2021 Cincinnati Reds

[Omega]

Bad choice in keeping Bell for two more seasons ?

I think we all get frustrated with Bell as a manager. His use of the bullpen, lineups, managing by analytics. Yet in 2021 he has managed to get the Reds to play .500 ball with a team hobbled by injury and the front office. That and who else would you get?

[Geronimo]

Reds being put on the market???

[Omega]

Reds being put on the market???

I have seen no specific news about this. MLB owners make money on appreciation when they sell a franchise, not from yearly operations. It would not be surprising if Castellini's ownership group wanted to cash in on selling the franchise for $1.1 billion. It might give fans hope that new owners might go all in on winning and spend some money. But consider a sell of the franchise would not guarantee the Reds would stay in Cincinnati. Las Vegas, Montreal, Mexico City, Portland, and Charlotte all want teams and money speaks louder than the Red's history of being the first pro baseball team.

[Omega]

As of 9/26/21, Cincinnati is 81-75 and have clinched there second straight season of .500 baseball or better. One more Reds loss or St Louis win will clinch the last wild card playoff spot for the Cardinals as they are 6 games up with six to play.
Who would have thought St. Louis was capable of 16 wins in a row?

[Geronimo]

Who ever thought St Louis would win 17 in a row !

[Omega]

Time to start looking to the off season and 2022.

Obvious needs

1. bullpen help as the Reds have the 12th worse relief ERA in the NL.

2. likely replacement need for Castellanos in right field.

3. shortstop

4. centerfield

I guess a lot will depend on if the NL actually adopts the designated hitter and what type of deal MLB and the players union come up with for the collective bargaining agreement.

[Geronimo]

Jmo bullpen
3rd base
Shortstop
Starting pitcher

[Omega]

Reds finish the regular season at 83-79 good for third place, 12 games back of first place Milwaukee and 5 games back of second place St. Louis who claimed the second wild card spot.

Although Cincy faded badly in September, they won about ten more games than I thought possible and stayed in the post season conversation until near the end. Throw in good individual seasons by India, Winker, Castellanos and a resurgence by Votto plus the Miley no hitter, it was a surprisingly entertaining season for the Reds.

[Geronimo]

Votto had his best year this season first in about 5 years
India in running for rookie of year
Pitching is one of the keys for next season
Along with 3rd base
Shortstop

[PTrojan59]

Lots of big decisions for the Reds this off-season. 3 guys vying for 2 positions. Suarez and Moustakas at 3B and Suarez & Farmer at SS. Suarez had great power numbers again this year, but other than that he was absolutely horrible. Moustakas has been a major disappointment since signing with the Reds, he can’t stay healthy and when he is healthy he isn’t worth the money they gave him. Farmer I think is really solid, he played super well this year at SS. I wouldn’t mind giving him a full year to be starter there, no splitting time and see what he can do. Bullpen needs addressed pretty bad. I’m not sure of contract situations but I’d resign Cessa & Givens if they aren’t signed for more years (I don’t know for sure) those 2 along with Lorenzen, Garrett, Sims and Antone (not sure when he’s slated to return, possibly not even next season). Other than that you need to sign some guys that will be difference makers. Don’t sign old washed up guys who were really good 4 years ago. Don’t make trades for a formerly highly rated prospect who hasn’t made it up to his current teams major league yet. Starting pitching is also a ? Miley had a solid season, but he faded down the stretch. Gray never really got into the swing of things, after being hurt he just didn’t look like himself at times. Rough start for Castillo but he bounced back well. Mahle was fine, he was what you’d expect out of a back of your rotation guy. Finally I assume Castellanos is as good as gone. Need to find his replacement in RF. Decide what to do in CF. Retain Naquin and hope he has those same power numbers? If so a platoon of he and Senzel who can’t stay healthy is what we will see in CF. So a lot of interesting moves to be made or not be made over the next few months.

[Geronimo]

A lot of off season questions in pitching Jmo Garrett goes with his attitude sign Wilson and cessa ?Givens would be great but he's gone.that would be a start in the bullpen of bad news bears! Starting wise give Hunter Green that shot.and stop talking about the pipeline which is terrible? Farmer is a keeper! That's all I can say about the rest.Castellanos is gone !

[Omega]

Stumbled on this article where Reds GM Nick Krall states the Red's first off season priority would be establishing a budget within available revenues. Indeed a very sound business practice, but that does not instill confidence that the Reds front office intends on improving the team for the 2022 season.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports ... 973308001/

[Geronimo]

Seen on the reds home page they have know money for free agents talks ?

[Geronimo]

India rookie of the year one bright spot.

[Omega]

Major League Baseball work stoppage almost certain on Dec. 2nd

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage and first in 26 years appears almost certain to start Dec. 2. Worrying about the Red's off season deals for the 2022 season may be pointless as next season is in jeopardy.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory ... c-80759056

[TRENCHFOOT]

India rookie of the year one bright spot.

Good ball player. He's proven himself to be one they can count on in clutch situations. Very effective player.

[Geronimo]

Barnhart now with Detroit !!!

[Omega]

Hate to see Barnhart traded. But with Stephenson ready to be the everyday catcher the move was inevitable. Barnhart was entering his option year, so it made sense for the Reds to get a prospect while dumping $7.5 million in salary that can be spent on other needs. Barnhart will be missed as he was a class act.

[TRENCHFOOT]

Sad to see him go.

[Geronimo]

Castellanos gone now. !!!