Sam Moll's departure makes one Reds decision all too obvious

The Cincinnati Reds activated Graham Ashcraft from the injured list over the weekend, and in order to make room on the active roster, Sam Moll was designated for assignment. On Tuesday it was revealed that Moll cleared waivers and elected free agency.

The left-hander made 65 appearances for the Reds this season and owned a rather unimpressive 4.79 ERA. Free passes were the biggest problem for Moll this season, as evidenced by his 11.7% walk-rate. In three-plus seasons with the Reds, the southpaws totaled 161 relief appearances and maintained a 3.88 ERA.

Moll was one of only two left-handed relievers in the Reds bullpen, meaning that Brock Burke is the lone lefty Terry Francona has at his disposal for the remainder of the season. Based on Burke's outstanding season (and the Reds lack of left-handed options), he should be one of Cincinnati's top priorities this offseason. In fact, it may be prudent to extend Burke before the offseason begins.

Reds should extend left-hander Brock Burke before the offseason begins

Burke was part of three-team trade this past offseason. The reliever came to Cincinnati by way of the Los Angeles Angels. The Reds, for their part, shipped Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bays Rays, and the Halos received outfielder Josh Lowe. With all things being equal, the Reds won that trade.

Lux has been on the Rays' 60-day IL all season with a shoulder injury, and Lowe has yo-yo'd between the Angels' major league and minor league rosters. He's appeared in 99 games in the big leagues this season, but has a paltry .207/.274/.354 slash line and a 75 wRC+.

Burke, on the other hand, has been one of Francona's best relievers all season. He's made 71 appearances out of the Reds bullpen and owns a cool 2.50 ERA and 3.86 FIP. Much like Moll, Burke has struggled with walks this season (13.3% BB rate), but he's also striking out nearly 25% of the batters he's faced.

Burke the only left-handed reliever on the Reds' 40-man roster, and they don't have any talented lefties lurking at Triple-A Louisville. Every team needs at least one quality left-hander, and the Reds would be wise to lock up Burke before he hits free agency in November.

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