Outfield issues ail Reds
Who’s in center field?
The Reds parted ways with Billy Hamilton in November, choosing not to tender him a contract because of his rising salary through arbitration.
The Reds will enter spring training with Scott Schebler, Yasiel Puig and top prospect Nick Senzel as their main internal candidates. None of them have much experience playing the position, but Great American Ball Park’s small center field can hide some of their defensive shortcomings.
Schebler played 107 innings in center during the 2018 season. Puig hasn’t played the position since 2016. Senzel, a second and third baseman, just started learning the outfield during the instructional league, but it’s a way to put his strong bat into the lineup.
How do they use Lorenzen?
Another question for the Reds is how they plan to use Michael Lorenzen. Lorenzen was solid in the bullpen, owning a 3.11 ERA in 45 appearances, but he wants to do more. With a background as a collegiate two-way player, Lorenzen had nine hits in 31 at-bats last year with four homers and 10 RBI.
New Reds manager David Bell said he was open to using Lorenzen in the outfield, which would allow the Reds to keep an extra pitcher on their 25-man roster. — Bobby Nightengale, The Cincinnati Enquirer