Another brilliant week, as the Cincinnati Reds take 2 of 3 from the Padres followed by a sweep in Washington. With the team now 10 games over .500 and firmly in first place in the NL Central, the guys have one question: Are the Reds a team of destiny?
Nate, Bill Lack, and I got together to discuss everything that’s happening right now, and try to quantify precisely how much fun we’re having at the moment. Enjoy!
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A comment seen in the WaPo note from game played yesterday
“I think Drew Millas will be called up as a third catcher after the trade deadline and Riley Adams will also get plenty of time at DH possibly even at first base.
Despite small sample size of 71 at bats, I agree that he should play more – every third game at least like most backup catchers.
Note that the Reds have three catchers on their roster and it gives them a lot of flexibility. If one of those catchers can play first base, that’s even better and obviously anyone can “play” DH.“
Another one:
“What stood out to me was how creative managing won the contest for the Reds. In a close extra-inning affair, it may have just made the difference: using both Nick Senzel and Spencer Steer in three different positions throughout the game, where both were instrumental in the win. That’s an example of what makes the Reds better than the Nats in my view. I don’t see that kind of creativity in Davey Martinez’s managing.“
The thing is, imho, that every decision made is gonna be justified if the result is positive
Playing people at so many different positions isn’t necessarily a good thing. It’s good to have it. But, players get use to one position, then they have to go to another? I mean, playing LF is a lot different than playing 3rd base. And, what happens if that player ends up mishandling a hot line drive right at him, causing a runner to score, simply because he just got pulled from LF and wasn’t as use to making the quick plays.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for players being able to play multiple positions. I would encourage it. But, switching during the game, I would look to minimize that as much as possible. If I have to do it, fine. But, I would look to minimize it.
Errors in management are still errors and still need to be held accountable. If your goal is to “pass the test” and you answer “2+2” is “3”, but you still pass the test, you still made a bonehead error that could have cost you in passing the test, especially if the test was a harder test. So, positive, yes, but that doesn’t mean you still don’t have things you need to work on.
As a “traditional” baseball fan, I tend to agree with you. Better not to change positions during the game.
The one thing which is in the air is that a few rules changed and it’s bringing new conditions or emphasizing some phases in the game. A subtle one: The fundamentals remains the same, but base running is being favored, so the question is, are those players who can add better that phase will be favored as well? In other words, is someone better because can hit and run than just being a slugger? So, Reds had the players to adapt yesterday, and that is better than not to have them.
The statement should not be “2+2” is “3”, but “”2+2” can be written as “3+1” or “5-1”
In summary, i think we’ll see more athleticism in the next future in the game, until the rules change again
i really am starting to think they are the team of destiny. they should have lost yesterday’s game 5 times at least but they managed to win it.
I think making the playoffs depend on India and Stephenson. if they can catch fire the second half I think we run away with the dividion
Yep. Once for each out they allowed the Nats in their 2 run inning 😉
“Now pitching for your Cincinnati Reds, Tommy Milone.” Seattle just designated this 12-year vet who’s making peanuts. Hey, it doesn’t seem to matter who the Reds start, right?
The only team as hot or hotter than the Reds in all of baseball is, unfortunately, in the NL: the Braves
I keep wondering if/when some team who needs to go into rebuild mode will think they can do it on the quick by trying to do what the Reds have done this year, and will trade off everyone of value they have who is not pre-arb.
This year has defied all odds with getting solid production from so many rookies. I believe other teams know that, but my gut says some owner will convince himself he can thread the needle too and make himself a lot of money in the process.
To me, the formula the Reds are using is right there for any team to use. Important to stick to the plan. But so many teams break out of the plan. The Padres were where the Reds are 5 years ago. Where are they now? Below .500, bloated and uncaring, and a huge payroll.
Good observation, and lessons to take from that. Stay the course, and allow it to flow. See what happens, and it’s not the end of the world if they don’t win the world series.
well said!
So true…..Dial it back to the beginning of last offseason, and many here would have favored the Padres approach. Just a few short months from then have proven the Reds’ approach was sound all along, and changed the opinions of many.
Or, if a team like ours gets a GM like Walt Jocketty and trade away so many of our prospects for what amounted up to nothing.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve said before I have no problem with trades. And, especially this year, I believe we have too many players who can play 2nd/SS/3rd. So, I can realistically see us letting “a couple” go, but not half of them or more.
I look at it as this. When it comes to “our future”, picture a glass on the table. You want “our future” to be full. With 2nd/SS/3rd, I believe we have a glass and a half. We don’t need so much. We can let some go and still have a full glass.
Walt Jockey is one of the best GMs of the past 40 years.
He developed the Oakland Athletics farm system in mid 1980s that took OAK to WS 3 straight times 1988-89-90.
He won WS and many NL Central division titles, 7 at STL and 2 with Reds.
I wish Reds fans would have the first clue.
Jockety made all those trades in 15 and 16 and got nothing for a lot of good players. Insisting on a major league ready return was the kiss of death.
I would end the title of this article with a question mark rather than an exclamation mark. What is destiny exactly? A World Series win? We still have half a season to play. I’m not being pessimistic, but to me, the team’s destiny is too early to call with any certainty. Certainly, the prospects look good, however. Could we leave it at that?
Someone more knowledgeable than me would have to make an assessment of the potential of the 2023 team. Can we win 80? 85? 90+? Pitching seems like the wildcard. I think it is reasonable to project the bullpen will regress in the 2H. Can the starting pitching improve enough to give us regular 6-7 inning starts? Can we win playoff rounds with our current best 3? How about with Greene and Lodolo? I think the answers are a strong No and a Maybe. I think however the Maybe tells you we ought to get one solid starting pitcher for sure. A rental or 1-2 year guy would be the cheapest cost, if that is a factor. I originally thought we would be best served by a #4. I have changed my mind. I think a #4 gives you a good shot at winning the Division and falling after that. I no set a higher plateau because this team is better than I thought. I think Krall now has to think #2 like. I am in the camp of make the deal happen and not worry about the give up. Call about Cease, Stroman, Flaherty and Scherzer and what is the asking price. Pull the trigger on the deal you like best. I am impressed but I think we definite need another quality starting pitcher.