will be interesting to see what Hoyer can accomplish without Epstein.
eddiemathews
Reds are the Anti-Brewers; they have all third basemen while Milwaukee has none.
Mjshof
Pirates are a AAA Team
Cubs suk and should have torn it down
No one cares about the Reds or the Brewers
St Louis is a great Franchise so-so team
cincyredlegs3219
Thank you for this insight
Mjshof
NP bro. Our division has some real good teams. Come watch much better baseball.
Btw the Cubs also have a storied Franchise and great fans. Just that the story is about some great players and a lot of losing. FO is a mess. It got so bad that Theo walked away from $10 million dollars…
johnrealtime
Theo could make that much money working for any of a number of teams. he is taking less to work for MLB likely to reduce his workload and responsibility. The Cubs FO is one part of their organization that has not been a mess at all in the last 7 years
I do agree that they should have torn it all down and went complete rebuild, I’m hoping they do that if they stumble at the beginning of the year
drasco036
Epstein wants to be the next commissioner. He doesn’t have anything to prove any more as a GM or President of Baseball operations.
People love to say, “Epstein left the Cubs a mess” oh, no they weren’t. Facts are the Cubs were about 50 million under the luxury tax coming out of the 2020 season with a division title. They had very minor tweaks that needed adjusting and plenty of money to make those tweaks. Not to mention, the farm system is a lot better than people give them credit for.
Epstein walked away because he had nothing left to prove and he was in a no win situation with the Cubs financial crunch, that wasn’t his responsibility. Epstein could not have predicted a pandemic that shut the Cubs finances down. Any other year the Cubs would have had plenty to spend on adjusting their roster.
ndiamond2017
Is 3B to 2B considered “up the spectrum”? I thought they were equal. It’s a challenging move for sure, though, because of the different skillset required at each position.
iamichiro
I always thought 3B was more of a premium defensive position because you need a strong arm
Not a scout
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
I assumed you were Ichiro so I didn’t think you were a scout.
Hammerin' Hank
Bill James came up with it. It goes SS-CF-2B-3B-RF-LF-1B.
stymeedone
3B needs more quickness and reflex, and a strong arm. 2B requires more range and agility.
Yankee Clipper
I played CF, 3B, & 2B at higher levels; yours is a perfect depiction of the differences between the two IF spots, stymeedone.
Meme
Bring back Nick Esasky
joeshmoe11
He was my dude until Larkin broke onto the scene
raulp
One thing led to another, no player has performed well at SS this ST, therefore the least bad of all options is to slide Suarez to SS, move Mouse back to his natural 3B position and insert India at 2B. He’s still young and should have no transitioning problems. Go Reds!
Scott Kliesen
I think the Reds have figured out how to make opponents stop swinging for the fences.
On behalf of old school baseball fans everywhere, thank you Cincinnati!
Scrap1ron
Reds’ pitchers aren’t going to like it.
Mjshof
Like the Reds pitchers really got consulted. smh
Scrap1ron
Like giving free agent pitchers another reason not to play for the Reds.
joeshmoe11
There’s a reason they signed Derek Johnson and hired Kyle Boddy. They’re trying to build a pitcher factory. When have they ever spent on FA pitchers?
whyhayzee
The Red Sox did a great job of shortening careers of their second basemen. Pedroia is the latest example, but it goes all the way back to Mike Andrews, Doug Griffin, Marty Barrett, Jody Reed, Jeff Frye, They managed to trade for guys who lasted longer like Denny Doyle, Jerry Remy, Jose Offerman, Mark Bellhorn, etc.. But none of their products made it much past 30 except for Pedey. Hopefully the Reds have better luck, there was some guy named Joe Morgan who was pretty good.
KCJ
To be fair, most of those guys you listed didn’t make it much past 30 because they just weren’t very good
DarkSide830
yeah if im honest ive heard of like one of them.
JoeBrady
Pedroia was cut short because Machado took out his knee.
Griffin started out with the Angels and had a career OPS of under .600.
Frye didn’t join the RS until he was 29.
whyhayzee
Playing second for some of the Red Sox teams over the years was not a long term proposition. Catchers couldn’t throw out baserunners and pitchers couldn’t hold runners on so it was lots of stolen bases. The wall created extra plays at second base. And there were always baserunners against their feeble pitching staffs. Some of these guys took a pounding out there.
junkyard
Who’s on first, What’s on second, Everybody’s on third
pappyvw
First, let me say that I love the Reds. Love ‘em. But this all has disaster written all over it. Moving the defense around, talking about limiting starters’ innings (it was discussed for Gray before he tweaked his back), and so on. Kroll tried to trade away good players this off-season, but didn’t find the right deal. I can understand not trying to re-sign Bauer – too much. But he has done nothing to improve the club. And not having a real SS (I love Geno but he’s not a SS, and losing 15 pounds doesn’t suddenly make him a SS) on the roster is pure negligence on his part. Gonna be a long year, I’m afraid …
earmbrister
There is no negligence on Kroll’s part. He was told by ownership to reduce payroll. And he just became the GM (why do you think that the former GM “retired “?). Tough to get a starting SS with no money. I think his hope was that one of the FA SSs would linger on the market so they could get him for pennies on the dollar. Castellani is the problem, not the FO.
Grun67
Interestingly, all 4 of the 1985 Montreal Expos starting infielders were primarily third basemen before 1985;
Dan Driessen (1B), Vance Law (2B), Hubie Brooks (SS), Tim Wallach (3B).
jhiphop
Where have you gone Dave Concepcion, Red Nation turns its shortstop eyes to you, ooh, ooh, ooh.
jcraft21
Pretty sure Farmer can played four years of short stop at Georgia. Not a former catcher although he has been behind the dish on occasion.
oldmansteve
In his minor league career, Farmer has over 300 games at C. 100 at 3B and less than 12 at any other position. He is, very much, a former catcher. Don’t say stupid things.
jcraft21
The point was they are looking for a shortstop not a catcher. Read the story. Moron
whyhayzee
You ain’t good enough to lick the dirt off our cleats. Watch it, jerk. – Shut up, idiot!
Moron! – Scab eater!
Butt sniffer! – Pus licker!
Fart smeller! – Ah!
You eat dog crap for breakfast, geek.
You mix your Wheaties with your mama’s toe jam!
Yeah!
You bob for apples in the toilet and you like it.
Ooh. – You play ball like a girl!
Eatdust666
I love the Sandlot!
jcraft21
You are apparently very educated
brandons-3
I feel for Reds fans because they’re such a good fan base and have a great park. Just stinks to go through all that rebuilding to make the playoffs in a round that only existed for that year. Hopefully, they’ll come out guns blazing in a competitive Central.
Johhn
Lets be honest…The Reds have lots of potential, but…
THEY FRIGED IT ALL UP THE LAST FEW YEARS!
Negative-
Traded Cueto for scraps that didn’t pan out, traded Bruce for nothing, traded Chapman for a few scraps none so far have made any impressive mlb campaign if made it.
Positive- Adam duvall trade for mike, then trading him for lucas sims ok not badddd>….Dan straily trade for Luis was the ONLY AMAZING TRADE!
FO market, only serious signings Moustakous and Castolounos, (YES I CAN”T SPELL NAMES) and Akiyama, IMO both rebound canadates but castousnos is looking like hell be fine, I haven’t been too impressed with moose, akiyama has been by far the most impressive.
So to sum it all up they were rebuilding and they probably didn’t seem like bad trades but sadly they screwed up the farm and they didn’t achoplish any rebuilding at all.
So without further ado look at the lineup in my opinoin WHAT SHOULD BE DONE!!!!
1. Akiyama/ Senzel OF
2. Senzel/Akiyama OF
3. Surez SS/3B
4. Castolounous OF
5. Moose/Votto 1B/3B
6. Votto/Moose 1B/3B
7.India/Farmer/ Possible Gordon and Blandino maybe kyle holder doughtful though.
8. Stephonson or Barnhart (C)
9. Pitcher
Does this lineup have some depth, yes, but unless the numbers are going to completely go in the favor of the reds I dought they will be a playoff team. The rotation will be top 10 in baseball as well as the bullpen seems above average on paper. The lineup we will see if it will be good, but most likely unless akiyama becomes ichiro which he showed some last year with the obp, and little things like can senzel be healthy, can Winker really be a star player, can votto hit 250 with 20+ homeruns? Can Moose and Castoulanounos return to stars? Can Stephonson be a stud and take MLB pitching? WILL INDIA BE HELD DOWN FOR sERVICE TIME MANIPULATION?????
If luck is on the Cincinnati Reds side I could very much see them make the playoffs!
WINNING THE DIVISION, no wild card spots will be available LOL
1. Dodgers or the Padres
2. NL EAST jesus its loaded.
diehardfantd
Alex Blandino should be talked about more than he has played well this spring . Seems to be an afterthought for David Bell
Johhn
100% wanna see him make the roster for opening day, well deserved.
its_happening
Potentially one of the worst defensive infield in recent memory. Aging 1B and three 3B. Pitching staff must be thrilled.
JoeBrady
The Reds have to be the most interesting team in BB. No one could come up with this type of setup. India is a guy that had a .792 OPS in AA with 111 ABs. He’s probably nowhere near ready for the pros.
But they are going to move their mediocre 3B to SS so they can move the 2B back to 3B, so they can start India at 2B? He has 8 Ks in 30 ST ABs, projecting to 160 Ks over a full season.
While the Downs/Gray trade for Puig/Kemp/Wood was incredibly poorly thought-out, on every level, this might be just as bad.
dhud
Dude just called Suarez a “mediocre 3B”
Eatdust666
I believe he means defensively or at least he should, because despite hitting .202 last year, Suarez knows how to hit, don’t let the batting average worshippers make you think otherwise.
jim stem
Well, at least my Mets won’t be the target of all the “worst defense in baseball” discussions this year. Lol
jim stem
Pretty sure Cleveland has at least 4 shortstops, maybe 5, that could be ready for a major league roster.
Who do the Reds bring in for defense at SS late in games? It seems they have really handcuffed the 26 man roster. Who plays short if Suarez misses a few weeks?
jim stem
What would it take to get Kevin Newman from the Pirates or Nick Ahmed from Arizona? Probably just a couple prospects?
I think the Reds are in for a lot of 10-8 ball games.
sportsfreak52
Its MLB- almost every team has at least one who is playing “out of position” compared to where he played in the minor leagues or college.
Dang, look at Kris Bryant, look where all he has play defensively, but because of his offensive prowess his defense isn’t even mentioned near as much.
All these opinions bare logical, but, let India at 2nd and Suarez at SS decide their own fate, not a bunch of internet MLB scouts wannabes.
JoeBrady
not a bunch of internet MLB scouts wannabes.
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If you don’t like hearing the opinions of baseball fans, who are not real scouts, you should re-think the concept of signing in here.
DockEllisDee
No we’re all actual scouts, this is our support group
Johhn
People do realize Suarez was a SS when he started the majors…
stretch123
Why not just give Dee a chance at short and see if he has anything left in the tank. Leave Suarez at 3B, see if India can handle 2B and use Moustakas as a backup 1B/2B/3B? India is young enough to where I believe he could learn a new position.
DockEllisDee
Gordon has no arm, Suarez has a cannon. Even if you have terrific range as I imagine Gordon does, it doesn’t do much good if you’re lobbing rainbows to first. As far as using Moose as a backup, are you kidding?
troll
the diamond doesn’t include the outfield
TradeBait
Basics. This team is not going to win the Central. So you get the bats in there, especially the young ones who are the future. Either Moose or Suarez will be moved if Votto is decent. They are holding the position for Garcia. He will be ready in a season or two.