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Originally Posted by REDREAD
Don't see how we can say Didi is better offensively.. He's had like 19 major league at bats.
Also, there's a "big picture" element here. In reality, barring injury, the odds that the backup MI is not going to make a difference in the playoffs is tiny.
Part of the Reds building strategy is to try to convince veterans like Ludwick and Madson to come to the team (last offseason). If the Reds start doing cheesy stuff like leaving Valdez off the playoff roster in favor of a kid that didn't exactly tear it up in AAA.. that's a credibility hit when trying to attract FAs and tell them that there's opportunity in Cincy.
In reality, I don't think anyone wants to see either Gregorous or Valdez at the plate with the game on the line.. unless Valdez is up there to make a bunt.
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What message does it send to the Reds' young players that they can't crack the roster because the Reds would rather keep a terrible player like Wilson Valdez instead of them?
I think we can safely say Gregorius is a better hitter and fielder than Wilson Valdez. The Reds have plenty of players that are better hitters than Wilson Valdez. Most players throughout the minor leagues are better hitters than Wilson Valdez. He has the worst OPS of any player in the major leagues this year (150+ PA).
It hurts the team's chances of winning the World Series if you don't go with your 25 best players.
I don't think a potential free agent is going to avoid Cincy because the major leagues' worst player didn't make the playoff roster. It is a credibility hit to have a guy like Valdez on your playoff roster. Valdez will make the post-season roster despite proving he doesn't deserve it. It sends the message that your skill and performance don't matter.