Today is officially the day for the Cincinnati Reds position players. Everyone had technically already shown up in Goodyear as they had to do their intake testing for COVID-19 earlier this week. Today, though, is the day they head to the facility and get their physicals and prepare for the first full workout on Monday.
Oh, how we've missed them! ?#RedsST ??? pic.twitter.com/eHvWtfStjW
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 21, 2021
A photo is simply a snapshot in time…. but Joey Votto, at the very second this photo was taken, doesn’t look thrilled to be there. We’re sure that he is, but the photo is certainly a choice here.
While Luis Castillo was delayed in his arrival on the pitchers side – he’s in Goodyear now – all of the position players arrived on time and are in camp. We’ll find out if everyone is healthy and ready to go after their physicals, but no one is known to be arriving not ready to go at this point in time.
Some Reds Links for Sunday
Over at RedsMinorLeagues.com there’s some information on what Tyler Stephenson learned last year that he thinks was the most beneficial thing that helped prepare him for a big league job this year, as well as a little note on top prospect Hunter Greene.
Reds Spring Training Notebook: Hunter Greene and Tyler Stephenson
Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer wrote about Michael Lorenzen and how Lorenzen would use himself if he were in charge of handling his workload as it relates to being a pitcher and a position player/pinch hitter/defensive replacement. The long story short is that he’d like to play in at least three out of five games all season long. But the long story is worth checking out, too, so go read it.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com took his first shot at predicting the Reds opening day 26-man roster. Realistically there’s no surprises on there, but this was also made before position players had their first workouts and before any games were played – so things can certainly change when that happens and players can show management where they are at.
I’d be surprised, and kinda upset if Strange-Gordon makes the team. We have to have better options. Take Holder over him. (Or…maybe go and find a real answer at SS?)
I’m for finding a real answer at SS.
For some reason I’m stumped. Who is the guy in the photo above Votto?
I think it’s Suárez with his natural hair color
?
I think its Suarez…no hair dye.
Votto’s photo is hilarious. Dad clothes and a cardboard box? lol
Ok I’ve complained enough for the off season. Hope these guys get out of the gate hot and if its Farmer at Short I hope he has a monster year. Would have never thought the 90 Team would go wire to wire so why not these guys. There is talent on this team. Hope they just relax this year and take it one pitch at a time and enjoy this great game.
Me too. Let’s go get some wins!
I wonder if Reds could add some LH hitting infield depth by signing a cheap deal with Eric Sogard. He has had some good seasons in 2017 and 2019, doesn’t strikeout much at all and how knows how to take a walk. He could provide a good platoon partner to Farmer or Blandino (the 2 most likely to cover SS this year).
Phil Ervin DFA’d by Cubs. Out of minor league options? I wish him well.