Cincinnati Reds are at the crossroads for 2017 season

The Cincinnati Reds need to decide whether are trying to win today or develop talent for tomorrow in 2017.

With six players on the DL it is time for the Cincinnati Reds to decide how to balance the roster for the second half of the season.  Five of those players are pitchers with four of them being starters.  Bronson Arroyo may not pitch again, ever, and the trio of Anthony DeSclafani, Nefi Ogando, and Nick Travieso haven’t pitched yet this year.

The other pitcher is Brandon Finnegan.  Last season he was the only Reds’ pitcher to answer the call every time his spot in the rotation came up.  This year, he has only pitched two games without leaving early due to an injury.

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The only position player that is currently on the DL is potential All-Star shortstop Zack Cozart.  His injury allows Jose Peraza to try out the shortstop position on a daily basis.  It also allows Arismendy Alcantara more at-bats off of the bench.

The other position that has seen injuries this season is catcher.  Devin Mesoraco started the season on the DL and Rule 5 draftee Stuart Turner spent a good portion of time there.  With all three healthy the balance of playing time should be about the future of the team.

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How the Cincinnati Reds approach the pitching staff should be focused on development for the rest of the season.

Kudos to the Reds for trying out the new bullpen set-up that is en vogue.  It is reminiscent of the 1970s bullpens.  The bullpen is significantly better despite the overall team falling into the last place abyss.

Kudos to the Reds for seeing how far Billy Hamilton’s speed could carry them.

The experiment is over.  His offensive skills are fringe for an MLB starter and not sufficient to bat lead-off for a contending team.

Kudos to the Reds for trying to make the rotation look MLB ready.  Between the injuries and under prepared pitchers, it is time to focus on getting their arm strength up.  Keury Mella needs to join Luis Castillo in the rotation and they need to work on arm strength.

Next: It may be your last chance to watch Zack Cozart!

Kudos to the Reds for trying.  Now is the time to plan ahead and not look back at what may have been.  There are several veterans that deserve the chance to make the playoffs with another team while the Reds continue down their road to a rebuilding season.