Cincinnati Reds’ 2017 State of the Team and Organization

The Cincinnati Reds are in a rebuilding mode, which is not too different from a team infrastructure plan.

Last year, the Cincinnati Reds hired more minor league coaches, spent more money on international signings than ever before and even signed a pair of free agent pitchers.  They are trying to prepare for a time when they are competitive.  The question is whether the Reds have accomplished that.

The state of the team is breathing.  It looks like 2018 could turn out competitive, but the pitching is a concern.  The team has invested in those minor league coaches without a return yet.  The idea is that it will take multiple years for a return on that investment.

The same is true of the international talent.  Ariel Hernandez is the first player to come up from the latest surge in signings and is one of a series of young pitchers overall.  Others on the way, but it will take more time.

The Reds had three pending free agents at the beginning of the season and they have three now.  Zack Cozart, Drew Storen, and Scott Feldman are all still on the roster.  All three of them should be gone by now.

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The Reds had the pitching in baseball last year.  This year their starting rotation is the worst in baseball.  They also had the worst pitching in the month of July.

The Cincinnati Reds are coming along of their own volition, with little support from the front office in the past year.

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Last year the Reds discovered that Michael Lorenzen could pitch in the bullpen.  They also discovered that Raisel Iglesias could not start.  Armed with that information the Reds added Scott Feldman as a starting pitcher and said let it ride.

Pitching undid this team in 2016 and 2017.  The Reds need more starting pitching, but they can’t seem to find the combination of health and competence.  Those that are healthy are not producing.

The offense is in good shape.

The acquisition of Scooter Gennett gave the Reds a fallback in the infield in case Jose Peraza does not work out.  Keeping Cozart around allows the Reds to ignore the development of the shortstop options.

The outfield is crowded and may need a trade to cleat itself up.  As a team, the Reds have three corner outfielders, two of which have noticeable weaknesses.  The third, Adam Duvall, is playing some of the best left field in MLB after surprising everyone last year.

Next: Will Devin Mesoraco ever be alright again?

Cincinnati is alive because of offense.  The team won’t get better unless the pitching does.  In the meantime, they’re barely breathing.