There will be several new rules carried into regular season games next week, notably the pitch clock and restrictions on defensive shifts, and the Cincinnati Reds believe it’ll help turn one of their weaknesses into a strength.
There should be more singles, particularly for lefthanded hitters, without the shifts. Part of the pitch clock is allotting pitchers a maximum of two pickoff attempts. If a third pickoff attempt is unsuccessful, it’s ruled a balk. Even the bases are a little bigger, slightly trimming the distance between bags.
Expect a more aggressive team on the basepaths. Use an eight-run rally during Monday’s spring training game as an example. Jake Fraley scored easily from second on a bloop single to center. Spencer Steer took an extra base on a double down the left field line, moving up on an errant throw to the cutoff man. Jonathan India advanced to second on a throw after his groundball single, stole third and scored on a single.
“I think it’s pretty obvious we’re not going to be a heavy homer-hitting team, but there are so many more ways to manufacture runs than just by hitting home runs,” Reds outfielder TJ Friedl said. “Ball in the dirt and taking the extra base, first to third on a base hit, little things like that will add up to runs. That’s how we’re going to make an impact on the bases because we’re young, we’re athletic, we have a bunch of fast guys. That’s our strength.”
The Reds’ roster is more equipped to take extra bases, stealing 36 bases in 42 attempts this spring. Will Benson and Nick Senzel have elite speed while Friedl, India and Fraley bring above-average speed.
“I’m starting to experience a little bit of benefit with my leads,” said Benson, who has swiped six bases in seven attempts this spring.
With more speed on the roster and some key rule changes, the Reds see ways to use it to their advantage. There is a big difference between green lights on the bases during spring training and the regular season, but it’s been an emphasis throughout camp.
The Reds, at least throughout the spring, have shown how baserunning could have a big impact on their offense.
“More times than not, you’re safe,” Benson said. “Why not take advantage of it? Out of 10 times, you’re probably going to get thrown out twice. If you have speed, it’s probably cut down to once. Take advantage. You know the guys who have good arms. You know who get to the balls quick. And then you expose people who don’t do that.”
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Originally Posted by Ron Madden
