Nikkan Sports: Reds Sign Shogo Akiyama

[WVRedsFan]

I tend to think a Senzel trade is the next move too. I imagine publicly they'll say they see Shogo in a corner spot with Winker/Aquino platoon in the other but given what we've heard about their aims it seems entirely likely that Senzel is traded for a bigger piece.

Since Cleveland wanted Senzel so bad, maybe...nah!

[Redsville]

NM

[redsman2007]

Could you see us getting Seager and Clevinger, while Dodgers get Lindor and our Castillo? We give up one year of control in the pitchers, we probably have to give up either Winker or Senzel plus the normal prospects not named Lodolo....

Dodgers would love that one. I'd really have to think about moving Castillo for Lindor and Clevinger (no Dodgers involved). Castillo is just so valuable but that might be enough.

[BluegrassRedleg]

So the top of the order looks like Shogo Arigato, Mr. J-Votto.

Shogo. Shogo.

[Mitri]

Shogo
Votto
Suarez
Moustakas
Senzel
Winker
Chirinos
Galvis
Castillo

[JFLegal]

Shogo
Votto
Suarez
Moustakas
Senzel
Winker
Chirinos
Galvis
Castillo

nope. (lol, you might be right, but i would doubt it. reds are not done making moves imo. they will add a shortstop imo.)

[stein1214]

Senzel has played 3rd and 2nd...is there any chance they try to convert the poor kid into a SS, at least part time?

[DocRed]

Senzel has played 3rd and 2nd...is there any chance they try to convert the poor kid into a SS, at least part time?

I was wondering if he played any SS in college. I couldn't find out his college stats breakdown by position. Anyone know?

[WrongVerb]

Senzel has played 3rd and 2nd...is there any chance they try to convert the poor kid into a SS, at least part time?

I was wondering if he played any SS in college. I couldn't find out his college stats breakdown by position. Anyone know?

No. They experimented a couple years ago and quickly ended it. Not happening.

[Guacarock]

I was wondering if he played any SS in college. I couldn't find out his college stats breakdown by position. Anyone know?

Apparently not. I found a University of Tennessee at Knoxville site that shows he primarily played 3B in college, along with 45 starts as designated hitter and eight at second base. In the Reds minor league system, he did play SS, but only one game for 8 innings. So, it's conceivable he could move into the infield and play either 3B or 2B, but those pushing Senzel at SS are way out in left field! Which, of course, is probably another position he could play!

[Tom Servo]

Senzel did play SS in college his sophomore season. I don’t think that is in the cards anymore though.

[BluegrassRedleg]

As MLB trends further and further to three true outcomes, will we eventually see some teams take chances on a guy at SS who may not have made sense in the recent past?

[Frank Robinson]

I hope people see the point here. Sea Ray (appropriately) wants Aquino to get PAs. Winker plays against all RHP. Senzel plays most every day. Reds just paid Shogo like a starter or near starter. Others want Ervin to play against all LHP.

Something has to give, folks.

Fifth OFer is not someone who gets regular usage, it’ll be a four man rotation.

Which is why Jankowski is the 5th guy and Senzel will be playing in a dizzying way elsewhere.

[1thru5]

Though he was played out of position in CF, I was a big fan of Shin Soo Choo when he joined the team in '13- his metrics were such a great complement to our offense at the time.

Looking at Shogo's numbers, it's not hard to imagine a similar impact offensively, though with better skills for manning CF, assuming that's his primary spot.

Even with the uncertainty around Senzel this signing is very exciting.

As for Nick, would love to watch him as a Red for the next several years but I don't see a path to getting a certifiable upgrade at SS without moving him.

[Kc61]

The Reds have added Moose, Miley, and Shogo without having to trade anyone. It makes the organization stronger. And the projected payroll today appears to be approximately the same as on OD last season.

There does seem to be a trade out there. Reds have lots of outfielders with value and all their top prospects. They could trade from this depth to fill a hole or two. The positions are obvious, I’d guess they are working on this.

Finally, seems to me that the talk about Ozuna and Castellanos can subside. I can’t see Reds adding a $80-100 million contract for still another OFer.