21 Feb 13
Originally posted by shortcircuitChoo can barely play RF. Putting him in CF is a huge risk, but the leadoff spot was so unproductive last year and Choo's OBP is so good that they are willing to take it. Expect Heisey to be used as a defensive replacement late, but he is still a significant downgrade in the field from Stubbs.
The key to the Reds being the favorite in the NL is keeping Chapman in the bullpen.
Moving him to a starter will make a great bullpen a mediocre one.
Another key is if Shoo can handle CF. I believe they are going to have to stick Jay
Bruce in CF. I don't think that is a deal breaker, but Stubbs covers more ground than
either of these guys will. Shoo will increase the OBP out of the leadoff spot though.
21 Feb 13
Originally posted by no1marauderIf Chapman can eat through 200 IPs a year and maintain his high 90s/100 velocity like Verlander I will eat my words. His delivery/motion isn't incredibly violent so I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility. In recent memory, Jonathon Papelbon and Joakim Soria were both good closers who were always teased to be starters but it never happened. It will be interesting to see what Chapman endurance is like and if the risk pays off. One thing is certain, Dusty Baker is not afraid of pushing young arms to their limits.
If Chapman can start, he should. He'll pitch two to three times as many innings in the rotation as he would in the pen and our fifth starter, Mike Leake, was only 8-9 with a 4.58 ERA and while Arroyo had a bounce back year, he remains a question mark. The Reds bullpen was #1 in baseball last year and would have been among the best even without Chapman, w ...[text shortened]... hapman went down for a couple of weeks in September, JB had 4 straight saves in 4 appearances.
Personally, I think the Reds rotation is good enough to keep Chapman in the bullpen and have him closing out games consistently. Broxton is a guy who had a good comeback year last year but, in my opinion, he is in a state of decline as far as Ks and injuries go. He's better suited as a reliable setup man to Chapman.
22 Feb 13
2 edits
Originally posted by no1marauderNo its not. All Phillips had to do was keep running to third but instead held up at second. Then he later got thrown at third when he would have scored from third had he been there. They would have won 1 - 0 after 9 innings.
It's more than a little ridiculous to blame the loss in a 10 inning 2-1 game on a guy getting thrown out at third in the 1st inning.
As for what they would have done after that is questoinable, especially with Cueto out and Votto hurt. Mind you, I'm not blaming Phillips, just observing what had happened. After all, Phillips is a big reason they were even there to begin with.
Homer threw a hell of a game. I just hated to see him lose it.
Incidentally, where is that prediction that they will win the World Series again, or have you given up on them?
22 Feb 13
Originally posted by ZambonerGood starters? If Cueto can turn it up a notch and Chapman adapts to the role, they would be akin to the Diamondbacks duo that won the World Series.
Assuming they will get in the playoffs since they are in a weak division, the Reds would be better suited having an elite closer in the playoffs rather than 5 good starters.
I don't deny that the closer role is a huge concern. No one they put out there will be as good as Chapman. It's just not possible.
22 Feb 13
2 edits
Originally posted by no1marauderI think it had to be done. Stubbs simply was not good enough at the plate. My guess is that Bruce will be moved to center.
Choo can barely play RF. Putting him in CF is a huge risk, but the leadoff spot was so unproductive last year and Choo's OBP is so good that they are willing to take it. Expect Heisey to be used as a defensive replacement late, but he is still a significant downgrade in the field from Stubbs.
The potential is there, maybe he can figure it out somewhere else.
22 Feb 13
Originally posted by whodeyEveryone knows Cincinatti would've gotten owned by whatever team the AL offered. I'm glad the Giants took care of that! lol
I think it had to be done. Stubbs simply was not good enough at the plate. My guess is that Bruce will be moved to center.
The potential is there, maybe he can figure it out somewhere else.
22 Feb 13
Originally posted by whodeyBaseball doesn't work like that. You can't just assume the following batters would have had the same results if BP was on second rather than no one being on base.
No its not. All Phillips had to do was keep running to third but instead held up at second. Then he later got thrown at third when he would have scored from third had he been there. They would have won 1 - 0 after 9 innings.
As for what they would have done after that is questoinable, especially with Cueto out and Votto hurt. Mind you, I'm not blaming ...[text shortened]... ere is that prediction that they will win the World Series again, or have you given up on them?
I haven't given up on the Reds but I haven't really turned my attention much to baseball yet. I am looking forward to the World Baseball Classic and, of course, the 2013 season.
23 Feb 13
Originally posted by whodeyI agree that a change of scenery might work wonders for Stubbs; he just pressed too much in Cincinnati.
I think it had to be done. Stubbs simply was not good enough at the plate. My guess is that Bruce will be moved to center.
The potential is there, maybe he can figure it out somewhere else.
Record breaking base stealer Billy Hamilton is being groomed to play CF in AAA. He may well be in the Reds outfield before this season is over.
24 Feb 13
Originally posted by no1marauderI am going to see the first two pool games for the US in Phoenix.
Baseball doesn't work like that. You can't just assume the following batters would have had the same results if BP was on second rather than no one being on base.
I haven't given up on the Reds but I haven't really turned my attention much to baseball yet. I am looking forward to the World Baseball Classic and, of course, the 2013 season.
The team from Mexico looks very good.
Not so sure about Italy's offering.
I wanted to see the Canada game as well, but couldn't stay another day.