Last edited by edabbs44; 02-09-2010 at 10:56 AM.
They need to go with only 11 pitchers and carry an extra bat for that situation--a pinch-hit specialist, if you will. I could see someone like Dmitri Young being able to fill that kind of role--he could fall out of bed and hit a baseball. He would also serve nicely as a backup 1B for Votto, on the rare occasions that Joey needs a day off. (I have always thought that the backup 1B should hit from the opposite side than the regular 1B.)
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
From Fay's twitter:
Nothing new on Gomes, #Reds, I'm told. 9 days till pitchers, catchers report.
http://twitter.com/johnfayman
Even if Young fell out of his bed, I'm not sure he could fit through his doorway.
I still say Nomar would be perfect for that role if you could get him on the cheap...and why shouldn't you be able to?
I didn't mean him specifically--I just meant that a player like he was a couple of years ago in Washington: a high-average hitter with line-drive and occasional long-ball power, doesn't have to have much speed, mobility, or defensive ability.
He would probably fit the bill nicely.
But the point is that it doesn't matter who we discuss here--as long as the Reds carry 12 pitchers, there won't be any room for such a player on the roster.
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
I think you need two backup infielders on the bench who can actually play defense, especially if Cabrera's D is as bad as some on here seem to think. Now if you are talking about replacing one of them with a backup infielder to can play defense AND hit, then I'm 100% on board. But those guys aren't easy to find, and usually they have starting jobs.
I still think that the 12-man pitching staff (and as a by-product, the five-man bench) is the problem. In my perfect world, the club would go back to a 10-man pitching staff and a seven-man bench, but I would be willing to compromise with an 11-man staff and a six-man bench.
In my opinion, the optimal bench should be constructed as follows:
1 catcher
2 infielders
2 outfielders
1 "bat" (This player will usually be a backup 1B, who might also be able to play OF, 3B or maybe C.)
However, with a five-man bench, the "bat" is usually the guy who has to go, and bench offense has to be covered by the other five (usually the backup outfielders).
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
It seems to me that an 11 man pitching staff is contingent on having starting pitching that can go deep into games. In particular, the fourth and fifth starters must be innings eaters who, though lacking overpowering stuff, nevertheless give the team a chance to win. Fringe starters who are inconsistent will not get it done. In the recent past the Reds have not had the needed depth in the starting five and have worn down even 12 man staffs by August. I think the starting pitching is getting close now, but I can't see it happening in 2010.
From Mark Sheldon's blog:
Reds, Gomes waiting it out
The holding pattern between the Reds and Jonny Gomes is continuing. There has been no advancement in talks as the opening of Spring Training draws near.
"It's the same as it was before," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said
On the phone from Goodyear, Ariz., Jocketty sounded like the team was moving forward with its plans, with or without Gomes in the fold.
"We think we will get everyone in camp, meet with everybody and then decide if we need to do something else," Jocketty said. "He's also exploring other situations. We'll see next week."
There are 17 outfielders still on the free agent market -- including Jermaine Dye and Johnny Damon are the biggest names. But Garret Anderson, Cliff Floyd, Endy Chavez and Marlon Anderson are among the others on the next tier -- I wouldn't be surprised that if one of them signs and establishes what's left of the market, Gomes might then make his decision.
The Reds have no plans to bring in any other free agents if Gomes doesn't sign.
Meanwhile, Jocketty said the all was well out west.
"It's beautiful. Temperatures are in the 70s and there's not a cloud in the sky," he said. "On Monday, we'll get the ofifce up and running. On Tuesday, I will get with my staff and on Wednesday, I will meet with Dusty and the coaches and get our strategy planned out."
Camp opens with the first workout for pitchers and catchers on Thursday.
And for those that were wondering the other day, Kip Wells will be added to the mix for the fifth spot of the rotation battle. Wells agreed to a Minor League deal a couple of days ago.
"We told him at the end of last year that if nothing else happened for him elsewhere, we'd bring him back," Jocketty said. "He did well for us at the end of the season."
Wells, signed to a Minor League deal in July, became a fill-in starter for the Reds late in the season and was 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA in four September starts.
http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/
Sounds like the Reds are saying take it or leave it
Agreed. The Reds have had LHH first basemen going back to Hal Morris, and just about every spring I've pined for a RHH backup with pop. Last year Dusty turned to the starting catcher to play 1b when Votto went on leave ("goodness gracious, sakes alive!") Ideally, a guy like Gomes who can actually play some 1b and LF would be a great "add" by Jocketty.
But since I haven't gotten my RHH backup 1st baseman "wish" fulfilled for going on 20 years (OK, Jeff Conine...but that's it...Rich Aurilia? pulease!) let's just say I'm not holding my breath
Current Red's #1 rival, how about those birdbrains from StL?
Never overlook the obvious
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |