What is the perception of David Bell in the clubhouse and front office? If the Reds don’t make the postseason this year, what’s the likely status of his job?
-- @CaraKorte, on Twitter

That’s a great question. It’s harder to judge the mood of the clubhouse this season, because reporters aren’t allowed inside with the COVID-19 protocols. But during the Aug. 29 game vs. the Cubs, Joey Votto and Jesse Winker clearly had their manager’s back when they emerged from the dugout when Anthony Rizzo started yelling at Bell. That cleared the benches and the solidarity was evident. Over last season and this season, I have not heard complaints from the inside.

Of course, there hasn’t been the desired results in the most important area -- wins and losses. Bell has one more year on his contract after 2020, and I believe he should be back. While every team has been challenged by these unique times, I think it wouldn’t be fair to make a managerial change based on 60 games. The regular lineup hasn’t been on the field together much. Like the rest of us, players are dealing with things that have nothing to do with their job and much of this year has been anything but normal. In a normal year, way back in 2019, the Nationals stayed the course at 19-31 and resisted calls to dismiss manager Dave Martinez. Washington went on to win it all.

Why are other clubs giving their youth a chance, but the Reds aren’t? Where is Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson, etc.?
-- @christitler, on Twitter

It’s pretty simple. Despite being five games under .500 at 18-23, the Reds are still trying for a playoff spot and this isn’t a development season. A lot of the clubs turning over playing time to prospects -- such as the Rangers, Pirates and Angels -- are not in contending mode. The exception for the Reds has been shortstop José Garcia, their No. 6 prospect per MLBPipeline. He was brought up and deemed ready when the offense was struggling, and the team needed a lift.

Is there concern about Votto? He seems on the decline as being an all-around player.
-- Michael W., on Facebook

There seemed to be enough concern that Bell felt the need to bench Votto for three games when he was clearly in a deep funk at the plate. Votto made some adjustments and has responded very well. One area that concerns me is his defense. It’s been sloppy on several occasions, and a couple of times, it’s really cost his club. If the designated hitter remains in the National League for 2021, I could envision Votto getting more time in that spot but not becoming a full-time DH.

Keep this in mind: Votto has three years and $82 million left on his contract with a $20 million club option for 2024 ($7 million buyout).

Do you agree with the decision to not trade Trevor Bauer at the Deadline? I like him a lot, but he is probably gone at the end of the year, and really was only going to get about five or six more starts.
-- James Thompson, on Facebook

I did agree with it -- and not just because the Reds still hope to contend. I suspect the free agent compensation pick if/when Trevor Bauer departs after the season will be more valuable than whatever the return from another club would have been for a one-month rental.

Maybe I missed it, always been curious: What goes on at the Reds’ other site from a competition/routine standpoint?
-- Ryan Gaines, on Facebook

Over at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio, the alternate site is set up to somewhat mirror the normal gameday experience for players at GABP. They generally start at the same time and play scrimmages or simulated games daily. Is it as fun as facing outside competition? Probably not. But a lot of prospects are getting to face Major League-caliber players and they’re trying to make it as competitive as possible. The media was given a tour of the facility during Summer Camp, and I was amazed by how nice the place was. I had no idea it was even there, and it looks like it would make for a great Minor League facility should the Reds ever want to put a team there.