Cincinnati Reds yet to name rotation – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Bryan Price is in no hurry to name the rotation as questions continue being asked about the potential role of a number of pitchers. Among the pitchers who are to be either used in rotation or bullpen are Mike Leake and
Aroldis Chapman.
After a relatively successful season in the bullpen, there were already speculations/suggestions about Aroldis Chapman being used in the rotation. That then led to more questions about Mike Leake’s role.
Leake did not have a particularly impressive season and struggled throughout 2012. Being the Reds’ No.5 starter, he came to replace Johnny Cueto in Game 4 – after he had oblique injury in the Game 1, of the National League Division Series. Reds lost that
game.
But that which needs to be addressed is not his performance. The Reds are looking for rotation depth. For last few years, a problem that they have regularly encountered is the fitness problem of the key starters at the critical times.
For instance, the Reds had lost the likes of Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey in the Spring Training two seasons ago, prompting the club to look for other options. It is these set of facts that the Reds need to keep in mind before making any decision for rotation
and bullpen.
"We've already spoken about it," Reds pitching coach Bryan Price said. "We haven't named our rotation. The one thing we learned last year, you have to be able to work on the fly."
Mike Leake wants to remain in the rotation as he had indicated during the Redfest this month.
"If that's what they decide, it's going to directly affect me. Maybe they'll wait a couple of months and then throw him, kind of the opposite of [Nationals young ace Stephen] Strasburg," Leake said.
All the decisions, of course, depend on how things progress before and during the Spring Training. Part of the reason why Chapman was used in the bullpen was due to the injuries of three relievers. That is also a key area to address. The strongest and consistent
arms, however, are what the Reds need.
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