Loading ...The Opening Day roster is finally taking shape. Via Mark Sheldon:
IF Adam Rosales and LHP Bill Bray were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Jonny Gomes was reassigned to the Minor League camp. That last move totally shocked me. I thought Gomes was as good as in when I left camp a couple of weeks ago and will try to learn more about the thought process behind it.
That also means shortstop Paul Janish and lefty Daniel Herrera made the team.
“I’m excited and fired up to be here,” Janish said. “Being on the Opening Day roster, for whatever reason, has such implications to it, so it’s a good thing. It’s huge because it makes me feel like they have a lot of confidence in me too to start the year here.”
There are still some extra players in the clubhouse so I’m not sure on the final 25-man roster just yet.
Outfielders Laynce Nix and Darnell McDonald were both given new numbers (16 and 17, respectively) and were unpacking lockers. Looks like they’re in.
Herrera and Nix made the team; I’m fine with that. Janish, not so much, but he’s a backup infielder. He can’t hit a lick, but he’s a good fielder, and probably won’t kill the team. It would have been nice to have Rosales’ bat on the bench, because Janish simply isn’t a legitimate option as a pinch hitter. Not a big deal, though.
Jonny Gomes being sent to the minors in favor of Darnell McDonald, however, is a disgrace. And it has Dusty Baker’s fingerprints all over it. (Although, let’s be honest, Walt Jocketty is the man who gets the ultimate blame.)
McDonald is 30 years old. He’s had two previous stints in the majors, both very limited, but he posted an OPS+ of -1 in those two opportunities. In the minors, he has never been particularly good, and he’s thirty-freaking-years-old, which means he ain’t gonna get any better.
Oh yeah, and Dusty is starting McDonald in CF on Opening Day and hitting him second!
Gomes, meanwhile, had a very bad year last year. His other three years in the majors included two years of being about an average hitter, and one year of being a great hitter. He’s younger than McDonald, still in his prime, and a slugger who absolutely crushed the ball in the minors. Plus, Gomes is a natural as a platoon partner for Chris Dickerson in LF.
Oh, and Gomes hit the ball better than McDonald this spring, as well.
Listen, these options for backups aren’t moves that are going to make the difference between winning a pennant and finishing in last place. But it’s indicative of the same type of nonsense we endured during the Corey Patterson fiasco last year.
I have absolutely no faith in the judgment of Dusty Baker or Walt Jocketty at this point…and now they’ve gone and put a damper on all the optimism I’d been feeling up to this point. Sheesh.
UPDATE: Now, it appears that Homer Bailey has been sent to AAA, as well. Dusty’s explanation:
“Homer did a great job. It was a tough decision. We’ve got a guy who’s done long relief most of his career in (Nick) Masset.”
Whatever. I guess competence plays no role in Dusty’s decisions.
He also claims that Willy Taveras is a bit sick, so they needed a center fielder, and that’s why they kept McDonald. Again, whether the guy can actually play is secondary to Dusty.
Meanwhile, he already has two guys in his outfield who played a competent center field as recently as last year (Dickerson and Jay Bruce).
Opening Day lineup below the fold, by the way:
Jerry Hairston Jr. LF
Darnell McDonald CF
Joey Votto 1B
Brandon Phillips 2B
Jay Bruce RF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Ramon Hernandez C
Alex Gonzalez SS
Aaron Harang P
It should be clear that if McDonald is starting in CF, Taveras is hurt from the late spring hit in the ribs, so that is probably why the decision went the way it did. Gomes is barely an option for left defensively from what I’ve heard, so they needed a CFer in the short term. I suppose Hairston could be an argument, but he has been slowed by injuries as well. If you look historically at OD rosters, there are always some headscratchers that quickly get corrected if the decision was totally wrong.
Wow, this is unbelievable. Because the Reds needed an CF for a day (maybe two), they kept a pathetic journey man over a guy with actual potential? Hairston, Bruce, and Dickerson could have all filled that spot for a couple days.
Keeping Masset on the roster is unconscionable.
Do the Reds really enjoy being pathetic?
Since when does the manager make the personnel decisions?
Sure, he has a voice and makes recommendations, but the final decisions are Jocketty’s.
And Cary is right about Opening Day rosters. They are so fluid that you could see changes by the first weekend, if not Tuesday. My guess is they were finally unhappy with the way Gomes performed once he started facing more regular MLB pitchers down the stretch, his defense is porous and they want to see the people released around MLB today and peruse the waiver wire.
In short, buying a little extra time. Happens all around the game each year. The roster you open with is never the one you carry into the summer.
Wow… even if McDonald had to make the team because Taveras is sick or whatever, what is the justification for batting him 2nd?
As for Bailey being sent down, if he was sent down because they want him to remain on a starter’s schedule, that’s fine. But it appears that they’re doing it because of Nick Masset, which is ridiculous.
I was hoping there was some explanation that made sense for McDonald I had just missed. Apparently not. And batting him second is just stupid and plays into every imaginable Dusty Baker stereotype.
In the big scheme of things none of these moves makes much difference. But all the dumb little decisions just sap your faith and enthusiasm the front office is ever going to pull it all together.
Really, we need a center fielder? Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson or Jerry Hairston can’t play CF for a game if something happens until we can call someone up from AAA? /brainsmash.
You missed the stat that matters most to Dusty:
AVG: Gomes (.250) – McDonald (.300)
Therefore: McDonald = “better hitter”
Dusty can’t be fired soon enough …
The Reds front office and manager are collectively some of the biggest dum dums in the game. I’m glad I walked away from this franchise as a fan. There is no hope for them ever being anything other than middling, save a fluke year here and there (if they’re lucky).
God what a bunch of ninnies they are!
If I was Homer Bailey, I’d want to get the devil out of Cincinnati. He pitched great in the spring. It’s obvious that he is roundly disliked as a person in the organization because of his attitude which purportedly was much different this spring. No matter, he’ll be in Cincy by the end of the month or so. For good.
I’ll bet you the Reds would ask for the moon if someone tried to acquire him in a trade.
Why do they treat him like crap? Actually, I know the answer to this question but I’m waxing rhetorical this afternoon.
So, what do y’all think in Kentucky and thereabouts?
Neither McDonald or Gomes are a difference maker in that regard you always go with defense.
If you look at the spring offensive stats, other than HRs, McDonald was better than Gomes. Mc has better average, runs, doubles, triples, stolen bases, OB I think he makes the team whether he could play center or not and if you have heard the interviews the last couple of weeks this isn’t a suprise. He is 2 years older than Gomes 30 to 28, not like were talking about a young prospect in either.
Gomes stats have really decreased for 3 years since performance enhancements have been tested for, however you might read that.
Really thought Arroyo would DL and Bailey be the replacement.
Yeah Mark but can you explain McDonald batting second?
I would have liked to see Baily make the OD roster, but I think its just a matter of time before he is called up for good.
Now while I don’t really agree with the move to take McDonald over Gomes it is what it is and I can live with it. I think the bigger concern is batting him second.
I can’t say I am shocked by any of this.
Arroyo could still end up on the DL, and in that case Bailey could be called up to take his start without waiting the 10 days. That had to play into the decision.
You may not like the moves, but it appears the Reds are sticking with their plans of weighing defense over offense. Both Janish and McDonald are better defensive players than Rosales & Gomes. IMHO, I’m scratching my head a little, too. It’s kind of like signing Gonzalez and keeping Castro as the backup. If you have defense in the starting lineup, shouldn’t you put some power on the bench. And vice versa?
It’s also interesting that Castillo get sent out. If you’d told me 2 weeks ago that none of Gomes, Keppinger or Rosales made the opening day roster, I’d have thought Castillo was next in line.
And so it begins… Actually, as others mentioned, none of the moves are “make or break” type moves, but it does call into question Dusty’s competence. I guess centerfielders always have to bat first or second. The Votto/Phillips/Bruce/EE portion of the lineup could be good, but the rest of the lineup looks like a lot of 3-up, 3-down type innings. I sure hope our pitching is even better than advertised.
Taking the whole Gomes versus McDonald out of the picture, as I don’t know either player enough to make a call on talent, the only thing I can figure is that Baker might not want to start Dickerson against a tough lefty like Santana.
That would partially make sense.
You people are dumb. Gomes played well for the first three weeks of spring then fell apart, McDonald out played him the rest of the way. Neither player was being judged on past their past major league experience, it was a question of who preformed better this spring and that was Mcdonald in nearly every offensive category. Especially in the final two weeks Rosales and Janish are about even offensively, but Janish is a far better defensive option to BACK UP a shortstop that may not be able to play more than half the games this year. Bailey will be up this year. Everyone calm down, its going to be a good year.
I’m not gonna lose sleep over Gomes, and I don’t think Dusty is the villain here. Roster decisions, especially opening day, are by committee. If anything, it speaks to the confidence they have in Hairston and Janish. Certainly it leaves us with no power in a pinch hit situation, but if Gomes is as bad defensively as they say, I’d rather have a 25th man who can at least catch the ball.
earl:
But he doesn’t mind hitting McDonald second against a tough lefty like Santana? Any way you slice it, it makes no sense.
And the people defending this move (Mark in CC, I love ya, but I don’t think you’ve ever seen a Reds move you didn’t agree with
) are using spring stats to make their point.
NO DECISION SHOULD EVER BE MADE ON SPRING STATS ALONE.
I think Gomes’ spring numbers are better anyway. But you’ll notice I didn’t rely on that in my argument above. The sample size is too small; it’s meaningless in the overall picture.
i love this site, i am a life long reds fan and cynical. howere, i cant understand the comments left by some of you, say it out loud “im upset that we dont have johnny gomes on our team” think about it. ugh. get over it! why is everyone on this blog in love with gomes!? seriously? i understand mcdonald isnt a thrilling name, but what is it about gomes that reds fans love so much to get this upset about? and if if i hear because he’s “scrappy” or “hustles” so help me god ill punch myself in the neck. get over gomes…please.
Other than 2/3 of a big league season 4 seasons ago McDonald is a better player. Gomes had his opporunity, as a starter and couldn’t keep it.
As a bench player McDonald can run, hits for better average, walks as good or better, can run and can actually play defense. This is exactly what you want froma bench player. Gomes can basically pich hit. So forget spring stats, where he was better too by the way, McDonald is better. It is a comparison of inconsistent power versus more complete baseball skills. Check their career stats:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Jonny-Gomes.shtml
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Darnell-McDonald.shtml
Yes I do like the direction the team is taking.I like that they have taken a plan and sticking with it.
Personally I would start Dickerson tomorrow but I guess they want the righty against Santana. In this lineup who else would you put there. Gonzalez? For weeks people have complained about Gonzo in the 2 spot.
Its one game and with limited bullets you shoot the ones you have. But I still contend McDonald brings more to the table.
It’s not about Gomes. It’s about McDonald.
This team will go nowhere as long as Dusty is Managing. This is terrible but not surprising. Guess there’s no point in spending the money for MLB.TV this year since this team will not score runs, has only 2 LHP’s in the bullpen and none in the starting rotation and is managed by a complete bafoon.
I’m sorry, there is absolutely no rational defense for a claim that McDonald is better than Gomes. It just isn’t true. Did you look at the numbers in the links you posted?
Here’s what those links showed:
Gomes: .272 BA, .398 OBP, .529 SLG, 927 OPS
McDonald: .269 BA, .331 OBP, .394 SLG, 725 OPS
Guess what? McDonald does not hit for a better average, as you claim. He does not walk as much as Gomes, or get on base anywhere near the same clip.
The point is that McDonald is a 30 year old who has been a failure everywhere he’s been, and the Reds somehow think he can help this team.
I don’t know if Gomes can help this team or not. He has sure hit in the past. He’s young enough to where it’s possible he’ll be better than before. But even if you take Gomes out of the picture, keeping McDonald on the roster is absolutely indefensible.
Again, this isn’t a decision that’s going to matter in the long run. But it sure makes me worry about the decision makers on this club. It’s a very short-sighted move, IMO.
Did someone just claim that McDonald is better than Gomes. LOL. How do you figure that?
Gomes sucks too, but McDonald is a stiff. He has no business being on any MLB roster.
Thank you, Chad. I agree w/ everything you’ve posted.
Gomes has FAR more power and is FAR better at getting on base than McDonald. He’s even younger!
I’ll post this again, just to reiterate…
Gomes (minors): .272 BA, .398 OBP, .529 SLG, 927 OPS
McDonald (minors): .269 BA, .331 OBP, .394 SLG, 725 OPS
Oh, and Gomes crushes lefties.
Idiotic move, if you ask me. Gomes is just the kind of guy we need coming off the bench and getting spot starts against LHP’s.
And Masset… he’s just not that good.
Yes I do like the direction the team is taking. I like that they have taken a plan and sticking with it.
I wanted to comment on this statement you made, too, Mark. I really do agree with you on this point, in general. They’re on the right path. Whether they’re competitive in 2010 and beyond will be largely dependent on management making the right decisions from this point forward, and not screwing up the opportunity that is definitely there.
Now, while this particular decision reeks, IMO, by itself it isn’t going to kill us. It does make me worry about the decision-makers. After all, the next decision might be a major one.
And for what it’s worth, the Reds have made more bad decisions in the last ten years than almost any other organization. Forgive me if I’m a bit skeptical at this point.
“Yeah Mark but can you explain McDonald batting second?”
Yes, McDonald bats second because if Hairston gets on base, McDonald is going to see more fastballs, and fastballs are all that he can hit. His inability to hit the breaking is why he has 12 years in the minors. He’s also less likely to hit into double plays than Gonzalez and if he gets on base he runs very well.
It’s not a totally dumbfounded move, it’s not one that’s likely to make a difference between winning and losing Opening Day or between finishing fourth or fifth in the NL Central. But the foundation isn’t as idiotic as some want to claim.
And given the Reds’ dire financial picture, Baker is not going anywhere anytime soon.
If I’m Homer Bailey, I’m wondering if there’s any future for me in the Reds organization.
The Reds are in a dire financial situation? Homer will have a future with the team when he is out of options.
Nothing to get your panties in a bunch about. Tavares is injured. There are two guys who will be up in the next two months. Homer Bailey and Drew Stubbs. I don’t really care if Homer or Micah got the initial nod – each will start 15 games or more.
Other notes from Fay’s blog:
–Arroyo did not have to talk the Reds into not putting him on the DL. “I would never let a player do that,” Walt Jocketty said. “We went on the medical reports.”
–The Reds released Jacque Jones, so he is not at Triple-A.
–The Reds are at 40-man limit after adding Nix and McDonald. They were at 38 after trading Jeff Keppinger and outrighting Norris Hopper ot Louisville.
“each will start 15 games or more.”
Multiple people have said this. I don’t think that it’s a given.
For Bailey to get called up (to the rotation), Owings will have to do poorly or someone will have to get hurt. If Owings does poorly, I doubt he makes 15 starts before he’s moved to the bullpen/minors.
If we are lucky, Gomes goes to AAA, where he will be called up by the end of the month when McDonald flops.
As for Taveras. I think it is the flu that has his down not Votto’s line drive. This, of course, depends on whether Reds management is lying about the flu or not.
If the Bailey decision was based on Masset having no options then I have a real problem with it. Masset is mediocre at his best. If it was based on having him start every fifth day then I’m okay with it.
The only thing that bothers me about this move is the lack of any punch off the bench. I really though that is why Gomes made it. Nix is the only one with ANY power off the bench unless you count Owings pinch hitting. As far as him playing and betting 2nd, not really a surprise. They aren’t going to play Dickerson against LHP and with Taveras out, McDonald is going to be in. As far as him batting 2nd, who else are you going to put there? Gonzalez, EE? Then if you put EE there, the lower half looks even worse than before. Maybe McDonald can draw a walk, move runners over, or whatever. I say as soon as Santana is out of the game, Dickerson comes in for him anyways.
My concern too is about the lack of punch off the bench. Reminds me of a couple years ago, when we had Juan Castro pinch hitting. Many have made the point about McDonald/Gomes. There’s also Janish/Rosales, I’d rather have Rosales. The only IF position where a late defensive substitution will be needed is 3rd base. Is Janish so much better than Rosales at 3rd ?
Hopefully Gonzo is healthy and Janish gets sent down.
Masset over Bailey is an outrage.
My question is why Dusty persists in hitting the Reds’ 2nd best hitter 6th. I guess with a lefty pitching, BP might actually do something from the clean-up spot (although it is Santana).
Greg – Bailey is next in line if anyone of the arms should be injured. Bailey is also the guy to step in if Harang or anyone else is traded mid year. 15 starts is less than half the season. Hell he had 8 starts last year. If I understand correctly he was optioned and the option is good for the full year, which means he can come and go all season. 15 isn’t unreasonable.
I think it’s fair to say Owings won the 5th position from Bailey. If that’s true, then sending Bailey to the minors was based on letting him throw every 5th day instead of languishing in the bull-pen in case we need him, not based on Masset. There is a place for Bailey in this organization. His pitching performances (and likely his attitude) put him in this position to have to wait. He’s been given chances and not done well. He’s coming around, he’s very young, but let’s wait until we re-annoint him because he had a great spring. Emphasis on “re-annointing” because there was a time where the majority (not all) were pretty frustrated with the kid.
I’d really hate for us to be saying “if only he hadn’t been in the bull-pen and used inconsistently, that’s what made his stuff/confidence fade away again.” Bailey is a starter. Let him start in AAA and keep that up if he wasn’t going to start over Owings. Time will take care of everything else.
I’m still waiting for Mr. Redlegs to expand on the Red’s dire financial situation.