That was just about the worst offensive performance you could put on outside of getting No-Hit. The Reds tallied only 1 hit in a 3-0 loss to the Giants. One of the biggest liabilities when hitting is Ke'Bryan Hayes. The next biggest liability in my eyes is TJ Friedl. I think the Reds have the answer for that issue playing in Louisville.
I have watched Friedl struggle and struggle this year to get hits. Last season he used bunts to get on base, this season no such luck. There have been times in the game where I think a bunt would be best. For example, yesterday with one on and no out Friedl stepped up to the plate. In my eyes, when you are struggling as bad as he is, you should do what you're good at. Bunt the runner to 2nd base, and maybe beat the ball out and get a hit. Instead of attempting to bunt the runner over, Friedl grounds into a double play and essentially ends the inning.
Through 17 games in Louisville Bleday is batting .354 with 11 XBH, 4 of then being home runs. His stats are almost identical to the stats Rece Hinds had before being called up. Now Hinds has struggled in his first few games in the bigs, but my confidence in Bleday to come up and produce is just a bit higher than it was for Hinds. Bleday has more experience facing major league arms. That is not to say I don't believe Hinds can turn it around, but more to say I think Bleday's experience will help him come to Cincinnati and produce.
The Reds have shown they are not afraid to send guys down to AAA if they are not playing well, Marte for example. It is a small sample size, however Marte is batting .333 in 2 game in Louisville. He has one double in AAA, more than he had with the Reds in 11 games.
The Reds go on a 6 day road trip starting tonight in Minnesota, then flying to Tampa Bay on Monday. They have a travel day on Thursday before hosting the Tigers on Friday. I would say the most likely day to see Bleday called up would be Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. That is if the Reds feel the same way I do about Friedl. It seems they do not as Tito keeps batting him leadoff. I believe if he has a bad few games here on the road trip the Reds will make the move to swap him for Bleday.
Tonight the Reds face the Twins in the first of a 3 game series. Both teams currently sit at 11-8 on the season. The Reds only have 2 road losses and the Twins only have 3 home losses. One has to give tonight, and as always I am taking the Reds.
Prediction:
Reds: 4
Twins: 2
Stephenson hits a home run, McLain with a multi-RBI night, Hinds gets his first hit.
Let's hope all the above comes true!
Who Dey & Go Redlegs!
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