|
Cincinnati
Reds
Returning core
could keep Reds on track in 2013
CINCINNATI - It wasn't even 30 minutes after the Reds were given a
devastating exit from the playoffs by the Giants in Game 5 of the
National League Division Series. Rookie shortstop Zack Cozart already
had designs of next season.
"I will be using this experience," Cozart said. "We have a good core
group of guys here. We'll be back next year. I'm ready to get to Spring
Training now. You don't realize how cool it is to be here until you
don't have to show up the next day. It's hit us like a ton of bricks."
The Reds will head into the winter with many of their main players
already under contract for next season. Two of them, first baseman Joey
Votto and second baseman Brandon Phillips, were signed to long-term
deals in April. Right fielder Jay Bruce, ace Johnny Cueto and veteran
right-hander Bronson Arroyo also have contracts, and the rest of the
rotation and most of the bullpen is under club control.
"We have a group of guys, myself included, that are in a good portion
of their career where we can be consistent and players that the team
can count on," Votto said.
Even after winning 97 games and the NL Central title, Cincinnati was
reminded just how hard it is to reach a World Series. Besides needing a
significant dash of luck, the elite teams are often ones with the
fewest holes.
The Reds had their share of shaky spots that didn't hold up well during
the season.
Expect general manager Walt Jocketty to explore upgrades at the leadoff
spot and possibly add a consistent run producer. The leadoff spot
combined to produce a .208 average with a .254 on-base percentage.
Imagine how much damage Votto could do if he had runners on base more
often in front of him.
Although Cueto, Mat Latos and Homer Bailey all displayed ace form down
the stretch, it wouldn't be out of the question for the Reds seek
another strong starter that could give them an elite rotation. Whether
that question involves simply moving closer Aroldis Chapman into the
rotation is something that is sure to be discussed.
Whether the upgrades are possible remains to be seen until the Reds
have an idea about their 2013 budget. Also, Jocketty has generally been
reluctant to part with prospects. But when he does, he goes big, as
evidenced by last winter's five-player deal that brought Latos from the
Padres for Yonder Alonso and Edinson Volquez.
Read the rest of the article at Cincinnati Reds
|
|
|
|
