07-04-2022, 09:30 AM
(07-04-2022, 01:48 AM)Forever Spinning Vinyl Wrote: That's where I disagree with you if we are to believe Larkin. He says that the Reds have lots of arms coming up from the Winker/Suarez, Garrett and Gray trades plus a couple of draft picks and Ashcraft wasn't the highest prospect coming up. He kind of jumped some people, apparently.
I'm more of the belief that this team needs hitters, not sluggers swinging for the fences . . . but actual hitters. Guys that hit doubles and can get on base. Before the 8th inning today, they had two singles in the previous 16 innings. That's pathetic. They have too many utility players and not enough standard everyday starters.
If India and Barerro are going to be playing in the middle of the infield for awhile, they'll need steady players at 3B and 1B. Castillo is their best chance to get somebody else's top hitting prospect since he has another year of arbitration. If they get a top 1B prospect to replace Votto, then they can possibly approach Drury for an extension. If they get a 3B in the deal, trade Drury.
I'd be surprised if Castillo isn't the 1st domino to fall. After his deal, they'll know a lot more of where they stand prospects-wise and what they'll need to address.
I've always been of that belief. It's one of the bigger reasons the fun has been taken out of baseball ! You just don't see the so called small ball anymore. And I hate it.
How many bunts do the Reds have this season ? It seems they've been a little more aggressive stealing this season than the last couple, not sure ? But how long has it been since they've had a good base stealer not named B. Hamilton ? You seen a suicide squeeze lately ? Hit and run ? Double steal of 2nd and home ?
We get small little pieces here and there but nothing like it used to be. And one of the bigger reasons why, like you said, nobody is hitting singles ! It's either a HR or a strike out and I hate it.
I'm all for a getting some speed guys who can hit singles and steal bases, create pressure. If they really have good pitching prospects in system. I just know overall our pitching this season in the big scheme of things has hurt.