Interesting turn of events. For years there's been competition for the last couple of spots in the rotation. I think it could be a good thing and provide some stability for a new coaching staff.

Gray
Roark
Wood
Castillo
DeSclafani

https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/reds-pitchers-set-to-compete-for-bullpen-jobs/c-303943170

Castillo's minor league numbers were really good.  But he never pitched at the AAA level and had less than 100 innings at AA.  I think he is still learning how to pitch.  Maybe the new pitching coach can unlock his full potential.

DeSclafani had a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts for the Reds in 2016 before missing the entire 2017 season with injury.  If he can come close to regaining that form he will be a very good #4 or #5 starter.

Really need either Cody Reed or Brandon Finnegan to bust out as a solid left handed reliever.  Right now that is a big hole in our bullpen.

(02-15-2019, 12:52 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Castillo's minor league numbers were really good.  But he never pitched at the AAA level and had less than 100 innings at AA.  I think he is still learning how to pitch.  Maybe the new pitching coach can unlock his full potential.

DeSclafani had a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts for the Reds in 2016 before missing the entire 2017 season with injury.  If he can come close to regaining that form he will be a very good #4 or #5 starter.

Really need either Cody Reed or Brandon Finnegan to bust out as a solid left handed reliever.  Right now that is a big hole in our bullpen.

I don't think either Finegan nor Reed have much of a future with the Reds or any team, but I could be wrong. Maybe Johnson can figure these guys out.. 

(02-15-2019, 11:50 AM)Yojimbo Wrote: Interesting turn of events. For years there's been competition for the last couple of spots in the rotation. I think it could be a good thing and provide some stability for a new coaching staff.

Gray
Roark
Wood
Castillo
DeSclafani

https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/reds-pitchers-set-to-compete-for-bullpen-jobs/c-303943170

I'm not reading too much into a starting rotation before the season even starts.. The past few years seemed like a random phone book pick for starting pitching.. They only asked, "You ever thrown a rock through a window? You're our new starting pitcher!" 

(02-15-2019, 12:52 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Castillo's minor league numbers were really good.  But he never pitched at the AAA level and had less than 100 innings at AA.  I think he is still learning how to pitch.  Maybe the new pitching coach can unlock his full potential.

DeSclafani had a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts for the Reds in 2016 before missing the entire 2017 season with injury.  If he can come close to regaining that form he will be a very good #4 or #5 starter.

Really need either Cody Reed or Brandon Finnegan to bust out as a solid left handed reliever.  Right now that is a big hole in our bullpen.

Romano had some very good games last season as well, and some not so good ones. He's still learning as well I believe. I wouldn't be that surprised to see him develop into a decent pitcher.

This staff has moved from Horrendous to Adequate. That should make a huge difference with an offense that is this potent. There shouldn’t be too much decline with anyone offensively. Votto’s season could be the difference between a 500 team and a wild card team, he needs to have a great year.

(02-17-2019, 11:13 PM)Circleville Guy Wrote: This staff has moved from Horrendous to Adequate. That should make a huge difference with an offense that is this potent. There shouldn’t be too much decline with anyone offensively. Votto’s season could be the difference between a 500 team and a wild card team, he needs to have a great year.

If Votto could return to 2016/17 form we could be challenging for the wildcard. 

If the starting 4 have outstanding seasons this club has some real potential to go all the way. That's a big IF.. The rotation is only for the spring training exhibition games for now. Time will tell.. Nothing would be better than to have a few 19-20 game winners on the staff, but right now I think I'd settle for a couple of 15 game winners.. 

(02-21-2019, 03:05 AM)grampahol Wrote: If the starting 4 have outstanding seasons this club has some real potential to go all the way. That's a big IF.. The rotation is only for the spring training exhibition games for now. Time will tell.. Nothing would be better than to have a few 19-20 game winners on the staff, but right now I think I'd settle for a couple of 15 game winners.. 

I could careless what a starting pitchers W-L record is. I care more about their ERA and whip (and other more obscure stats). That tells me more about their ability, where W-L is more about the team as a whole. If a starting pitcher gives up 10 runs in 4 inning, but the offense scores 12, that pitcher gets a W. Did that pitcher really deserve a win?

The starting rotation just needs to keep the Reds in the game. The Red's offense will probably carry the team in 2019. This offense could be scary good.

There is a chance that Wood performs better than expected and maybe will earn an extension. I think Gray will surprise some people. He under performed in New York and I think he will be the ace of this squad even though I see him as a number 2-3 pitcher on some squads. Can't say I have much expectations for Tanner but he should provide innings.

The Red's bullpen will be solid if not spectacular.

(02-21-2019, 12:48 PM)Yojimbo Wrote: I could careless what a starting pitchers W-L record is. I care more about their ERA and whip (and other more obscure stats). That tells me more about their ability, where W-L is more about the team as a whole. If a starting pitcher gives up 10 runs in 4 inning, but the offense scores 12, that pitcher gets a W. Did that pitcher really deserve a win?

Yeah, sure.. All those stats come into it. Very few pitchers win 20 games when coughing up 10 runs every 4 innings. In fact I can't think of any who ever have.. 
Still nice to have those 20 game winners out there.. 

Ruh-roh, Gray is having elbow stiffness. Next up TJ surgery.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26054947/sonny-gray-stiff-elbow-scratched-first-spring-start-cincinnati-reds

My prediction for the pitching staff barring injuries:
SP: Gray, Castillo, Wood, Roark, DeSclafani
RP: Iglesias, Lorenzen, Hughes, Hernandez, Garrett, Mahle, Romano

I went Mahle and Romano over Finnegan or Reed because I think both would be able to slide back into starting role if something happened to one of the main starters, but I could see Finnegan up and Mahle/Romano starting in AAA.

(02-22-2019, 03:47 PM)ochocincos Wrote: My prediction for the pitching staff barring injuries:
SP: Gray, Castillo, Wood, Roark, DeSclafani
RP: Iglesias, Lorenzen, Hughes, Hernandez, Garrett, Mahle, Romano

I went Mahle and Romano over Finnegan or Reed because I think both would be able to slide back into starting role if something happened to one of the main starters, but I could see Finnegan up and Mahle/Romano starting in AAA.

Finnegan, Zac Duke, or Cody Reed will make the roster as a left handed reliever.  Garrett showed some flashes early last year, but no way he is our sole lefty out of the pen.

(02-22-2019, 03:55 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Finnegan, Zac Duke, or Cody Reed will make the roster as a left handed reliever.  Garrett showed some flashes early last year, but no way he is our sole lefty out of the pen.

I complete forgot about Zach! Doh!

(02-22-2019, 03:55 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Finnegan, Zac Duke, or Cody Reed will make the roster as a left handed reliever.  Garrett showed some flashes early last year, but no way he is our sole lefty out of the pen.

I'd love to see Garrett put together a couple of really solid seasons. For reasons I'm not quite sure of I like Garrett a bit more than most of the guys they've brought up through the minors, disappointing as he's been at times. 

(02-26-2019, 12:55 PM)grampahol Wrote: I'd love to see Garrett put together a couple of really solid seasons. For reasons I'm not quite sure of I like Garrett a bit more than most of the guys they've brought up through the minors, disappointing as he's been at times. 

I’m a big Garrett fan, too. I like his athleticism and competitiveness. Injuries have been a problem, as well as, how he returns from injury. If he can stay healthy, he can be a potential future 8th/9th inning left handed specialist for years.

Finny has looked unspectacular lately. What the hell has happened to him?

(02-27-2019, 10:26 AM)psychdoctor Wrote: Finny has looked unspectacular lately. What the hell has happened to him?

Too many injuries.