Reds 14, Cards 2 bottom 7th!
1 Like
Reds effectively pass the Cubs and are still alive heading into game 161.
1 Like
Reds losing badly to Cards while Marlins and Cubs are both up midway through their gamesâŚthis may be the end.
Ended. Great first half to 2023. Not good 2nd half . Lots to do with injuries.
1 Like
I was happy with the season, not the ending of not making the playoffs. But it was a fun season and set the stage for years to come. Reds had 16 first time players make appearances this year. Now for some fun. We can play around with the positions, as several of these players can play multiple positions, but here is my Reds lineup (not batting order) for next year, with a couple positions double slotted, and knowing DH can rotate. In other words, these guys make up my core next year. Because several of these players play multiple positions, I can get them all plenty of at bats. And the defense wonât suffer. Future looks bright if my Reds can add some starting pitching/long relievers. Itâs Hot Stove time!:
1B: CES
2B: India
SS: McClain
3B: Elly/Marte
LF: Steer
CF :Friedl
RF: Fraley
C: Stephenson/Maile
DH:Benson
PS. My co MVPs this year are Steer and Diaz. Steer and McClain get my ROY award. Elly was flashier, but these two were steadier. Both with outstanding WAR. Steer also gets my âMost Versatile Playerâ award. Have fun!
5 Likes
Unfortunately, I watched the India post game interview yesterday, and he sure sounded like someone who knew his time in Cincy was over. Holding back tears, saying how much he liked playing in Cincy, saying those guys are going to be great next year. It wonât change your lineup much, just have to erase the slash between Elly and Marte, move McLain back to 2B and Elly to SS.
Also, Diaz had a weird year. He had a 1.65 WHIP with zero outs in the inning. He was constantly working himself out of jams, but he did that successfully until the team needed him the most. In September, he was part of some epic meltdowns that inevitably cost the team a better shot at the wild-card. In September, he raised his ERA by almost a full run by posting an 8.38 ERA and 1.97 WHIP. (full disclosure, most of those runs came in consecutive outings against the Pirates and Twins. He took the loss and blown save in both of those games. The Reds missed the post-season by two wins)
What position do you all want to be improved with outside help in the off-season?
2 Likes
For me, it has to be pitching. Need a more reliable closer. Could also use a good starter as well. I am hoping the young guys will work in the offseason to improve, and if they do, the Reds could really have a great team next year.
1 Like
If we lose India, I agree w Mclain to 2B and Elly to SS, but if so Elly is really going to need to cut down on his errors and improve his fielding percentage if we are to have a reliable infield.
2 Likes
Closers are not what they used to be. The new rules changes are probably effecting their performance. ALL closers had struggles at times this year. Emanuel Clase, who led the majors in saves, had a dozen blown saves and 9 losses the last time I looked. The only closer in the majors that had a more consistent and better season than Diaz was Williams of the Brewers. So Diaz should be compared to all the other closers this year, not what closers used to be. By that standard, he was great.
I do agree that starting pitching is where the Reds should be looking for help. We have so many great young players that our lineup should be very strong and very deep. I certainly hope we donât get rid of India. With the DH position ( probably no Votto) we can rotate the infielders and play all 5 of them basically every day and be well protected against injuries.
1 Like
Good points on that, Dick. It is very true that all closers go through ups and downs. I just thought Diaz seemed to be much wilder the second half of the season. Maybe it was due to overwork, and hopefully this is correctable. He does have some great stuff.
I hope we donât get rid of India. One of my favorite players. Like the fire he brings plus he swings a nice bat. As I said, and Dick reiterated, there are plenty of at bats to go around to keep everyone sharp but also fresh.
3 Likes
Things Iâm hearing:
- Free Agent market is thin, Reds will need to improve via tradesâŚlending credence to Indiaâs expectation to be dealt
- Some rumbling about trying Elly in CF
- Thereâs serious worry about Lodoloâs condition
Biggest needs:
- Starting rotation depth. Need one very good starter, plus a back end of rotation guy.
- Bullpen needs 2 more high quality guys plus a couple more depth pieces. Need a long relief guy like what Hoffman or Antone used to be (possibly Lyon Richardson here).
- Power OF bat, preferably RHH.
The minor league cupboard isnât bare, but there arenât any high impact players coming next year. Spend some money, overpay if you have to, and letâs go have more fun in 2024.
Your point about Diaz being not nearly as effective in the second half of the season is quite valid. From playing in two fantasy baseball leagues, I am more attuned to trends and what is happening league wide and dominating closers were almost impossible to find this season, which makes the year that he had look a lot better.
â
I think they have enough position players to mix and match to overcome injuries and potential regressions.
I think number one is a veteran starter who can achor the rotation and help mentor the young arms. I think there are a handful of those out there that wouldnât break the bank wide open. Sonny Gray is one.
2 Likes
Starting Pitchers under control for next year:
Greene
Lodolo
Ashcraft
Abbott
Philips
Williamson
Thatâs a solid core of young pitchers. There are also some other guys that saw action this year like Richardson and Levi Stoudt, both of whom have some talent to work with. Lastly, there are some young guys who may be ready by next year. This years draftees Lowder and Floyd were supposed to be nearly ready when they were drafted. Chase Petty, acquired in the Sonny Gray trade in which we had to sweeten the pot with another minor leaguer, finished the year performing well in AA. (1.72 ERA in 68 IPs)
With all that said, that is a solid group. However, I fully agree if a pitcher who would slot into the top 3 of that rotation were to become available and wanting to come to Cincy, you jump at the chance. I would love to have Sonny Gray back, but donât want a Lance Lynn type.
Other than SPâs, one top end RPer I think would go a long way to helping the team. Iâm all for trying to retain Moll as well, he pitched excellently upon his arrival.
Beyond that, the team has a bunch of 2-3 WAR OFers. I would love it if they could trade two of them and a prospect and consolidate the position.
1 Like
They have four years of control with Moll. Earliest he would be a free agent is 2028.
1 Like
With the end of the Votto and Moustakos contracts the Reds have money to work with. Hopefully they can resign guys like Gibeau, Sims, and Farmer and at least one good starterâŚCruz showed real potential.
1 Like
Right, I knew he was 31 years old and was a trade deadline acquisition, and just assumed he was an impending free agent. Turns out heâs just a late-bloomer.
The most listened to golf podcast includes 2 huge Reds fans and this episode includes a ton of Reds content. I thought it was outstanding.
1 Like
And theyâre Miami grads along with TC. Their audio and video content and apparel is top notch.
1 Like