03-31-2025, 05:07 PM
(03-31-2025, 02:10 PM)Forever Spinning Vinyl Wrote: Hays will be back shortly. Not concerned yet . . . and I still think Francona will force a move or possibly two well before the trade deadline, if needed.
I agree, and not only Arroyo, but some of the other Spring Training shortstops were playing well and hitting the ball hard.
Pitelli 4 for 13 and 2 HRs was at AA last year.
Stafura 3 for 6 with a homer. At single A last year.
Looking up their stats, I found this small Mark Sheldon article about them from last June including a bit on Blake Dunn.
https://www.mlb.com/news/dominic-pitelli-sammy-stafura-impressing-in-reds-minor-league-system
Former Reds SS prospect Jose Barrero hit .188 for the Texas Rangers AAA team last year and is now playing for the Cardinals AAA squad. There was a time where Barrero, Stephenson, Ervin and Senzel were going to save us.
My preferred field players when Steer is healthy
1B Encarnacion-Strand - this guy just oozes a quiet confidence that most young players don't possess
2B Lux/Espinal
3B Steer - it's where he came up as a rookie and he never looked overmatched
SS McLain
LF Hays
CF Friedl
RF De La Cruz
De La Cruz would be great in Centerfield, but, until they get a true gun in the outfield, his outstanding arm is needed for RF. If Hays has a strong arm, then move Elly to CF and Friedl to LF. TJ's arm is WAAAY too weak for RF.
I don't disagree with your lineup.
As for Arroyo, he's a high-end glove-first prospect. They'd almost minimize his value playing him anywhere else. Elly has a lot of upside at short. His range into the outfield is crazy. He just tends to get a bit wild with his throws.
