6-8-23 Reds vs Dodgers 12:35 PM

[Ron Madden]

Reds
1. Kevin Newman (R) 1B
2. Matt "The Bat" McLain (R) SS
3. Jonathan India (R) 2B
4. Electric Elly De La Cruz (S) 3B
5. Spencer Steer (R) LF
6. Tyler Stephenson (R) DH
7. TJ Hopkin s (R) RF
8. Jose Barrero (R) CF
9. Curt Casali (R) C
P. Graham Ashcraft (R)

Dodgers
1. Mookie Betts (R) RF
2. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
3. J.D. Martinez (R) DH
4. Max Muncy (L) 3B
5. David Peralta (L) LF
6. Miguel Vargas (R) 2B
7. Chris Taylor (R) SS
8. James Outman (L) CF
9. Austin Barnes (R) C
P. Clayton Kershaw (L)

[CaiGuy]

Barrero is alive.

[Sea Ray]

So...would I rather have Kevin Newman at 1B or CES? Hmmm...

[cumberlandreds]

Only thing I could guess is that they trying to shine Newman up as much as they can for a trade. But its hard to make a silk purse out of sow's ear.

[Sea Ray]

Only thing I could guess is that they trying to shine Newman up as much as they can for a trade. But its hard to make a silk purse out of sow's ear.

That makes no sense to me. They're not shining him up. They're exposing him. Regardless, whatever he is, Newman is a known quantity. Other teams know what he is: a major league utility infielder

[JFLegal]

A lot of meat in those 2-6 spots for the Reds. I like it.

[JCM11]

The Reds could really use Ashcraft getting back on track. If he gets shelled again I think you have to send him down.

[Alabama Red]

I have a feeling Ashcraft will have a good game.

[mth123]

Barrero is alive.

Interesting no Fairchild. Barrero and Fairchild are fighting for a spot because one is going down when Friedl returns on Saturday. I can't see it being anyone else.

[NebraskaRed]

Interesting no Fairchild. Barrero and Fairchild are fighting for a spot because one is going down when Friedl returns on Saturday. I can't see it being anyone else.

Hopkins?

[Ron Madden]

Charlie Goldsmith
@CharlieG__

On the first day of spring training, Jonathan India said that he wanted the Reds to play with emotion, even if outsiders view it as too much emotion.

The Reds’ walk-off win over the Dodgers was full of it.

“The energy is immaculate.”

David Bell brought this up pregame today:
"I want our players to be able to express themselves and be joyful. When that happens, it’s all about us. It’s all about their appreciation for one another and excitement.
There’s so much that goes into this. The ups and downs. You work hard and stay with it. When something good happens on the field, to be able to show that is really nice. I’m supportive of that when our team does that. It makes me very happy to be able to enjoy that moment together. When good things happen, it’s nice to celebrate it and for that to be ok."

[redsfan9988]

I have a feeling Ashcraft will have a good game.

I do not share your feeling… but I hope you’re right.

I would take 4 IP and 4 ER from Ashcraft and get it back off of their bullpen. Make Kershaw throw some pitches and get him out by the 6th.

[mth123]

Hopkins?

I have to think he'll get a longer look, but he might be the one to go down.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Interesting no Fairchild. Barrero and Fairchild are fighting for a spot because one is going down when Friedl returns on Saturday. I can't see it being anyone else.

If it's between those two, it has to be Barrero who's being dropped. EDLC, McLain, and Newman (plus Steer-- kind of) can all play his primary position. Three of those four are well ahead of him on the pecking order too. And at least two of those guys need PAs every day. (Or nearly so.)

At this point in the season, he's a one-position backup who doesn't hit.

Fairchild can play all three OF spots and has the far better bat.

[icehole3]

2. Matt "The Bat" McLain (R) SS
3. Jonathan India (R) 2B
4. Electric Elly De La Cruz (S) 3B