In Shin-Soo Choo, Reds have a dependable leadoff hitter
The Cincinnati Reds’ search for leadoff hitter paid them off at the outset of the offseason. They acquired Cleveland Indians’ Shin-Soo Choo; sending centre fielder Drew Stubbs to the Tribe along with Didi Gregorius – a well regarded shortstop prospect.
However, much as the move was significant, it also brought to fore what the Reds’ actual plan was. During the Winter Meetings that commenced and ended in the first week of December, the Reds did not have any big shopping list.
As no major transaction took place during the Winter Meetings, the predictions were that a surprise was awaiting the fans. The Reds quickly moved to first re-sign Ryan Ludwick and then Shin-Soo Choo.
The former move might not have been surprising; but the latter had all the elements of surprise for the ones who were monitoring the developments.
Choo’s arrival, with the experience he has and an equally good record, is a harbinger of good things to come for the Cincinnati Reds.
"He fills the one big void that we had," Walt Jocketty – the Reds general manager said, "and that was a leadoff hitter and someone with the ability to get on base from the top of the order. It's an area of our club that has been lacking the last few years."
This past season, the player had a regular fixture and played 155 games, maintaining an impressive .283 average in 598 at-bats, smashing 16 home runs and 67 RBIs. With .373 OBP, he was 10th in the National League.
That which the Reds would have been impressed by was Choo’s role at the No.1 spot. He had an impressive .310 average with a .389 on-base percentage. With Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce, he will have a key role to play in the coming season.
The Reds also got Jason Donald who can well be the team’s utility player in the days to come.
"One of the first thoughts that crossed my mind was, 'They went to the playoffs last year,'" Donald said. "The Reds have a lot of very talented players over there. They have good pitching and some forces in the middle of the lineup. It's definitely a good
time to be coming into that organization and that team. It's an organization with a lot of history, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Thus with the two big moves, the Reds will have the same daunting offensive lineup that helped them win the National League Central this past season.
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