Reds Spring Training - Guys on the Bubble

[marcshoe]

That seems the safe bet. But the big question is what happens when they deem Hannahan ready? Anyone know if Nelson or Bernadina or Santiago have the ability to "opt out" or something if they aren't on the opening day roster or if they're optioned at the end of April?

Are any of them free to sign elsewhere at that point?

Cots has Nelson able to become a free agent if he's not on the major league roster by 3/28, but I'm not seeing anything on the other two.

[PepperJack]

Hannahan was slow to return from shoulder surgery and resumed playing this week. Ramon Santiago, Chris Nelson, Kris Negron, Neftali Soto are seeking infield spots. Non-roster invites Roger Bernadina and Jason Bourgeois are vying for outfield spots.

"We have to take a hard look at the guys that are ... and where our depth is," Price said. "Are we better served with having another outfielder? There are guys out there that have really been impressive. The question will be what are our needs breaking camp? If Hannahan isn't ready to go, do we need somebody that can spell [Todd] Frazier? Do we need somebody that gives us a stronger bench bat, pinch-hitting? Someone that can steal a base for us? Those will be some of the questions we try to answer these next two weeks."

Also complicating matters are contracts. For example, Bernadina can opt-out of his Minor League contract on Tuesday if he doesn't think he will make the team.

"You don't want to be held hostage by those situations," Price said. "Guys we have in camp we like, we like that they're here. We like the depth they provide. We feel like many of them could help our club this year either on Opening Day or at some point during the year. That's why we got these guys. We got them to provide support if we had injuries, No. 1, and support for depth over the course of the season."

[marcshoe]

Bernadina can opt out multiple times, the first of which is Tomorrow the 18th.

Thanks. I thought that was the case, but the last thing I could find on Cots was him signing with Philly in January.

[Kc61]

Broxton pitched a good inning today which helps matters in the pen. It's only March 17, presumably there is time for him to be ready on opening day.

[Red Raindog]

If Negron can field SS as well as Santiago (I have no idea), then it's almost a no brainer to take Negron instead. It's not as if we are going to get any offense from either of them.
Negron can fill in at 2b and OF too, IIRC.
However, if Negron can't field SS adequately, he's out of consideration.

Might not be a bad idea to carry an extra bat on the bench if Latos starts off on the DL. That will buy some time to make a decision.

Negron is playing CF late in today's game

[malcontent]

Bernadina made two fine throws from CF to the plate today. He's really a nice addition, in several ways.

He's gotta make the cut.

[Mike Honcho]

There is always Curtis Partch for the bullpen if the main guys aren't ready.

[Kc61]

Jumbo Diaz didn't help his cause today. I thought Trevor Bell looked pretty good.

[Kc61]

There is always Curtis Partch for the bullpen if the main guys aren't ready.

Partch was sent down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I like the fact that Price was looking at Frazier at short. It gives me hope that they won't feel the need to carry a SS backup only bench spot. It's simply not needed. Many seem to think it is. As long as you stash a solid SS defender at AAA, he's a phone call away if an injury happens. If one does happen, then all you need is an emergency glove for THAT game. I'll never get this current philosophy about this.

Specific back-up catcher...absolutely...one for another specific spot...no thanks.

[Kc61]

I like the fact that Price was looking at Frazier at short. It gives me hope that they won't feel the need to carry a SS backup only bench spot. It's simply not needed. Many seem to think it is. As long as you stash a solid SS defender at AAA, he's a phone call away if an injury happens. If one does happen, then all you need is an emergency glove for THAT game. I'll never get this current philosophy about this.

Specific back-up catcher...absolutely...one for another specific spot...no thanks.

I don't disagree. But I think this understates the uses of a backup middle infielder. It's not just in cases of injury.

The Reds may want to pinch hit for Cozart; or double switch Cozart out of the game; or pinch run (Hamilton on occasion?) for Zack; or maybe Cozart needs a rest and the team doesn't want to make a player move for one day.

There are a number of reasons why you need a backup shortstop on the team, not just at AAA. But I agree that it doesn't have to be a dedicated shortstop, it can be someone who plays other positions, and maybe a better hitter than usually fills this spot.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I don't disagree. But I think this understates the uses of a backup middle infielder. It's not just in cases of injury.

The Reds may want to pinch hit for Cozart; or double switch Cozart out of the game; or pinch run (Hamilton on occasion?) for Zack; or maybe Cozart needs a rest and the team doesn't want to make a player move for one day.

There are a number of reasons why you need a backup shortstop on the team, not just at AAA. But I agree that it doesn't have to be a dedicated shortstop, it can be someone who plays other positions, and maybe a better hitter than usually fills this spot.

I have zero problem with a backup infielder or even a backup "middle" infielder. But a guy who can play backup 2b or backup 3b can also play backup ss. Probably not well, but passably well enough for one or two games a month. Frazier can do that. So could Schumaker. So could Phillips. So could Hamilton. And certainly Hannahan could too. Jack could play 3b, 2b or ss well enough to spell Cozy I have zero doubt. But if there's an injury to the starter...I don't want to see that backup infielder pressed into full-time duty if he doesn't have the chops for it. Stash a solid glove-first guy down in AAA that you can bring up to fill the void for a longer term.

[757690]

a guy who can play backup 2b or backup 3b can also play backup ss.

Even is this is a true statement, it doesn't make this statement true:

Schumaker could do that

[mth123]

I have zero problem with a backup infielder or even a backup "middle" infielder. But a guy who can play backup 2b or backup 3b can also play backup ss. Probably not well, but passably well enough for one or two games a month. Frazier can do that. So could Schumaker. So could Phillips. So could Hamilton. And certainly Hannahan could too. Jack could play 3b, 2b or ss well enough to spell Cozy I have zero doubt. But if there's an injury to the starter...I don't want to see that backup infielder pressed into full-time duty if he doesn't have the chops for it. Stash a solid glove-first guy down in AAA that you can bring up to fill the void for a longer term.

I don't really think any of those guys could play SS even for a few innings. I'm all for the all around IF who isn't an auto out, but none of these guys are that guy. Phillips probably has the best chance to be passable at SS of any of them. Maybe Hamilton. No Hannahan, No Schumaker, No Frazier.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Disagree. I think you're selling these guys abilities short. Will they be able to turn a quick DP? Probably not without quite a few reps. Will they be able to range to their left & right, field a ground ball, snag a liner, make a throw to first...yes. Price and the coaches simply need to decide who they like best for that spot and give the guy some reps. A starting MLB infielder can play SS for a few innings (outside of many firstbasemen) without it destroying the team.

And yes, Schumaker could do it. Not well. But he could.