Reds March/April 2025 thread

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(Yesterday, 06:29 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Saw someone mention it doesn't seem like there's a clubhouse leader still since Votto left.
With so many young guys, I feel the appropriate player would be either Candelario or Stephenson.
They also desperately need(ed) to get a consistent bat who can play corner IF or OF that can be in the lineup everyday.
The guys they got still are too hot and cold after 2+ seasons.

Kind of seems like to be that guy you need to either have built up a lot of prior credibility around the league so that it doesn't matter as much that you're not at your peak anymore as a vet, or if you're younger you need to be a pretty good player (at least like the level Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier were at while in Cincinnati). Bonus points if you can stay healthy and play a lot because leading while on rehab assignments or as a backup is harder.

Candelario hasn't been good most of his career and all of his career in Cincinnati.
Stephensons best year he was hurt most of it, and even the last two years where he's been (mostly) healthy were very up-down and now hurt again. (Plus it hurts a bit being a catcher because you're much busier with the pitching staff and you're not an everyday player. I think Joe Mauer was a notable exception because he was so good and played so much.)

Similar to why Cody Ford and Dax Hill likely have zero chance at being Captains for the Bengals.

If the leadership must come from within rather than importing some, I feel like your two best options have some issues to overcome to be able to grow into that role with Elly needing to be sloppy less and McLain needing to be hurt less.

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Agreed that they need to find some real contributors at 3B, LF, and RF. Plus a freaking real DH.  (Currently at 28, 54, -39, and -70 OPS+, respectively.)