The Reds are 19 games into the season and are sitting at a disappointing 8-11. There are a couple things I want to cover today, starting with what to do with Edwin Encarnacion. There is no doubt this guy can straight mash but his defense is really becoming a problem. He has an astronomical SIX errors in 18 games. SIX!! Dude is on pace for 54 errors this season. His booting of the ball yesterday afternoon in the 10th inning would have cost the Reds the game had it not been for the heroics of…well…Edwin Encarnacion in the bottom of the 10th.
Eddie has phenomenal power, but is it enough to make up for his porous defense? I’m not so sure. The problem is there is nowhere to move him. You can’t move him to left or right because of Dunn and Junior. First base, with the emergence of Joey Votto, is set for the foreseeable future as well. Edwin Encarnacion may very well be booting and overthrowing himself out of Cincinnati. I would really hate to give up on such a young talent so full of potential, but if the Reds really believe they can win now with this lineup, it may be something Wayne Krivsky has to consider.
The emergence of Joey Votto really has made Hatteberg expendable. It’s too bad because he’s a great clubhouse guy with experience and leadership qualities. The only problem is that he bats left, the same as Votto, and will rarely see the field. I’d like to see this guy moved somewhere he will get a chance to play because he deserves it. He would fetch a good major league reliever, something the Reds could always use. Joe Gallo suggested the Yankees would be a good fit. I think he’s right.
So I’m not entirely sure why Jay Bruce is still riding bus and carrying his own bags down in Louisville. This guy is the real deal and needs to be in the everyday Major League lineup if this team has a legitimate shot at contending in the Central. They need to do it sooner rather than later before the division gets away from them. Only 4.5 games back right now and a lot of baseball yet to play, so no need to panic, but it is time to get a little antsy.
Homer Bailey may be able to stay down in Louisville for a little while longer if Matt Belisle can fill in as a serviceable 5th starter. He makes his first start of the season tonight against the Dodgers as Josh Fogg moves into the pen. Bailey’s numbers in AAA have been great so far, but a little more seasoning won’t hurt.
That’s all I have for today. Hopefully the Reds can build off their great game yesterday an take it to the struggling Dodgers.
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Last post (s) by Howard Miller
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2 Responses to “Reds thoughts…Encarnacion, Hatteberg, Bruce, Bailey…”
Posted: 04/21/08 at 12:06 pm
Ah Josh Fogg the “dragon slayer” is already done as a starter. Boy did the media in Colorado try to overhype him last year during the playoffs. He pitched in two big games (playoff against san diego and the world series) and was terrible in both. And you wonder why the Rockies let him walk.
My favorite part was when they were talking about all the “ace” pitchers he won against, they listed Mike Mussina!!! If you need to throw that name in there then you know they are really reaching.
But other than that you’re right, bring up Bruce, keep Bailey down. Volzquez has been great, but I still see him more as a reliever, possibly being replaced by Baily mid season and suring up the pen in the process.
Edwin hits well for a 3rd baseman, but enough to play a corner outfield spot? Bottom line is Dunn is gone after this year, and so maybe Griffey. So Edwin could play the outfield if he can beat out Drew Stubbs in ‘09.
Posted: 04/21/08 at 9:32 pm
Tough to get a read on the Reds, tonight they get pounded at home by the struggling Dodgers.