Cincinnati Reds: What We’ve Learned So Far This Spring

Cincinnati Reds Through Their First 12 Games

The Cincinnati Reds have recorded 5 wins through their first 12 spring games. Remarkably, all five of those came in a single winning streak. Before they got on their winning streak, they suffered a 6-game losing streak. Just skimming over the scores without even having to watch a game, it’s painfully apparent the Reds have no pitching.

It’s not a surprise, but it’s a little more disappointing to see just how bad the staff is before the season even starts. That being said, that doesn’t mean they haven’t had their bright spots here and there. In a stretch of 6 games, they held the Cubs to 2 and 4 runs, the the Angels and Royals to 3 runs. Those aren’t powerhouse performances, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good – They Reds went on a 5-game win streak. Of course it was offered on the tail end of a 6-game losing streak, but winning five games in a row is never a bad thing. Brandon Phillips’ replacement, Jose Peraza, has been quietly shining in his step up to an everyday player. He’s had the second most at-bats among Reds players, and is hitting with a .391 batting average. Along with his batting average, he has 4 RBI’s, and three stolen bases. Next up is Eugenio Suarez. He has 9 less at-bats than Jose Peraza, but is putting up a batting average of .400. As if hitting .400 wasn’t enough, he’s notched two home runs and 6 RBI’s.

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As far as pitching goes, Sal Romano, Amir Garrett, and Scott Feldman have been the standout players. Scott has thrown a minuscule 4.2 innings, but has yet to give up a run. Amir and Sal both lead the team in innings pitched and have an ERA of 1.23 and 1.29 respectively.

The Bad – Michael Lorenzen has thrown 4.2 innings, and has and ERA of almost 6. Michael Lorenzen has the talent to be a pretty decent pitcher, but he has to get his stuff together. Reds fans have yet to see Devin Mesoraco play, and he has the potential to be an MLB All-Star. So, not seeing him play seems to leave Reds fans wondering and confused on what to expect from him. Many of the every-day guys are posting batting averages that hover around .250-.270.

A .270 batting average isn’t bad, but across the board Reds fans need some of the big names to step up and play like they have in the past.

And Finally, the Ugly

The Ugly – Unfortunately, Jumbo Diaz came to spring training with a chance to make the 40-man roster, and fell desperately short. He threw very poorly in the opportunities he got, and it resulted in him being designated for assignment. Next up on the bad is Scott Schebler, a should-be everyday player who is currently hitting .111. By far one of the lowest on the entire team. If numbers don’t improve soon, it gives Reds fans cause to concern for the right field position.

Next: After carrying the Reds last year, Finnegan will again

Overall, it’s been a hard stretch of games to watch. There’s some cause for hope, and some cause for concern. It’s time for Cincinnati Reds fans to band together and suffer through the bad times together.

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Cincinnati Reds Through Their First 12 Games

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

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And Finally, the Ugly

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