Building The Pen

[Wonderful Monds]

Maybe. Taijuan Walker kind of interests me. Had a solid return from TJ. Could be poised for better in 2021. However, what I most want is the Reds to take their shot. They should dare to have an idea and trust themselves enough to have confidence it's a good one.

If the Reds can’t resign Bauer, Walker would be my #1 choice to fill the 3rd starter slot.

[mikemo14]

Reds acquire yet another mid-tier prospect in Perez from Toronto to take up another valuable 40-man roster spot. It's beginning to dawn on me that we can expect no more than taking flyers on the worst players on opposing teams rosters from now til Spring Training. Reds had only 31 spots on the roster at one time and the last five they have picked up were arguably the number 40 player on the other teams roster. I fully expect this to continue and for them to fill the shortstop hole by signing Galvis to a minor league deal. I was optimistic when they traded Iglesias and didn't tender Bradley that they had a plan but starting to realize that plan is to simply cut payroll.

[Kc61]

Reds acquire yet another mid-tier prospect in Perez from Toronto to take up another valuable 40-man roster spot. It's beginning to dawn on me that we can expect no more than taking flyers on the worst players on opposing teams rosters from now til Spring Training. Reds had only 31 spots on the roster at one time and the last five they have picked up were arguably the number 40 player on the other teams roster. I fully expect this to continue and for them to fill the shortstop hole by signing Galvis to a minor league deal. I was optimistic when they traded Iglesias and didn't tender Bradley that they had a plan but starting to realize that plan is to simply cut payroll.

This is a concern but the hope is Reds are simply employing the strategy of waiting out the market.

Even at this late date we don’t know the eventual price tag on players like Gregorius or Semien. Or whether there will be decent pitching at bargain prices.

It’s a very late market this year, presumably teams expect bargains and players are holding fairly firm in their demands. Hope is Reds still can still add guys who make the team better.

[RedTeamGo!]

Reds acquire yet another mid-tier prospect in Perez from Toronto to take up another valuable 40-man roster spot. It's beginning to dawn on me that we can expect no more than taking flyers on the worst players on opposing teams rosters from now til Spring Training. Reds had only 31 spots on the roster at one time and the last five they have picked up were arguably the number 40 player on the other teams roster. I fully expect this to continue and for them to fill the shortstop hole by signing Galvis to a minor league deal. I was optimistic when they traded Iglesias and didn't tender Bradley that they had a plan but starting to realize that plan is to simply cut payroll.

The reds still have 4 open 40-man roster spots. This guy throws 99 and has options. You’re freaking out over nothing.

[Alpha Zero]

Reds just traded for LHP Cionel Perez. Very nice pickup and can fill the role of second lefty out of the pen.

Really liked this guy as an international FA a few years back.

[RedTeamGo!]

Reds just traded for LHP Cionel Perez. Very nice pickup and can fill the role of second lefty out of the pen.

That’s a great under the radar pick up.

Dude throws mid 90s, is only 24, and has major league experience. Pitched 7 innings last year and had a 2.74 ERA. He can get big league hitters out right now.

[Rolando]

That’s a great under the radar pick up.

Dude throws mid 90s, is only 24, and has major league experience. Pitched 7 innings last year and had a 2.74 ERA. He can get big league hitters out right now.

I agree these are the kind of guys you pick up if you going to go this route not old washed up Kevin Gregg types.

[HokieRed]

That’s a great under the radar pick up.

Dude throws mid 90s, is only 24, and has major league experience. Pitched 7 innings last year and had a 2.74 ERA. He can get big league hitters out right now.

I like the pickup, but the guy's WHIP last year was over 2 and control's been an issue throughout for him. Not ready yet to give him a spot on major league roster.

[Kc61]

Cionel Perez did very well at AA in 2018. 68 innings, much as a starter. He did not do too well at AAA in 2019. K rate dropped precipitously. 47 innings, mostly starting.

In the last few years he got limited major league usage, not enough to draw any conclusions. Ups and downs but very small sample.

In general, lefty relievers with good stuff can be effective facing mostly LHH. On that basis, I prefer him to some of the others they’ve picked up. But still, a reach for a win-now team.

[Alpha Zero]

Cionel Perez did very well at AA in 2018. 68 innings, much as a starter. He did not do too well at AAA in 2019. K rate dropped precipitously. 47 innings, mostly starting.

In the last few years he got limited major league usage, not enough to draw any conclusions. Ups and downs but very small sample.

In general, lefty relievers with good stuff can be effective facing mostly LHH. On that basis, I prefer him to some of the others they’ve picked up. But still, a reach for a win-now team.

He’s no sure thing, but I prefer him to almost every FA lefty outside of Brad Hand.

[Griffey012]

Cionel was a top 100 prospect in 2019. Left handed, starting pitcher, who throws hard with some control issues. Exactly the type of player who can turn into a high leverage relief arm. Great way to take advantage of empty 40 man spots by grabbing a roster squeeze from a deep team.

[Ron Madden]

Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr
#Reds added their 3rd Astros farmhand this winter after trading for LHP Cionel Pérez today. Before the 2018 season, FanGraphs rated Hector Perez #5, Cionel Pérez #6 and Brandon Bailey #18 in Astros farm system.

[RED VAN HOT]

In past years the Reds would have been more likely to sign established, second tier relievers to round out the pen. This year they seem to be going after younger pitchers with higher upside. Hopefully, the pitching organization is seeing something they believe they can develop.

[WrongVerb]

Very pleased with both the pickup of C.Perez, as well as the strategy of targeting and picking up low level lottery tickets in case they can be "fixed."

[Ron Madden]

Cionel Pérez, 24, made 20 relief appearances for the Astros over the last three seasons. He was ranked by Baseball America the No. 2 prospect in the 2017 international class, the 11th-best prospect in the Class AA Texas League in 2018 and one of the Astros’ top prospects in both 2018 (#13) and 2019 (#12).

https://www.wcpo.com