Strange-Gordon adds to depth; SS up in air
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CINCINNATI – As the Reds formally announced that veteran utility player Dee Strange-Gordon signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training, general manager Nick Krall acknowledged on Monday that the club’s shortstop situation is unsettled with camp opening next week.
“We've got a handful of guys who are competing for the shortstop position at this point,” Krall said. “Dee hasn't really played there consistently since 2013, so he's going to come in and compete for a utility role. He'll get some shots at shortstop to see where he is there, but he's probably going to play all over the field, as well.”
A two-time All-Star who agreed to terms with Cincinnati on Sunday, Strange-Gordon won a National League batting title and Silver Slugger Award in 2015 with the Marlins. He has not provided much offense recently, however. In '20 for the Mariners, he batted .200 in 33 games after posting a .275/.304/.359 slash line with 22 stolen bases in 117 games the previous year.
Strange-Gordon will earn a $1 million base salary in 2021 if he plays in the Majors, a source told MLB.com.
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The Reds have spent the entire offseason trying to find a full-time shortstop, but they have come up empty on the free-agent market. Prospect Jose Garcia still could be an option, but he also could benefit from more time in the Minor Leagues. Utility players Kyle Farmer and Alex Blandino can play shortstop for Cincinnati and are on the 40-man roster, as Kyle Holder, who was acquired from the Phillies after they selected him in the Rule 5 Draft.
“I think we're going to do what we can there with that group,” Krall said. “That's who we have, and they're going to compete for that spot. I do believe in those guys. Jose Garcia has a lot of tools and can make a difference, but it's making sure he puts everything together and becomes the player he needs to be.”
Krall did not rule out more transactions after camp opens. Jonathan Villar is among the free agents remaining who has shortstop experience. The Reds could always make a trade, as well.
“You're always trying to improve your club, no matter where you are during the course of the year,” Krall said. “We got to Spring Training a couple of years ago and added a couple of guys in [Derek] Dietrich and [José] Iglesias that actually made our club.”
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Rotation situation
The Reds expect Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle to make up the top three spots of their rotation. Wade Miley, who was limited by injuries last season, appears to be a good bet for the No. 4 spot. As for the fifth spot, there are several candidates.
“Michael Lorenzen, Tejay Antone, José De León, Jeff Hoffman are probably the guys that you’re looking at to come in and compete for those last couple of spots,” Krall said. “That’s probably where we are right now.”
Krall confirmed that the Reds were not heavily involved in trying to bring back top free agent Trevor Bauer, who agreed to a three-year, $102 million contract with the Dodgers on Friday. The club did periodically talk to Bauer’s people throughout the offseason.
“We weren’t in that range, and we kind of knew it sooner rather than later,” Krall said. “But we did keep tabs just to see where it went. You never know what’s going to happen throughout the offseason.”
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The truck departs
The truck carrying the equipment for Reds camp departed from Great American Ball Park’s loading dock on Monday.
“I’m glad it left today,” Krall said. “Let’s get the show on the road. It’ll be nice to go back to Spring Training. I’m really excited to get baseball going again. It’s something that you miss, and, obviously, you want to play games and get out there and compete.”
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Injury report
The Reds expect to be mostly healthy when pitchers and catchers report to camp in Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 17. But there are a couple who will be behind.
Reliever Lucas Sims dealt with right elbow tightness in the offseason.
“I would say right now Sims is a little delayed with where he is,” Krall said.
Pitching prospect Jared Solomon had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 30 and will not be competing for a spot. Krall noted that reliever Brandon Bailey is also delayed.
“But we’re expecting everybody to be healthy at some point in Spring Training,” Krall said.
Reds position players are scheduled to report on Feb. 21.