Bill Lack and I dive into all the news that is emerging from Cincinnati Reds spring training, including manager David Bell’s choice of a center fielder, heightened expectations for Eugenio Suárez and Joey Votto…and a discussion of Bell’s job security.
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Yeah
Frankly, I could care less about their power. The HR’s will come. I care about them getting on base. I mean, Suarez only got on at a 312 clip last season. That’s barely above Billy Hamilton standards. That’s the best he can do? That would barely put him above the Dave Kingman level.
And, Votto, at least he got on at a 354 clip. But, batting only 226? He doesn’t need to worry about power, either, but actually simply hitting the ball.
That’s the problem. The team couldn’t manufacture runs last year and these guys are already swinging from their heels! Move Votto down to 6th or 7th and it will do wonders for the whole lineup. The leadership needs to discuss approach with these guys…and stop trying to hit it into the river…see how that worked last year.
What do you think is the best batting order for the team?
Shogo
Moose
Costellanos
Suarez
Senzel
Votto
Barnhart
Gordon
Castillo
After a pitiful team batting average last season, Votto wants to hit for more power, Suarez wants to hit 50, and even Shogo (who hit 0 HRs last year) wants to hit for more power. Doesn’t bode well for a team already too eager to swing for the fences.
Sometimes hitting for power can actually help out a players average. It depends on the amount of (additional) power they hit for and what cost it comes at (in terms of contact ability).
Shogo
Castellanos
Moose
Suarez
Winker/Aquino
Senzel
Votto
Barnhart/Stephenson
Farmer first off bench