Addressing key holes in roster, the Reds seem done with offseason transactions – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds had a generally quiet offseason until this past week when some big moves were made. Bringing in the like of Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians is a step that will go a long way to determine the team’s success offensively.
The Reds’ aim was to get a leadoff hitter after they re-signed Ryan Ludwick. Shin-Soo Choo would, therefore, be a great addition given the fact that he had a good season with the Indians.
With .283 batting average along with .373 on-base percentage that he had,would compensate for what seemingly went wrong with the Reds when it came to leadoff men who put up .208/.254/.327 this past season.
After the Reds signed Jack Hannahan, the Reds general manager thinks the Reds are mostly done with what they intended to do for the upcoming season as far as roster is concerned.
“I think we’re done for the most part,” Jocketty said. “We’re still looking at some things to improve the roster – if I could find a left-handed reliever or something like that. I think right now we’ve got a very solid club. We’ve got a good bench, starting pitching and a bullpen. Our everyday lineup is very good. But we never resist an opportunity to improve the club.”
The observation is indeed an accurate one. The Reds got Jonthan Broxton for three years that would bolster the defence. Soon afterward, the deal with Ryan Ludwick came to fore. But like the general manager said, provided any good option and opportunity, they would seize it.
Overall, remaining within their budget, the Reds have made good use of the options available to them.
“Every deal we’ve made we’ve been able to stay within our budget for 2013 and projecting out the next three or four years,” Jocketty said. “Everything has to be kept in line.”
With improved bullpen, and the depth added to offence, the Reds seem menacingly prepared to take on the rivals in the upcoming season. After a year when they won the National League Central, with an improved lineup, they have the chance to attain a bigger glory.
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