2020-2021 Off-season News Notes and Discussion #2

[mth123]

If I’m Reds, I give Phil Ervin a spring training invite. I’m sure few, if any, agree, but I’d do it.

He’s done pretty well when he gets some playing time. He plays good corner OF and can fill in as a CFer in a pinch.

As we all know, he’s had stretches in which he destroys LHP, which Reds need, though that’s been overstated at times.

I’m not sure they have a fifth outfielder who fits their needs better. Especially since Aquino didn’t show that well last season. Worth a look IMO.

I like him better than some of the 5th OF they have. He'd be a decent RH bench bat IMO. I'd go with six OF and add him. Winker, Cast, Senzel, Shogo, Naquin and Ervin. My IF would be Votto, Moose, Garcia, Suarez with Farmer add Barnhart and Stephenson and there is the position group. I wouldn't be afraid to use Senzel in the IF when needed.

Ervin can also run, so if they are looking for a runner on second in extra innngs, he could do that. Then they wouldn't need to keeep strange-Gordon for that. Another plus for signing Ervin.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I like him better than some of the 5th OF they have. He'd be a decent RH bench bat IMO. I'd go with six OF and add him. Winker, Cast, Senzel, Shogo, Naquin and Ervin. My IF would be Votto, Moose, Garcia, Suarez with Farmer add Barnhart and Stephenson and there is the position group. I wouldn't be afraid to use Senzel in the IF when needed.

Ervin can also run, so if they are looking for a runner on second in extra innngs, he could do that. Then they wouldn't need to keeep strange-Gordon for that. Another plus for signing Ervin.

Ervin > Aquino or Naquin?

I'd argue they're all about the same.

Because the Reds are slightly LH, I'd lean toward Aquino. He's cheaper, has monster pop, and is a bit faster, IIRC. Great arm could come in handy late too.

[Kc61]

Ervin > Aquino or Naquin?

I'd argue they're all about the same.

Because the Reds are slightly LH, I'd lean toward Aquino. He's cheaper, has monster pop, and is a bit faster, IIRC. Great arm could come in handy late too.

With Aquino out of options, I think he’s the favorite. After his monster showing in 2019 I’m not sure Reds want to give up on him. He may not be best suited for a backup role, his defense is best in RF. But his upside is probably too great for Reds to put him on the waiver wire.

It’s a long season, a number of guys will get chances with injuries, etc. Can’t get too worried about fifth OF roles, which are always subject to change in-season.

[schroomytunes]

I would still try to trade Aquino for a backup middle infielder or a 1b/3b type prospect.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It’s a long season, a number of guys will get chances with injuries, etc. Can’t get too worried about fifth OF roles, which are always subject to change in-season.

That's a great point.

There likely aren't many ABs for a 5th OF beyond PH opportunities.

[NebraskaRed]

Ian Desmond announced that he's opting out of his final season with the Rockies.

[jup]

Ian Desmond announced that he's opting out of his final season with the Rockies.

Makes it sound family related and I am sure it is. But you just have to wonder if all the turmoil with the Rockies this off season plays a role and he just chose not to include it in his statement.

[JaxRed]

Two years in a row he's opted out. Sounds like a guy who's done with baseball at age 35.

[JaxRed]

Ohtani worked with the Driveline folks this off-season.

[Ron Madden]

Jon Heyman
@JonHeyman
Jake Lamb deal with Braves is agreed to. Pending physical. Solid late pickup.

David O'Brien @DOBrienATL
Jake Lamb deal, pending physical, would give #Braves a LH-hitting backup corner INF option with power, as long as he can stay healthy. Hit 59 homers in 300 games during 2016-2017 with Ariz, but played just 65 games in 2018-2020 and hit .205 w/ 15 HRs and .660 OPS in 573 PAs.

[Kinsm]

Two years in a row he's opted out. Sounds like a guy who's done with baseball at age 35.

If you read what's he's been saying for months in news reels he's simply become disheartened by big dollar interests outweighing real world issues - covid, racism, etc...

He's either got a huge heart and/or he's made enough money in his career that he no longer has that never ending gnawing reality that most people have which is to make ends meet, which allows for the more philosophical discussions he wants to have.

[Kinsm]

....but played just 65 games in 2018-2020 and hit .205 w/ 15 HRs and .660 OPS in 573 PAs.

he played a lot more than 65 games in 2018-2020

[kaldaniels]

he played a lot more than 65 games in 2018-2020

Forgot that pesky 1. It was 165.

[Ron Madden]

Bobby Nightengale
@nightengalejr
Hunter Greene on pitching in big leagues: "I want to be there this season. That's solely my goal is to get there."

[JaxRed]

If you read what's he's been saying for months in news reels he's simply become disheartened by big dollar interests outweighing real world issues - covid, racism, etc...

He's either got a huge heart and/or he's made enough money in his career that he no longer has that never ending gnawing reality that most people have which is to make ends meet, which allows for the more philosophical discussions he wants to have.

That's exactly it. Hasn't got the fire in the belly anymore. That's not a bad thing. Better than going thru the motions just to get paid.