What to do when Ross comes back?

[savafan]

Bako, seemingly a black hole at the plate, seems to call a pretty good ballgame. I like his defense behind the plate, and today he came through with the bat.

What happens when Ross comes back? Valentin isn't great defensively, but he's a pretty good pinch hitter. Still, I loathe carrying three catchers.

[pedro]

I'd cut Valentin.

[WMR]

As I said in the game thread, Valentin's actual stats belie his reputation as a good pinch hitter. I would keep Hatteberg and jettison Valentin. Valentin really does nothing well.

[fearofpopvol1]

I'd cut Valentin too, but for some reason, it's hard envisioning the Reds doing that (even if that is what happens).

I do like the way Bako calls a game though. I think his arm is a little suspect, but I'd say he's a better overall option than Javy at this point.

[WMR]

I really like the way Bako frames a pitch. (And I agree that he calls a good game.)

[StillFunkyB]

I'd cut Valentin too, but for some reason, it's hard envisioning the Reds doing that (even if that is what happens).

I do like the way Bako calls a game though. I think his arm is a little suspect, but I'd say he's a better overall option than Javy at this point.

That throw down to third looked pretty good the other night. Little better tag by EE, and they might have gotten the call.

[fearofpopvol1]

That throw down to third looked pretty good the other night. Little better tag by EE, and they might have gotten the call.

Don't get me wrong, his arm is better than Javy's. It's not a bad arm, just a little suspect I think.

[guttle11]

Trade Freel or cut Hopper, move Javy to the bench/PH/emergency C-1B role, and go with a Ross/Bako platoon.

When Gonzo comes back Castro goes, and you have the makings of a decent bench.

[savafan]

I don't cut Norris Hopper. The times I've seen him play in person, I've been impressed with his mad skills. He is a fundamentally sound ballplayer. He's not a world beater, but he gets on base and from what I've seen can go and get a ball in the gap.

He's also one of the nicest people, not just ballplayers, that I've ever met.

[KronoRed]

They should dump Valentin, they probably will go with 3 catchers and Hopper will head down to AAA

Of course it's a little early to be sold on Bako, even Castro had good games now and then.

[pedro]

They just aren't going to cut Hopper. That's just not going to happen unless they call up another OF.

[savafan]

Are there any teams out there that could use a backup catcher? I was thinking Boston, but I doubt Valentin could catch Wakefield's knuckler.

[Big Klu]

Go with 11 pitchers. Possibly Todd Coffey to Louisville.

[savafan]

Go with 11 pitchers. Possibly Todd Coffey to Louisville.

Add 1 more guy to catch 1 less? What is the definition of insanity? :

[Big Klu]

Add 1 more guy to catch 1 less? What is the definition of insanity? :

I go back to 11 pitchers simply on principle. My goal is to eventually get down to 10 pitchers, but baby steps...baby steps.