Cincinnati Reds decide on J. J. Hoover and Alfredo Simon for NLDS games – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, October 6, decided to slate J. J. Hoover and Alfredo Simon for the line-up after deliberating and weighing the names. The other choices available were Mike Leake and Logan Ondrusek, but the decision went in the favour of Hoover and Simon.
Having appeared in 28 games this season, Hoover had 2.05 ERA with the two big league stings that the pitcher had. The rookies was actually acquired from the Atlanta Braves in April this year.
Manager Dusty Baker spoke of the difficulties the club faced in making the decision, but given the significance of the National League Division Series, consistency and performance f the players were key requisites for selection.
"You hate to have guys that have been with you over a long period of time [not make the team], but you have to take your emotions out to decide and go with who you think is the best pick at the time," Baker said.
Part of the reason why Ondrusek could not make it to the bullpen was his inability to tap into the potential he possesses. The player, in his 63 appearances in the season, had 3.46 ERA and was seemingly struggling.
In the last 16 games that he had played, Ondrusek held 5.02 ERA, something that could not plead a strong case for him to bring him the line-up.
In the end, it was the best ones who would book a spot in the line-up.
"That was kind of by design at the end to try and make up our mind," Baker said. "That was one of the luxuries of having a big lead and clinching early. You can sort of see that. It just boiled down to who was going the best at the time. It's always a tough pick, a tough call."
Reds will have to face the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. Tough as the five games will be, it will be interesting to see how the players perform in these crucial games. For the likes of Simon and Hoover, this is a rare chance to exhibit their talent.
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