The few open spots

[Kc61]

There are a few open spots on the bench and bullpen. Wonder how it works out.

1. Deno v. Crosby. Not sure either will make the team if Hamilton stays, but assume that the Reds do want a backup outfielder who can play CF well. I am sure Redszone would vote for Denorfia hands down, and I probably agree. But Crosby hits lefty (better partner for Freel, a righty), has more experience, also at one time (not recently) hit for a high average in AAA.

2. Keppinger v. Bellhorn. Again, not sure Reds will keep two backup infielders since Freel can always play inf in emergency. (Castro is presumably a lock.) If two, Bellhorn much more experienced, more power. Keppinger seems more like Krivsky's type. Low strikeout guy. Throw Jerry Gil into the mix, perhaps, as well.

3. Moeller v. ? Does Moeller's value defensively (with Valentin primarily a pinch hitter) mean that Reds keep 3 catchers again and drop a different bench player? Could mean that all four of the above will be sent out.

4. Hamilton v. ? If Hamilton has even a half-way decent spring, he stays. Somebody else loses a slot because of it, unless there is a trade for Hamilton's rights. In that case he can go to AAA for awhile.

5. Salmon v. Ligtenberg v. Burton v. Meadows v. Shack. Assume that Bray, Coffey, Weathers, Stanton, Cormier, Belisle make the team in the pen. That leaves one bullpen spot. Majewski gets it if healthy. Big if. So one slot could be open. Could it be one of these five? Or somebody new from the outside? Or do the Reds keep EZ for the extra spot, to pitch long relief?

[redsmetz]

Good questions and I think there will still be some player movement before the season starts. We've got a surplus of players and I think we should utlize that for getting some reasonably decent prospects - just my opinion.

[Redhook]

Originally Posted by Kc61

There are a few open spots on the bench and bullpen. Wonder how it works out.

1. Deno v. Crosby. Not sure either will make the team if Hamilton stays, but assume that the Reds do want a backup outfielder who can play CF well. I am sure Redszone would vote for Denorfia hands down, and I probably agree. But Crosby hits lefty (better partner for Freel, a righty), has more experience, also at one time (not recently) hit for a high average in AAA.

2. Keppinger v. Bellhorn. Again, not sure Reds will keep two backup infielders since Freel can always play inf in emergency. (Castro is presumably a lock.) If two, Bellhorn much more experienced, more power. Keppinger seems more like Krivsky's type. Low strikeout guy. Throw Jerry Gil into the mix, perhaps, as well.

3. Moeller v. ? Does Moeller's value defensively (with Valentin primarily a pinch hitter) mean that Reds keep 3 catchers again and drop a different bench player? Could mean that all four of the above will be sent out.

4. Hamilton v. ? If Hamilton has even a half-way decent spring, he stays. Somebody else loses a slot because of it, unless there is a trade for Hamilton's rights. In that case he can go to AAA for awhile.

5. Salmon v. Ligtenberg v. Burton v. Meadows v. Shack. Assume that Bray, Coffey, Weathers, Stanton, Cormier, Belisle make the team in the pen. That leaves one bullpen spot. Majewski gets it if healthy. Big if. So one slot could be open. Could it be one of these five? Or somebody new from the outside? Or do the Reds keep EZ for the extra spot, to pitch long relief?

1) Deno. No contest.
2) Most likely neither will make a difference.
3) If Moeller makes the team we're in worse shape than I thought.
4) Looking forward to see how he does. Wily Mo Part Deux??
5) Cormier needs to be traded while Shack fills his spot as the left specialist. Hopefully, Ligtenberg pitches well this spring b/c he has some nice upside with good experience.

[TRF]

I'd add:

EZ vs Saarloos vs Belisle vs Santos for the fifth starters spot. Saarloos probably has the edge, but not in talent. Santos is the darkhorse, but this spot should be EZ's to lose assuming he's healthy coming into camp.

[BRM]

Question 1 shouldn't even be a question. Deno is hands down the better player and it's not even close IMO. I'm anxious to see what Hamilton can bring to the table.

[Kc61]

Originally Posted by TRF

I'd add:

EZ vs Saarloos vs Belisle vs Santos for the fifth starters spot. Saarloos probably has the edge, but not in talent. Santos is the darkhorse, but this spot should be EZ's to lose assuming he's healthy coming into camp.

Agree, although my hunch is that Saarloos will be handed the job unless he messes up spring training badly.

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by Kc61

Agree, although my hunch is that Saarloos will be handed the job unless he messes up spring training badly.

Mine too.

[Kc61]

Originally Posted by BRM

Question 1 shouldn't even be a question. Deno is hands down the better player and it's not even close IMO. I'm anxious to see what Hamilton can bring to the table.

You may be right, but somehow I don't think the Reds are sold on Deno. We'll see, of course, and I can't believe he will be at AAA again. But I don't get the feeling he is a lock to make the team.

[dougdirt]

If Chris Denorfia doesnt make this team out of ST and Crosby does, I will have given up on management being capable of doing their jobs.

[flyer85]

Saarloos gets the starting spot. They aren't paying him 1.2M to pitch relief. EZ will start the year in AAA and Belisle in the pen. If Saarloos bombs they will be available to step in.

starters: Ross, Hatty, BP, Gonzo, EE, Dunn, Freel, Jr
bench: Castro, Denorfia, Hamilton, Valentin, Conine

starters: Harang, Arroyo, Lohse, Milton, Saarloos
relief: Weathers, Coffey, Majewski, Belisle, Bray, Stanton, Comier

IMHO, the roster is pretty much set barring injury.

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

If Chris Denorfia doesnt make this team out of ST and Crosby does, I will have given up on management being capable of doing their jobs.

that would be a quick plunge from the days of last July.

Crosby is one of those players who looks up to "replacement level".

[Kc61]

Originally Posted by flyer85

Saarloos gets the starting spot. They aren't paying him 1.2M to pitch relief. EZ will start the year in AAA and Belisle in the pen. If Saarloos bombs they will be available to step in.

starters: Ross, Hatty, BP, Gonzo, EE, Dunn, Freel, Jr
bench: Castro, Denorfia, Hamilton, Valentin, Conine

starters: Harang, Arroyo, Lohse, Milton, Saarloos
relief: Weathers, Coffey, Majewski, Belisle, Bray, Stanton, Comier

IMHO, the roster is pretty much set barring injury.

I agree, except:

Majewski is still injured.

Did the Reds acquire Moeller for AAA? Not sure they did.

Are the Reds ready to decide that Deno is a major leaguer? Hope so.

Can't be sure how the Hamilton situation plays out.

Your team (which is the most likely, agree) has a lot of 1B/outfielders. Reds might go with another spare infielder (Bellhorn, etc.).

[BRM]

Originally Posted by Kc61

I agree, except:

Majewski is still injured.

Did the Reds acquire Moeller for AAA? Not sure they did.

Are the Reds ready to decide that Deno is a major leaguer? Hope so.

Can't be sure how the Hamilton situation plays out.

Your team (which is the most likely, agree) has a lot of 1B/outfielders. Reds might go with another spare infielder (Bellhorn, etc.).

I would not be surprised to see Moeller make the squad as the 3rd catcher if Hamilton doesn't make it or gets injured.

[dsmith421]

Originally Posted by Kc61

1. Deno v. Crosby. Not sure either will make the team if Hamilton stays, but assume that the Reds do want a backup outfielder who can play CF well. I am sure Redszone would vote for Denorfia hands down, and I probably agree. But Crosby hits lefty (better partner for Freel, a righty), has more experience, also at one time (not recently) hit for a high average in AAA.

If Bubba Crosby makes the Reds over Chris Denorfia, I can't be held responsible for my actions.

[BRM]

RedsZone will be a very interesting place to be if Crosby makes the squad over Denorfia. I can only imagine the threads and posts on that one...