Red Leg Preview: 2054
Mar 29, 2020 12:24:18 GMT -5
Rich - Former GM, Texas Rangers, and 3 more like this
Post by Sean_RedsGM on Mar 29, 2020 12:24:18 GMT -5
Despite a disappointing exit from the 2053 playoffs, the Cincinnati Reds season was an overwhelming success with 106 regular season wins (highest win total since joining the PBL). After looking at the success from last year and enjoying the PBL playoffs, off-season preparation quickly began for the 2054 season.
Key Departures:
SP/RP Howard Nichols
2B Tyler Covenay
3B Steve Bauer
Howard Nichols was brought in to try to lead the Reds, a team that needed a Captain in 2051. He filled that role admirably, but just never had the success he did in previous stops. His salary coming off the books opened the door for future moves this off-season. I think he will help fill a leadership role in Atlanta.
Tyler Covenay was brought back to Cincinnati in a deal that sent Jose Vera to the Dodgers. Covenay has always been the type of player I love to have on the roster. A guy that can play multiple positions well, and give multiple guys rest when needed. Covenay opted out of his contract, and wanted more than what the Reds were willing to spend. Hopefully he can continue to do well with Carolina.
Steve Bauer filled a much needed role last season as a defensive upgrade that also could swing the bat well. Bauer's contact rating dropped to a 5 after the season, but the Reds still made a qualifying offer. Bauer rejected, and became a free agent. I think he still has some gas left in the tank, and it will be interesting to see what he can do for the Yankees. 6 years was just too much of a commitment for the Reds to get involved.
Key Additions
SS Miguel Valentin
2B/OF Gerald Callahan
OF Rob Reid
UTIL Justin Mills
When Miguel Valentin became available, it changed the off-season strategy of the Reds front office. Acquired via trade from St. Louis, some analysts felt that the Reds overpaid to acquire Valentin. GM Sean Bain wasn't concerned with that perception, "When you have the opportunity to acquire a SS that will be 28 on opening day that you can slot into the lead off spot everyday, those type of concerns about an overpay go away. Miguel will be a fixture at the top of our lineup for quite sometime."
Gerald Callahan was the top off-season priority for the Reds front office, and they were prepared to pay what it took to acquire him. Brady Henderson was also a target, but demand/concerns about contact rate made him too far out of reach. Callahan fills the void that Bauer left on the offensive side, which really is an upgrade to the offense. Callahan will be greeting opposing pitchers during the 1st inning of every game, right behind Valentin in the 2 spot.
Rob Reid is a dark horse addition that has the potential to make big bang this season with the Reds. For some reason the last two seasons, he did not get everyday playing time after posting back to back seasons of over 4.4 WAR. Reid has an opportunity for playing time in Cincinnati, and we believe he will bring some of that magic back from 2050 & 2051.
Justin Mills, as I mentioned in another thread, is the type of player the Reds love to have on the roster. Mills has the potential to play almost every position, and does just enough with the bat. He will be a player that can start but gives other players a break during the grind of a PBL season. Mills signed a prove it deal, and is hoping to have a bounce back season this year.