Reds should send down Stephenson and Antone

[Falls City Beer]

Anotone might be the guy that helps salvage the Reds' bullpen this year.
He sure looked good last night.
I know, small sample size, but I liked what I saw. He's potentially one of the top 4 or 5 relievers on the roster right now.
I will gladly eat a year of service time on that.

If Stephenson is not on the MLB team this year, he's just in camp, not seeing any live action and just getting a year older. I think that due to this weird season, keep him on the roster as the 3rd catcher and bat off the bench. Let him face MLB pitching. Who knows, maybe it frees up Barhhart or Casalli for a trade.

Looks like the Reds are going to need all the help they can get to make the playoffs this year. The two kids have had a good start. I would keep them on the roster all year if possible.

Always play your best roster. It may seem like a little thing, but I believe that the Reds do themselves no good playing roster games. Teams that succeed play their best organizational talent.

[HammerTime]

We often do a lot of hand wringing about prospects and service time and the reality is it hardly ever matters for the vast majority of players. Put the best team on the field that you can.

[757690]

If Reds had sent out Stephenson and Antone to save service time, each would have missed last night. Both players took big steps in that game.

This year, with likely many absences, gives young guys a chance to play big league ball.

I’d rather see them get that opportunity. It’s one of the few benefits of this season. I’m less concerned about a year of service time.

I can see that point. Especially when there are no minor leagues this year. Player development is important.

[757690]

It's not meaningless.

If the season gets shut down due Covid, it absolutely would be meaningless. And that was a real threat when this thread was started. Based on what the owners released, that looks less likely now.

[M2]

Antone is 26 and his stuff just showed up out of nowhere. If he's going to be good now, use him now. In fact, hang him up wet this season if he's going to be good. Do not care one bit if it means he can walk at age 32. The chances of him being a plus pitcher for seven consecutive seasons strike me as exceedingly low.

Not overly worried about Stephenson's service either, in that my assumption is he'll be sent down when Barnhart returns and the rosters shrink.

[kaldaniels]

Service time manipulation sucks and we should not encourage or root for it.

I respect those that believe this, so no objection. But it’s a rule that needs to be changed. Yes, the “goodwill” created by no manipulation is something. But if the Reds are committed to being the best organization they can, there’s almost a “fiduciary duty” to gain an extra year of control for holding a guy back a few games. It’s a bad situation no doubt.

[Kc61]

We often do a lot of hand wringing about prospects and service time and the reality is it hardly ever matters for the vast majority of players. Put the best team on the field that you can.

It’s also critical for development. Nobody becomes a major leaguer solely by gestating in the minors. When a player is 24 or older, and appears ready, let him play in the bigs as much as possible.

Let’s say Tyler Stephenson shows he’s ready to take over as main catcher. You’d never know that from the minors or 60-man pool. We didn’t know what Aquino might be except we brought him up and played him.

If a guy falters you can send him down or trade him or whatever. Don’t let the fruit get overripe. I see a number of young guys deserving of playing time right now.

[kaldaniels]

Always play your best roster. It may seem like a little thing, but I believe that the Reds do themselves no good playing roster games. Teams that succeed play their best organizational talent.

I don’t know - what teams out there don’t play games or typically play their best talent? I think they all are guilty.

(In this case with Tejay and Tyler I’m not too concerned by the way - it will work itself out)

[klw]

If I remember correctly, if the season gets cancelled for Covid, players on the active roster get credit for a full year of service. Tyler Stephenson and Antone look to be long term pieces for us. We can;t afford to lose a year of service.

I'd be thinking of sending them down ASAP before anything gets out of control.

Based on how last night went, can you do a thread titled "Reds should send down everyone"

[Old school 1983]

Should we bring up Garcia then if Moose and Senzel are out indefinitely? Part of me says yes....part of me says no.

I say yes. Put him at short. Galvis at second. Make Stephenson the starter at C. He showed more last night that Barnhart and Casali have in the past two years. Also, if Mahle does poorly tonight, Antone should get his next start.

[mth123]

I say yes. Put him at short. Galvis at second. Make Stephenson the starter at C. He showed more last night that Barnhart and Casali have in the past two years. Also, if Mahle does poorly tonight, Antone should get his next start.

Personally, I think Casali has been pretty good in his role this year and last I'd be OK with replacing Galvis and making him the utility IF.

After last night. I would give Stephenson a start tonight and see what happens.

[Old school 1983]

Personally, I think Casali has been pretty good in his role this year and last I'd be OK with replacing Galvis and making him the utility IF.

After last night. I would give Stephenson a start tonight and see what happens.

I like Casali. I just think Stephenson is better. Galvis doesn’t need to be a utility player if Senzel and Moose are out. Maybe if Garcia comes up and sets the world afire and Moose is back.

[REDREAD]

I say yes. Put him at short. Galvis at second. Make Stephenson the starter at C. He showed more last night that Barnhart and Casali have in the past two years. Also, if Mahle does poorly tonight, Antone should get his next start.

I agree with you on most of this, but I would leave Antone in the bullpen. Looks like he has a good fastball and a plus curve. If he has a third pitch, I don't know what it is (that doesn't mean it doesn't exist).
The bullpen needs help more than the 5th starter. As far as I know, Disco is going to come back eventually.
I want to help lock down the wins when Gray, Castillo and Bauer pitch.

[Old school 1983]

I agree with you on most of this, but I would leave Antone in the bullpen. Looks like he has a good fastball and a plus curve. If he has a third pitch, I don't know what it is (that doesn't mean it doesn't exist).
The bullpen needs help more than the 5th starter. As far as I know, Disco is going to come back eventually.
I want to help lock down the wins when Gray, Castillo and Bauer pitch.

I would be perfectly fine with this too. If the Reds are any semblance of in it at the deadline they need to be all over pen pieces. I really liked Soto from Detroit.

[mth123]

I like Casali. I just think Stephenson is better. Galvis doesn’t need to be a utility player if Senzel and Moose are out. Maybe if Garcia comes up and sets the world afire and Moose is back.

Galvis is a placeholder until something better comes along. Teams trying to win usually don't play guys like him as regulars. I'd give Garcia a chance to unseat him (I'd even give Farmer that chance tbh). If they fall on their face, go back to Galvis. Its exactly how contenders use flawed vets who have some limited strengths. The Phillies sure didn't waste any time replacing him once they decided they were trying to win.