Matt’s Take: The next seven games mean everything for the Reds
By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist
At 46-44, fourth place in the National League Central, and 2.5 games back in the wildcard race, these next seven games at home before the All-Star Break mean everything.
Winning six of these (I know that is a bit extreme) is what is needed. Losing either series would be detrimental to this team moving forward and I don’t think pulling off a sweep against Colorado is too much to ask. Win 3 of 4 against the Marlins, sweep the Rockies, and go force ownership to go All-In at the trade deadline. Francona didn’t come out of retirement for a .500 season. Go win.
Trade deadline wishes
As with any trade deadline, fans want to see their team get a hefty return, but that requires giving up good talent and future big leaguers to try and win right now. If I were Reds ownership, I would look at the following options to trade, as Cincinnati is desperate for two bullpen arms and a right-handed power-bat.
As much as I love TJ Friedl, this is likely his ceiling. I’d be willing to give up an OBP guy and additions for someone like Aroldis Chapman to bolster this pen.
With Moll and Suter healthy, I’d be more than willing to move on from Rogers, as he could probably use a fresh start somewhere else. He could provide lefty depth if a team is willing to take on his salary.
Zach Maxwell, Chase Petty, PJ Higgins, Ivan Johnson, Blake Dunn, Levi Jordan, Ryan Vilade, Ewin Arroyo, Cam Collier, Austin Hendrick, and Hector Rodriguez would all be available if I am Cincinnati. My prospect untouchables would only be Sal Stewart and Alfredo Duno.
What returns are realistic? Eugenio Suarez reunion, Luis Robert Jr., Jake Byrd, and Taylor Ward I think are all desirable additions for Cincinnati. However, I think Geno will likely be suiting up in Yankees stripes, as they appear to really want him to join New York’s power squad.
Andrew Abbott All-Star snub
Andrew Abbott, currently the best pitcher for the Reds this far throughout the Reds season, somehow wasn’t named an All-Star this season. He is 7-1, has a 2.15 ERA, and has the second best ERA in the National League among pitchers with 80+ innings pitched. Do I think Abbott is a top 10 pitcher in the National League? Probably not, but he is pitching like it and he deserved to be named an All-Star.
While he might be a replacement, I selfishly would like to see him rest, as historically he has certainly “ran out of gas” in the second half of the season.
Elly De La All-Star
To no surprise, Elly De La Cruz was the Reds choice for their All-Star. After somehow not making the top two in fan voting, Elly was the number two highest voted shortstop by the players. At 23 years young, his numbers are nearly identical to Bonds and he is looking at a possible 40-40 season. He’s batting .277 with 18 home runs. If I can give any advice to other fans, it would be to enjoy every at-bat of his in a Reds uniform while you can.