Cincinnati Reds: Who is the most entertaining player to watch?
Who is the Cincinnati Reds most entertaining player?
Bleacher Report recently published their “Most Entertaining Player to Watch on Every MLB Team”, and pitcher Luis Castillo was Joel Reuter’s choice for the Cincinnati Reds. Reuter was quick to point out that this based on the eye test, and there’s not many stat-based arguments. Is his assessment accurate?
When I think of entertainment in the game of baseball, I’m looking at a player who’s skill or personality elevates them in the eyes of the fans. Former Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer, like him or not, was entertaining. His brash approach, his presence on social media, and his effectiveness on the mound makes Bauer a must-watch type of player.
There are few players on Cincinnati’s roster that are going to rival Castillo’s performance. Castillo is a tireless worker who just goes about his business on the mound and methodically mows down opposing batters. Rather than make the case against Luis Castillo, let’s see if there’s anyone else on the Reds’ roster who could supplant La Piedra as the team’s most entertaining player.
Is Reds reliever Amir Garrett more entertaining than Luis Castillo?
As far as entertainment goes, perhaps Luis Castillo takes the cake for the Cincinnati Reds. But I’d argue that there are a few others who could oust the right-hander. One of those players resides in the Reds bullpen and is looking to take over as the team’s closer in 2021.
Amir Garrett is a fiery competitor. Where Castillo shows little-to-no emotion on the bump, Garrett is full of energy; barking at opposing batters, pumping his fist, letting out a lion-like roar, or charging an opponent’s dugout all by himself.
Garrett has a certain amount of swagger, and his interactions with fans on social media certainly make him a favorite among the Cincinnati faithful. Garrett has also established himself as one of the premier left-handed relievers in the league and is looking to take his game to the next level during the upcoming season.
Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez is very entertaining.
When it comes to entertaining the fans, few players on the Cincinnati Reds roster do it better than Eugenio Suárez. The Reds third baseman not only puts on a performance at the plate, but his smile and infectious personality have made Geno a fan favorite. If Suárez can get back to the level of production we’re used to seeing, he may be more entertaining than Luis Castillo.
Suárez was injured coming into spring training last year and didn’t get much time under his belt before Cactus League play was stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic. I firmly believe that the stoppage really hurt Suárez, perhaps more than any other player on Cincinnati’s roster.
Suárez is also an engaging personality off the field. Who doesn’t enjoy the constant ribbing that Geno gives to Fox Sports Ohio broadcaster Jim Day. Speaking of which, can we please get Suárez on the Jim Day Podcast? How entertaining would that be, huh?
Eugenio Suárez brings power and flare to the plate. After smacking 49 homers in 2019, you know Geno has his sights set to break that mark heading into the 2021 season. Like Luis Castillo, the Cincinnati Reds will be counting on Suárez to be at his best if the team has any hopes of competing for a division crown during the upcoming season.
Not many Reds players are more entertaining than Michael Lorenzen.
If you’re looking for entertainment, look no further than Cincinnati Reds pitcher/ outfielder/ pinch hitter/ pinch runner Michael Lorenzen. There aren’t many things on a baseball field that Lorenzen can’t do. His versatilely and athleticism make him one of the most entertaining players in all of Major League Baseball.
A centerfielder in college, Lorenzen is battling the likes of Tejay Antone and José De León to be the team’s fifth starter in 2021. After starting his career as a starter in 2015, Lorenzen found a comfortable spot in the Reds bullpen over the past few seasons. However, with Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani both taking up residence in California, now is Lorenzen’s time to shine.
Inserting Lorenzen into the starting rotation may give the right-hander more opportunities to showcase the type of ability we saw from him during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. Taking over in right field, Lorenzen got an incredible jump on a laser-like line drive and made an outstanding defensive play to rob Melky Cabrera of a extra-base hit.
Mikey Biceps may also get the chance to be an extra bat off the bench, and he’ll certainly be able to hit during the games that he starts, as the universal DH is not in play during the 2021 season. David Bell could play Lorenzen all over the place.
In terms of entertainment, there are certainly more players to choose from. Joey Votto is always entertaining to watch and Shogo Akiyama could turn some heads this season. Amir Garrett, Eugenio Suárez, and Michael Lorenzen can easily be considered the most entertaining players on this year’s Cincinnati team, but it’s hard to argue against Luis Castillo.