Guess who just made the Reds?

[JohnU]

You were wondering who our backup OF/2B would be?

Well guess no more.

 

[Ryanballa]

I was thinking Skippy being down would give Roger Bernadina the job. He has killed the ball in Spring.

 

[JohnU]

Bernadina doesn't play 2B.

 

[Ryanballa]

Nah that's the bad part lol. But still was thinking he has a better chance now to make club.

 

[JohnU]

Maybe, if Hamilton can't play. Bernadina isn't a CF, as far as I know, though. As he is a lefty bat, he's probably pretty useful.

Truthfully, the Reds are in a bit of a tough spot. Bourgeois isn't a real good hitter but he did have a minute or two with the AAAstros a couple of years ago. He is fairly fast. I had no idea he was a 2B, and evidently that's not high on his resume.

Santiago can play 2B.

What we are seeing is standard small-market franchises with a decent to very good front line and a bunch of AAAA ballplayers or castoff veterans trying to get another paycheck.

Kris Negron could hold down a spot for a couple of weeks. Whoever it is, the 40-man roster is going to take some fine-tuning.

 

[JohnU]

I just looked it up -- Bernadina and Bourgeous are neither one on the 40-man, so something would have to give. Ryan LaMarre is the first logical choice to go, since both of those guys are a step ahead, even if the salary isn't.

 

[JohnU]

Versatility is key in battles for final roster spots


GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The rash of injuries -- including infielder/outfielder Skip Schumaker's dislocated left shoulder on Friday -- has forced the Reds to improvise and contemplate different roster decisions.

That explained why players fighting for roster spots are being used at multiple positions lately. On Sunday vs. the Brewers, outfielder Jason Bourgeois started at second base. On Saturday vs. the Cubs, Chris Nelson played both third and first base and Kristopher Negron was used at both third base and center field.

Bourgeois played a lot at second base in Minors, but has not played there much in the Majors.

As well, it appears Tucker Barnhart might be on the OD roster if Mesoraco can't go. Corky Miller isn't on the 40-man.

 

[Redsfan1507]

If Marshall, Latos, Chapman, Skip, Hannahan, Broxton, Larry, Curly and Moe are all on a short term DL, they'll have to remove someone from the 40 man roster if they add someone NOT on the 40 man instead.

That's a lot of waste for a short term move or three or four...it's a problem. So, you either have to use your 40 man to fill in, or dump some for other guys you really don't want to use. It's a waste of talent and money to keep a player to be released in month.

 

[JohnU]

Hannahan and Skippy have dislocated shoulders. I would put both of them on the 60-day.

Marshall HAS to go on the 60-day.

Chapman on the 60-day is not a stretch. He's 2 months from throwing again anyhow.

 

[Redsfan1507]

I wonder how much crap like this results in minor leaguers being cut loose that wind up being Trevor Hoffman, Paul Konerko, and Josh Hamilton...or even just Jered Burton...to keep a guy like Bernadina ? I hope not.

 

[JohnU]

Bernadina seems to be on the edge of being in the right spot at the right time.
He will probably start the year at Lousyville but don't bet on him not being in GABP soon.
For the moment, I think Price has to be more concerned about his pitching. Currently, we have, in this order of experience: Leake, Simon, Cingrani.

 

[Redsfan1507]

It isn't their experience I worry about- its their stuff. Every one of those guys has more experience than Teheran, Wood, Wacha, Gray, Salazar, Cole, or any one of several rookies I'd rather have tossing the first week of the season.

There is no way to realistically replace Cueto, Latos and Bailey in the rotation, and not expect to lose games in those spots often. All you can ask is for Cingrani and Leake to be serviceable 6 inning #4-5 pitchers and Simon to give you 5 innings with under 5 runs. On the other hand, I think you can ask Hoover to hold a lead for 3 outs, and be satisfied 90% of the time. The real problem is going to be getting him a lead with those guys starting.

 

[WvuDieHard]

Oh do we trouble here in Reds Country. Or do we? I have seen this stuff before and still win games with unknowns stepping up. Starting out against the Cards as winged as we are right now gives us about a 20% chance of winning the opening series.

 

[JohnU]

Dunno ... first to third and around the outfield, it's a question of performance, not health.
Pena or Mesoraco behind the plate? Hitting-wise, Pena might be a better option. Not sure on his glove.
Bench: Santiago, for sure. Probably Bernadina, maybe Chris Nelson.

Cueto, Leake, Cingrani all appear ready. Latos will miss one start. Bailey might miss one, though I doubt it. Brett Marshall looked like a Double-A pitcher yesterday but he's in there for now, it seems.

Simon back to the pen where that makes the most sense. Parra will probably also get multiple innings.
I can't see yet who else is going to come north to replace Broxton or Marshall. Maybe Partch.

Hoover on the back end, or LeCure.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Looks like we're back to Simon as the fifth SP, Brett Marshall has a hand injury.

 

[JohnU]

Wow, that's convenient. What did he do, trip over the water cooler?

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Watch Marshall go from 5th starter to 60 day DL. Maybe someone should start figuring out who the 7th and 8th SP on the depth chart is, they're starting to look like they made need them sooner than later.

 

[JohnU]

As it is setting up, Leake tomorrow in Pensacola, Bailey on Saturday against the Bats.
Cueto to open, Cingrani in G2 and I assume it's Simon for the 3rd game. Then back around to Leake and Bailey. Latos would then be ready after Cueto and Cingrani again.