NL Central thread

[bksballer89]

Going to PNC Park in July!! I got tickets for the Cubs series around the 4th.

Always knew you were a Pirates fan

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

I'm still seeing Keuchel's name linked to us, but Gray has just about as equal of a groundball as he does. Still pondering, but it would be smart to not pay Keuchel what he's asking.

I guess if we're confident DeSclafani stays healthy for a change, then no need. Wood for that matter too.

 

[JohnU]

I'm still seeing Keuchel's name linked to us, but Gray has just about as equal of a groundball as he does. Still pondering, but it would be smart to not pay Keuchel what he's asking.

I guess if we're confident DeSclafani stays healthy for a change, then no need. Wood for that matter too.

I think Keuchel's value is going down which might mean he has more choices. To be honest, the Reds may be waiting to see what Derek Johnson can do with the staff and if they can cut a deal with Wood.

 

[steelerssb]

Neal Huntington is worthless.

That is all.

 

[Markwassillylaugher]

Neal Huntington is worthless.

That is all.

Was happy to hear that those in attendance at Pirate fest were unhappy that the owner "ducked" this years event.

 

[JohnU]

It's time to start the chatter.
Anybody wanna rank the division?

I got 34,929,341 SportsHoopla bucks on the Cardinals winning the division this year.

 

[Markwassillylaugher]

I am picking the Brewers to win the division. Pirates finish last.

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

It's time to start the chatter.
Anybody wanna rank the division?

I got 34,929,341 SportsHoopla bucks on the Cardinals winning the division this year.

1. Cards
2. Cubs
3. Reds
4. Brewers
5. Pirates

3 & 4 can flip flop. Yup.

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

But if the Reds get Realmuto...

1. Cards
2. Cubs
3. Reds
4. Brewers
5. Pirates

Lol. This is tough.

 

[navamind]

Cubs
Cards
Reds
Brewers
Pirates

I don't think there's any really bad teams in the division, but I think there's a bit of a gap between the Cards/Cubs and the rest. Reds are dark horse depending on how much the rotation improves IMO.

 

[JohnU]

Cubs
Cards
Reds
Brewers
Pirates

I don't think there's any really bad teams in the division, but I think there's a bit of a gap between the Cards/Cubs and the rest. Reds are dark horse depending on how much the rotation improves IMO.

I can buy this. The bottom 3 in your list will likely be relevant into September but at best 85 wins. That's an outside gamble at a wild-card PIG.

 

[navamind]

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if the last place team finishes around 78-84

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

It's going to take at least 87 wins to get a wild card spot and this division will cause claustrophobia. Good luck contestants. ̶N̶o̶ ̶h̶a̶r̶d̶ ̶f̶e̶e̶l̶i̶n̶g̶s̶.̶

 

[JohnU]

For one thing, the NL-C will be playing the AL-W in interleague this year, and if it's checked, the 2018 schedule was very kind to the NL-C against the AL-C. Overall records will be affected this year.

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

I have no clue who this Zach Duke guy is and he played for us 6 years ago lol. He looks old and puffy as hell too.

This pretty much seems it's for depth. But you can't have enough lefty's.

 

[JohnU]

I have no clue who this Zach Duke guy is and he played for us 6 years ago lol. He looks old and puffy as hell too.

This pretty much seems it's for depth. But you can't have enough lefty's.

Duke is likely organizational depth at this point in his career. He had success and may make the OD roster as a Loogy. Apparently Bell and Johnson seem to think the Loogy is valuable. I think Duke has a skill set that doesn't wear down too fast. The alternative is Wandy, who can sometimes find the Zip code where he's throwing.

 

[JohnU]

Reds may have an OF on the block soon if Senzel is the real deal. Williams is saying CF is his to lose. They have 6 outfielders now.

 

[CB3UK]

I havent been paying too much attention to the Realmuto talks. Best Ive seen is we are entertaining trading TB and Trammell? I suppose I can live with that. I mean at that point our offense looks to be near the top next season.

 

[navamind]

2019 ZiPS Projections – Cincinnati Reds

looks like ZiPS projects the Reds in the mid-80s

 

[JohnU]

I havent been paying too much attention to the Realmuto talks. Best Ive seen is we are entertaining trading TB and Trammell? I suppose I can live with that. I mean at that point our offense looks to be near the top next season.

Realmuto trade talks are a bunch of bored scribes all sitting in Mom's basement gleaning rosters and inventing conversations between GMs. They have gotten wet panties all winter over Harper and Machado. Realmuto is just a slight diversion.

The current Reds roster looks vaguely predicable. Conner Joe is the utility infielder (Rule 5 guy) and will likely hold down that job until Senzel is called up on the Super 2 deal. That's ... what? a few weeks.

I'd guess that Puig and Schebler play CF until then. No clues after that. I guess your guess is as good as mine.

Unless Scooter is dealt and Senzel moves into 2B.