The Cincinnati Reds are on the road again this afternoon as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch between the two National League Central foes is set for 4:10pm ET.
Reds (11-10-1) vs Brewers (8-11)
Reds |
Brewers |
|||
| 1 | Jonathan India | 2B | Christian Yelich | LF |
| 2 | Joey Votto | 1B | Jesse Winker | DH |
| 3 | Wil Myers | RF | Luke Adams | SS |
| 4 | Tyler Stephenson | C | Brian Anderson | RF |
| 5 | Jake Fraley | LF | Mike Brosseau | 3B |
| 6 | Will Benson | CF | Keston Hiura | 1B |
| 7 | Spencer Steer | 3B | Sal Frelick | CF |
| 8 | Chad Pinder | DH | Victor Caratini | C |
| 9 | Jose Barrero | SS | Brice Turang | 2B |
| 10 | Luis Cessa | RHP | Corbin Burnes | RHP |
Reserve players on today’s Reds roster
Where to watch/listen/follow the game
You can watch the game on MLB.tv this afternoon as the Brewers crew will be carrying the game. If you are looking to listen to the game, tune your radio to 1360 WSAI AM.
Reds links and news
Luis Cessa is back and competing for a rotation spot
The Cincinnati Reds got Luis Cessa back from the World Baseball Classic today, and he’s going to get the start in this game. Cessa released a statement today explaining his decision and that he plans to try and win a spot in the team’s rotation.
Hunter Greene to start a minor league game
Today’s originally announced starting pitcher was Hunter Greene. That was as recent as yesterday. But Luis Cessa has returned from the World Baseball Classic he will instead be starting the game today. Greene will head to the backfields to start and get his work in.
Jose Barrero could see some outfield time if needed
Some Reds updates.
Jose Barrero is still a potential starting shortstop for Opening Day and the season, but David Bell also talked to him recently about getting some reps in CF to add to his flexibility, Barrero said.
Matt Reynolds is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 19, 2023
Yeah, put Barrero in CF because we wouldn’t want to take ABs away from Newman. I’m curious, do dentist do bypass surgery?
I am fairly certain I do not wanna see a lot of Newman this year but I’m in favor of the Reds telling all of their SS /3B prospects that 2-3 days per week they will be in the OF. Not every player can handle it but it’s the best way to find out. Just because Senzel failed does not mean Barreto, EDLC, Steer, CES, Marte, etc will fail. After all Eric Davis, Billy Hamilton, and many others have made the switch.
Barrero is the best SS candidate defensively, excepting possibly Arroyo. If he hits, he could be an All-Star. If you move someone, the other guys make more sense. If Barrero winds up not hitting, moving him to the OF accomplishes nothing. If he does hit, SS is the place for him.
LDS ?
LDS plus 100%
Not question mark. Geez. Sorry
Teaching infielders how to play outfield is what the minors are for.
But Eric played center field for 4 years in the minors, not two weeks before opening day. Can’t assume they can learn to play it in that short of time. If they want them to play outfield they need at least 2-3 days a week in the minors for a year doing that.
It seems like many of you are forgetting that Jose Barrero has already played center in the big leagues in his career. And that he played there in Cuba as well.
@LDS
100%
Hes the best defensive SS in the organization. Say goodbye to Fairchild as a righty OF.
Starting lineup week against lefty rich Hill
India 2b
Stephenson DH
Myers RF
Pinder LF
Steer 3b
Newman SS
Barrero CF
Maile C
Casali 1b
Barrero is 5 th of against lefties until senzel back
Sadly, you’re probably right. But, it would be a travesty for Pinder to make the team and Fairchild to be sent down. The Reds were better off with Aquino rather than Pinder. But then Pinder really ran after that ball. And he washes Bell’s car and cuts his grass.
I have zero appetite for Fairchild, Ramos is interesting if we are going with a 5th OF. I’d rather carry a utility, and that’s going to be Senzel soon enough, as @Old laid out pretty clearly recently.
@MBS, how many utility players does a team need? Versatility is a sucker’s bet – Jack of all trades, madter of none. How often did Chaney start ahead of Concepcion?
Why did they trade Farmer only to turn around and start a cheaper, less talented version? I guess “cheaper” is the key here?
You answered your own question!
$4 million
Barrero maybe was finally turning the corner on hitting so David Bell says let’s add something else in there. This is the exact reason he should not be responsible for the development of any of these young players. Keep it simple for these young guys and put them in positions to succeed. Barrero is clearly the best defensive shortstop on the team. Keep him there and let him hit at the bottom of the lineup. Let Newman or Pinder or any other below average journeyman add to their versatility in the OF.
+1,000,000
Phil was right when he said the Reds will be out of it by the first game of the season. It has nothing to do with how the league is set up. Has everything to do how this team is ran.
Exactly.
I’m with you…the way Barrero is looking now, I’m not adding anything extra to his plate! I’m just a fan though…..WTH do I know?
They are going to give Barrero some CF time solely because they believe that EDLC will be ready fairly soon. Those two are their 2021 and 2022 Minor League Players of the Year — both at shortstop. I would guess that they will have EDLC playing a few AAA games in CF, under the same logic.
It hinges on both of them continuing to progress offensively, but if they do, deciding which one to move to CF is a good problem to have.
Edwin Arroyo (still age 19) is the most likely shortstop of the future, and at some point both Barrero and EDLC will play elsewhere.
Good players can change positions easily enough, especially when they are young. (And older ones, too, such as Craig Biggio and Robin Yount.) Barrero in about 3 weeks would become the best defensive CF in the organization (other than Siani), as would EDLC. I don’t understand the pearl-clutching over changing positions.
Not watching today, but will be soon. I found a deal where a $25 donation to the MLB Players Alumni Association (tax deductible, no less) gets me a 50% discount on my MLB.tv subscription. So for $25 extra bucks, I get my 1/2 off subscription prior to Fathers’ Day. Plus, as Doug reminded me, all the MiLB.tv stuff is included as well.
Bottom line, RLN friends, is that I’m in for better or worse … 😀
Just remember the games are less than three hours this year. You will have to get the grill fired up sooner and get that walk up to a slow trot .
Point taken, JB. It also means I’ll get to bed on time most nights.
You can always catch the parent club’s games. No Seattle blackout, either
Pinder as the DH, what a joke. The game against Oakland was on late last night on MLB Network, and the guy went 0-4, with not one hard hit ball except for a foul ball. We were way better off with Aquino.
I hate to pick on Pinder, but come on Mr. Bell. Today is not his day.
It’s spring training, would you prefer our worse fielders not get reps in the field?
It’s frustrating to see this. Literally a dozen better options for DH. Maybe even more. I keep saying he’s not on the 40-man, let alone the 26-man. But … 😮
Yeah, as I read through the line up I thought “hey, this might be the starting line up”….until I got down to Pinter. Then I thought “oh no Bell wouldn’t do that!” So it is probably a lock
Oops, Pinder. Apologies
And our first four produce a run based on their collective work. Maybe we chase Burnes early today?
Good first two batters for Cessa … 😮
Very good defensive first inning from Barrero. Wouldn’t shock me if Bell sends Steer out there for the 2nd inning.
Move Joey over to short to increase his versatility
No. Didn’t you know? I’m told Votto came up as a catcher. Can never have enough on your team. Four would be no problem and a major asset actually . lol Seriously, I’m with the rest of you guys. If Barrero is indeed the best defensive SS the Reds have, with SS being a premium position, the hardest position, why in the world move him somewhere else? I keep on saying EDLC will end up in CF and have along career there. If he’s going to the minors let him practice it there in my view. Of all the middle infielders in the Red organization he has the best tools to play and succeed out there.
Why in the world you play Barrero in CF? Haven’t they learned anything?
David Bell is just salivating to turn short stop over to Kevin Newman.
Probably bc Newman refused
Anyone else getting Jerry Narron/EE flashbacks with how Bell is treating Barrero?
Yes. Seizing defeat from the jaws of victory
Fraley … ouch. Get a mountain of that bruise post haste
Some random thoughts …
1) How do you folks feel about Steer? I’m not seeing him as a default starter at third base or any other position. Maybe the best option from among some not-so-good choices, but that didn’t keep CES around.
2) I’m very interested in how Williamson does in his next start. If he pitches well, stays ahead of the hitters and keeps the walks to a minimum, I’d be inclined to move him into that number four starting role. If he or anyone else from the farm system is truly ready, there’s no point in juggling Overton, Cessa and Weaver through the bottom spots in the rotation.
3) I really like Derek Law. He was effective more often than not last year, and he is making hitters swing and miss more often than not this spring. To me, he makes this team and has a medium- to high-leverage bullpen role.
What do you folks think?
I was impressed with Williamson in his last start. He passed the eye test, one, with poise and confidence. He also showed a nice fastball that he used well. He had a bit of control inconsistency but he hung in the and got outs. I think he’s close to ready, if not ready now. Not sure what he can gain at AAA that he cannot get in the ML’s. Which is probably my main observation
His last two innings in his last start were particularly impressive. Based on his stats from last year, he was a walk machine, and I don’t want him anywhere near Great American Ball Park as long as that continues. But if he is overcoming that issue, it’s time to give him a chance.
I’m optimistic, particularly if he’s recovered the feel for his fastball, including a few ticks of velocity, he struggled with last year.
I’ve liked Law since last year. To me he makes the bullpen but who knows what the clowns upstairs think. Williamson looked very good in his last start. Im with you on his next start. Cessa is the wildcard. Where does he help the team more, starter or bullpen? As for Steer, just leave him at 3rd and let’s see how his bat does this year.
If Steer keeps hitting, I’d play him.
Bell would love to run Pinder out there on a regular basis.
Reynolds, Newman and Pinder is a dream Bell infield.
I agree on Williamson. Key thing is can he go 6 innings?
We know the Overton / Anderson options will be heavy bullpen days, particularly with Bell’s one inning per reliever approach.. Why not combine Anderson and Overton (Overson?) each pitch four innings, then Diaz.
Wow! You think the Reds will be ahead when Anderson/ Overton pitch!?
I forgot about Anderson, but he does have as good of a shot as the other veteran options for starter.
I am in agreement on Steer. Not really showing a lot just yet and his defense, welllll.
With you on CES, might as well give him a try, unless you count all the utility guys Bell still has around. Pinter(ugghh) Reynolds, Solak, Lopez(whom I prefer).
Steer is trying to say, hey dude, let’s see you get out here and get three hits. 😉
I think that was Hunter Strickland’s best outing in a Reds uniform. Doesn’t change my assessment that he belongs nowhere near the major league roster.
I don’t see him ahead of Law or Young. Strickland and Kuhnel do nothing to move the meter
Winker looks like he has thickened up a little around the torso and has gotten a Lyle slower.
Winker looks like he’s having a pretty good Spring.
Steer needs a long look
He was a top 100 prospect
He crushed AAA.
Spring training for anyone is a short look
Bengal fans were panicking in preseason because of Jamaar Chase drops first year. That didnt age well
little not Lyle
Matt Reynolds says, hey don’t forget about me! 😉
I would rather have Reynolds than Pinder. I think he brings more than Pinder.
Agreed. Reynolds at least offers good infield defense.
Plus one. He can back up short very well. If Barrero claims the position, Newman can be traded with Reynolds a capable reserve.
If Steer’s defensive problems continue, they’ll need a late-inning defensive replacement at third. Maybe Newman?
Oh, no worries. Bell hasn’t forgotten about Reynolds.
Steer hitting .333 for ST.
“Not showing a lot…” ? ?
Bell does have a .085 hitting option with a lot of versatility.
I would go with old day lineups when I said as growing up. Steer , Barrero and India play every day and rest on Sundays. By the end of the year you will know what you got in Steer and Barrero.
If I get an April with Barrero hitting under .200, I’m going to declare that we pretty much know what we’ve got. But he’s showing signs of a breakthrough during the spring.
Barrero has less than 300 ML ABs. April isn’t going to tell us anything.
Ramos hitting .600 foot ST.
You know what that means.
“Today’s not his day.”
Good plan, but consider the manager.
Steer will be shuffled all over the place again and we’ll see Barrero in CF with our fingers crossed that he doesn’t wreck a shoulder or a knee diving after something or crash into a wall, or Fraley.
How is votto
Not declared ready for OD?
I think he is but they just dont want to say that fearing a negative.
This is the biggest non story of the spring
Votto is getting regular reps and playing fine but dont say that
You just wonder if Ramos still has a chance. He’s hit so well when he’s been in Reds camp, but was out of camp for so long that maybe out of sight, out of mind.
Ramos could be the’one year wonder’ that all teams look for.
Let’s see who takes the ball in the 9th to try and shut the Bernie Crew down
Watching the Gameday feed on Solomon reminds me I need to go for a short walk in a bit … 😮
But whatever happens, at least DTBell got Pinder to the plate 4 times so he could strand 5 runners.
Bell started Pinder against a righty, contrary to all the apologists here.
But he didn’t hit the lefties, either.
No worries, though.
He has a ‘track record’.
Well, the Reds look ready for the start of the regular season, picking up where they left off last year.
Well, mid season that would likely be Diaz in the 9th and we’d be happier now.
Solomon remains a puzzling disappointment.
It’s like someone said about Cody Reed:
“He *looks* like he should be a good pitcher.”