After re-signing Ludwick, Reds only require a leadoff hitter - MLB News
Cincinnati Reds seem to have attained the goal they had set for the offseason. The Reds and left fielder Ryan Ludwick signed two-year $15 million deal on Monday, December 10, filling another hole.
The roster is in its completion now. That which will require the Reds to dedicate some time and energy in the days to come is the need for a leadoff hitter. Ryan Ludwick’s accepting the deal, after having earlier declined $5 million for a year, might not
have surprised many.
There were indications earlier that both the Reds and Ludwick were inclined to go ahead with another contract. That was confirmed after Ludwick got some offers by other teams; but he preferred to engage in talks with the Reds over the finalization of the
deal.
"A lot of the decision was based on the same decision as last year," Ludwick said. "I'm very familiar with Walt and the way he does business. He's put together a lot of good teams in the past. I felt like coming in last year we had a chance to win and we
did."
Ryan Ludwick comes with an experience of over a decade, playing with some big teams of MLB like Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
That experience played a key role in Ludwick’s splendid season after a one-year contract he signed with the Reds earlier this year. His .275 batting average with 26 home runs and 80 RBIs helped the team win the National League Central title.
That consistency is expected to be seen once again as the Reds enter the MLB `13. The repeat of tremendous performance in offence that the Reds showed this past season, with multiple batters contributing, will offset the balance in the league.
With the likes of Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Todd Frazier and others out there, the Reds are indeed one of the potent sides in the league as far as the offence is concerned.
Even though there was no major transaction, in the offseason, the Reds will -nonetheless, be satisfied with how things have moved so far.
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