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Shin-Soo Choo
becomes the Reds' new leadoff hitter.
Reds a winner
in Choo deal
The Cincinnati Reds' biggest need going into this offseason was a true
leadoff hitter and center fielder.
Michael Bourn or Angel Pagan would have been a great fit, but both free
agents were out of the Reds' price range.
With Shin-Soo Choo, Cincinnati gets a batter who won't just be a slap
hitter and stolen-base threat at the top of the order. He can provide
20 home runs and 80 RBI—impressive run production from the leadoff spot.
Choo's on-base percentage was .373 last year. In three of his major
league seasons, from 2008 to 2010, his OBP was at or near .400. He'll
supply plenty of scoring opportunities for the big bats in the Reds
lineup like Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce.
This is a "win now" move for the Reds, as Choo will be a free agent
after the season. With Billy Hamilton being groomed as the center
fielder of the future, this will probably be a one-year stay in
Cincinnati for Choo. Everyone involved surely wants to make it count.
The Reds also get a valuable utility player in Jason Donald, someone
who can fill in at third base, shortstop and second base, if needed.
Read the rest of the article at the Bleacher Report
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