Mark Sheldon of MLB.com posits that the Reds’ extension of Eugenio Suarez is a sign that the club is making an effort to keep a young core of players together for the foreseeable future, alongside potential future Hall-of-Famer Joey Votto. In the companion video, GM Dick Williams speaks highly of Suarez, particularly in regards to his defensive capabilities. “This is one of the premier defenders in the league,” says Williams. “At third base he’s established himself as one of the best young players in the league… he’s an offensive force, defensive force, leader in the clubhouse, say no more.” It’s interesting that Williams so specifically refers to Suarez as a third baseman, given the speculation that the former shortstop might slide back to his old position to make room for top prospect Nick Senzel. The GM’s comments seem to suggest the possibility that the destination of Senzel’s path to the majors isn’t the hot corner.
More from some non-coastal ballclubs…
- In other Reds news, the starting rotation picture is beginning to gain some clarity beyond Homer Bailey and Luis Castillo, who appear to be the only locks following injuries to Anthony DeSclafani and Brandon Finnegan. Per a tweet from C. Trent Rosencrans of The Athletic, manager Bryan Price says that Sal Romano and Tyler Mahle “may have separated themselves from the pack a little bit” in the rotation competition. A piece by John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer contains quotes that line up with this tweet, perhaps also suggesting that lefty Amir Garrett is tabbed for a spot if Finnegan’s injury sidelines him to start the season. “With the way Romano and Mahle have thrown in camp, they’ve certainly put themselves in the lead,” Price said, via Fay’s article. “I think with the way Amir has thrown has created an opportunity to jump in there in the rotation and get a start against the Diamondbacks and get stretched out.”
- Brewers prospect Nathan Kirby is finally healthy and determined to establish himself as a valuable pitcher, writes Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Rosiak describes Kirby as something of a “forgotten man” in Milwaukee’s system for the past two and a half years. The 24-year-old was drafted 40th overall by the organization back in 2015, but has since undergone two surgeries on his left elbow (a Tommy John operation and another for ulnar neuritis). Though Kirby ranked near the bottom on most Milwaukee prospect lists, he was a large part of the University of Virginia’s first College World Series title, and would seem to have the potential to rise through the Brewers’ farm system quickly if he can stay healthy this season.
- Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press tweets that the Tigers remain on the lookout for veteran insurance for their starting rotation. The organization is reportedly concerned about the dependability of its starting rotation as a whole; their current options include Michael Fulmer, Francisco Liriano, Mike Fiers, Jordan Zimmerman, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris. Alex Cobb tops the list of available free agent starters, while Scott Feldman, Trevor Cahill and Clay Buchholz are some other interesting arms that remain on the market.
Cobb @ $6Mil for 1 yr would be a relatively safe investment for Det, but I suspect he’s looking for at least $20 Mil, which explains why he’s still out there.
The smartest thing for these guys who has a QO on their name should sign a one year deal then head back into the market without having the QO onto their name. The market will be much easier on them without a Draft compensation/ international money tied to their name.
They should go back to the old system of who’s a type A and type B player again without players tied to that compensation when they were traded during the season.
Why? It’s their own fault for misjudging the market, they had a pay day offered to them and they rejected it. This isn’t new, this type of thing has been happening since they instituted the system. Ervin Santana, Nelson Cruz, Kendrys Morales, Stephen Drew, Alex Gordon, Justin Upton, Ian Desmond all languished waiting for their big payday with QO attached, most had to sign prove it deals and try again. You don’t keep changing systems because a few players every year think they’re worth far more than they really are.
Good to see things in Reds country taking shape a bit, after years of a somewhat nebulous outlook. Should this young pitching corps start to gel and remain on their current development trajectory, we could well be seeing some future household names knocking down the door to contention.
Where has Sheldon been? It’s a well known fact that Senzel is going to be our shortstop, probably at some point this season.
Probably a dumb question but should the reds think about trading Senzel. Everything I read makes it sound like he can’t play anywhere but third and they would get back a haul. Thoughts?
the only way i see them trading senzel, is if they get a offer they simply cannot refuse, we could rlly use the bat in the line up
Senzel can play SS. I’d say Peraza gets dealt and Gennett and Pennington start mentoring Senzel while he starts taking on an every day role.
Gennett will be the one traded.
Everything you read says he can’t play anywhere else? Watch him in spring training at SS. He’s been great