Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 28-man playoff roster

Reds reserves (6)

Curt Casali, Kyle Farmer, Brian Goodwin, Aristides Aquino, Tyler Stephenson and José García

This was a bit of a struggle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of the rookies are left off the playoff roster. However, Tyler Stephenson’s power and García’s glove are what will get them on this roster. Cincinnati has a few other candidates, but none of them actually make sense.

Curt Casali could very easily start Game 1 of the Wild Card Round for the Cincinnati Reds. We’ve seen David Bell platoon his catchers all season, and the majority of the time, it depends on who the opposing pitcher is. Casali has performed very well behind the plate and could start one or two of the games in the opening round of the playoffs.

Kyle Farmer is a jack-of-all-trades and has been extremely valuable to the Reds all season. He hasn’t been behind the plate this season, but with Casali, Stephenson and Tucker Barnhart on the roster, Cincinnati should have little to no need for Farmer to don the tools of ignorance.

As for Aristides Aquino, The Punisher hasn’t enjoyed the same success as last summer, but he offers a powerful bat off the bench and a cannon in the outfield. Brian Goodwin should also be on the squad and represents the only left-handed bat among Cincinnati’s reserves. Don’t be shocked if Travis Jankowski or Mark Payton sneak onto the roster in place of one of the rookies.