Reds’ offence stands emboldened
The onset of offseason did not brig with itself the hype if anyone expected that. However, calm and meticulous as the approach of the Cincinnati Reds have been, they were expected to make some big moves.
Which they did.
Be it the trade or the big signings, the Reds seem done now – something that general manager Walt Jocketty had confirmed too. However, provided any good opportunity, they will not shy away from another big transaction.
Re-signing Ryan Ludwick was a step that got a mixed response. But bringing leadoff hitter, the experienced, Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians in trade with Drew Stubbs sent, the Reds did set things in order.
Choo is expected to bolster the offence; and especially strengthen the leadoff position which was not up to the mark this past season. As the Reds went on to have .208/.254/.327 with their leadoff players, Shin-Soo Choo had .283/.373/441.
That is an impressive record. If he does that in the upcoming season again, the Reds would be tough to encounter given the already aggressive and powerful lineup that comprises the likes of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier, Ryan Ludwick and others.
The Spring Training will provide a blueprint of how bolstered the Reds have become. But that which must also be alluded to is the tough competition that the roster will have.
The Reds now have 27 strong candidates available to play, out of the 25-man roster. With competition deepened, the players have to work harder to maintain their positions, or get positions.
That is what the general manager also referred to: “I like that,” Jocketty said. “I like a lot of competition going into spring training. It’s good, it keeps guys on their toes.”
There have lately been questions about the fate of Scott Rolen. There were initially some reports that he was considering retirement. But all that depends on how he goes about it. And the Reds will have to look the place where they can put him.
“At the end of the season, I told him if he did come back it would be in a different role. But he’s been so important to our success the last couple of years. He’s been an instrumental part of our club. If he wants to play, we have to see if we can work
something out to his satisfaction as well as ours.”
When the Reds have decided Rolen’s role, they will essentially have a solid offensive lineup at their disposal to take on the rivals.
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