Mike Gonzalez – Do The Cincinnati Reds Really Need Him?

In view of the recent success the Reds have enjoyed in the off-season signings and transactions, wouldn’t you think they should be content and done?

Oct 8, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez (51) reacts after giving up a solo home run to St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (not pictured) during the sixth inning of game two the 2012 NLDS at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 12-4. (Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports)

There are enough pitchers on the roster already in my humble opinion. There are six starting pitchers that could probably start on any team. The relief corps is well stocked as well, I must say. Unless Walt Jocketty is planning on stocking up the farm with arms targeted for the future, I think he should call a ceasefire to the spending.

Just a few days ago we learned that Cincinnati was kicking the tires on Freddy Garcia. He had been a starter but also pitched 13 games in relief for the Yankees in 2012.

Now look who the Reds are looking at:

Mike Gonzalez only value to the squad that I can see would be as a Loogy. For the unaware, that means a left-handed-one-guy-only pitcher. They are good to have, not a necessity. If the Reds are planning to steal a page from Tony LaRussa‘s playbook, that is using more pitchers in a game than there are innings, I say go for it. If not, then I believe the plate is quite full, sir.

Look at the starters. Johnny Cueto was was in serious contention for the Cy Young Award in 2012, he will be the opening day starter barring something unforeseen.

He is followed up by Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey, Aroldis Chapman and don’t forget Mike Leake. If Chapman pans out as a starter, the Reds already have a built-in spot starter in Leake.

The bullpen is full to overflowing. Look at the group all huddled up in the pen. Starting from early to late we have Sam LeCure, Alfredo Simon (whom I was dead against when they signed him – shows you how much I know), Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, J. J. Hoover, Nick Masset, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton.

Now let’s count them. Eight relievers combined with six starters totals 14 pitchers, leaving only 11 position players. Did you hear me? 11.

The position players are Ryan Hanigan, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier, Zack Cozart, Ryan Ludwick, Jay Bruce, Shin-Soo Choo, Devin Mesoraco and Chris Heisey. There have to be at least those guys and you don’t have a replacement infielder yet with one spot remaining. Who will it be? Jack Hannahan, Jason Donald and don’t forget Xavier Paul for the outfield.

That is too many people, and somebody will be a farmer on opening day. Since we already are planning on too many pitchers, what would we do with Garcia and or Gonzalez? Keep Gonzalez and send Hoover down? No thanks.

Then there is Tony Cingrani, Daniel Corcino, Todd Redmond and Pedro Villarreal. I know that the farm system has to be taken care of, but those two they are looking at would not be thought of as a Louisville Bat.

I think enough is enough, what is your take on it?

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