2012 Reds Roster Ramble: The Outfield

No, this is not a reference to the 80’s band, although Your Love is one of the best songs from that decade. The Reds outfield bears the greatest debate among its fans, and you know which position to which I’m making the reference.

I’m honestly surprised I have yet to see #TeamHeisey and #TeamLudwick evolve on Twitter. Maybe that’s because the divide is already there and there’s no need for such. Or maybe it’s because I’ve just discovered a new trending topic(s).

When non-Reds fans think of the Reds outfield, they may not think of that battle. They focus on the other two positions, one good, and one, maybe not so much for the obvious.

The Locks

Jay Bruce, Right Field

Bruce advanced in his hitting in 2011. Not from an average standpoint, but from a power perspective. He reported to Goodyear about 18 pounds lighter. While he may have “to grow into his new body”, it does bode well on more than one front. He will add a little speed and that will translate into covering more ground and maybe add a stolen base or two (or more). While it is possible to see a slight dip in power, I still believe 30+HR is not unreasonable.

While setting personal highs in homers (32) and RBI (97), he also did the same in whiffs (158). He played in 157 games last season. Bruce has stated he wants to cut down on his strikeouts. If so, 35 HR and 100 RBI is not out of the question.

Drew Stubbs, Center Field

I’m not going there. We know it’s the pink elephant in the room. In a strange twist, I’ll focus on the positives (and there is more than one) about Stubbs.

Even in moving down in the lineup, Stubbs is valuable commodity both offensively and defensively. He covers more than enough ground out in center. He has the propensity to bring balls back into the field. He also could still plate 70+ runs and swipe 30+ bags even if he’s inserted in the seven hole. The home run production may increase since the pressures of leading off will not be present.

In 2009, Stubbs hit for a .267 clip. I’ll take that especially when you add in all the other things that are overlooked. And I have been among those that, at times, has.

Ryan Ludwick, Left Field

You can’t tell by looking at his overall numbers for the spring, but Ludwick will be a vital cog for the 2012 season. Well, provided he wins the starting nod.

He has the ability to bat cleanup so you can break up the lefty bats of Joey Votto and Bruce. In his career, Ludwick has been in the 4-hole more than any other spot (264 of 790 games). He has cranked 47 of his 117 career home runs (40%) and driven in 199 of 450 career RBI (44%) from the #4 slot.

He won’t cover as much land as other options, but don’t fall asleep on his arm. He did amass 10 outfield assists last year.

Chris Heisey, Outfield

If Ludwick has hiccups, Heisey will obviously become the beneficiary. On numerous occasions, references to Heisey splits are inevitable. And it’s a bit of a two-fold deal. Compare starting v. bench and righties v. lefties.

The one skill where Heisey is ahead of Ludwick is in the speed department. He had 6 steals for all of 2011, but has 5 this spring. That speed also translates into covering more ground in the outfield.

And here’s something to add a little fuel to this Heisey v. Ludwick bit…Heisey ranked 3rd on the 2011 in home runs with 18. Only Bruce (32) and Votto (29) hit more. He tied with BP. This may actually be a toss up.

Fighting for a Spot

Todd Frazier, Left Field

Once again, Frazier appears if for any reason, his defensive versatility. The advantage Heisey has over Frazier is the ability to play all three outfield positions while Frazier’s outfield experience is only in left (even in the minors). He also can hit the home run and steal a base.

Some picture Frazier more as the guy in the wings once Scott Rolen‘s deal is up after 2012.

Willie Harris, Utility

I didn’t list Harris with the infield because I got a hunch (and it might not be on track with what the Reds brass is thinking) if Harris were to surprise many and make the 25-man, it would be as another option in left. I know. We saw that plenty last year.

Harris has played all three outfield positions, but I would think if he were pressed into one position, it would be left. In 566 games he has played in the outfield, 307 of those have been as a left fielder. 33 of the 44 outfield games he played last season were in left.

If Harris does hold one slight advantage…he’s a lefty bat. Add maybe one more…he’s a veteran. And you know where that could lead.

Honestly, I think the four outfielders are set with Bruce, Stubbs, Ludwick and Heisey. Frazier’s chances may bode better as Rolen’s backup and Harris is on a minor league deal, but is still with the major league camp.

Only a week away and the Reds have some extremely tough decisions to make.

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