Reds August 2025 Thread

[samhain]

Since Elly is the scapegoat that most seem to be leaning on this morning (maybe rightfully so), I think it's fair to point out that Matt McClain shouldn't be immune from demotion.  

We have other lagging positions, offensively.  Catcher is meh.  First base is passable but not consistent nor providing what that spot traditionally does offensively.  At least Spence gets RBIs.  Left field has been a sinkhole since Hays went into the crapper.  I'd say third is a dumpster fire and maybe I should, because every time I do Hayes turns around and rakes in the next at bat.  

What's different about second?  Easy.  We actually have a real prospect waiting to step in.  Matty has understandably gotten a long leash from the organization.  I think it might be time to cinch it up a few links.  They're already increasingly tossing Lux and Espinall in there.  Might as well see what you have in Stewart.  He doesn't have a lot to prove at AAA right now and his metrics seem to show that his success isn't a fluke.  

You hate to have to do this kind of thing to a guy that everyone viewed as a franchise cornerstone, but the reality is becoming hard to ignore.  They desperately need to win games right now and the schedule is looking tough.  It's time to do what's best for the team and the 2025 season.