Late last night Rafa Nieves, the agent for Noelvi Marte, posted on instagram some photos that indirectly suggested that Marte – Cincinnati’s top prospect – was being called up to the big leagues by the Cincinnati Reds. This morning that news was confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Noelvi Marte was acquired from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline of 2022 that saw the Reds send Luis Castillo to the Pacific Northwest. Cincinnati also acquired Edwin Arroyo, Levi Stoudt, and Andrew Moore in that deal. When acquired, Marte was assigned to the High-A Dayton Dragons where he played 30 games and hit .293/.397/.443 with 10 stolen bases before the season came to an end.
Following the season the Reds sent Marte out to the Arizona Fall League so he could get experience in games playing third base. He had only played shortstop while with the Seattle organization, but with eleventy-billion shortstops in the organization, it seemed to make sense to get everyone experience at other spots on the field just in case. Marte’s fielding was a struggle in Arizona as he made six errors in 21 games, posting an .838 fielding percentage.
This season the Reds sent Noelvi Marte to join Double-A Chattanooga to begin his season. In 50 games in the first half of the season he hit .281/.356/.464 with 10 doubles, a triple, 8 home runs, and he stole 10 bases. He then moved up to Triple-A Louisville where he’s now played in 39 games and he’s hit .280/.365/.455 with 10 more doubles, 3 more triples, and 3 home runs. Marte’s also stolen eight more bases, giving up 18 of them in 22 attempts this season. Between the two levels he’s hitting .280/.360/.460 with 20 doubles, 4 triples, 11 home runs, 42 walks, 69 strikeouts, and 18 steals in 89 games that have covered 389 plate appearances.
Defensively he’s split time between third base and shortstop this season. His defense has been much better during the regular season at third this year. Marte’s made 10 errors in 56 games, posting a .925 fielding percentage at third base. At shortstop he posted a .946 fielding percentage in 30 games (all in Double-A). There’s still room for improvement at both positions, but he’s been better this season.
With Marte being called up it’s just another guy in the lineup with the Reds who is going to be a 1st or 2nd year player. Most days – at least for now – you’ll have to figure the Cincinnati lineup will include Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, TJ Friedl, and Will Benson – all of whom have less than two years of service time.
Marte is taking the place on the 26-man roster of infielder Kevin Newman. He has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a left oblique strain.
Congrats Marte! Welcome to The Show.
India done for the year?
That’s the way I was taking this news as well. I have trouble believing that based on what India has said thus far though. He seems to think he shouldn’t have been shut down even.
Sounds like India may be his own enemy with his PF.
With his competitiveness, I can imagine it’s driving him nuts.
You can’t force it to get better.
When the Dr. talked about my PF he said there’s not a huge amount of blood flow through the area. Healing is slow and reaggravating the problem is easy.
And it really really hurts, even if you are just walking.
I cannot imagine trying to play most any sport at that level.
Have to wonder if they are moving India to the 60 day DL?
Hope not.
They reported a week or so ago India out until September. Seems like the September call ups are already upon. The three additions will be injured guys coming back.
That was my first thought upon hearing the news. Quite likely, I would think. Also, I would think this pushes Steer into LF, which will take playing time away from Fairchild. I’m in favor of whatever helps this offense get things in gear these last six weeks!
India AND Fraley both (my guess).
Personally, I am feeling some trepidation about the timing of this move because my first thought is a middle of the night callup (from physically being in Iowa) may indicate that the corresponding move is going to be an IL trip for someone. Alternately perhaps we are going to hear someone already on the IL isn’t coming back in the short run and this move is to better set the roster in response to that circumstance.
India or Fraley (or both) might be done for the season.
Brings to mind Bell’s comment after Fraley got hurt: “We don’t know the extent of the injury, which is good..”
Fraley was celebrating at home last night and didn’t have his walking boot on anymore. I assumed that was progress, so I am thinning India more than Fraley.
With him not playing tonight, that suggests the decision was made to get him to cincy and get acclimated and ready for the 10 game road trip out west, with presumably a sunday evening flight. That is shaping up to be one of the bigger west coast trips in years and krall and company decided they wanted him on the 26 man specifically for this important trip
Surprised, not surprised.
Marte to 3B and Steer back to LF?
Likely Hopkins sent down, I think.
Reds will see IF of the future for a while: CES, McLain, EDLC, Marte.
Smart move, imho, as it should help make an off season decision about India clearer if Marte takes off.
Will Bell try him in the OF as well?
I’m hoping Hopkins. Bell is not using him for much. Steer to LF does seem the most obvious move. Maybe it’s just India to the 60.
It would be nice if the Reds started most games with the presumed guys that will be there for a long time. CES, McLain, EDLC and Marte. Let Joey dh most days. I don’t know if they will sacrifice India’s leadership but we will find out soon enough.
I saw Marte earlier this year in a couple of games in AA ball. I thought he was a decent player but I also thought he needed some more time to work on his game in the minors. Yes I understand two games is a small sample size and likely means nothing. When I saw Elly in AA ball however I knew right away he was a future MLB player. I did not get the same vibe with Marte. My concern here is that he gets called up and sits on the bench in Cincy rather than playing every day in AAA where he can continue to improve. So it is wonderful he is getting called up to the show but lets put him in the lineup and see what he can do.
His overall game has improved almost daily. He isn’t a passing grade defensively at 3B yet but better than he is a shortstop. I think this is a good move if this is going to be the infield of the future. Senzel is farther away from returning to Cincinnati than ever before.
There is still that 14th positional player spot that becomes available on Sept 1 😉
I don’t think that’s happening,Jim. Senzels days as a Red are over.
Actually, I’d like to see Lopez called up as the 14th man come September. The guy could turn out to be an awesome utilityman.
Lopez would require a 40 man move; but, if they are still in the race why not. With AAA playing until deep into September, within the limits of the 10 day minimum downtime when a guy is optioned, they could actually try to match their roster to opponents and stadiums they are playing in,
No argument Pete, I just want to see him play if he is getting called up.
Hate to burst bubbles on the 14 th man but dont forget curt casali
Of note, today’s the day that players with no prior experience in the big leagues can be called up and not accumulate 45 days of service time. That would make them ROY eligible next season as long as they don’t reach 130 at-bats this season. That’s important from an organizational standpoint because if a player finishes in 1st or 2nd of the ROY voting, was on a top 100 prospect list, and was up from the start of the year that season, the team gets a draft pick as a “bonus”.
Very good fact to know. thanks Doug. If marte plays every day or over 80% of the time he will probably reach 130 ABs though. Correct?
If he played in all 39 remaining games (unlikely), he’d need 3.33 at-bats per game. So it might be close.
Thanks Doug.
I was thinking the same thing, but I questioned if we made a post season run, how that could effect his Rookie status.
Thanks, Doug. The 45 day possibility belatedly popped into my mind after I posted above. However, I believe while it made Marte “eligible” to be called up now without sacrificing his rookie status for 2024, it probably isn’t the driver. They just as easily waited a week to 10 days and also virtually eliminated the possibility of getting him 130 ABs if the primary reason was to get him MLB exposure as a jumping off point for 2024.
Yeah, I’m kind of with you there Jim. It’s why I didn’t include that in the article and tossed it in the comments. I don’t think there’s something nefarious at play here.
This is a very good point, and pretty astute rules management by the front office. I’ve been thinking he was a lock for the Sept. extra 2 men callups, but this makes sense considering the Fraley/India/Newman IL issues, and Senzel being in AAA already.
The only way this becomes nefarious is with a slew of injuries forcing Marte into the top of the order as a regular. Almost no chance of that, and they’re in deep trouble if it does happen.
Otherwise, very much a chance he brings another spark for the stretch run, and nicely sets up next spring.
India could DH and spot fill at 2b and try him in the OF…..need his leadership.
I don’t mind a outfield of India,Steer,Friedl , Benson and Fraley.
Other than Friedl that’s a baaaaddd defensive OF
Fraley has been improving. I also expect that Steer will be fine as he gets more reps and learns the position.
Hey we survived the years of Dunn and Kearns, right?
We did, though Kearns was considered to be good fielder, as I recall.
We’ll know within a few hours all the other details of this move, including whether or not he starts this evening and where he plays.
I’ve not seen him play at all, so I’m asking this legitimately …
Could he take over at SS with EDLC moving back to 3B? As much as I’d love to see MattyMc cement himself at SS, I’m speculating India is done for the season (and perhaps even done as a Red this offseason), so Matt will man 2B going forward.
Steer should settle in in LF and I’m of the opinion that Joey should DH unless there is some truly legitimate reason for him to man 1B during the next 6 weeks.
Regardless, I’m thinking a 60-day IL stint is coming for somebody. That’s too bad, especially if it’s Fraley. And India can talk all he wants to, but my interpretation is he hid the injury and made it worse. Not a good move given the nature of it.
Absolutely not the SS over EDLC or McClain. He is a below average defender at 3B in my opinion. I’ve watched him some and he does have pretty decent at bats, very good pull power. The games I have seen, he does walk, but I’m not sure what the numbers say about his walk to k ratio.
How about Marte at 2nd? Mac at SS and EDLC at 3rd.
JB, Marte’s never played an inning at second in his life. No way that’s the move.
Mark – Marte is clearly the worst shortstop of the three big league options. I don’t want to say no way he’s playing shortstop because sometimes wild things happen, but there’s no way he’s playing shortstop if Elly and McLain are both healthy.
I was on the Elly to CF to make some room for these guys earlier this season, but Doug, and the eye test, has convinced me that shortstop is where he makes the most impact. McLain is the second baseman of the future. India, who I love, seems to be a victim of the business.
McLain to 2nd, Marte at 3rd, and EDLC at SS. CES takes over 1st from Votto who should be limited to DH against LHP. See how that works out for the rest of the year and go fish in the offseason.
I assume Hopkins is not only sent to AAA today, but also removed from the 40 man to make room for HG. I had thought Kennedy would be the 40 man move for HG, but it’s hard to dfa the way he pitched last night and with how Lively has looked thus far in AAA.
Weaver’s spot on the 40 was never filled. They won’t need a 40-man move to bring Greene back.
Greene was on 60 day IL and wasn’t on 40 man. DFA Weaver, add Greene to 40 man to take his spot.
I think.
Wonder if we start to see reduced time for Votto?
It could be Marte or a better than Hopkins, it could be India is done for the year or done with the the Reds, or it could be the walk off Hr from CES last night changed how FO views prospects. Bring them up, live it the up and down and the strike outs, but the buzz it generates and the magical moments when they produce are worth the headaches. Before last night, when was the last time we feel happy about the Reds? I got to dig deep in my closet to pull out my Reds Jersey and put it on after the game.
With current active roster (plus Marte), best lineup Bell can field is TS/Maile, CES, McLain, EDLC, Marte, Fairchild, Friedl, Benson and Steer/Votto. The (soon to be) starting rotation of Greene, Lodolo, Ashcraft, Abbott and Williamson will make the future even brighter.
What is the love with Fairchild? I just don’t get it. He isn’t a starter. Let’s not abandon Steer to DH. Top player this year and people are throwing him around and some don’t even call him in the lineup every day. SMH . Hit a home run so let’s give him another 20 games. Steer leads team in doubles,hits RBIs and probably homers.
Not necessarily love for Fairchild per se. The Reds are headed on a 10-game road trip to be played in three parks with large OF areas that are in spots asymmetrical and feature some strange angles. They need 3 true OF for these parks and not a guy learning OF on the job at MLB.
You’re right about Fairchild isn’t an everyday player, he’s a 4th outfielder at best, but as Jim mentioned before it all depends of the ballpark OF outlook in order to field Steer or not. Reds are very thin in that department and will have to continue matching everyone else with Benson and Friedl.
I’m with you JB. This love affair for Fairchild is nuts. He’s a 5th outfielder as far as I’m concerned. And Steer will be just fine on this road trip playing the OF. If Stuart is that good, he can come in for defense late in the game, but he’s not that great of an OFer either.
Love affair? The only people that acknowledge Fairchild is average is Jim Walker and me. His ops as a Red is .765 or something. That’s atleast average
@IRM>> And some guys play the OF so smoothly folks don’t develop an appreciation for the area they cover and the plays they make look routine. 😉
Freidl and Fairchild both missed their play on similar balls to the opposite gaps in Wrigley that they appeared to have dialed in; and, both hurt the Reds chances severely in the respective games. Maybe it just happened they both blew a play on consecutive nights they would make 95%+ of the time. Or maybe the stupid basket or some other park factor messed with them.
But now Freidl is still an outstanding defensive OF but Fairchild isn’t?
Fairchild OPS this year is 722. That’s not average. Guess again Indy.
Because every playoff contender in the NL except for the braves is starting a player with an ops worse than Fairchild. He doesn’t even have 200 at bats but has done reasonably well with them. Hell he’d be the 4th highest ops on the brewers whole roster. He is just a tick below league average. That’s perfectly acceptable for the role he’s playing and if he had to play more it’d still be fine. No need to hate on the guy.
I agree with you and Jim, Indy. He’s also the second fastest guy on the team and a good outfielder.
@GMR
Fairchild can be a good outfielder defensively and second fastest guy on the team and still not be a good hitter against righties(75+% of pitchers) and not be an everyday outfielder at the same time, right?
Fairchild is a role player, but being propped up as a core player and thats really what this is about. There’s no hating on him. His Career War of 1.0 and being traded by 3 teams in his late 20’s and his 2023 bWAR of 0.4 with regular playing time speaks volumes. He had a nice home run the other day to help the Reds win. Great.
Hes a RLN hall of famer, though , and not in a good way, as hes been elevated way above his fighting weight , like Alejo Lopez and Phil Ervin and Max Schrock and Josh Van Meter were.
@OS>> Fairchild and Friedl are virtually the same player. One bats LH and because of the Reds system gets more eye time but picking between them based on blind numbers would be difficult.
How similar are their numbers? From June 1 forward this year, there is a .005 difference in their OPS. One is .711, the other .706. (Friedl’s is not the higher one). In 2022 one of them had a seasonal OPS of .800, the other a seasonal OPS of .771 (Again Friedl’s is not the higher).
Friedl does have the higher career OPS .771 (105 OPS+)/ .733 (97 OPS+) because of his torrid 1st two months of this season which he has not come close to maintaining. Based on Fairchild’s strong finish to 2022 (.946 OPS in August and Sept), he could well pull abreast of Friedl’s career totals by the end of the season unless Freidl rediscovers his similar run from earlier in the year when he posted a .873 OPS from Opening Day thru May.
I don’t think either of them have demonstrated they are core pieces moving forward. Good traditional 4th OF, yes both of them.
Old-School: I don’t see him as an everyday starter, no, but he’s not a bad option as a 4th outfielder. He’s getting a fair amount of playing now, probably because Fraley is out, but maybe because his defense has added value because the Reds are not scoring as much as they were earlier. Seems counter-intuitive, I know, since a better hitter might contribute to more scoring, but nobody is hitting with much consistency.
Rather have Marte in the lineup than Fairchild. Play Steer in LF.
Exactly!!!!!! But but Fairchild hit a home run the other night!! Lol
Interesting move. I don’t hate it, but the Reds are in a dogfight for the playoffs. Curious why it’s Marte and not Barrero?
Barrero is done in Cincinnati in my estimation. Trade him and let him flourish somewhere else. To bad because I like the guy but there are no spots here for him.
Barrero was from central casting in what a MLB player should “look” like. A shame. He could be our version of Will Benson for another team.
Reds sent him down and he has played mostly short.He is done as you said.
Because Barrero is HORRIBLE. Don’t let his current play fool you. He still K’s too much in AAA.
Barrero K’s too much? Have you looked at Votto’s SO rate? EDLC’s? Barrero’s SO rate this year was 29.5 with a BB rate of 10.1%. Votto is 28.7 and 10.5 while EDLC is 34.1 and 7%. Clearly, you must be an advocate the Bell system of analytics.
Marte,McLain,EDLC,Steer,CES and Votto. Everyone except Votto can play different positions. I just don’t see Newman getting any playing time. The way I see it he doesn’t have a contract next year but is under arbitration next year. Reds have paid most of his salary this year. Cut him loose now because he won’t be here next year. Not with Marte already up.
Tucker Barnhart released by the Stupid Cubs
TB has made more than $25m just in direct MLB salaries. The Reds have no place for him in 2023. Looking to the future, he is at that age where catchers tend to go over the edge, even as infrequent backups. Witness the difference between Casali when he left the Reds at Barnhart’s current age after 2021 and the Casali who returned to the Reds in 2023. IMO, wish TB well for the rest of his life.
Whatever happened to Ryan Hannigan? He seemed like coaching material? Barnhart, as well.
Devin Mesoraco just turned 35.
Kind of hard to believe.
I was looking around for stuff about Hanigan when he showed up for the Reds team HoF stuff this year. My recollection is I did not find much; or, at least it hasn’t stuck with me in active memory. 😉
RH didn’t do as well as Barnhart in career salary but at $16.6m (per BBRef), I guess we don’t need to be shedding tears for him.
I wonder if a lot of these guys who are seen as future coach and manager material don’t decide to do whatever they would have done outside of baseball since baseball their earnings gave them that opportunity.
For instance, this Wikipedia article says RH has become seriously involved in show dog breeding (Australian Shepherds).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Hanigan
Kind of wonder if Zack Cozart might be breeding donkeys somewhere? 🙂
Didn’t mean to indicate we should snag him. Just mentioning it.
Daytonnati – thumbs up for the donkey breeding comment
Not a stupid decision. His defense is no longer above average and his bat is non existent.
It was a stupid decision to guarantee him $6.5M dollars though…ergo the Cubs are stupid.
They still owe him $3.25M next year too LOL Cubs…Tucker still hurting the Cubs even after leaving the Reds!!!
Wow. We can ALWAYS use another catcher on the 26th man roster right? 😉 He bats left too. Don’t tell David Bell. He’ll want him for sure. 🙂
Welcome Marte!
Sorting time plus a playoff push.
That’ll force Steer to get more experience in LF where his future will be. Plus, less Fairchild PT, and we get a 2 week jump start with Marte who would have been a September call up.
I hope that Krall instructs Bell to play him and get his major league warts figured out sooner,(off speed, sliders, defense) so that adjustments can start earlier.
Hopkins, I’m guessing goes down, unless Krall sends Newman down.
“Welcome to the party Pal!”
It never gets old.
Ive never gotten a Bell lineup correct but assuming no injuries we arent aware of , I will take a guess against the Veteran righty Bassitt. ill assume Stephenson catches Greene tomorrow afternoon and Maile goes tonight.
Friedl CF
McLain 2b
Elly SS
Steer LF
Votto DH
CES 1b
Marte 3b
Benson RF
Maile C
Could we see Benson slide up to 7th so bell can go full LH/RH all the way down the lineup!? He might enter actual nirvana if that were to happen
Yeah was thinking the same thing and when you posted I had to laugh.
No Marte tonight at least.
Marte and why not? The one guy we know isn’t going down is well you know so its a young guy coming up and a young guy going down.Top prospect for the Reds so he is coming up to play isn’t he?Interesting but not really that Senzel and Barrero both infielders are not in the plan.Never thought for a second that either were but now we do know for sure.
Bats rally with 3 in the ninth last night.Wild Thing with the win and Duarte with his 5th save.Remember Duarte.Like him as a bullpen piece now and in the future.
Interesting Senzel did not play last night…again. He’s probably not a happy camper.
Hmm? I guess Marte over Fairchild makes sense. Steer will probably do less damage defensively in LF. At first I was thinking Marte was coming up to replace Senzel vs lefties. He is ready to play full-time? We’ll find out. Hopkins never plays so no loss there
Steer will flex to LF some to relieve the crowded infield. Hopkins is the 5th OF behind Freidl Benson, Fairchild, Ramos so Steer will slide into the flex position of Lf/Corner IF and DH with Hopkins on the 1-71-shuttle to Louisville.
What current Red has 283 at-bats (half season full-time) for our team with 43 runs, 17 doubles, 3 triples, 10 hrs, 30 walks, 11 hbp, and 9 steals? Stuart Fairchild. He’s not young & Ks constantly so I get it, but CES better getting cracking to beat that production by 283 at-bats. Benson maybe and Marte unlikely. Maybe it’s better to be 28-29 then 21 in a playoff race
Recheck your data Indy if you are quoting Fairchild stats. He does have 9 stolen bases, but the others are way off.
Indy’s stats are Fairchild’s career MLB stats from Fangraphs for all of 2022 and 2023 to date. He used AB’s vs PAs. but his ABs differ by 11 from FG’s BAs (294 vs 283). Also, runs are off by 1 (43/44). I’ll add they give him wRC+ of 101 with 100=MLB average.
https://www.fangraphs.com/players/stuart-fairchild/20321/game-log?type=1&gds=2022-03-01&gde=2023-08-18&season=&position=OF
I don’t know but it isn’t Fairchild. Quit posting factitious stats. OPS of .722. That’s below average.
Indy appears to have used Fairchild’s MLB stats from 2022 to the present. That capability is available in Fangraphs Game Log function. I linked it above in my response to Old School.
The OPS for that period is .748. His wRC+, the Fangraphs equivalent of OPS+, is 101 (switch to advanced view on my link above for OPS/wRC+). That’s “average”+ 1% more for the period the stats come from per Fangraphs.
The dreaded handedness strikes again. Bell has used Fairchild strategically and disproportionately against lefties. 45% of his at bats are against lefties- who he hits well.
Against righties however, his OPS is .710 career and career wRC+ in the 80’s and worse this year as he gets more playing time against righties .705 and 84.
I dont have an issue with Fairchild as a 4 th OF now or a righty platoon partner with fraley. Hes not an average every day OF though and bringing up young infielders with india hurt and senzel and newman not adding anything is great. Bringing up Marte or CES has nothing to do with Fairchild
I was looking at the box score from Iowa last night. Saw vosler replaced marte. Glad to see it’s good news. I’m thinking Hopkins gets sent down. I’d doubt Newman has options
Yeah but it doesn’t look like he shaves so he could pass for 21.I like him and take his stats over a year and they ain’t too shabby.
Marte might come out blasting so who knows? I’d still much rather have Fraley in there. We miss him. India too
I’d take Fraley in the lineup over 80% of the other guys. He’s a very good, and clutch hitter.
Marte is not in today’s lineup – huh?
That’s not much of a surprise, he’ll probably get in for a pinch hit tonight. Who knows how late he was traveling. I would guess he’ll be starting tomorrow.
Was going to post this too. Not really surprised. He probably will come in to pinch hit at some point though.
Has the move been announced as being official? If not, perhaps he isn’t there yet since he had to travel from Des Moines, Iowa overnight?? The Bats box score from Friday shows Marte took 4 PA before being pulled. That further reinforces that his call up could have something to do with an injury situation.
It also means he probably was on a red eye or early morning flight out of Des Moines and had to navigate his way through O’Hare this morning. Just O’Hare is a day’s work for anyone, especially if their English is uncertain.
I believe CES also did not start his first game when he got called up?
Correct.
Then played one game & sat again, I do believe.
Marte doesn’t have a SS’s build, he’s stocky, pretty thick. Larkin’s compared him to Miggy although not as tall.
Notice Senzel didn’t play last night after taking a week to report then only playing 2 games, are they finally dumping him?
Senzel got hit in the head by a pitch on Thursday night but stayed in the game and several innings later scored the winning run. Maybe he had a day after headache or stiff neck???
The HBP pitch appeared to be a breaking ball or off speed pitch of some sort; and, Senzel got turned to take it fully on or slightly above the midline full helmet just in front of and slightly above the top of the ear flap area. He went down but popped before the trainer arrived on the scene.
Thanks for that Jim.
Has the way CIN structured its talent in roster avoid the need for a utility infielder? With quite a few guys able to play 3B/1B and 2B/SS or even 3B/SS, it appears that a UT IF becomes obsolete for CIN at least for the foreseeable future.
I picture Marte as a corner outfielder. an eventual outfield of Marte in left, Friedl in center and EDLC in right could cover a little bit of ground out there. oh with Benson as you fourth outfielder… not bad.
Steer, imo, best position is first. Mclain 2b, Barrero ss(still haven’t given up on him) and CES possibly at 3rd.
Maile and Robinson behind the plate
then maybe swing a deal with Stephenson, Senzel and India for a stud sp in the offseason
I doubt Senzel or Stephenson have much if any value.
India does.
Doubt you get a stud pitcher for that.
Lineup is out. No Marte.
T. Friedl CF
M. McLain 2B
E. De La Cruz SS
S. Steer 3B
J. Votto 1B
C. Encarnacion-Strand DH
T. Stephenson C
W. Benson RF
S. Fairchild LF
Like it
Same lineup that crushed the Blue Jays pitching last night? I like it too. LOL
My Fairchild #s are from Baseball Reference with only his #s as a Red 2022-23. They’re accurate
Fairchild is fine as the 13th member of the position players. The 13th member should be a good pinch hitter, pinch runner, and or good defender. He’s probably a better pinch hitter than he is anything else, and that has value. Descending order of 40 man OF’s Benson, Fraley, Friedl, Hopkins, Fairchild, Siani, Ramos. If Steer becomes an everyday OF I’d slot him in between Benson, and Fraley. If you’re wondering why I have Hopkins up so far, it’s simply the fact that we don’t know what he is as a major leaguer, and we have a pretty good gage on the 3 below him on the list.
Why we need an OF next year. Trade simulator with India and Lane Thomas Nats is literally the exact value at 13.4/13.5. Thomas has 2 years of control. India 3. Get creative and grab Thomas and their controlled dominant bullpen arm Finnnegan and throw in a Reds A prospect like Carlos Jorge or similar and OF/lineup and bullpen way better. Need 4 everyday outfielders and an elite bullpen. Thomas/Friedl/Fraley/Benson gets you there with an infield of marte/Elly/Mclain/Steer/CES with Steer a glue guy at 3b/1b/LF and the DH rotating with Fraley/Steer/CES.
I would rank the outfielders as follows:
1. Friedl – good hitter playing plus defense at a premium position. Also his base running is above average and he doesn’t need a platoon partner to be productive.
2. Benson – best hitting outfielder, but the sample size is much smaller than either Friedl or Fraley. His bat, if he can sustain his current numbers, is enough to put him slightly ahead of Friedl. However, his defense and platoon splits have him behind Friedl.
3. Fraley – very similar to Benson, but slightly behind him as a hitter. There’s enough data to believe his severe platoon splits won’t change.
4. Fairchild – he’s a tick below average as a ML outfielder, but performing well enough to start on multiple teams. He’s also demonstrated he can maintain his production in a bench role.
5-6. Ramos and Hopkins have nice AAA numbers, but in limited playing time lag well behind the others. It’s doubtful either gets enough time to really showcase their ability with the Reds this year or next. However, both are promising depth players. The fact that both are on the 26-man roster and Senzel is not says a lot.
7. Senzel – brings defensive versatility and a good RH bat. He’s very much a role player at this point.
8. Siani – he’s improved quite a bit at AAA this summer. However, the fact that the Reds haven’t used him this year suggests they see limited potential beyond a defensive-oriented fifth outfielder.
With Dunn, Hurtabise and Hinds performing well at AA, Hopkins, Ramos, Senzel and Siani likely have a tough time holding 40-man roster spots through the entire offseason.
I love how people are so anxious to trade some friggin anyone for India. This brings to mind all the people that were clamoring for Bennentendi earlier this year, and Mikey Biceps too. Yes, he had a great game, one, then boom, back to his mortal self. India should not be used as trade bait unless it absolutely has to be done and they cannot resign him. We will pick up an outfielder here or there. India means a lot to this team and to me that seems obvious. Look at the games with and without. Geez
This jives with Fangraphs then because I counted the entire 2022 numbers which included a dozen or so wasted PAs with Mariners and Giants.
His actual Reds OPS in 2022 was .897 in 99 PAs which worked out to a 144 OPS+.
In the last 7 days, his BA/ OPB/SLG/OPS is .250/.357/.583/.940 in 14PAs with the team going 4-2.
Some comps over the last 7 days>>> Steer .697 OPS; Friedl .400 OPS; Benson .900 OPS; Votto .499 OPS; McLain 1.028; EDLC .589; CES .687; Stephenson .583.
Newman to the IL, Oblique strain retro to Wednesday
Another retro move … always bugs me when we play short-handed. Oh well.
I have to wonder if this is the end of the line for Newman in a Reds uniform.
I hate playing short handed but as Doug mentioned earlier with the potential extra draft pick and stipulations on what is and isnt the definition of a rookie in 2024 and Marte qualifying and Reds needed 2 more days to get Marte replacing Newman and no lefties pitching anyway???? Count me on board.
“I have to wonder if this is the end of the line for Newman in a Reds uniform.”
Could be. We may very well have already seen the end of Barrero and Senzel and maybe even Casali.
Did he strain it trying to put the cape and helmet on CES yesterday?
Took SF to miss the playoffs+126
Reds are +148 to make it. Good odds, but I have enough on Over 83.5
Haven’t found the Cubs to make the playoffs yet, but they’re almost a lock imo with their remaining schedule
They’re a lock “to Cub-out the season” … 😀
I saw the other day that Steer at 3rd was our worst defensive WAR it was like -12 I think. So, I would guess that Steer will mainly be used in Left for the rest of the year, with Marte getting a shot at 3rd. CES and Votto will probably split time between 1st and DH. At least the Reds are going to get an extended look at next years possible infield. I hope they play awesome and walk away with the Central!
Not much of a sample size for Steer, plus such evaluations are not set in stone, particularly with young players; they can learn and improve.
I’m as shocked as I am happy to hear this. Marte was doing well but not “tearing it up” in AAA like McLain, EDLC, and CES. It may be a signal that India could be done for the year.
The newest CBA incentivizes promoting top prospects at the end of the year like this. I expect he’ll play a lot, but his PT will likely get curtailed somewhat when either Fraley or India returns (unless there is another injury).
My hunch is either one or both of India/Fraley are done for the year. If only one we go back to the rotation of players again which considering who those nine guys are isn’t bad.
C’mon Dodgers. Miami has 5 more with LA after this one, but trying to go up 2-0 in the series. They have 7 more with Milw too. We might regret blowing that last series with Miami
Soon as I typed this, LA put up a crooked number off Dave Robertson. Maybe we didn’t need Robertson. I know he’s old. The guy I really wanted was Graveman. He’s pitched well for Dusty since he came over.
Be nice to see Texas get Milwaukee too
Since Marte is replacing Newman, he should be leading off within a week and getting plenty of at-bats.