June 13, 2025 • 18 mins
Tony and Austin talk with Charlie Goldsmith about the Reds and the Bengals on ESPN 1530!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Since E three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati, sponsored in
part by Cinci Shirts. Cinci Shirts all since.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
E all Day.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
This is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Welcome back our two since he three sixty on ESPN
fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station, thanks to Cincy Shirts. Let's
get right into it. Each and every Friday we get
a chance to talk to our good friend Charlie Goldsmith.
What a week it's been. Charlie is staying busy, yet
he can still join us. Now, Charlie, what's going on?
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Man?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I have a question. I've always wondered this. That ding?
Is that for a factor? Does that actually put me
on the air?
Speaker 5 (00:39):
Oh see, I don't even say our our listeners can't
even hear that that is that is just you. That's
so you know that you're live.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Interest. So like the Dan Patrick Share, they do play
the ding. So I just assume that you played the
ding here. But I just I just heard that going
behind the scenes here.
Speaker 4 (00:56):
There you go.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Maybe we can start playing the ding.
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Yeah, let's just see if we can find some sort
of a dang for you, Charlie.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Everyone has an opinion as to what's going on to
go to Sarnati Bengals. It's been absolute madness this week.
From where you stand, what's your take, your personal take
on the Shamar Stewart situation as it relates to the Bengals.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It's not news that Shamar Stewart hasn't signed his contract yet,
especially when you look at the the recent history of
the Bengals and how these rookie contracts haven't been signed early.
When you look at the fact that there are some
guys around the league. The story here is twofold won,
the lack of ability to have any sort of like
you know how some teams just never have easy wins.
(01:41):
The Bengals just never seem to have easy wins aside
from Ted Carris's contract extension last year, like this is
now what you come to expect, and then kind of
the side that's received the most focused and I think
understandably so it's sturet because this isn't as much of
a story. If Stuart decided to practice like most guys
who haven't signed. You if Stuart had decided to not
(02:02):
say the things he did with the media on Tuesday,
had he not decided to leave on Thursday, those things
make you ask why is Schamar doing something different than
basically every rookie in recent memory. Well, he's out on
a limb, and it's an aggressive stance from a guy
who doesn't necessarily have the type of experience to be
(02:22):
taking the stance he is not just in terms of
who he is as a rookie, but you look at
just the whole setup, it makes you wonder why Schamar's
making the decisions he is, because they're negatively impacting his perception.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
What I think we haven't spent enough time on is
the impact that this has as it gets into the season,
because here it is a new defensive coordinator, a new scheme.
Trey Hendrickson has not practiced at all with that new scheme.
Shamar Stewart has not been on the field, and I
know that they've taken the mental reps, but we've talked
a guy like Dax Hill has yet to be out
there as well on a defense Charlie that was bad
(03:00):
last year. How do how does the sum of all
of these parts impact what al Golden has or hasn't
been able to do up to this point.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
I'm curious and I think I have a link here.
When you look at the schedule for training camp and
the lack of joint practices. You had Zach Taylor talking
about the big emphasis of six days of padded work
between the first and second preseason games. What that sounded
to me was a coach who feels like the Bengals
need that time to install a defense, and not that
(03:31):
they'd be doing a joint practice if they had more
of their pieces around them right now. But the Bengals
are preparing this offseason, as they've said, you know, to
kind of focus on themselves. The offense doesn't matter. The
offense could could just do walk throughs between now and
September and that'll all be rolling just fine by the
time we get to September. But the defense and the
(03:52):
importance of that time with what they need to install,
with the lack of pieces that they've had on the
field during these summer workouts, like all that adds up
and kind of puts more on their plate for training camp.
Makes you wonder how this might impact kind of the
defensive end battle for that number two spot, which is
going to be a fascinating one between Murphyosi, and Stewart,
(04:13):
who will all play, but one of them really has
a chance to pop, So all that adds up for
a defense very much in flux.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
What this week has done, Charlie was kind of taken
away from the actual mini camp happening on the field
because so much of attention was Trey hendrickson and out
there and what Trey and Shamar Stewart said, I'm following
along with you. By all accounts, Joe Burrow looked elite
over the course of mandatory mini camp. What else stood
out to you that was actually happening on the field
(04:41):
that maybe we didn't cover as much because of what
was going on off the field.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
I think you have to start with Burrow, Like at
this point last year, he was literally babying throws in
because that's where his risk was at. I think the
story of Joe Burrow's season this year. Last year was
the plays on the move out of structure, the flips
and tosses to to all the guys just before he
took the sack. I think this year is going to
be You'll see and get the get rid of the
(05:06):
ball slightly quicker. Sometimes you'll see that aggressive zip between defenders,
like that ball to Jermaine Burton, which showed up on
social media that balled the Yoshivash, which showed up on
social media. I expect Burr to be making more of
those throws this season. In arm strength for fair and
not Fair has always been kind of the Hey, you know,
how's Burrow's arm strength? Well, well, I think that's in
(05:26):
a great spot. And then a couple of secondary ones,
Andre Yoshovash and Chase Brown don't have the stature in
the league that Tyler Wood and Joe Mixon had when
they were doing their thing and playing their best football
in Cincinnati, but I think they're officially those guys like
their roles, their priority. The way they're scheming things for
those guys, I think they've elevated into that status. They're
(05:50):
going all in on Demetrious Night. They like a lot
of what they've seen behind the scenes. He's kind of
taken a lot on his own, kind of lea orky class,
and he can be a part of the immediate one
voice of the defense. They think that's happening. I think
it was a productive spring from a leadership standpoint for
Jordan Battle. I think fig Newton's maybe more than any
of these guys, but he had more to prove on
(06:11):
the field to become that guy. He has to show
that he's ready to play at a certain level. But
if he does, he's showing that factor on, which is
something you'd like to see. And then this defensive line,
it's a massive flux and kind of you still don't
know what you.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
Don't know with that group you mentioned Jordan Battle, I
think safety is one of those positions people are wondering
if the Bengals will address between now and the start
of the season. What did you learn, if anything about
the safety group through minigame.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
It's funny like and you're not gonna like what I'm
about to say. They really like Dayson as a three
and Tyson of the four. They think that's a good
three to four. Now is now, and I think Jordan
they see the player on the rise. I think they
want to see what he can really do as a
starter in a different scheme that doesn't place him in
such a rigid box as in a remote Steam did
(07:01):
for better or for worse. I think Jordan' would be
a good number two. And then obviously they don't leave
Genostone as the number one. They ask them to take
a pay cup. We all saw the same film last season.
You know, you can make the case that Ginostone is
needed the number two safety, but that's where they're at.
So if they can get a safety that's better than Genostone,
of course, that's something that would improve the team. But
(07:22):
it's something that I haven't felt as a priority. And then,
you know, I don't think they feel like they need
to get someone just to be their third guy, because
I think they'll want to give Djon and Tyson the
chance to show that. So I think safety is the
biggest concern I have on the roster, even more than guard.
That's where I'm at with this defense. Now, they can
(07:43):
overcome it and they can mask it certainly, but that's
something that's going to be in the spotlight, not in
training camp September through January, maybe you're into February is
where quarterbacks will be spotlighting this safety play and if
they make plays, the Bengals will probably make the Super Bowl.
And if they don't make play, well, they could be
fitting winning somewhere between eight and eleven games.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
While all of this was happening, Charlie, at the same time,
it felt like the Reds had gained some momentum just
when you kind of feel like things are bleak. They
pull off five wins in a row. Now that stops
short of a season sweep of the Guardians. But what
have you learned about this Cincinnati Reds team without Hunter Green,
that's been able to find a way to strength some
(08:25):
wins together and get back on the right side of
five hundred.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
I think you're seeing them kind of slash their gloves.
Matt McClain. I think McClain deserves more conversation about the
impact that he's making defensively. We've talked about him here
every week and what he hasn't been doing at the play,
but what he's doing defensively is notable. Ellie has to improve.
Ellie's making positive plays as well, and I think is
an above average shortstop who just makes too many of
(08:51):
those bang your head against the wall plays. But I
think there's something there on the positive end when you
evaluate his defense. I think ces Is Show has kind
of raised the athleticism at the corner endfield after he's
returned from the injured list. TJ. Friedel Man, you can't
say enough about PJ. Friedel and just the baseball rat
that he is. And then you saw Freley the other
(09:13):
day Benson's arm.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
Has oh oh, oh, oh, there he is. We lost
you for a second.
Speaker 5 (09:24):
You started talking about Will Benson's arm, and then we
lost you for about four seconds.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Well here here you go. Will Benson his arm I
think made a step this year. I think he's still
just an average defender, but the arm has helped him
make a couple more plays. And then, Stevenson, I think
you're seeing continued growth from so the defense has helped.
You've had like one guy get hot now and then,
which has helped. I think they are what the record
says they are right now, not what the run differential
(09:50):
says they are. But but let's see these guys play
and see if these you know, Steer McClain, Marte when
he comes back, Cees, Let's see if these guys have
a run in.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Feels like the return of Christian and Carnascio and Strand
has changed things for the lineup as well. How how
much how in need are they, Charlie of a power
bat in the lineup that can offer some type of
consistency game in and game out. I don't know if
that's ces in the long run, but you certainly saw
the lift that it gave this team when he's sitting
three home runs in three games.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
So I was doing some research right before he called me,
because the Tigers are starting a left handed opener today
ahead of their right handed starter, and it's the fourth
time that's happened this year against the Reds. The left
handed opener and starters have a two EARTH and those
openers have a two point four or five ERA against
the Reds in those innings, And that's true. Pamorant, Daniel Lynch,
(10:43):
Steel Hall, and Issert. I'm forgetting his first name in
Chicago because he's not a very prominent pitcher like those
are not Greg Maddox, and the Reds are struggling to
hit those guys in the first inning this year. I
got the numbers right here. Ellie against left handed pitching
in the first inning has a two five OPSS and
Freedo has a seven to eight ops and Friedol's is fine,
(11:05):
but that's not quite to the level you'd want from
your leadof hair against the left handed pitcher. So what
the thene is is the Reds need their two left
handed stars to score early for this team to be good,
and teams are trying to attack that neutralize that if
you have a right handed power back who strikes some
fearing you uh oh, this guy's coming up. That changes
(11:28):
team's willingness to start a game with the left handed opener,
to manage the bullpen in a specific way, or it
punishes you if you put those left handers in. So
the Reds need that type of punisher. Cees. I still
need to see more from ces I need to see
how he kind of holds up athletically. He's been banged
(11:49):
up in the past. Let's see how he continues to move.
He's when he's gotten fatigued, over compensated with his mechanics,
and that's why you've seen him kind of go on
kind of down slides when he hasn't been one hundred percent.
I'd like to see Cees make that adjustment. If he does,
then this is a forty homer hitter. If it's cs
(12:09):
if a Haze and I know that that injury situation
hasn't gone swimmingly, or if it's some of the Reds
treed for that from the right handed side well, or
if it's Matt McClain or Spencer Steer who they thought
it would be who I'm not giving up on either
but both have had poor seasons. That's what the Reds
need in this lineup.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Uh, what did you make of Hunter Green going to
get a second opinion on his injury and when can
we expect an update on him?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Yeah? The line I got was Hunter is going through
his process, very similar to what he did in twenty
twenty three when he had excusings, when he had hip
stiffness that kind of reached to the back. There's history
with this, there's experience with this, and this is Hunter
going through his process and that's part of who he is.
(12:57):
It's not how every pictures handle it. You know, person's
didn't go through his process. But I believe Hunter is.
I believe Hunter wants to pitch. I believe that very strongly,
and I don't see any Red flagger concerned with that.
When will there be an update? Well, let's see how
the process continues, you know, We'll see if there's an
update today and see how that goes forward.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
What about Austin Hayes, Because it felt like in Cleveland
he was nearing a return and then it felt like
a little bit of a setback. Where where do things
stand with Austin Hayes?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Yeah? That sal ball got him kind of on the
I guess the best way to describe it is like
that circle bone in your ankle. If he has know
what I'm talking about, which is a that's like a
tricky one. It's a big change of direction one two,
kind of a flexibility of the foot. So understandably after
he ran he spoke about the direction changing being the thing,
(13:46):
and especially with his history of cam string cast issues, problems, injuries, quad,
they don't want to rush him and then they came
over compensate and then have him strain one of those
tough tissues. So they've gone through a couple extra steps.
It doesn't sound like the one on Wednesday went great.
And we'll get another update on Hayes today.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
What do we know about Chase Burns his first appearance
in Triple A Louisville and what the Reds want out
of him as a Triple A pitcher.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
Well, I think he walked as many guys as he
walked in all of his Double A starts, but that's
to be expected, you know, more advanced hitters. The biggest
thing I took was and I think this is really
what you should stress. He was pitching on four days
rest and he's still through eighty fifth pitches. So not
that there were so there weren't like, there wasn't a
short leach, there wasn't a super watchful eye. And that's
(14:39):
what you want to see from Chase. You want to
see him go through the nuances of being a professional
pitcher on a five day schedule, and then how he
looked it in his debut. I mentioned the walks, but
but still you can turn on some of the sequences
and it's as pressive, as impressive as anything you'll see.
He's as good as any starting pitching prospects in baseball
(15:01):
over the last couple of years except for Paul Schemes. Like,
there's so much to like and be thrilled about there. Now,
let's just let him keep pitching as opposed to rushing
him to the big league.
Speaker 5 (15:13):
On top of that, Jamber Candelario is in Triple A,
he's not really performing. Well, how do you see the
Reds handling him over the next couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Well, first, and I think this is this is the answer,
which is just right now. I think they're going to
give him the maximum time. Let's let him play and
even still, like I mean, he's competing for Connor Joe
for a spot, Let's say theoretically on paper, plus Jamer
had the flex and not competing, Not that there's a competition,
but that's what it would be. And if Jamer can
(15:44):
play third like that's that's something that you just don't
know would turn your head at, specifically, especially when you
look at Joe's lack of production. I'd like to see
another opportunity for Jamer at the big league level, even
though he's shown nothing this season. He's been terrible, but
(16:05):
I mean last summer he didn't get hot, he still
did show power potential in twenty twenty four. Now this year,
his bat speed's been down, he's not as explosive, he
struggled at third base. I want to see if the
injury helped him catch up with any of those things.
And it's not like, you know, he's taking Christian and
Carnassions strands spot on the roster or Spencer's fears spot
(16:27):
on the roster. So let's give him time. Let's see
if he gets hot, let's see how he'd fit in
the bench roll coming back. I am interested to see
kind of how he looks physically when he's ready to return.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
Lastly, Charlie, are we not somehow talking enough about how
good Andrew Rabbit is and what the ceiling can be
for Andrew Abbit.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Andrew Rabbit is. I think he literally just turned twenty six,
Like we forget about that, Like people think that Andrew
Rabbit's this twenty eight year old who has been or
not been around but was on the top prospect kind
of ryan to get to where he is. Well, No,
Andrew Abbott was I believe, the first pitcher from his
the first starting pitcher from his draft class to debut
(17:08):
in the big leagues. He was dominant for stretches to
start the season in twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four,
and then he fell off. And he has made significant
changes to his diet, to his overall fitness, to his shoulder,
arm care, all the stuff he does between starts that
I'm really buying into. And he's well set up, like
he is set up to be the kind of guy
(17:29):
who's crafty and pitches until he's forty. And he's also
a guy who's, as we're seeing now and as we've
seen the last two years, has a feeling that he
can reach. So what I like the most of that
complete game is he is a guy who just by
the nature of him just flies under the radar. Well,
complete game, shut up kind of gives him that moment
that was kind of the first moment of his career.
(17:49):
That will be like they remember when Abbot did that,
and that's pretty cool to see for a guy who
definitely deserves it.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
Charlie, always appreciate getting to talk to you. Always appreciate
your time. Man, have a great weekend. We'll do it
again next week. There, Yes, Charlie Goldsmith, fantastic stuff. As always,
Reds Bengals all you need to know. Your talkbacts are
next on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station thanks to
Cincy Shirts.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
Hey Alexa,
Since E three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati, sponsored in
part by Cinci Shirts. Cinci Shirts all since.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
E all Day.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
This is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Welcome back our two since he three sixty on ESPN
fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station, thanks to Cincy Shirts. Let's
get right into it. Each and every Friday we get
a chance to talk to our good friend Charlie Goldsmith.
What a week it's been. Charlie is staying busy, yet
he can still join us. Now, Charlie, what's going on?
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Man?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I have a question. I've always wondered this. That ding?
Is that for a factor? Does that actually put me
on the air?
Speaker 5 (00:39):
Oh see, I don't even say our our listeners can't
even hear that that is that is just you. That's
so you know that you're live.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Interest. So like the Dan Patrick Share, they do play
the ding. So I just assume that you played the
ding here. But I just I just heard that going
behind the scenes here.
Speaker 4 (00:56):
There you go.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Maybe we can start playing the ding.
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Yeah, let's just see if we can find some sort
of a dang for you, Charlie.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Everyone has an opinion as to what's going on to
go to Sarnati Bengals. It's been absolute madness this week.
From where you stand, what's your take, your personal take
on the Shamar Stewart situation as it relates to the Bengals.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It's not news that Shamar Stewart hasn't signed his contract yet,
especially when you look at the the recent history of
the Bengals and how these rookie contracts haven't been signed early.
When you look at the fact that there are some
guys around the league. The story here is twofold won,
the lack of ability to have any sort of like
you know how some teams just never have easy wins.
(01:41):
The Bengals just never seem to have easy wins aside
from Ted Carris's contract extension last year, like this is
now what you come to expect, and then kind of
the side that's received the most focused and I think
understandably so it's sturet because this isn't as much of
a story. If Stuart decided to practice like most guys
who haven't signed. You if Stuart had decided to not
(02:02):
say the things he did with the media on Tuesday,
had he not decided to leave on Thursday, those things
make you ask why is Schamar doing something different than
basically every rookie in recent memory. Well, he's out on
a limb, and it's an aggressive stance from a guy
who doesn't necessarily have the type of experience to be
(02:22):
taking the stance he is not just in terms of
who he is as a rookie, but you look at
just the whole setup, it makes you wonder why Schamar's
making the decisions he is, because they're negatively impacting his perception.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
What I think we haven't spent enough time on is
the impact that this has as it gets into the season,
because here it is a new defensive coordinator, a new scheme.
Trey Hendrickson has not practiced at all with that new scheme.
Shamar Stewart has not been on the field, and I
know that they've taken the mental reps, but we've talked
a guy like Dax Hill has yet to be out
there as well on a defense Charlie that was bad
(03:00):
last year. How do how does the sum of all
of these parts impact what al Golden has or hasn't
been able to do up to this point.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
I'm curious and I think I have a link here.
When you look at the schedule for training camp and
the lack of joint practices. You had Zach Taylor talking
about the big emphasis of six days of padded work
between the first and second preseason games. What that sounded
to me was a coach who feels like the Bengals
need that time to install a defense, and not that
(03:31):
they'd be doing a joint practice if they had more
of their pieces around them right now. But the Bengals
are preparing this offseason, as they've said, you know, to
kind of focus on themselves. The offense doesn't matter. The
offense could could just do walk throughs between now and
September and that'll all be rolling just fine by the
time we get to September. But the defense and the
(03:52):
importance of that time with what they need to install,
with the lack of pieces that they've had on the
field during these summer workouts, like all that adds up
and kind of puts more on their plate for training camp.
Makes you wonder how this might impact kind of the
defensive end battle for that number two spot, which is
going to be a fascinating one between Murphyosi, and Stewart,
(04:13):
who will all play, but one of them really has
a chance to pop, So all that adds up for
a defense very much in flux.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
What this week has done, Charlie was kind of taken
away from the actual mini camp happening on the field
because so much of attention was Trey hendrickson and out
there and what Trey and Shamar Stewart said, I'm following
along with you. By all accounts, Joe Burrow looked elite
over the course of mandatory mini camp. What else stood
out to you that was actually happening on the field
(04:41):
that maybe we didn't cover as much because of what
was going on off the field.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
I think you have to start with Burrow, Like at
this point last year, he was literally babying throws in
because that's where his risk was at. I think the
story of Joe Burrow's season this year. Last year was
the plays on the move out of structure, the flips
and tosses to to all the guys just before he
took the sack. I think this year is going to
be You'll see and get the get rid of the
(05:06):
ball slightly quicker. Sometimes you'll see that aggressive zip between defenders,
like that ball to Jermaine Burton, which showed up on
social media that balled the Yoshivash, which showed up on
social media. I expect Burr to be making more of
those throws this season. In arm strength for fair and
not Fair has always been kind of the Hey, you know,
how's Burrow's arm strength? Well, well, I think that's in
(05:26):
a great spot. And then a couple of secondary ones,
Andre Yoshovash and Chase Brown don't have the stature in
the league that Tyler Wood and Joe Mixon had when
they were doing their thing and playing their best football
in Cincinnati, but I think they're officially those guys like
their roles, their priority. The way they're scheming things for
those guys, I think they've elevated into that status. They're
(05:50):
going all in on Demetrious Night. They like a lot
of what they've seen behind the scenes. He's kind of
taken a lot on his own, kind of lea orky class,
and he can be a part of the immediate one
voice of the defense. They think that's happening. I think
it was a productive spring from a leadership standpoint for
Jordan Battle. I think fig Newton's maybe more than any
of these guys, but he had more to prove on
(06:11):
the field to become that guy. He has to show
that he's ready to play at a certain level. But
if he does, he's showing that factor on, which is
something you'd like to see. And then this defensive line,
it's a massive flux and kind of you still don't
know what you.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
Don't know with that group you mentioned Jordan Battle, I
think safety is one of those positions people are wondering
if the Bengals will address between now and the start
of the season. What did you learn, if anything about
the safety group through minigame.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
It's funny like and you're not gonna like what I'm
about to say. They really like Dayson as a three
and Tyson of the four. They think that's a good
three to four. Now is now, and I think Jordan
they see the player on the rise. I think they
want to see what he can really do as a
starter in a different scheme that doesn't place him in
such a rigid box as in a remote Steam did
(07:01):
for better or for worse. I think Jordan' would be
a good number two. And then obviously they don't leave
Genostone as the number one. They ask them to take
a pay cup. We all saw the same film last season.
You know, you can make the case that Ginostone is
needed the number two safety, but that's where they're at.
So if they can get a safety that's better than Genostone,
of course, that's something that would improve the team. But
(07:22):
it's something that I haven't felt as a priority. And then,
you know, I don't think they feel like they need
to get someone just to be their third guy, because
I think they'll want to give Djon and Tyson the
chance to show that. So I think safety is the
biggest concern I have on the roster, even more than guard.
That's where I'm at with this defense. Now, they can
(07:43):
overcome it and they can mask it certainly, but that's
something that's going to be in the spotlight, not in
training camp September through January, maybe you're into February is
where quarterbacks will be spotlighting this safety play and if
they make plays, the Bengals will probably make the Super Bowl.
And if they don't make play, well, they could be
fitting winning somewhere between eight and eleven games.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
While all of this was happening, Charlie, at the same time,
it felt like the Reds had gained some momentum just
when you kind of feel like things are bleak. They
pull off five wins in a row. Now that stops
short of a season sweep of the Guardians. But what
have you learned about this Cincinnati Reds team without Hunter Green,
that's been able to find a way to strength some
(08:25):
wins together and get back on the right side of
five hundred.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
I think you're seeing them kind of slash their gloves.
Matt McClain. I think McClain deserves more conversation about the
impact that he's making defensively. We've talked about him here
every week and what he hasn't been doing at the play,
but what he's doing defensively is notable. Ellie has to improve.
Ellie's making positive plays as well, and I think is
an above average shortstop who just makes too many of
(08:51):
those bang your head against the wall plays. But I
think there's something there on the positive end when you
evaluate his defense. I think ces Is Show has kind
of raised the athleticism at the corner endfield after he's
returned from the injured list. TJ. Friedel Man, you can't
say enough about PJ. Friedel and just the baseball rat
that he is. And then you saw Freley the other
(09:13):
day Benson's arm.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
Has oh oh, oh, oh, there he is. We lost
you for a second.
Speaker 5 (09:24):
You started talking about Will Benson's arm, and then we
lost you for about four seconds.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Well here here you go. Will Benson his arm I
think made a step this year. I think he's still
just an average defender, but the arm has helped him
make a couple more plays. And then, Stevenson, I think
you're seeing continued growth from so the defense has helped.
You've had like one guy get hot now and then,
which has helped. I think they are what the record
says they are right now, not what the run differential
(09:50):
says they are. But but let's see these guys play
and see if these you know, Steer McClain, Marte when
he comes back, Cees, Let's see if these guys have
a run in.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Feels like the return of Christian and Carnascio and Strand
has changed things for the lineup as well. How how
much how in need are they, Charlie of a power
bat in the lineup that can offer some type of
consistency game in and game out. I don't know if
that's ces in the long run, but you certainly saw
the lift that it gave this team when he's sitting
three home runs in three games.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
So I was doing some research right before he called me,
because the Tigers are starting a left handed opener today
ahead of their right handed starter, and it's the fourth
time that's happened this year against the Reds. The left
handed opener and starters have a two EARTH and those
openers have a two point four or five ERA against
the Reds in those innings, And that's true. Pamorant, Daniel Lynch,
(10:43):
Steel Hall, and Issert. I'm forgetting his first name in
Chicago because he's not a very prominent pitcher like those
are not Greg Maddox, and the Reds are struggling to
hit those guys in the first inning this year. I
got the numbers right here. Ellie against left handed pitching
in the first inning has a two five OPSS and
Freedo has a seven to eight ops and Friedol's is fine,
(11:05):
but that's not quite to the level you'd want from
your leadof hair against the left handed pitcher. So what
the thene is is the Reds need their two left
handed stars to score early for this team to be good,
and teams are trying to attack that neutralize that if
you have a right handed power back who strikes some
fearing you uh oh, this guy's coming up. That changes
(11:28):
team's willingness to start a game with the left handed opener,
to manage the bullpen in a specific way, or it
punishes you if you put those left handers in. So
the Reds need that type of punisher. Cees. I still
need to see more from ces I need to see
how he kind of holds up athletically. He's been banged
(11:49):
up in the past. Let's see how he continues to move.
He's when he's gotten fatigued, over compensated with his mechanics,
and that's why you've seen him kind of go on
kind of down slides when he hasn't been one hundred percent.
I'd like to see Cees make that adjustment. If he does,
then this is a forty homer hitter. If it's cs
(12:09):
if a Haze and I know that that injury situation
hasn't gone swimmingly, or if it's some of the Reds
treed for that from the right handed side well, or
if it's Matt McClain or Spencer Steer who they thought
it would be who I'm not giving up on either
but both have had poor seasons. That's what the Reds
need in this lineup.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Uh, what did you make of Hunter Green going to
get a second opinion on his injury and when can
we expect an update on him?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Yeah? The line I got was Hunter is going through
his process, very similar to what he did in twenty
twenty three when he had excusings, when he had hip
stiffness that kind of reached to the back. There's history
with this, there's experience with this, and this is Hunter
going through his process and that's part of who he is.
(12:57):
It's not how every pictures handle it. You know, person's
didn't go through his process. But I believe Hunter is.
I believe Hunter wants to pitch. I believe that very strongly,
and I don't see any Red flagger concerned with that.
When will there be an update? Well, let's see how
the process continues, you know, We'll see if there's an
update today and see how that goes forward.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
What about Austin Hayes, Because it felt like in Cleveland
he was nearing a return and then it felt like
a little bit of a setback. Where where do things
stand with Austin Hayes?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Yeah? That sal ball got him kind of on the
I guess the best way to describe it is like
that circle bone in your ankle. If he has know
what I'm talking about, which is a that's like a
tricky one. It's a big change of direction one two,
kind of a flexibility of the foot. So understandably after
he ran he spoke about the direction changing being the thing,
(13:46):
and especially with his history of cam string cast issues, problems, injuries, quad,
they don't want to rush him and then they came
over compensate and then have him strain one of those
tough tissues. So they've gone through a couple extra steps.
It doesn't sound like the one on Wednesday went great.
And we'll get another update on Hayes today.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
What do we know about Chase Burns his first appearance
in Triple A Louisville and what the Reds want out
of him as a Triple A pitcher.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
Well, I think he walked as many guys as he
walked in all of his Double A starts, but that's
to be expected, you know, more advanced hitters. The biggest
thing I took was and I think this is really
what you should stress. He was pitching on four days
rest and he's still through eighty fifth pitches. So not
that there were so there weren't like, there wasn't a
short leach, there wasn't a super watchful eye. And that's
(14:39):
what you want to see from Chase. You want to
see him go through the nuances of being a professional
pitcher on a five day schedule, and then how he
looked it in his debut. I mentioned the walks, but
but still you can turn on some of the sequences
and it's as pressive, as impressive as anything you'll see.
He's as good as any starting pitching prospects in baseball
(15:01):
over the last couple of years except for Paul Schemes. Like,
there's so much to like and be thrilled about there. Now,
let's just let him keep pitching as opposed to rushing
him to the big league.
Speaker 5 (15:13):
On top of that, Jamber Candelario is in Triple A,
he's not really performing. Well, how do you see the
Reds handling him over the next couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Well, first, and I think this is this is the answer,
which is just right now. I think they're going to
give him the maximum time. Let's let him play and
even still, like I mean, he's competing for Connor Joe
for a spot, Let's say theoretically on paper, plus Jamer
had the flex and not competing, Not that there's a competition,
but that's what it would be. And if Jamer can
(15:44):
play third like that's that's something that you just don't
know would turn your head at, specifically, especially when you
look at Joe's lack of production. I'd like to see
another opportunity for Jamer at the big league level, even
though he's shown nothing this season. He's been terrible, but
(16:05):
I mean last summer he didn't get hot, he still
did show power potential in twenty twenty four. Now this year,
his bat speed's been down, he's not as explosive, he
struggled at third base. I want to see if the
injury helped him catch up with any of those things.
And it's not like, you know, he's taking Christian and
Carnassions strands spot on the roster or Spencer's fears spot
(16:27):
on the roster. So let's give him time. Let's see
if he gets hot, let's see how he'd fit in
the bench roll coming back. I am interested to see
kind of how he looks physically when he's ready to return.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
Lastly, Charlie, are we not somehow talking enough about how
good Andrew Rabbit is and what the ceiling can be
for Andrew Abbit.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Andrew Rabbit is. I think he literally just turned twenty six,
Like we forget about that, Like people think that Andrew
Rabbit's this twenty eight year old who has been or
not been around but was on the top prospect kind
of ryan to get to where he is. Well, No,
Andrew Abbott was I believe, the first pitcher from his
the first starting pitcher from his draft class to debut
(17:08):
in the big leagues. He was dominant for stretches to
start the season in twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four,
and then he fell off. And he has made significant
changes to his diet, to his overall fitness, to his shoulder,
arm care, all the stuff he does between starts that
I'm really buying into. And he's well set up, like
he is set up to be the kind of guy
(17:29):
who's crafty and pitches until he's forty. And he's also
a guy who's, as we're seeing now and as we've
seen the last two years, has a feeling that he
can reach. So what I like the most of that
complete game is he is a guy who just by
the nature of him just flies under the radar. Well,
complete game, shut up kind of gives him that moment
that was kind of the first moment of his career.
(17:49):
That will be like they remember when Abbot did that,
and that's pretty cool to see for a guy who
definitely deserves it.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
Charlie, always appreciate getting to talk to you. Always appreciate
your time. Man, have a great weekend. We'll do it
again next week. There, Yes, Charlie Goldsmith, fantastic stuff. As always,
Reds Bengals all you need to know. Your talkbacts are
next on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station thanks to
Cincy Shirts.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
Hey Alexa,
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