Competition increases in Cincinnati Reds as roster becomes healthier – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' manager Dusty Baker stated on Tuesday, June 26, that he will see who is qualified for the upcoming games and make decision accordingly. He was referring to an entirely different outlook for the team as the injured players made a comeback after recuperating.
"We'll see who's hot, the matchups that I see and who I think can do what," Baker said. "Batting average is great, but it can be a misconception if there's not run production behind the batting average. I'd rather have both. When you do, you have an All-Star."
There is a palpable sense of competition pervading the atmosphere in the camp. The Cincinnati Reds have now got back centre-fielder Drew Stubbs and third baseman Scott Rolen. Their return signals strengthening of the team.
Its manifestation came on Tuesday when the team overcame the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1, making a stronger case for their dominance in the Division. They have got the advantage of a better defence and offence.
However, the arrival of Scott Rolen and Drew Stubbs, the competition within the team is something not to be missed or disregarded. Those involved in it are Chris Heisey, Ryan Ludwick and the rookie Todd Frazier.
Heisey, it is pertinent to mention, had replaced Stubbs when the centre-fielder suffered from strained left oblique, going off from the game for over two weeks. Frazier, on the other hand, had his role assigned at third-base following Rolen’s injury.
With the two players back now, the Reds have some tough decisions to make given the whole variety of choices available to them.
The criterion for it, goes without saying, is competition. Reds' manager Baker said, “The name of the game is to touch home plate. Ludwick's average [.227] isn't where you'd like it or he'd like it, but he's been very productive at driving in runs [31 RBIs], especially RBIs with two-out situations."
In the days to come, the Reds will have one of the robust and resilient line-up available in the National League. How do they make use of it is something of a treat to watch.
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