Reds August 2023 thread

[*bengalfan74*]

(08-05-2023, 01:01 PM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: Newman, Senzel and Fairchild weren't playing because we didn't have the bats to fill the lineup. They were playing because David Bell is a dedicated follower and worshipper of the "Splits Doctrine." If the starter is left handed, Bell will sit Fraley, Benson and sometimes even Friedl. 

I don't mind giving Senzel Fraley's ABs because Fraley is really bad against lefties, but Friedl is just as good against lefties as he is against righties. And Benson has only had 24 career ABs against lefties and, personally, I think he should be given a chance to show he is more than just a platoon player. He has been on fire for 2+ months straight (.769 OPS in 6 games in May, 1.073 OPS in June, .997 OPS in July). 

Especially if dropping Benson means more ABs for Fairchild... 

Our future infield is still likely to be Marte at 3B, EDLC at SS, McLain at 2B and CES at 1B. That leaves DH wide open for India in 2024, or maybe he could transition to LF or something like that. Right now, Votto is taking up a lot of those DH ABs and they're also still fiddling with Stephenson at DH when he's not catching (and he's not really great at hitting or catching at the moment). Votto may not be here next year and almost certainly won't be here in 2025, so there will be room in our lineup for India. It's just a matter of time before Marte arrives and pressed India even harder for playing time this year and next year.

Newman, Senzel and Fairchild weren't playing because we didn't have the bats to fill the lineup. They were playing because David Bell is a moron and worshipper of the "Splits Doctrine." If the starter is left handed, Bell will sit Fraley, Benson and sometimes even Friedl. 

Fixed it for you