Cincinnati Reds - lineup at the end of 23

amg2002 · 05-11-2023, 07:31 AM

I am invested in a lot of Reds players and looking for thoughts...

The Reds have a lot of decisions to make very soon and and are crowded at a few positions.

SS - Elly and Marte - do they both stick at this spot?
2B - India and McLain - India is "entrenched" - Can McLain play somewhere else/DH?
1B/DH - CES - Does he play 1B or DH? Votto will be back but his time is almost over
3B - Senzel - looking like a quality piece of a team both on O and D. - will they need this spot for Elly or Marte? Can/will they move Senzel back to CF?
CF - Friedl - He can really play but will he take a spot over moving Senzel or even one of the SS to CF?

Here is what I would like to see happen by the end of 2023 (lineup)
2B - India
3B - Marte
DH - McLain
1B - Encarnacion-Strand
SS - Elly
C - Stephenson
LF - Friedl
CF - Senzel
RF - Myers/Fraley

I guess I am hoping they have spots for these guys. I don't want to see Marte sit in the minors until say 2025. Will they keep CES down to get ABs and we don't see him until 2024? Didn't they have thoughts of moving Stephenson to 1B for a good amount of games to keep his bat in the lineup? That messes things up even more.

Drew3000 · 05-11-2023, 07:49 AM

Zero chance Marte is up in 2023. Also, you forgot Steer who I think will be a super utility type guy.

India needs to be moved from second, he’s one of the worst defenders in baseball. Put McLain at 2B, India can DH and learn LF

amg2002 · 05-11-2023, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew3000

Zero chance Marte is up in 2023. Also, you forgot Steer who I think will be a super utility type guy.

India needs to be moved from second, he’s one of the worst defenders in baseball. Put McLain at 2B, India can DH and learn LF

I didn't realize India's defensive stats were that bad. Can Steer play RF or LF? I'm not sure his bat plays at the MLB level.

peterose4hof · 05-11-2023, 10:12 AM

The Reds were hoping Myers would get off to a hot start so he'd have trade value to a team looking for a veteran bat.

There's still time, but he would need a huge turnaround at this point.

Rooftop · 05-11-2023, 10:25 AM

McLain should already be in Cincinnati

amg2002 · 05-11-2023, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooftop

McLain should already be in Cincinnati

Do you think McLain is a hold or sell at callup?

LittleJimmies · 05-11-2023, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg2002

Do you think McLain is a hold or sell at callup?

As is the case with literally 99% of prospects, sell at callup.

Drew3000 · 05-11-2023, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg2002

I didn't realize India's defensive stats were that bad. Can Steer play RF or LF? I'm not sure his bat plays at the MLB level.

I’ve never heard of him playing the outfield but I’m sure he can learn. And I think he’d be a fine bench guy that plays 120 games all around the field giving guys days off. Or he can always be moved to restock the farm a little or maybe a bullpen arm

Dman05888 · 05-11-2023, 01:14 PM

Im no Reds fan, but I would be very excited about the future if i was. That McLain, CES, Elly middle of the order is going to be something BIG imo....

lambeauleap87 · 05-11-2023, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg2002

I guess I am hoping they have spots for these guys. I don't want to see Marte sit in the minors until say 2025. Will they keep CES down to get ABs and we don't see him until 2024? Didn't they have thoughts of moving Stephenson to 1B for a good amount of games to keep his bat in the lineup? That messes things up even more.

It's fun to dream/worry about now, but there's a very high likelihood that some (in fact, probably most) of the prospects end up underperforming. On top of the reality that guys like Senzel/Fraley/Friedl are a lot closer to JAGs than guys you have to try and fit into the lineup.

There's a lot of potential for the Reds to be fun if everything clicks, though. Especially if the growing pains for guys like Greene/Lodolo/Ashcraft can pay dividends.

awz50 · 05-11-2023, 01:53 PM

Well with most prospects, some with fade out and never be regular day players. So these problems with how to play each guy and so on becomes not a problem with time

Rooftop · 05-11-2023, 04:03 PM

For some unknown reason, all Reds top prospects turn out to be trash

Drew3000 · 05-11-2023, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooftop

For some unknown reason, all Reds top prospects turn out to be trash

This isn’t true

DioBrando · 05-11-2023, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooftop

For some unknown reason, all Reds top prospects turn out to be trash

Haha, agreed. Sad but true for the Reds. Or they trade them and then they blow up.

amg2002 · 05-11-2023, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DioBrando

Haha, agreed. Sad but true for the Reds. Or they trade them and then they blow up.

Just like all small market teams, every “group” has a term limit. The Reds will give a competitive group maybe 4 years and then they have to start over. They can’t have a $300M payroll.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

amg2002 · 05-17-2023, 10:57 AM

I really want to like the Reds - I have my entire life. I cannot understand a lineup like the one they just put out for today.

Bring McLain up, let him start two games, and now he sits for Barrero (who cannot hit!)

Fraley is arguably their best overall hitter right now. He is batting 8th today.

Fairchild who is barely over .200, lets put him in the 4 spot!

Myers who cannot hit anything right now, lets move him up in the order to 6th!

India
Senzel
Steer
Fairchild
Newman
Myers
Barrero
Fraley
Maile

Do you want to compete or not. You can't tell me this organization is better off with CES and Elly sitting at AAA. McLain, CES and Elly should be starting every night. Stephenson should be in the linup every night.

I used to go to 10-15 games a season. Why would I go to watch the lineup they put out for today's game. People are starting to get a little bit of excitement built up for this team and then they post a lineup like this.

DioBrando · 05-17-2023, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg2002

I really want to like the Reds - I have my entire life. I cannot understand a lineup like the one they just put out for today.

Bring McLain up, let him start two games, and now he sits for Barrero (who cannot hit!)

Fraley is arguably their best overall hitter right now. He is batting 8th today.

Fairchild who is barely over .200, lets put him in the 4 spot!

Myers who cannot hit anything right now, lets move him up in the order to 6th!

India
Senzel
Steer
Fairchild
Newman
Myers
Barrero
Fraley
Maile

Do you want to compete or not. You can't tell me this organization is better off with CES and Elly sitting at AAA. McLain, CES and Elly should be starting every night. Stephenson should be in the linup every night.

I used to go to 10-15 games a season. Why would I go to watch the lineup they put out for today's game. People are starting to get a little bit of excitement built up for this team and then they post a lineup like this.

The Reds are gonna Reds, I find it best to not even think about why they do what they do. The organization is run poorly as a whole and has been for a long time. I moved here in 92 so I've watched them suck for most of that time.

CTSportsboy57 · 05-17-2023, 11:21 AM

No excuse not to have McLain in the lineup. Need to release Newman.
Fraley down in the lineup because a lefty is on the mound.

BigSlim16 · 05-17-2023, 11:24 AM

McLain has hit righties better than he has hit lefties all throughout the minors.

I’m not saying I agree with the move, but at least there’s some evidence to back it up. Plus Barrero hasn’t played since Saturday, you gotta give him at least some playing time.

OhioLawyerF5 · 05-17-2023, 11:54 AM

McLain has played tons of centerfield, at both UCLA and in the minors. With his speed, I'd put him out there before moving Senzel back to the OF. The poor guy can't stay healthy in the outfield, and quite frankly looks amazing at 3B.

amg2002 · 05-17-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSlim16

McLain has hit righties better than he has hit lefties all throughout the minors.

I’m not saying I agree with the move, but at least there’s some evidence to back it up. Plus Barrero hasn’t played since Saturday, you gotta give him at least some playing time.

You don't HAVE to give a guy with a .288 OBP any playing time.

McLain vs. LHP this season: .317/.417 w/ a 1.027 OPS!

rwperu34 · 05-17-2023, 06:01 PM

My thoughts from in person looks;

1) McLain is a sure handed 2b. I don't think he has the range or arm to play SS for a good team.

2) Marte I think stays on the dirt, but not SS. He's got quick reactions, quick feet, quick hands, and a strong enough arm...but man does he move slow. That screams 3b to me.

3) Elly-I've never seen him in person (aside from a two second look from 300 feet away while I was working), but given what I said above plus India there is only one spot for him on the dirt. Of course his bat will play anywhere and I imagine he's plenty athletic enough to handle CF if it comes to that.

Rooftop · 05-17-2023, 06:58 PM

Reds were up 5-0 in the middle of the 5th…

amg2002 · 06-01-2023, 07:44 AM

Encarnacion-Strand must have heard the "rumblings" that his k/BB rate was terrible and is cause for concern...

Last 5 games:

7/18 w/ 3HRs, 11RBIs, 7BB, 3Ks (Had 3BB in previous 28 games)

amg2002 · 06-01-2023, 07:52 AM

I am hopeful that we see Elly and CES very soon!

LF - Friedl
2B - McLain
RF - India
3B - Steer
SS - Elly
1B - CES
C - Stephenson
CF - Senzel
DH - Fraley/Barrero

This lineup by July 1. The Reds need to add a veteran SP and a good bench bat. In a weak NL Central, this group could stay in it until the end

05-11-2023, 07:31 AM	#1
amg2002 Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 611	Cincinnati Reds - lineup at the end of 23 I am invested in a lot of Reds players and looking for thoughts... The Reds have a lot of decisions to make very soon and and are crowded at a few positions. SS - Elly and Marte - do they both stick at this spot? 2B - India and McLain - India is "entrenched" - Can McLain play somewhere else/DH? 1B/DH - CES - Does he play 1B or DH? Votto will be back but his time is almost over 3B - Senzel - looking like a quality piece of a team both on O and D. - will they need this spot for Elly or Marte? Can/will they move Senzel back to CF? CF - Friedl - He can really play but will he take a spot over moving Senzel or even one of the SS to CF? Here is what I would like to see happen by the end of 2023 (lineup) 2B - India 3B - Marte DH - McLain 1B - Encarnacion-Strand SS - Elly C - Stephenson LF - Friedl CF - Senzel RF - Myers/Fraley I guess I am hoping they have spots for these guys. I don't want to see Marte sit in the minors until say 2025. Will they keep CES down to get ABs and we don't see him until 2024? Didn't they have thoughts of moving Stephenson to 1B for a good amount of games to keep his bat in the lineup? That messes things up even more.

05-11-2023, 07:49 AM	#2
Drew3000 Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Kentucky Posts: 862	Zero chance Marte is up in 2023. Also, you forgot Steer who I think will be a super utility type guy. India needs to be moved from second, he’s one of the worst defenders in baseball. Put McLain at 2B, India can DH and learn LF __________________ Looking for: 2010 Joey Votto Topps Black /59

05-11-2023, 01:14 PM	#9
Dman05888 Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 2,633	Im no Reds fan, but I would be very excited about the future if i was. That McLain, CES, Elly middle of the order is going to be something BIG imo.... __________________ The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done."

05-11-2023, 01:53 PM	#11
awz50 Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: New Hampshire>>>Arizona>>>>Florida Posts: 33,419 awz50	Well with most prospects, some with fade out and never be regular day players. So these problems with how to play each guy and so on becomes not a problem with time __________________ Collecting Baseball Hof Autographs 248/351 Blowouts Official Red Sox face of the franchise Eduardo Rodriguez Super Collector

05-17-2023, 06:01 PM	#22
rwperu34 Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 8,432	My thoughts from in person looks; 1) McLain is a sure handed 2b. I don't think he has the range or arm to play SS for a good team. 2) Marte I think stays on the dirt, but not SS. He's got quick reactions, quick feet, quick hands, and a strong enough arm...but man does he move slow. That screams 3b to me. 3) Elly-I've never seen him in person (aside from a two second look from 300 feet away while I was working), but given what I said above plus India there is only one spot for him on the dirt. Of course his bat will play anywhere and I imagine he's plenty athletic enough to handle CF if it comes to that. __________________ Me: Did I win? Gixen: Yes. You won. Now you're broke.

05-11-2023, 10:12 AM	#4
peterose4hof Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5,386 peterose4hof	The Reds were hoping Myers would get off to a hot start so he'd have trade value to a team looking for a veteran bat. There's still time, but he would need a huge turnaround at this point.

05-11-2023, 10:25 AM	#5
Rooftop Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 3,529	McLain should already be in Cincinnati

05-11-2023, 04:03 PM	#12
Rooftop Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 3,529	For some unknown reason, all Reds top prospects turn out to be trash

05-17-2023, 10:57 AM	#16
amg2002 Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 611	I really want to like the Reds - I have my entire life. I cannot understand a lineup like the one they just put out for today. Bring McLain up, let him start two games, and now he sits for Barrero (who cannot hit!) Fraley is arguably their best overall hitter right now. He is batting 8th today. Fairchild who is barely over .200, lets put him in the 4 spot! Myers who cannot hit anything right now, lets move him up in the order to 6th! India Senzel Steer Fairchild Newman Myers Barrero Fraley Maile Do you want to compete or not. You can't tell me this organization is better off with CES and Elly sitting at AAA. McLain, CES and Elly should be starting every night. Stephenson should be in the linup every night. I used to go to 10-15 games a season. Why would I go to watch the lineup they put out for today's game. People are starting to get a little bit of excitement built up for this team and then they post a lineup like this.

05-17-2023, 11:21 AM	#18
CTSportsboy57 Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Hebron, KY Posts: 225 ctsportsboy57	No excuse not to have McLain in the lineup. Need to release Newman. Fraley down in the lineup because a lefty is on the mound.

05-17-2023, 11:24 AM	#19
BigSlim16 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 4,332	McLain has hit righties better than he has hit lefties all throughout the minors. I’m not saying I agree with the move, but at least there’s some evidence to back it up. Plus Barrero hasn’t played since Saturday, you gotta give him at least some playing time.

05-17-2023, 11:54 AM	#20
OhioLawyerF5 Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Posts: 7,127	McLain has played tons of centerfield, at both UCLA and in the minors. With his speed, I'd put him out there before moving Senzel back to the OF. The poor guy can't stay healthy in the outfield, and quite frankly looks amazing at 3B.

05-17-2023, 06:58 PM	#23
Rooftop Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 3,529	Reds were up 5-0 in the middle of the 5th…

06-01-2023, 07:44 AM	#24
amg2002 Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 611	Encarnacion-Strand must have heard the "rumblings" that his k/BB rate was terrible and is cause for concern... Last 5 games: 7/18 w/ 3HRs, 11RBIs, 7BB, 3Ks (Had 3BB in previous 28 games)

06-01-2023, 07:52 AM	#25
amg2002 Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 611	I am hopeful that we see Elly and CES very soon! LF - Friedl 2B - McLain RF - India 3B - Steer SS - Elly 1B - CES C - Stephenson CF - Senzel DH - Fraley/Barrero This lineup by July 1. The Reds need to add a veteran SP and a good bench bat. In a weak NL Central, this group could stay in it until the end