Results tagged ‘ MLB ’
Playing Pepper with C70 At The Bat
C70 At The Bat is a Cardinals (GASP!) blog that is running a series of posts previewing each team by having other bloggers answer five questions. Here is my submission for the Reds.
What was your opinion of the team’s offseason?
After a slow start, Walt Jocketty kicked it into high gear with trades and free agent signings. The moves show the club’s desire to win now, as opposed to building for the future. I am thrilled at the moves, especially the acquisition of Mat Latos, which should be a major boost to the starting rotation.
What do you think the strength of the team will be this season?
On paper, the strength of this team should be the pitching staff. Latos will join Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey to form a solid starting rotation. The major question is whether that rotation will include Aroldis Chapman, who the club is considering moving to the rotation from the bullpen. Ryan Madson will take over the closer’s duties. The remaining spots will be filled by Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray, Sean Marshall, Andrew Brackman, Jose Arredondo and Nick Masset.
Aroldis Chapman was pretty strong out of the pen last year. Is the idea still to make him into a starter and, if so, is that the right decision?
The club seems to be set on making him a starter. If he isn’t ready by the end of Spring Training, there is even a possibility he could begin the year at AAA Louisville. Personally, I think this is a mistake. Having someone that can regularly top 100+ mph come out of the bullpen to face a pinch hitter coming in cold off the bench is a tremendous advantage. I also am concerned about someone throwing that hard for 6-7 innings, especially someone who has already suffered from shoulder stiffness. I hope I am wrong, but will remain skeptical.
Is there a prospect that will make an impact on the team this season?
There are two prospects that will have to make an impact this year if the Reds are to be successful. Zack Cozart will be starting at shortstop on Opening Day. Coming back from Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow, Cozart is 100% and hopes to solidify his role as the team’s starting shortstop for years to come. Devin Mesoraco will share catching duties with veteran Ryan Hanigan. Hanigan is the better choice at this point, but will be counted on to help groom the young Mesoraco.
Where will the team finish in their division and what are you most excited about for 2012?
Spring Training is a time for optimism and promise and it hasn’t been this high in Reds Country in a long time. There is no “building for the future” mantra. The team is built to win now and I expect them to. Anything less than a division title would be a disappointment. After that, anything can happen.
Four beautiful words
Four of the most beautiful words in the English language ring true tomorrow.
PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT
Although many have already arrived, Reds pitchers and catchers are due to report to Goodyear, Arizona tomorrow for the official start of Spring Training. Be sure to follow Mark Sheldon and John Fay for the latest news from the Reds camp.
Jay Bruce added to the Reds Tweeps roster
As we get closer to Spring Training and Opening Day, my Twitter timeline will get busier with Reds talk. Are you a member of the Reds Tweeps roster? If not, leave a comment and I will add you.
Reds Country is also excited to announce that another player has joined Twitter! Please welcome Jay Bruce!
I give up. Here is my take on Joey Votto.
I have mostly tried to avoid the speculation of where Joey Votto might be playing baseball in 2013, 2014 and beyond because it is just that…speculation. But, Internet, you got me. I give up, so here we go…
The truth is that nobody knows if Votto will want to sign a long-term deal with the Reds or if he will even be offered one. I will enjoy watching Votto play because he is a tremendous talent with a great work ethic and because he wears a Reds uniform.
Fans should root for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Cincinnati’s own Pete Rose won a World Series in Philadelphia. Tony Perez, thought by many to be the heart and soul of the Big Red Machine, was traded after the 1976 season. Sean Casey, a good player and one of the nicest human beings on the face of the earth was traded to the Pirates.
Baseball is a business and as hard as it may be, executives have to make decisions while discounting their personal feelings.
All of that being said, I think the Reds should and will sign Votto to a long-term contract. He is the best player I have ever seen put on a Reds uniform. Yes, you read that correctly.
The Reds retaining Votto certainly contradicts a columnist from the Chicago Tribune who says Votto will definitely be a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in the near future. The article makes a big point about Votto coming home to play in Canada. The owner and general manager will become heroes for bringing the star back to his hometown. Sound familiar, Cincinnati?
Votto playing in Toronto would be equal to Ken Griffey Jr. in Cincinnati and we all know how well that worked. To be fair, Griffey was injured for much of his stay in Cincinnati. However, try to remember back to when the trade was pulled off. The excitement and expectations were at astronomical levels.
It’s no secret that Votto likes his privacy, whatever amount he still has. He is a very complex individual. Votto has also dealt with anxiety and depression. In the couple of times I have met the man, he has signed autographs for the kids and been very polite. However, it is obvious that Votto isn’t exactly a social butterfly. On television, he often appears that he would rather be having a root canal than sitting down for an interview.
Votto is a perfectionist that wants to win. I believe he has the chance to do that in Cincinnati.
The Reds have made several key moves this offseason, showing a dedication to win now as opposed to the “building for the future” mantra we have been subjected to in the past. The Reds are in “win now” mode, but at the core is a group of young players. Votto, Jay Bruce, Zack Cozart, Drew Stubbs, Devin Mesoraco, Chris Heisey, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Homer Bailey, Mat Latos and Aroldis Chapman are all under 30 years old.
I think the team’s success over the next year and a half will play a major role in what happens with Votto. I expect the Reds to win. I hope that means Votto will stay.
