Cincinnati Reds: Three bold predictions for Michael Lorenzen in 2020

Michael Lorenzen is not just a pitcher, he’s a ball player. What can we expect from the Cincinnati Reds jack-of-all-trades heading into 2020?

One of the most interesting players on the Cincinnati Reds is Michael Lorenzen. I hesitate to write the word pitcher next to Lorenzen’s name, as we saw him play the outfield, run the bases, hit a walk-off single and record 85 strikeouts last season. Entering spring camp, Lorenzen said he’s looking to add velocity to his fastball. What else can we expect from Mikey Biceps in 2020?

Now, I’m aware that some fans don’t like the idea of Lorenzen pitching and playing the field. While I understand that perspective, it appears obvious that Michael Lorenzen and David Bell do not share those sentiments. Everyone should expect to see Lorenzen fill multiple roles for the Reds this coming season.

In 2019, Lorenzen appeared in 100 games, 73 of which he took the mound. Lorenzen started six games in the outfield and made 53 plate appearances. The right-hander fell just short of his career-best in terms of ERA (2.92) and WHIP (1.152), though he did pitch in more than twice the number of games than he did in 2016, the year in which he set those career-highs.

Lorenzen is in excellent physical condition. There might not be a pitcher who’s in better shape than Lorenzen, and he rivals some of the best well-conditioned position players as well. Michael Lorenzen is always looking to better himself and set a goal this offseason to hit 103-MPH on the radar gun. That’s a bold prediction. What else might we see from Lorenzen in 2020?