Reds Cut Shogo

[scotly50]

I'd like to see them pick up Justin Upton now and release/ trade Aquino.

That would not be a bad idea. Trade Aquino for Upton. Seems like a win-win.

[lollipopcurve]

It was good to see the Reds at least make an effort to get a foothold in the Asia market. But that market is not in the same galaxy as the Caribbean/Central and South America. Reds seem to be refocusing there, boosting their efforts in places like Colombia and Panama, which I see as a smart play, while finally signing competitive talent in the DR and VZ, which is where you have to make hay if you want to have a real shot at building a consistent farm system.

[FlightRick]

Hate to see this for Shogo's sake. Wish the whole experience had turned out differently for him. But seems just the entirely obvious decision from a baseball standpoint. Wish him good luck.

Yep. I honestly though he could OBP his way to a .780 OPS when he signed, and that would have been a damn fine professional kind of at-bat to have at the top of the line-up (something the Reds have usually lacked), and the second half or so of the COVID season, it almost seemed like it would work out that way.... but it just wasn't meant to be. Culture shock, pandemics, injuries (to self and wife), it adds up. Too bad.

[KeefeCato]

That would not be a bad idea. Trade Aquino for Upton. Seems like a win-win.

At this point in Upton's career. He seems like just a older version of Aquino.

[Bourgeois Zee]

At this point in Upton's career. He seems like just a older version of Aquino.

Still a pretty big difference in K% and hit tool.

And IMO, upside.

[Ron Madden]

Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr

Shogo Akiyama says he wasn't caught off guard by the Reds' decision: "Results are everything."

He wanted to talk to a few more people before announcing whether he'll look toward free agency or accept a minor-league assignment

Shogo is unlikely to remain with the Reds. He mentioned his first hit, an RBI single on 2020 Opening Day, as one of his favorite on-field moments.

"It's just unfortunate how I don't have that many memorable moments."


.

[Old school 1983]

I'd like to see them pick up Justin Upton now and release/ trade Aquino.

A few years back I’d be right there with you. Idk how much the guy has in the tank. Plus Aquino can cover all 3 outfield spots. I’d not be upset if that move happened, but idk how much there is to gain from it.

[Old school 1983]

Shogo really seems like a class act and stand up guy.

[westofyou]

That would not be a bad idea. Trade Aquino for Upton. Seems like a win-win.

You trade for him you pay for him

Pass

[RedTeamGo!]

I think things could have been different if he didn't come over to the United States at the worst possible moment in baseball history. He was never going to be a star, but he could have been a serviceable role player.

I disagree, he simply cannot hit major league fastballs. The pandemic had nothing to do with that.

- - - Updated - - -

That would not be a bad idea. Trade Aquino for Upton. Seems like a win-win.

That would not be a win-win. Upton is due a lot of money and is horrible

[westofyou]

Shogo didn't have the bat speed to generate power against a MLB fastball. He could hit em, just didn't go far

[cumberlandreds]

Shogo seemed like a really nice guy and seemed like he was good teammate. But he looked overmatched from the get go with MLB pitching. Just no pop at all in his bat. Reds gave him plenty of opportunity but it just wasn't to be. Best of luck to him in whatever road he takes now.

[HokieRed]

Shogo didn't have the bat speed to generate power against a MLB fastball. He could hit em, just didn't go far

It's really pretty much this straightforward; amazing it wasn't seen by those charged with scouting him.

[RedTeamGo!]

It's really pretty much this straightforward; amazing it wasn't seen by those charged with scouting him.

I want to blame the Reds for a failure in scouting, but IIRC they were 1 of 10 teams that made a proposal to him.

With that said, is this one of the worst free agent signings in baseball history?

[RedTeamGo!]

If I were Reds I’d get rid of Aquino and give TJ Friedl a shot.