I think they are all bullpen pieces. I just am not optimistic that they'll be good bullpen pieces. I wouldn't let the existence of all these fringe prospects prevent me from going out and getting a late inning reliever or two. They can always get these types off the scrap heap. The only guy I have some hope for might be Romano and I only think he succeeds if the Reds let him start for a year in AAA and use the heck out of that change-up until he proves he can actually throw it. If he does that, I want him starting. If he doesn't, I don't really want him in the big leagues.
All my posts are my opinion - just like yours are. If I forget to state it and you're too dense to see the obvious, look here!
I was thinking Powers, Kuhnel, Hendrix and maybe even guys like Romano, Herget and Reed.
Perhaps Reds are settling in with more defined roles for relievers.
In particular, they seem to like Hernandez setting up against primarily RHHs. Garrett late innings against primarily LHH. Iggy as closer, of course.
As some have suggested, they seem to like Hughes in the middle innings more than late.
Stephenson as a fifth-sixth inning guy for one inning.
Lorenzen is “as needed” and Reds do seem maybe to hold him back sometimes for use as PH/OF.
Duke and Peralta also “as needed” primarily against lefties.
Bell is definitely a lefty/righty percentage manager. I think that is a good change from some of the past managers who didn’t seem as focused on that.
These are reasonable patterns and IMO will help the bullpen’s effectiveness. It brings some order to things, even if one doesn’t agree with every role. And they seem flexible, which is good.
I wouldn't sign Kimbrel, at this point.
Hoping to change my username to 75769024
Stephenson can go multiple innings. But that doesn’t mean it’s the most effective use of the bullpen.
Reds are usually in close games and they want to turn the 7th, 8th and 9th over to their late inning crew. Rightly or wrongly, they have the most confidence in those guys. They also may feel Stephenson is best in one-inning stints right now.
As time goes on, I’m sure they will use him more and in higher leverage spots if he performs.
Last edited by Kc61; 05-19-2019 at 02:01 PM.
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