January 7, 2026 • 36 mins
MLB.com's Mark Sheldon and CLNS Cincy's Mike Petraglia host this edition of the Reds Hot Stove League Show. They talk with Rick Walls about the Reds Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Mark Feisand of MLB.com about the off-season, and new Reds Outfielder J.J. Bleday.
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Episode Transcript
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Deep to center.
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Field, going back at the wall leaves it is long gone.
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Speaker 1 (01:11):
Now the reds Hot Stove League.
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And Hello and Happy New Year.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
This is the Budweiser reds Hot Stove League, presented by
UDF Live at the BEDMGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at
the Banks your regular hosts, Tommy Thrall and Jim Day
are off for the next two shows. Filling in, I'm
Mark Sheldon, the senior beat reporter that covers the Reds
for MLB dot com, and I'm joined by Mike Petralia,
who covers the Reds, Bengals and Bearcats for cnscinc dot com,
(01:39):
so be sure to also check him out over there.
We've got some great guests lined up for tonight's show.
We're starting off with Rick Wallace from the Reds Hall
of Fame, followed by MLB dot com national reporter Mark Fineshand,
who will fill us in on the hot stove action
with the Reds and around the league. That will cover
our first half hour. In the second half hour, we
will talk with new Reds outfield JJ Bleday. He signed
(02:02):
a one year, one point four million dollar contract on
December twenty seventh. Mike, can you believe that we're about
a month away from Reds pictures and catchers reporting to camp?
Can you believe spring training is almost upon us?
Speaker 5 (02:14):
It's incredible, Mark, and I certainly think there's an era
of expectation for a Reds country this year, given how
last year ended. Even though it was disappointing at Dodger Stadium,
losing those two games to the eventual repeat World Series champions.
I think a lot of people have expectations that Terry
Francona in year number two, is going to have a
(02:37):
much better grasp on what he has on this roster
and the roles they're going to play, going into spring training,
going into pictures and catchers reporting, and of course going
into the regular season. That's what I'm curious to say.
I'm curious to see how this roster makeup is going
to be handled differently by Terry Francona and his coaching
staff and how the players respond well.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Speaking of the roster taking shape, but there's still some
work to be done to build off of an eighty
three one season, isn't there?
Speaker 6 (03:04):
There is?
Speaker 5 (03:05):
And obviously there was some disappointment that the Reds couldn't
seal the deal on Kyle Schworber and bring him back home.
But the Reds know that in professional sports, and obviously
in Major League Baseball, the world keeps spinning and you
have to keep up. And that's what JJ Bleday was
all about, That's what Dane Myers was all about. Okay,
(03:25):
we didn't get the player perhaps we wanted in free agency.
Let's see what we can do to compensate for that.
And maybe it's not the star player, but maybe it's
more depth, maybe it's better defense. Certainly, I think JJ
Bleday and Dane Myers can bring that to the outfield.
So that's what I think Nick Crawl and his staff
(03:46):
have really been charged with is trying to provide as
much depth on the roster as the budget will allow.
And I think, you know, so far, I like what
they've done in the bullpen, the pieces they've added there.
And we still have a month to go before Pictures
and Captures report.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Definitely, and we will dive into more about the roster
and potential moves in our next segment. But first we
have Rick Walls, who has been the executive director of
the Reds Hall of Fame since two thousand and seven.
And now, Rick, I'd have to imagine that one of
the best tasks of your job is to notify someone
when they are elected to the Reds Hall of Fame.
What was it like to make those phone calls informing
Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang, Reggie Sanders, and Loupanella about their
(04:24):
new statuses.
Speaker 7 (04:25):
Yeah, that's one of the great benefits or perks of
the job is making that phone call, you know, talking
to Brandon.
Speaker 8 (04:32):
You know, you get a sense of how appreciative they
are of this.
Speaker 7 (04:35):
You know, making that phone call, you're trying to be
secretive and why you're calling them at this point, and
you think they might know. Brandon knwe was on the ballot.
Aaron Harang knew he was on the ballot. So why
am I calling from the Hall of Fame and setting
this up? And I'm organizing with our board president Howard Kaplan,
who who made these calls with us. And it was
just such a joy to be able to talk to them,
kind of hear their emotion and just explain to what
(04:57):
this means to them. And I think the longer they
go through this process, they've all been to ceremonies in
the past, they see how we treat Red's history. They
know the Hall of Fame and the Reds do it
better than anyone else. So it's going to be not
just the honor they receive April twenty fourth through twenty six,
but really the way we treat them the rest of
their lives and beyond that we're about preserving that legacy,
(05:18):
the Red's history, and that's what the museum is all about.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
And Rick, I think it's fascinating that in Aaron Harang,
Brandon Phillips, Reggie Sanders and Loupanella, you have four distinct
personalities and it must be something that I'm sure you
take into consideration when you make for initial contact with them.
How are they going to respond? And must be one
of the joys of your job knowing that each one
(05:40):
of these players and manager have an opportunity to enter
into a very highly regarded place in the organization.
Speaker 8 (05:49):
I love that you're still right on I mean the
different personalities.
Speaker 7 (05:51):
I mean when I call Loopenel and I've talked to
Loo many times over the years, he's been back. Same
with you know, with Aaron Harang, who is a fantasy
camp coach for us even this year next week, so
we've seen him a lot. And then of course Reggie
Sanders has also been a camp coach, and I've seen
them on social media. I see how they interact with
the fans. I know how it's going to go down,
and it was exactly like I thought it was. They
were so happy about it and that's just a testament
(06:13):
to you know, their attachment to the Reds and the
organization and the history and understanding that lou Pannelli said
is the best Christmas present I could ever have. And
his wife was crying and it was just a really
neat moment. And that's kind of what you expect when
you hear you're being inducted into a Hall of Fame, you.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Know, Rick, during that the Hall of Fame weekend, like
you said, April twenty fourth or the twenty six, what
can fans expect to see when they come to the
ballpark during that weekend.
Speaker 8 (06:37):
Well, that's a super strong class. As we talked about.
Speaker 7 (06:39):
We've got a manager, outfielder, an infielder, and a pitcher, right,
so these are people that everyone's really aware of. But
we also bring back all the former Hall of famers,
so if you were wearing a Red jacket, you'll remember.
You and a guest are invited back to great activities
at the Hall.
Speaker 8 (06:52):
Special receptions.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
But what the fans get to do is, you know,
they definitely want to be at the ballpark and around
the Hall of Fame to meet these guys. They will
be available for me and greets and photo ops. Saturday,
the twenty fifth is when the induction takes place on
the field. You go want to get here early, get
your seat and be part of that. Sunday our induction gala,
which is about a fourteen hundred person event. It probably
will sell out this time at the Convention Center, which
is really one of our big events, the fundraiser for
(07:15):
the museum, but it gives everyone a chance to gather
and celebrate history. The current team goes to that, all
the former players, all the fans, and this is a
great chance to just celebrate Red history.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
You know, Rick, One of the things that I'm biased,
but I believe that that Hall of Fame right across
the street is one of the singularly best hall of
fames in all of team sports. I really do believe that.
I've been around the you know, the country, you know,
covered the Red Sox, and they certainly do their thing
with Fenway Park. But what makes even as it's been
(07:49):
around years and years, what makes the Hall of Fame
here in Cincinnati so unique.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
I think it's the fans. I think it's we treat
it as a palace for the fans. We understand how
it connects with the community. We think baseball is synonymous
with the history here in town and with the word
Cincinnati and from once a Red, always a Red, always
keeping that mantra in mind, and when we deal with
former players, that's what kind of gives you the foundation
and the fans and the appreciation for the history and
(08:15):
those players and wanting to stay engaged with that. If
we keep that as our foundation and collect and preserve
and promote Red's history and think about generations from now
how they'll look back on it, we'll be way ahead
of everybody. And that's what the museum strives to do. Collect, preserve,
and think about the future.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
And you have another big thing coming up this week
on Saturday, Red's Fantasy Camp begins and you mentioned Aaron
Harangues among the coaches that'll be there. You have twenty
five former players turning out. What can you tell us
about Fantasy Camp.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
Well, if you haven't been to Fantasy Camp, you need
to put it on your bucket list. I really want
to got to go. You know, we all have one
hundred and forty four spots. It sells out within hours
usually when we open it. It's a week long Baseball
in Goode Arizona at the first class Red Spring Training Complex.
You get to be a pro week and we always
tell people go on out there, have a great time.
You get the uniform, you get to interact with all
(09:04):
these coaches you just mentioned, I mean Aaron Harang, some
new coaches this year that we brought out in Johnny Gohmes,
Jason LaRue and Paul Yannish. But there's Hall of famers
like Jim Maloney that out there out there also, Billy
Hatcher is always there, Tom Hume, Ted Power, Joe Oliver,
Eddie Talbins, run RUMs, names that all Reds fans know.
But you get to go out. Ages thirty to eighty
five are at this camp and it's such a special experience.
(09:27):
Guys have been going to camp for twenty thirty years
because they love it so much.
Speaker 8 (09:30):
You're building a great camaraderie there.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
It's a fundraiser for the museum, but just a great
chance to kind of celebrate Red's history in a different way.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
I just think it's amazing that you have so many
former players involved in the Fantasy camp, and I think
that's a testament to how they respect what you're trying
to pull off and how much joy they are trying,
you guys are trying to bring to fans.
Speaker 7 (09:51):
I think with a player, there's a time in their
history when they realize that, you know, they miss the game.
I think leaving the game for a few years you
let people kind of set for about five years and
they realize, I still want to be connected to the game.
And if you're a Red. And some of the players
I mentioned that their coaches out there weren't a Red
their entire career, but we like to think of them
only as a Red, so they'll come out and show up.
(10:12):
For instance, Reggie Sanders is a works for the Royals
right now. He does two weeks of Fantasy Camp out there,
but he still thinks of himself as a Red, you know.
So we have that great event out there, and I'm
just looking forward to going out there on Saturday for
about six days. I'll come back for Reds Fest and
a lot of our alumni will be there as well.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Rick.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
We really appreciate you stopping over here. Thank you so
much for coming in and telling us about Fantasy Camp
and the Reds Hall of Fame and people can come out.
Speaker 7 (10:35):
You got a Redsmuseum dot org for all the info
of everything we've talked about.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
All right, well, thank you very much to Rick Walls.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
We're gonna step aside for a little bit, and then
when we come back, we're gonna talk to Mark Fineshand,
a good friend of ours from MLB dot Com. And
for now, you're listening to the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove
League presented by UDF on the Reds Radio Network. Reds Fans,
Now is the time to get your twenty twenty six
season two tickets. Members sit in the same seat for
(11:02):
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Hot Stove League presented by UDF, live at the BEDMGM
Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at the Banks Mark Sheldon along
with Mike Petralia. We're filling in for Tommy and Jim.
(11:22):
As promised. Our next guest is someone who is plugged
into the business of baseball, not just here, but around
Major League Baseball. He is the national reporter for MLB
dot Com and a feature news insider that often appears
on MLB Network. Please Welcome via the phone from New
Jersey my longtime friend and colleague Mark Finestand Mark, how
you doing the night?
Speaker 9 (11:44):
Bags?
Speaker 10 (11:44):
And Sheldon two of my favorite boys, doing great?
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Hey, Mark.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
You know, as we've talked often during this offseason, the
Reds have solidified their bullpen, They've added to the outfield
so far this offseason, but it clearly feels like there's
unfinished business because they don't have the off's a boost
they still need. What do you think they can still
do with the time left in the offseason.
Speaker 10 (12:06):
Well, you know, there are still some big bats out
there that we've all been talking about for weeks and months,
and you know, Bashett and Tucker and Bellinger. I don't
see the Reds getting involved in those three players. You know,
they took the big swing at Schwarburb and I think
he was a unique situation just given his hometown roots,
et cetera. But a guy that I think could fit
(12:26):
in there nicely would be Hadeo Suarez.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
I always been there before.
Speaker 10 (12:29):
Forty nine home runs last year, big power bat isn't
going to cost what some of those other big bats
are going to cost. And you know, bangs to the
buckwise in terms of adding power to a lineup. I
think he's probably the best, the best option out there
right now.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Park It's tracks And by the way, it's great to
be reunited with you after all of those years covering
the Red Sox and Yankees that we did back in
the early two thousands. So this is a trait for
me personally. I wanted to ask you. Obviously, for agency
is one way to add talent, but trades are another.
And I'm wondering what you're hearing out there about the
(13:06):
Reds being involved in talks with other teams to acquire
a bat and perhaps this is also a way to like,
you know, move some contracts that the Reds maybe don't
want to keep on the payroll.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I'm just curious what you're hearing in that regard.
Speaker 10 (13:22):
You know, most of the trade talk that's been out
there this winter, for the most part, has been for pitching.
You know, we saw Edward Cabrera move to the clubs today,
Kensey Gore, Ornnie Baralta, there are plenty of Sandy ol
Contra is probably not going to get moved, but his
name has been.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Out there a lot.
Speaker 10 (13:40):
Obviously, the biggest fish out there. If you were to
be traded Derek Scouble, But I haven't heard all that
much about big bats that are that are out there
to be had, So I'm not saying there aren't any,
but none are coming to the.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Top of mind at the moment.
Speaker 10 (13:54):
That would really fit the bill, you know, for the
Reds and trying to boost their lineup.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
So it sounds like the Reds are pretty much rolling
out the same lineup with the exception of Austin Hayes.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Being out JJ Blane being in.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
Mark If this is what the Reds look like going
into twenty twenty six more or less, do you feel
like does the industry feel like they can still contend
in the National League Central or for a National League
Wild card?
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Well?
Speaker 10 (14:19):
I picked them to be in the playoffs last year,
and I really liked their club. I think if you
get a little more from a couple of the guys
who are there, you know, if Ellie takes a step
forward and comes to players that everybody believes he can be,
you know, they get full healthy seasons from other other guys,
and those guys sort of take a step.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Forward as well.
Speaker 10 (14:37):
I think they have enough talent to compete. I mean,
the pitcher staff is very good, but gone was a
great return in the full pen. So I think, you know,
the NL Central is not exactly overloaded with We're not
talking about the Al East here with the Blue Jays
and Red Sox and Yankee and Orioles raised. So you know,
I think if the Brewers trade Peralta, that certainly, you know,
(14:59):
gives a hit for them. You know, the Cubs they
added Cabrera, they haven't added a bat to replace Tucker.
I don't know that they're going to. I know they're
still in on Brigman to some extent, But I think
this is a winnable division. I don't think this is
going to be a division that necessarily has a you know,
ninety five ninety eight win team.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
So I do like.
Speaker 10 (15:19):
What the Reds you.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Know, have going for them as a whole.
Speaker 10 (15:23):
And I'm a big believer in Tito and that was
one of the reasons why I picked on to make
the playoff last year. I think he has that team
believing in itself and if you guys can, like I said,
take a bit of a step forward, I think this
is a team that could contend in a relatively you know,
quiet division.
Speaker 5 (15:42):
And that leads into My next question Mark, and that
is year number two of Terry Francona in Cincinnati. He
got the team to the playoffs in year number one.
What does year number two look like? And do you
think he makes a difference in terms of his familiarity
with the.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
Roster this year?
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Oh, I'm sure.
Speaker 10 (16:02):
I mean the fact that he you know, knows the
guys coming into this year, he'll have a better sense
of what he has on that roster and how he
can utilize He's player. You know, I think Sheldon will
be the first one to back me.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Up on this.
Speaker 10 (16:14):
There was a different feeling in Reds camp last year,
and I know that's always one of those, you know,
very popular spring training.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Stories of Oats.
Speaker 10 (16:21):
He does bringing a new attitude, but just talking, I
was in Reds camp a couple of days covering from
Mark last year and just talking to guys who were
had been there for a bit, and they just you
could just sense a different confidence in that room of
I think the one line somebody said to me was,
you know, we all know what it takes to win,
(16:42):
but t is actually giving us the blueprint of how
to get there. And I think, you know the fact
that they did take a step forward and have some
success last year. I think that's only going to make
them hungrier and that experience.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Is going to help them in trying to get back
there this year.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Mark, we have about a minute left, but real quick
on the lookoutside of Cincinnati and just nationally, with these
free agents, you have Tucker, you have Bishett, Bregman, Bellinger.
Who do you think the next domino to fall is?
Speaker 10 (17:10):
I would think Bregman is probably the favorite in that group,
Tucker and Bellinger. Bellinger seems to be in a situation
where he and the Yankees sort of want to reunite,
but there's still a gap between them, and I think
he's gonna wait until Tucker signs, because you know the
teams that don't get Tucker. Let's say he goes to
the Blue Jays, which is where you know, all signs
are pointing that he's gonna wind up there, but it's
(17:30):
certainly not a good deal.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Then all of a sudden, the Met the Yankees.
Speaker 10 (17:34):
Could be at a biding war for Bellinger. So we
saw that last year with Soto and the Met to
merge victorious in that fitting war. Gregman's market isn't quite
as big the red Box want him back Buster Only.
Our friend at ESPN reported this week that they were
prepared and willing to make him a pretty big offer.
(17:55):
I think that the natural reunion in the making to
bring Gregman.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Back to Boston.
Speaker 10 (18:00):
The Cubs are still in on him, the Tigers are sort.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Of marginallying on him. But unless he's willing to do
what he did.
Speaker 10 (18:07):
Last year, which stick a shorter term deal for a
higher av Boston seems like the natural fit. And it
wouldn't surprise me if you know, if that deal gets
done in the next you know, called seven days or so.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
That's fantastic information. Mark.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
I really appreciate you, and Mike appreciates you calling in
and talking to us for a little bit. Thank you
again very much, and I'll see you sooner and down
the road and we'll talk again.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Good talking to you, Fella's take care.
Speaker 6 (18:33):
Thanks Mark.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Thanks Mark. Wow, that was pretty good stuff right there right.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
I love talking to Mark.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Well, before we go to break, I just wanted to
a lurt those listening on Flagships seven hundred WLW because
of Savior Basketball. The second half of our show is
moving over to thirteen sixty, so please join us over there.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
The rest of us. The rest of.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
You can stay right where you are and we'll have
Red's outfielder JJ Bloda joining us next on the Budweiser
Red's Hot Stovely presented by UDF on the Reds Radio Network.
Get access to all thirteen Tuesday Reds home games this
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(19:10):
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to the Budweiser Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF
Live at the BEDMGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watch Bar at
(19:33):
the Banks. We are your substitute hosts Mark Sheldon and
Mike Petralia in for Tommy and Jim. Our next guest
was signed to a one year contract by the Reds
late last month, and he was so excited about the
move that he already had a Reds cap on during
his zoom meeting with all the reporters. That's pretty cool,
well prepared, well prepared. His name is JJ Blade. He
is joining us on the phone with everything settled in
(19:55):
now for a couple of weeks. JJ, how how are
you feeling about your new deal with the Reds.
Speaker 11 (20:00):
I'm feeling great, guys. I'm really looking forward to it.
Speaker 9 (20:03):
I'm excited, and you know, I'm just kind of ready
to get things going.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
What has been your biggest priorities, JJ, in terms of
getting ready in the off season.
Speaker 9 (20:15):
Yeah, I think just you know, making sure my body
is prepared for another you know, long baseball season. Making
sure I'm I'm staying mobile, I'm keeping my quickness, I'm
keeping weight, and I kind of getting to that that
place where you know you're going to be comfortable throughout
the whole course of the season. And then outside of that,
it's just improving your game. You know, It's it's settling
(20:37):
in what you want to work on mechanically at the play,
and then you know, defensively, uh, you know, making sure
you get enough reps going on the spring training.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
I think one thing that stuck out to me in
your zoom call with reporters right after you signed in
Cincinnati was the fact that you acknowledged. You know, last
year was kind of a rough year for you, an
off year, but you look to bounce back. And what
you referenced is what you just spoke about becoming more athletic.
Focusing on becoming more athletic. What does that look like,
(21:09):
not only in your offseason preparations, but what do you
envision it looking like in twenty twenty six at Great
American Ballpark?
Speaker 9 (21:17):
Yeah, I just see myself being an athlete and competing,
you know, like just being fluid and just you know,
being a bastard in the box as best I can.
And that's you know, just fight fighting to see new
pitch it or more pitches, and putting yourself an.
Speaker 11 (21:31):
Account to do damage and just you know.
Speaker 9 (21:35):
Going balls out like you know, going after balls, taking
the extra base and just playing the game hard, you know,
as hard as I've ever I've ever played JJ.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
As you full well know, you hit your first home
run at Great American Ballpark back in twenty twenty two.
You're nine for thirty one over here with five extra
base hits. Why or and maybe how does this particular
ballpark play into your strength? Yeah?
Speaker 11 (22:00):
I don't know if I mean, it's just kind of
a byproduct.
Speaker 9 (22:03):
You know, it's just you know, I just I've just
played well there, you know, every every time I've played
or you know, I've played two series there and uh
one with Miami, one with.
Speaker 11 (22:11):
Bas and I mean it just sort of happened, you know.
Speaker 9 (22:14):
I mean it's just, uh, I like the area, I
like the stadium, and it's just a good recipe for
things to happen when when everything falls in line.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
What have your conversations been like with Tito?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Uh?
Speaker 11 (22:29):
Very you know, just this real casual. You know, he
just congratulated me and looking forward to getting to beat.
Speaker 9 (22:35):
Me, and you know, just kind of talking about uh
my roots throwing up here in western Pennsylvania and just
kind of telling me he's from that area, and just
you know, we're just kind of joking around.
Speaker 11 (22:46):
Along those lines.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
You know, last year we talked about you had the plate,
but also you know, you didn't have your best year
defensively either. You've been generally over your your career been
a strong defensive outfielder. What do you think changed in
that area and what on that side of your game
are you work looking on to bring it back to
where it was in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 9 (23:05):
You know, I don't want to like point fingers and
have excuses.
Speaker 11 (23:08):
I mean it was tough.
Speaker 9 (23:09):
It was tough playing in the ballpark you've never played
in before, especially in minor league stadium and and you know,
now just looking back, you know, I just I just
got to do more.
Speaker 11 (23:19):
I gotta I gotta do more.
Speaker 9 (23:21):
Speed wise, I got to do more, you know, fly balls,
take my shagging more seriously. And that's kind of been
the main emphasis this offseason is is get outside, have
someone hit me fun gos, you know, two three times
a week right now before going in spring training, and
really just working on that first step.
Speaker 11 (23:39):
I feel like my first step last year wasn't very good.
Speaker 9 (23:42):
I wasn't taking good routes at the ball, and you know,
as a result, kind of lost a little bit of
confidence out there. So it's just regaining that back and
just getting after it and going, you know, just trying
to literally catch everything.
Speaker 11 (23:56):
Hit my way right now.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
One thing that stuck out to me JJ about this
Red's clubhouse in twenty twenty five, I think one of
the big reasons they were able to eventually make the
playoffs is they had a very tight clubhouse. They very
had each other's backs.
Speaker 6 (24:11):
There was no.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Backbiting, you know, back and forth. And I'm curious if
you've heard the same thing about this clubhouse, how together
they are, the young leadership that's in there, namely guys
like Tyler Stevenson for one and Gavin Lux for another.
How have you gotten to know them in your time
so far in the last month, you know.
Speaker 9 (24:31):
Honestly haven't delved too much into that. But like just
from watching Afar, you know, playing in the past few years,
you could just tell there's no drama, Like it's not
a drama team. The egos, you know, there's no huge egos.
Everyone's in line. Everyone seems like they get along with
one another. And I think just you know, that's just
you know, courtesy of the organization as a whole, and
(24:52):
then just the staff and then the with sure players
that are in the that are in the clubhouse, and
you know, I think just right now, it's it's having
guys like a million Pagan reaching out.
Speaker 11 (25:02):
It's Spencer Steer who I played.
Speaker 9 (25:03):
With in the Cape Cod League and just communicating with
them and just having some type of dialogue to make
myself comfortable.
Speaker 11 (25:11):
And they just do a good job at communicating that.
Speaker 9 (25:13):
So I'm just I just think that's how they do
a good job and that's why they win.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
JJ.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
We have a few other things we want to get
to you with you, but we have to take a
quick break. We'd love to talk to you on the
other side if you don't mind, so we will be
back with more with JJ Bladay. This is the Budweiser
Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF on the Reds
Radio Network presented by Penn Station is on sale now.
(25:39):
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to the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove League presented by UDF
live at the bed MGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watch Bar
at the Banks with Mike Petralia. I'm Mark Sheldon, and
(25:59):
we are back with another segment with new Reds outfielder
JJ Blade.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
JJ.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
A while back, you were in Cincinnati playing for Midland,
a famed travel team around here before heading off to
college at Vanderbilt. You live just across the river, I
think at Newport, Kentucky. What was that like for you
to be in this area.
Speaker 11 (26:16):
It was a blast, man, it was.
Speaker 10 (26:18):
It was.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
It was in a really good spot.
Speaker 9 (26:20):
We did get to go to many Reds games because
we were playing ourselves, but you know, we could watch
it from afar hear the fireworks. Remember going to a
lot of good restaurants, one of them being the Precinct.
Speaker 11 (26:31):
Which is owned by Jeff Ruby.
Speaker 9 (26:33):
I believe yes, and uh so, our ostat would always
take us out there, you know, every couple of weeks,
and it's the blast.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
It was kind of getting you ready for college and
definitely was was a fun experience.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
JJ.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
I'm curious about Midland and it is, like Mark was
just saying, it's a famed travel league, a travel team
and travel organization. It really has gotten a lot of
young players ready for that next level of baseball. I'm
curious what you knew about that organization about Midland prior
to it and what it was like playing there.
Speaker 11 (27:11):
Yeah, it was always like a rival. We'd always see
them at tournaments.
Speaker 9 (27:15):
And I played for another team called Indiana Prospects, which
was a little bit of a younger age group, and.
Speaker 11 (27:21):
I just remember Midland always having a good like seventeen
eighteen year old team, and I knew.
Speaker 9 (27:28):
I didn't want to take classes in the summertime. I
wanted to play some more baseball to get ready for
my freshman year of college.
Speaker 11 (27:34):
And I just think that's what it is. It's just
a good discipline.
Speaker 9 (27:38):
You know, they take care of the details, good coaching,
and just high competitive tournaments and games. You know, you're
facing some really good players in the high school class
and it's just.
Speaker 11 (27:49):
A fun tournament.
Speaker 9 (27:50):
And then you get to go to try to go
to Farmington to win it, which is like, you know,
the World Series of an eighteen year old team.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Of course, you went on to play for Vanderbilt, where
you you ended up being the SEC Player of the
Year in twenty nineteen. Your coach Tim Corben called you
an old soul and a low maintenance guy with quiet confidence.
Do you still feel that that is true even as
you've matured a few years.
Speaker 9 (28:13):
Oh yeah, yeah, I don't see, like I'm oh my god,
it's gonna have many issues.
Speaker 10 (28:18):
You know.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
I'm kind of a guy that likes to, you know, listen,
you know, and then and then speak.
Speaker 9 (28:23):
So I like to just kind of see how things
are are run and and going and then kind of
go from there.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
Also, we have heard that you are talented in playing
the piano. I'm curious, are you Billy, Joel?
Speaker 6 (28:39):
Are you out?
Speaker 3 (28:40):
And John?
Speaker 6 (28:41):
What's your style? You know?
Speaker 9 (28:43):
I was actually just playing like ten minutes before this,
before I got you guys. Yeah, just we got one
right before the holidays. We got one from my wife's
family member, so.
Speaker 11 (28:56):
It needs a tune in. But I'm more of an
old school like cloud cool, Mozart, Beto.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
You don't get a lot of that in the clubhouse, no,
you know, if guys.
Speaker 11 (29:09):
From the Dominican Pro I don't even know who.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
They are, you should teach them. It's good music.
Speaker 11 (29:13):
Yeah, it is good music. I mean everyone should know that,
right right. Everyone probably does know some tunes.
Speaker 3 (29:18):
Right absolutely.
Speaker 4 (29:19):
And as you mentioned your teammates, you're gonna get to
meet a whole bunch of them next week. I understand
you are confirmed to attend Reds Fest, which is returning
to the Convention Center here in town after a two
year hiatus. What are you looking forward to about meeting
your teammates and manager. You've talked to a few guys.
You mentioned Pegan, you mentioned Tito Francona. What are you
looking forward to about getting together with these guys in
about you know, ten days or so, you know, just.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
Putting the name to the faces, just kind of hanging out,
having some some basic conversation and you know see how
talk talk some baseball, you know, talk talk city, you know, food,
places to live and then you know, just kind of
get together.
Speaker 11 (29:59):
To to see the fans. So nothing too crazy, just
just got very nice.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Oh what do you think about your about trying out
for an everyday role. You still obviously have to come
to camp. You got to earn You're gonna have a
spot on the team, but you want to earn a
regular role. I imagine what what do you feel about
the competition that you have coming up?
Speaker 11 (30:21):
Yeah, I think there's you know, good competition on this squad.
And you know, I do see myself playing.
Speaker 9 (30:27):
Left field, and I'm I feel like I'm a corner
guy long term, you know, as much as uh, you know,
I played center in twenty four and I played center
last year, I still see myself more as a corner
corner position. And you know, I'm just gonna, like you said,
I mean, just just come in and working hard to
(30:47):
earn a spot and earn the job and and just
do my best to stay focused and trust that process.
Speaker 6 (30:53):
Jay, Jay, what is it that you're looking forward to
playing in Cincinnati the most?
Speaker 9 (31:01):
I think just the chance to play playoff baseball. I think,
you know, I saw it from afar with them, and
I just think it's a tremendous experience to be able
to get to and I have yet to have that
in my career. And it just seems like the jel
of those guys have.
Speaker 11 (31:18):
The city.
Speaker 9 (31:19):
I mean, the city just loves sports, you know, I mean,
and I grew up in Pittsburgh, so it's a very
similar town and similar atmosphere, and I'm just looking forward
to be a part of that and to really go
out there and compete, you know, all nine innings, to
go out and win for that city.
Speaker 5 (31:33):
Just a side note real quick, you have something in common.
Joe Burrow played the piano to heal from his wrist injury.
So maybe you can get together with Joe and go
over your piano playing skills.
Speaker 11 (31:47):
Yeah, Yeah, that'd be sweet. I'd be all for that.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Sounds good.
Speaker 4 (31:51):
Hey, JJ, we really appreciate you checking in with us
here tonight during the off season, and we all look
forward to meeting you at Redsfest in a few days.
So thank you very much for coming on.
Speaker 11 (32:01):
Likewise, yes, thanks for having me.
Speaker 6 (32:02):
Thanks you, Jay.
Speaker 4 (32:03):
That was JJ Blade, the new Red's outfielder. We're gonna
wrap it up and we're gonna finish Tiaboa on this show.
So this is the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove League presented
by UDF on the Reds Radio Network. Okay, this is
the Budweiser Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF. We're
live at the bet MGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at
(32:24):
the Banks, and we're gonna wrap this up. Like I
said earlier, Mike, we got about a month ago and
then spring training kicks off, and what do you think
the biggest roster battle we should be watching.
Speaker 6 (32:34):
Is number five starter? Oh easy?
Speaker 5 (32:36):
Yeah, I think there are so many options available to
Terry Francona, after Hunter Green, Niclodolo, Andrew Rabbit and Brady Singer,
those four pretty much I think locked in.
Speaker 6 (32:47):
Then you have Rhet Louder.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
People forget how solid he was to finish out the
twenty twenty three He had a one to finish that year.
That last month of the year. The last month and
a half was spectacular. Then you have Chase burn who
was the sensation that came up this year. I think
those two could battle it out. Don't forget Brandon Williamson.
He is a lefty who has a lot of major
(33:10):
league experience, I believe five years or four years of
major league experience. If he is fully recovered from Tommy
John he comes back, He's a lefty at the back
end of the rotation, or he could wind up in
the bullpen. And then you have Julian Aggie are a
right hander. So I think those four names are spots
to keep or names to keep an eye on in
(33:31):
spring training.
Speaker 3 (33:32):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
The Reds have a very deep rotation, but the front
office has been pretty adamant they don't want to part
with any of these guys because the you know, Aggie, are, Williamson,
and Louder all miss time the entire season last year.
The rest of the rotation also missed some time on
the IL except for Brady Singer. He was the only
guy to go from start to finish without any iel time.
So they want to protect these guys and they're going
(33:54):
to probably need all of them at some point. Because
attrition in starting pitching is the thing now in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
No question.
Speaker 5 (34:00):
And you're talking about cost control. Last year at this
time they had to go out and acquire Brady Singer, right,
But this year you're in a position where you really
didn't have to spend a lot of money to add
anything to the rotation or to the bullpen. You did,
obviously add Caleb Ferguson. I get that, but that was
(34:20):
really the only significant move that the Reds made in
terms of going outside the organization.
Speaker 4 (34:25):
That and bringing back Emilio Pegan, Yeah, a closer. That
was a huge move that kind of set the things
in motion to get the bullpen back.
Speaker 6 (34:33):
I love the move by the Yah.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
It's a big move for them. It is good for
the clubhouse.
Speaker 4 (34:36):
You got it Pegan, you have setting up, you have
Tony Santion, you have Graham Ashcraft.
Speaker 3 (34:42):
Now you have Caleb Ferguson.
Speaker 4 (34:43):
You got a guy like Connor Phillips who was very
impressive in the last month of the season, and he's
gonna have a shot at making a you know, making
some moves in the bullpen. I mentioned Grant Ashcraft, So
there's some there's some guys that could make this a
very deep bullpen.
Speaker 6 (34:57):
No question about that.
Speaker 5 (34:58):
And other things that I'm looking forward to are how
does Ellie Dala Cruz handle playing defense at shortstop after
a very very rough year defensively last year. What are
the improvements he is going to make this year? Matt McClain,
nobody is very few people have talked about how good
he was offensively before he got hurt and what he
(35:20):
could be this year if he bounces back offensively, and
I think it goes without saying the Reds are really
counting on him doing that. Throw that in with Sal
Stewart and I think you've got the potential of a
much deeper lineup than you thought at the end of
last year.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
And it could be better defensively too, because you don't
forget key Brian Hazy's not a great offensive players, kind
of you know, on the low end on the offense,
but he is now a two time goal Glove winner.
Speaker 3 (35:45):
He makes it solid three.
Speaker 6 (35:48):
Games down the stretch with defensive plays.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
So there's a lot to like there. Well, we just
had a lot to do tonight. We got it all done.
Speaker 4 (35:56):
I want to thank JJ Blade, Mark Pines and Rick
Wall Betralia plus Drew wester Heidie back at the studio,
and our engineer Dave Abbott. I'm Mark Sheldon from MLB
dot com. Thank you so much for joining us to
talk to you next time. This was the Budweiser Reds
Hotstove League, presented by UDF on the Reds Radio network.
This is the Budweiser reds Hotstove League.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
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Speaker 3 (00:58):
Deep to center.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Field, going back at the wall leaves it is long gone.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Belli Dala Cruz, the red Z on the Rady.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Now the reds Hot Stove League.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
And Hello and Happy New Year.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
This is the Budweiser reds Hot Stove League, presented by
UDF Live at the BEDMGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at
the Banks your regular hosts, Tommy Thrall and Jim Day
are off for the next two shows. Filling in, I'm
Mark Sheldon, the senior beat reporter that covers the Reds
for MLB dot com, and I'm joined by Mike Petralia,
who covers the Reds, Bengals and Bearcats for cnscinc dot com,
(01:39):
so be sure to also check him out over there.
We've got some great guests lined up for tonight's show.
We're starting off with Rick Wallace from the Reds Hall
of Fame, followed by MLB dot com national reporter Mark Fineshand,
who will fill us in on the hot stove action
with the Reds and around the league. That will cover
our first half hour. In the second half hour, we
will talk with new Reds outfield JJ Bleday. He signed
(02:02):
a one year, one point four million dollar contract on
December twenty seventh. Mike, can you believe that we're about
a month away from Reds pictures and catchers reporting to camp?
Can you believe spring training is almost upon us?
Speaker 5 (02:14):
It's incredible, Mark, and I certainly think there's an era
of expectation for a Reds country this year, given how
last year ended. Even though it was disappointing at Dodger Stadium,
losing those two games to the eventual repeat World Series champions.
I think a lot of people have expectations that Terry
Francona in year number two, is going to have a
(02:37):
much better grasp on what he has on this roster
and the roles they're going to play, going into spring training,
going into pictures and catchers reporting, and of course going
into the regular season. That's what I'm curious to say.
I'm curious to see how this roster makeup is going
to be handled differently by Terry Francona and his coaching
staff and how the players respond well.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Speaking of the roster taking shape, but there's still some
work to be done to build off of an eighty
three one season, isn't there?
Speaker 6 (03:04):
There is?
Speaker 5 (03:05):
And obviously there was some disappointment that the Reds couldn't
seal the deal on Kyle Schworber and bring him back home.
But the Reds know that in professional sports, and obviously
in Major League Baseball, the world keeps spinning and you
have to keep up. And that's what JJ Bleday was
all about, That's what Dane Myers was all about. Okay,
(03:25):
we didn't get the player perhaps we wanted in free agency.
Let's see what we can do to compensate for that.
And maybe it's not the star player, but maybe it's
more depth, maybe it's better defense. Certainly, I think JJ
Bleday and Dane Myers can bring that to the outfield.
So that's what I think Nick Crawl and his staff
(03:46):
have really been charged with is trying to provide as
much depth on the roster as the budget will allow.
And I think, you know, so far, I like what
they've done in the bullpen, the pieces they've added there.
And we still have a month to go before Pictures
and Captures report.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Definitely, and we will dive into more about the roster
and potential moves in our next segment. But first we
have Rick Walls, who has been the executive director of
the Reds Hall of Fame since two thousand and seven.
And now, Rick, I'd have to imagine that one of
the best tasks of your job is to notify someone
when they are elected to the Reds Hall of Fame.
What was it like to make those phone calls informing
Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang, Reggie Sanders, and Loupanella about their
(04:24):
new statuses.
Speaker 7 (04:25):
Yeah, that's one of the great benefits or perks of
the job is making that phone call, you know, talking
to Brandon.
Speaker 8 (04:32):
You know, you get a sense of how appreciative they
are of this.
Speaker 7 (04:35):
You know, making that phone call, you're trying to be
secretive and why you're calling them at this point, and
you think they might know. Brandon knwe was on the ballot.
Aaron Harang knew he was on the ballot. So why
am I calling from the Hall of Fame and setting
this up? And I'm organizing with our board president Howard Kaplan,
who who made these calls with us. And it was
just such a joy to be able to talk to them,
kind of hear their emotion and just explain to what
(04:57):
this means to them. And I think the longer they
go through this process, they've all been to ceremonies in
the past, they see how we treat Red's history. They
know the Hall of Fame and the Reds do it
better than anyone else. So it's going to be not
just the honor they receive April twenty fourth through twenty six,
but really the way we treat them the rest of
their lives and beyond that we're about preserving that legacy,
(05:18):
the Red's history, and that's what the museum is all about.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
And Rick, I think it's fascinating that in Aaron Harang,
Brandon Phillips, Reggie Sanders and Loupanella, you have four distinct
personalities and it must be something that I'm sure you
take into consideration when you make for initial contact with them.
How are they going to respond? And must be one
of the joys of your job knowing that each one
(05:40):
of these players and manager have an opportunity to enter
into a very highly regarded place in the organization.
Speaker 8 (05:49):
I love that you're still right on I mean the
different personalities.
Speaker 7 (05:51):
I mean when I call Loopenel and I've talked to
Loo many times over the years, he's been back. Same
with you know, with Aaron Harang, who is a fantasy
camp coach for us even this year next week, so
we've seen him a lot. And then of course Reggie
Sanders has also been a camp coach, and I've seen
them on social media. I see how they interact with
the fans. I know how it's going to go down,
and it was exactly like I thought it was. They
were so happy about it and that's just a testament
(06:13):
to you know, their attachment to the Reds and the
organization and the history and understanding that lou Pannelli said
is the best Christmas present I could ever have. And
his wife was crying and it was just a really
neat moment. And that's kind of what you expect when
you hear you're being inducted into a Hall of Fame, you.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Know, Rick, during that the Hall of Fame weekend, like
you said, April twenty fourth or the twenty six, what
can fans expect to see when they come to the
ballpark during that weekend.
Speaker 8 (06:37):
Well, that's a super strong class. As we talked about.
Speaker 7 (06:39):
We've got a manager, outfielder, an infielder, and a pitcher, right,
so these are people that everyone's really aware of. But
we also bring back all the former Hall of famers,
so if you were wearing a Red jacket, you'll remember.
You and a guest are invited back to great activities
at the Hall.
Speaker 8 (06:52):
Special receptions.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
But what the fans get to do is, you know,
they definitely want to be at the ballpark and around
the Hall of Fame to meet these guys. They will
be available for me and greets and photo ops. Saturday,
the twenty fifth is when the induction takes place on
the field. You go want to get here early, get
your seat and be part of that. Sunday our induction gala,
which is about a fourteen hundred person event. It probably
will sell out this time at the Convention Center, which
is really one of our big events, the fundraiser for
(07:15):
the museum, but it gives everyone a chance to gather
and celebrate history. The current team goes to that, all
the former players, all the fans, and this is a
great chance to just celebrate Red history.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
You know, Rick, One of the things that I'm biased,
but I believe that that Hall of Fame right across
the street is one of the singularly best hall of
fames in all of team sports. I really do believe that.
I've been around the you know, the country, you know,
covered the Red Sox, and they certainly do their thing
with Fenway Park. But what makes even as it's been
(07:49):
around years and years, what makes the Hall of Fame
here in Cincinnati so unique.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
I think it's the fans. I think it's we treat
it as a palace for the fans. We understand how
it connects with the community. We think baseball is synonymous
with the history here in town and with the word
Cincinnati and from once a Red, always a Red, always
keeping that mantra in mind, and when we deal with
former players, that's what kind of gives you the foundation
and the fans and the appreciation for the history and
(08:15):
those players and wanting to stay engaged with that. If
we keep that as our foundation and collect and preserve
and promote Red's history and think about generations from now
how they'll look back on it, we'll be way ahead
of everybody. And that's what the museum strives to do. Collect, preserve,
and think about the future.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
And you have another big thing coming up this week
on Saturday, Red's Fantasy Camp begins and you mentioned Aaron
Harangues among the coaches that'll be there. You have twenty
five former players turning out. What can you tell us
about Fantasy Camp.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
Well, if you haven't been to Fantasy Camp, you need
to put it on your bucket list. I really want
to got to go. You know, we all have one
hundred and forty four spots. It sells out within hours
usually when we open it. It's a week long Baseball
in Goode Arizona at the first class Red Spring Training Complex.
You get to be a pro week and we always
tell people go on out there, have a great time.
You get the uniform, you get to interact with all
(09:04):
these coaches you just mentioned, I mean Aaron Harang, some
new coaches this year that we brought out in Johnny Gohmes,
Jason LaRue and Paul Yannish. But there's Hall of famers
like Jim Maloney that out there out there also, Billy
Hatcher is always there, Tom Hume, Ted Power, Joe Oliver,
Eddie Talbins, run RUMs, names that all Reds fans know.
But you get to go out. Ages thirty to eighty
five are at this camp and it's such a special experience.
(09:27):
Guys have been going to camp for twenty thirty years
because they love it so much.
Speaker 8 (09:30):
You're building a great camaraderie there.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
It's a fundraiser for the museum, but just a great
chance to kind of celebrate Red's history in a different way.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
I just think it's amazing that you have so many
former players involved in the Fantasy camp, and I think
that's a testament to how they respect what you're trying
to pull off and how much joy they are trying,
you guys are trying to bring to fans.
Speaker 7 (09:51):
I think with a player, there's a time in their
history when they realize that, you know, they miss the game.
I think leaving the game for a few years you
let people kind of set for about five years and
they realize, I still want to be connected to the game.
And if you're a Red. And some of the players
I mentioned that their coaches out there weren't a Red
their entire career, but we like to think of them
only as a Red, so they'll come out and show up.
(10:12):
For instance, Reggie Sanders is a works for the Royals
right now. He does two weeks of Fantasy Camp out there,
but he still thinks of himself as a Red, you know.
So we have that great event out there, and I'm
just looking forward to going out there on Saturday for
about six days. I'll come back for Reds Fest and
a lot of our alumni will be there as well.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Rick.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
We really appreciate you stopping over here. Thank you so
much for coming in and telling us about Fantasy Camp
and the Reds Hall of Fame and people can come out.
Speaker 7 (10:35):
You got a Redsmuseum dot org for all the info
of everything we've talked about.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
All right, well, thank you very much to Rick Walls.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
We're gonna step aside for a little bit, and then
when we come back, we're gonna talk to Mark Fineshand,
a good friend of ours from MLB dot Com. And
for now, you're listening to the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove
League presented by UDF on the Reds Radio Network. Reds Fans,
Now is the time to get your twenty twenty six
season two tickets. Members sit in the same seat for
(11:02):
every game with their friends and family, and enjoy a
flexible ticket exchange program. Visit Reds dot com slash Membership
for details. And we are back with the Budweiser Reds
Hot Stove League presented by UDF, live at the BEDMGM
Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at the Banks Mark Sheldon along
with Mike Petralia. We're filling in for Tommy and Jim.
(11:22):
As promised. Our next guest is someone who is plugged
into the business of baseball, not just here, but around
Major League Baseball. He is the national reporter for MLB
dot Com and a feature news insider that often appears
on MLB Network. Please Welcome via the phone from New
Jersey my longtime friend and colleague Mark Finestand Mark, how
you doing the night?
Speaker 9 (11:44):
Bags?
Speaker 10 (11:44):
And Sheldon two of my favorite boys, doing great?
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Hey, Mark.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
You know, as we've talked often during this offseason, the
Reds have solidified their bullpen, They've added to the outfield
so far this offseason, but it clearly feels like there's
unfinished business because they don't have the off's a boost
they still need. What do you think they can still
do with the time left in the offseason.
Speaker 10 (12:06):
Well, you know, there are still some big bats out
there that we've all been talking about for weeks and months,
and you know, Bashett and Tucker and Bellinger. I don't
see the Reds getting involved in those three players. You know,
they took the big swing at Schwarburb and I think
he was a unique situation just given his hometown roots,
et cetera. But a guy that I think could fit
(12:26):
in there nicely would be Hadeo Suarez.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
I always been there before.
Speaker 10 (12:29):
Forty nine home runs last year, big power bat isn't
going to cost what some of those other big bats
are going to cost. And you know, bangs to the
buckwise in terms of adding power to a lineup. I
think he's probably the best, the best option out there
right now.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Park It's tracks And by the way, it's great to
be reunited with you after all of those years covering
the Red Sox and Yankees that we did back in
the early two thousands. So this is a trait for
me personally. I wanted to ask you. Obviously, for agency
is one way to add talent, but trades are another.
And I'm wondering what you're hearing out there about the
(13:06):
Reds being involved in talks with other teams to acquire
a bat and perhaps this is also a way to like,
you know, move some contracts that the Reds maybe don't
want to keep on the payroll.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I'm just curious what you're hearing in that regard.
Speaker 10 (13:22):
You know, most of the trade talk that's been out
there this winter, for the most part, has been for pitching.
You know, we saw Edward Cabrera move to the clubs today,
Kensey Gore, Ornnie Baralta, there are plenty of Sandy ol
Contra is probably not going to get moved, but his
name has been.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Out there a lot.
Speaker 10 (13:40):
Obviously, the biggest fish out there. If you were to
be traded Derek Scouble, But I haven't heard all that
much about big bats that are that are out there
to be had, So I'm not saying there aren't any,
but none are coming to the.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Top of mind at the moment.
Speaker 10 (13:54):
That would really fit the bill, you know, for the
Reds and trying to boost their lineup.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
So it sounds like the Reds are pretty much rolling
out the same lineup with the exception of Austin Hayes.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Being out JJ Blane being in.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
Mark If this is what the Reds look like going
into twenty twenty six more or less, do you feel
like does the industry feel like they can still contend
in the National League Central or for a National League
Wild card?
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Well?
Speaker 10 (14:19):
I picked them to be in the playoffs last year,
and I really liked their club. I think if you
get a little more from a couple of the guys
who are there, you know, if Ellie takes a step
forward and comes to players that everybody believes he can be,
you know, they get full healthy seasons from other other guys,
and those guys sort of take a step.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Forward as well.
Speaker 10 (14:37):
I think they have enough talent to compete. I mean,
the pitcher staff is very good, but gone was a
great return in the full pen. So I think, you know,
the NL Central is not exactly overloaded with We're not
talking about the Al East here with the Blue Jays
and Red Sox and Yankee and Orioles raised. So you know,
I think if the Brewers trade Peralta, that certainly, you know,
(14:59):
gives a hit for them. You know, the Cubs they
added Cabrera, they haven't added a bat to replace Tucker.
I don't know that they're going to. I know they're
still in on Brigman to some extent, But I think
this is a winnable division. I don't think this is
going to be a division that necessarily has a you know,
ninety five ninety eight win team.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
So I do like.
Speaker 10 (15:19):
What the Reds you.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Know, have going for them as a whole.
Speaker 10 (15:23):
And I'm a big believer in Tito and that was
one of the reasons why I picked on to make
the playoff last year. I think he has that team
believing in itself and if you guys can, like I said,
take a bit of a step forward, I think this
is a team that could contend in a relatively you know,
quiet division.
Speaker 5 (15:42):
And that leads into My next question Mark, and that
is year number two of Terry Francona in Cincinnati. He
got the team to the playoffs in year number one.
What does year number two look like? And do you
think he makes a difference in terms of his familiarity
with the.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
Roster this year?
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Oh, I'm sure.
Speaker 10 (16:02):
I mean the fact that he you know, knows the
guys coming into this year, he'll have a better sense
of what he has on that roster and how he
can utilize He's player. You know, I think Sheldon will
be the first one to back me.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Up on this.
Speaker 10 (16:14):
There was a different feeling in Reds camp last year,
and I know that's always one of those, you know,
very popular spring training.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Stories of Oats.
Speaker 10 (16:21):
He does bringing a new attitude, but just talking, I
was in Reds camp a couple of days covering from
Mark last year and just talking to guys who were
had been there for a bit, and they just you
could just sense a different confidence in that room of
I think the one line somebody said to me was,
you know, we all know what it takes to win,
(16:42):
but t is actually giving us the blueprint of how
to get there. And I think, you know the fact
that they did take a step forward and have some
success last year. I think that's only going to make
them hungrier and that experience.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Is going to help them in trying to get back
there this year.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Mark, we have about a minute left, but real quick
on the lookoutside of Cincinnati and just nationally, with these
free agents, you have Tucker, you have Bishett, Bregman, Bellinger.
Who do you think the next domino to fall is?
Speaker 10 (17:10):
I would think Bregman is probably the favorite in that group,
Tucker and Bellinger. Bellinger seems to be in a situation
where he and the Yankees sort of want to reunite,
but there's still a gap between them, and I think
he's gonna wait until Tucker signs, because you know the
teams that don't get Tucker. Let's say he goes to
the Blue Jays, which is where you know, all signs
are pointing that he's gonna wind up there, but it's
(17:30):
certainly not a good deal.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Then all of a sudden, the Met the Yankees.
Speaker 10 (17:34):
Could be at a biding war for Bellinger. So we
saw that last year with Soto and the Met to
merge victorious in that fitting war. Gregman's market isn't quite
as big the red Box want him back Buster Only.
Our friend at ESPN reported this week that they were
prepared and willing to make him a pretty big offer.
(17:55):
I think that the natural reunion in the making to
bring Gregman.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Back to Boston.
Speaker 10 (18:00):
The Cubs are still in on him, the Tigers are sort.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Of marginallying on him. But unless he's willing to do
what he did.
Speaker 10 (18:07):
Last year, which stick a shorter term deal for a
higher av Boston seems like the natural fit. And it
wouldn't surprise me if you know, if that deal gets
done in the next you know, called seven days or so.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
That's fantastic information. Mark.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
I really appreciate you, and Mike appreciates you calling in
and talking to us for a little bit. Thank you
again very much, and I'll see you sooner and down
the road and we'll talk again.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Good talking to you, Fella's take care.
Speaker 6 (18:33):
Thanks Mark.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Thanks Mark. Wow, that was pretty good stuff right there right.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
I love talking to Mark.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Well, before we go to break, I just wanted to
a lurt those listening on Flagships seven hundred WLW because
of Savior Basketball. The second half of our show is
moving over to thirteen sixty, so please join us over there.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
The rest of us. The rest of.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
You can stay right where you are and we'll have
Red's outfielder JJ Bloda joining us next on the Budweiser
Red's Hot Stovely presented by UDF on the Reds Radio Network.
Get access to all thirteen Tuesday Reds home games this
season with the three two one Tuesday Ballpark Pass for
(19:10):
as low as forty nine to ninety nine. Budweiser three
two to one Tuesdays at Great American Ballpark include three
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now at Reds dot com slash Pass and welcome back
to the Budweiser Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF
Live at the BEDMGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watch Bar at
(19:33):
the Banks. We are your substitute hosts Mark Sheldon and
Mike Petralia in for Tommy and Jim. Our next guest
was signed to a one year contract by the Reds
late last month, and he was so excited about the
move that he already had a Reds cap on during
his zoom meeting with all the reporters. That's pretty cool,
well prepared, well prepared. His name is JJ Blade. He
is joining us on the phone with everything settled in
(19:55):
now for a couple of weeks. JJ, how how are
you feeling about your new deal with the Reds.
Speaker 11 (20:00):
I'm feeling great, guys. I'm really looking forward to it.
Speaker 9 (20:03):
I'm excited, and you know, I'm just kind of ready
to get things going.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
What has been your biggest priorities, JJ, in terms of
getting ready in the off season.
Speaker 9 (20:15):
Yeah, I think just you know, making sure my body
is prepared for another you know, long baseball season. Making
sure I'm I'm staying mobile, I'm keeping my quickness, I'm
keeping weight, and I kind of getting to that that
place where you know you're going to be comfortable throughout
the whole course of the season. And then outside of that,
it's just improving your game. You know, It's it's settling
(20:37):
in what you want to work on mechanically at the play,
and then you know, defensively, uh, you know, making sure
you get enough reps going on the spring training.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
I think one thing that stuck out to me in
your zoom call with reporters right after you signed in
Cincinnati was the fact that you acknowledged. You know, last
year was kind of a rough year for you, an
off year, but you look to bounce back. And what
you referenced is what you just spoke about becoming more athletic.
Focusing on becoming more athletic. What does that look like,
(21:09):
not only in your offseason preparations, but what do you
envision it looking like in twenty twenty six at Great
American Ballpark?
Speaker 9 (21:17):
Yeah, I just see myself being an athlete and competing,
you know, like just being fluid and just you know,
being a bastard in the box as best I can.
And that's you know, just fight fighting to see new
pitch it or more pitches, and putting yourself an.
Speaker 11 (21:31):
Account to do damage and just you know.
Speaker 9 (21:35):
Going balls out like you know, going after balls, taking
the extra base and just playing the game hard, you know,
as hard as I've ever I've ever played JJ.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
As you full well know, you hit your first home
run at Great American Ballpark back in twenty twenty two.
You're nine for thirty one over here with five extra
base hits. Why or and maybe how does this particular
ballpark play into your strength? Yeah?
Speaker 11 (22:00):
I don't know if I mean, it's just kind of
a byproduct.
Speaker 9 (22:03):
You know, it's just you know, I just I've just
played well there, you know, every every time I've played
or you know, I've played two series there and uh
one with Miami, one with.
Speaker 11 (22:11):
Bas and I mean it just sort of happened, you know.
Speaker 9 (22:14):
I mean it's just, uh, I like the area, I
like the stadium, and it's just a good recipe for
things to happen when when everything falls in line.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
What have your conversations been like with Tito?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Uh?
Speaker 11 (22:29):
Very you know, just this real casual. You know, he
just congratulated me and looking forward to getting to beat.
Speaker 9 (22:35):
Me, and you know, just kind of talking about uh
my roots throwing up here in western Pennsylvania and just
kind of telling me he's from that area, and just
you know, we're just kind of joking around.
Speaker 11 (22:46):
Along those lines.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
You know, last year we talked about you had the plate,
but also you know, you didn't have your best year
defensively either. You've been generally over your your career been
a strong defensive outfielder. What do you think changed in
that area and what on that side of your game
are you work looking on to bring it back to
where it was in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 9 (23:05):
You know, I don't want to like point fingers and
have excuses.
Speaker 11 (23:08):
I mean it was tough.
Speaker 9 (23:09):
It was tough playing in the ballpark you've never played
in before, especially in minor league stadium and and you know,
now just looking back, you know, I just I just
got to do more.
Speaker 11 (23:19):
I gotta I gotta do more.
Speaker 9 (23:21):
Speed wise, I got to do more, you know, fly balls,
take my shagging more seriously. And that's kind of been
the main emphasis this offseason is is get outside, have
someone hit me fun gos, you know, two three times
a week right now before going in spring training, and
really just working on that first step.
Speaker 11 (23:39):
I feel like my first step last year wasn't very good.
Speaker 9 (23:42):
I wasn't taking good routes at the ball, and you know,
as a result, kind of lost a little bit of
confidence out there. So it's just regaining that back and
just getting after it and going, you know, just trying
to literally catch everything.
Speaker 11 (23:56):
Hit my way right now.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
One thing that stuck out to me JJ about this
Red's clubhouse in twenty twenty five, I think one of
the big reasons they were able to eventually make the
playoffs is they had a very tight clubhouse. They very
had each other's backs.
Speaker 6 (24:11):
There was no.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Backbiting, you know, back and forth. And I'm curious if
you've heard the same thing about this clubhouse, how together
they are, the young leadership that's in there, namely guys
like Tyler Stevenson for one and Gavin Lux for another.
How have you gotten to know them in your time
so far in the last month, you know.
Speaker 9 (24:31):
Honestly haven't delved too much into that. But like just
from watching Afar, you know, playing in the past few years,
you could just tell there's no drama, Like it's not
a drama team. The egos, you know, there's no huge egos.
Everyone's in line. Everyone seems like they get along with
one another. And I think just you know, that's just
you know, courtesy of the organization as a whole, and
(24:52):
then just the staff and then the with sure players
that are in the that are in the clubhouse, and
you know, I think just right now, it's it's having
guys like a million Pagan reaching out.
Speaker 11 (25:02):
It's Spencer Steer who I played.
Speaker 9 (25:03):
With in the Cape Cod League and just communicating with
them and just having some type of dialogue to make
myself comfortable.
Speaker 11 (25:11):
And they just do a good job at communicating that.
Speaker 9 (25:13):
So I'm just I just think that's how they do
a good job and that's why they win.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
JJ.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
We have a few other things we want to get
to you with you, but we have to take a
quick break. We'd love to talk to you on the
other side if you don't mind, so we will be
back with more with JJ Bladay. This is the Budweiser
Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF on the Reds
Radio Network presented by Penn Station is on sale now.
(25:39):
Receive an exclusive Ellie d La Cruz light Up bibblehead
plus your choice of six home games to purchase, go
to Reds dot com slash pick six. You are listening
to the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove League presented by UDF
live at the bed MGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watch Bar
at the Banks with Mike Petralia. I'm Mark Sheldon, and
(25:59):
we are back with another segment with new Reds outfielder
JJ Blade.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
JJ.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
A while back, you were in Cincinnati playing for Midland,
a famed travel team around here before heading off to
college at Vanderbilt. You live just across the river, I
think at Newport, Kentucky. What was that like for you
to be in this area.
Speaker 11 (26:16):
It was a blast, man, it was.
Speaker 10 (26:18):
It was.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
It was in a really good spot.
Speaker 9 (26:20):
We did get to go to many Reds games because
we were playing ourselves, but you know, we could watch
it from afar hear the fireworks. Remember going to a
lot of good restaurants, one of them being the Precinct.
Speaker 11 (26:31):
Which is owned by Jeff Ruby.
Speaker 9 (26:33):
I believe yes, and uh so, our ostat would always
take us out there, you know, every couple of weeks,
and it's the blast.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
It was kind of getting you ready for college and
definitely was was a fun experience.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
JJ.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
I'm curious about Midland and it is, like Mark was
just saying, it's a famed travel league, a travel team
and travel organization. It really has gotten a lot of
young players ready for that next level of baseball. I'm
curious what you knew about that organization about Midland prior
to it and what it was like playing there.
Speaker 11 (27:11):
Yeah, it was always like a rival. We'd always see
them at tournaments.
Speaker 9 (27:15):
And I played for another team called Indiana Prospects, which
was a little bit of a younger age group, and.
Speaker 11 (27:21):
I just remember Midland always having a good like seventeen
eighteen year old team, and I knew.
Speaker 9 (27:28):
I didn't want to take classes in the summertime. I
wanted to play some more baseball to get ready for
my freshman year of college.
Speaker 11 (27:34):
And I just think that's what it is. It's just
a good discipline.
Speaker 9 (27:38):
You know, they take care of the details, good coaching,
and just high competitive tournaments and games. You know, you're
facing some really good players in the high school class
and it's just.
Speaker 11 (27:49):
A fun tournament.
Speaker 9 (27:50):
And then you get to go to try to go
to Farmington to win it, which is like, you know,
the World Series of an eighteen year old team.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Of course, you went on to play for Vanderbilt, where
you you ended up being the SEC Player of the
Year in twenty nineteen. Your coach Tim Corben called you
an old soul and a low maintenance guy with quiet confidence.
Do you still feel that that is true even as
you've matured a few years.
Speaker 9 (28:13):
Oh yeah, yeah, I don't see, like I'm oh my god,
it's gonna have many issues.
Speaker 10 (28:18):
You know.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
I'm kind of a guy that likes to, you know, listen,
you know, and then and then speak.
Speaker 9 (28:23):
So I like to just kind of see how things
are are run and and going and then kind of
go from there.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
Also, we have heard that you are talented in playing
the piano. I'm curious, are you Billy, Joel?
Speaker 6 (28:39):
Are you out?
Speaker 3 (28:40):
And John?
Speaker 6 (28:41):
What's your style? You know?
Speaker 9 (28:43):
I was actually just playing like ten minutes before this,
before I got you guys. Yeah, just we got one
right before the holidays. We got one from my wife's
family member, so.
Speaker 11 (28:56):
It needs a tune in. But I'm more of an
old school like cloud cool, Mozart, Beto.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
You don't get a lot of that in the clubhouse, no,
you know, if guys.
Speaker 11 (29:09):
From the Dominican Pro I don't even know who.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
They are, you should teach them. It's good music.
Speaker 11 (29:13):
Yeah, it is good music. I mean everyone should know that,
right right. Everyone probably does know some tunes.
Speaker 3 (29:18):
Right absolutely.
Speaker 4 (29:19):
And as you mentioned your teammates, you're gonna get to
meet a whole bunch of them next week. I understand
you are confirmed to attend Reds Fest, which is returning
to the Convention Center here in town after a two
year hiatus. What are you looking forward to about meeting
your teammates and manager. You've talked to a few guys.
You mentioned Pegan, you mentioned Tito Francona. What are you
looking forward to about getting together with these guys in
about you know, ten days or so, you know, just.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
Putting the name to the faces, just kind of hanging out,
having some some basic conversation and you know see how
talk talk some baseball, you know, talk talk city, you know, food,
places to live and then you know, just kind of
get together.
Speaker 11 (29:59):
To to see the fans. So nothing too crazy, just
just got very nice.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Oh what do you think about your about trying out
for an everyday role. You still obviously have to come
to camp. You got to earn You're gonna have a
spot on the team, but you want to earn a
regular role. I imagine what what do you feel about
the competition that you have coming up?
Speaker 11 (30:21):
Yeah, I think there's you know, good competition on this squad.
And you know, I do see myself playing.
Speaker 9 (30:27):
Left field, and I'm I feel like I'm a corner
guy long term, you know, as much as uh, you know,
I played center in twenty four and I played center
last year, I still see myself more as a corner
corner position. And you know, I'm just gonna, like you said,
I mean, just just come in and working hard to
(30:47):
earn a spot and earn the job and and just
do my best to stay focused and trust that process.
Speaker 6 (30:53):
Jay, Jay, what is it that you're looking forward to
playing in Cincinnati the most?
Speaker 9 (31:01):
I think just the chance to play playoff baseball. I think,
you know, I saw it from afar with them, and
I just think it's a tremendous experience to be able
to get to and I have yet to have that
in my career. And it just seems like the jel
of those guys have.
Speaker 11 (31:18):
The city.
Speaker 9 (31:19):
I mean, the city just loves sports, you know, I mean,
and I grew up in Pittsburgh, so it's a very
similar town and similar atmosphere, and I'm just looking forward
to be a part of that and to really go
out there and compete, you know, all nine innings, to
go out and win for that city.
Speaker 5 (31:33):
Just a side note real quick, you have something in common.
Joe Burrow played the piano to heal from his wrist injury.
So maybe you can get together with Joe and go
over your piano playing skills.
Speaker 11 (31:47):
Yeah, Yeah, that'd be sweet. I'd be all for that.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Sounds good.
Speaker 4 (31:51):
Hey, JJ, we really appreciate you checking in with us
here tonight during the off season, and we all look
forward to meeting you at Redsfest in a few days.
So thank you very much for coming on.
Speaker 11 (32:01):
Likewise, yes, thanks for having me.
Speaker 6 (32:02):
Thanks you, Jay.
Speaker 4 (32:03):
That was JJ Blade, the new Red's outfielder. We're gonna
wrap it up and we're gonna finish Tiaboa on this show.
So this is the Budweiser Red's Hot Stove League presented
by UDF on the Reds Radio Network. Okay, this is
the Budweiser Reds Hot Stove League presented by UDF. We're
live at the bet MGM Sportsbook inside Tom's Watchbar at
(32:24):
the Banks, and we're gonna wrap this up. Like I
said earlier, Mike, we got about a month ago and
then spring training kicks off, and what do you think
the biggest roster battle we should be watching.
Speaker 6 (32:34):
Is number five starter? Oh easy?
Speaker 5 (32:36):
Yeah, I think there are so many options available to
Terry Francona, after Hunter Green, Niclodolo, Andrew Rabbit and Brady Singer,
those four pretty much I think locked in.
Speaker 6 (32:47):
Then you have Rhet Louder.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
People forget how solid he was to finish out the
twenty twenty three He had a one to finish that year.
That last month of the year. The last month and
a half was spectacular. Then you have Chase burn who
was the sensation that came up this year. I think
those two could battle it out. Don't forget Brandon Williamson.
He is a lefty who has a lot of major
(33:10):
league experience, I believe five years or four years of
major league experience. If he is fully recovered from Tommy
John he comes back, He's a lefty at the back
end of the rotation, or he could wind up in
the bullpen. And then you have Julian Aggie are a
right hander. So I think those four names are spots
to keep or names to keep an eye on in
(33:31):
spring training.
Speaker 3 (33:32):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
The Reds have a very deep rotation, but the front
office has been pretty adamant they don't want to part
with any of these guys because the you know, Aggie, are, Williamson,
and Louder all miss time the entire season last year.
The rest of the rotation also missed some time on
the IL except for Brady Singer. He was the only
guy to go from start to finish without any iel time.
So they want to protect these guys and they're going
(33:54):
to probably need all of them at some point. Because
attrition in starting pitching is the thing now in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
No question.
Speaker 5 (34:00):
And you're talking about cost control. Last year at this
time they had to go out and acquire Brady Singer, right,
But this year you're in a position where you really
didn't have to spend a lot of money to add
anything to the rotation or to the bullpen. You did,
obviously add Caleb Ferguson. I get that, but that was
(34:20):
really the only significant move that the Reds made in
terms of going outside the organization.
Speaker 4 (34:25):
That and bringing back Emilio Pegan, Yeah, a closer. That
was a huge move that kind of set the things
in motion to get the bullpen back.
Speaker 6 (34:33):
I love the move by the Yah.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
It's a big move for them. It is good for
the clubhouse.
Speaker 4 (34:36):
You got it Pegan, you have setting up, you have
Tony Santion, you have Graham Ashcraft.
Speaker 3 (34:42):
Now you have Caleb Ferguson.
Speaker 4 (34:43):
You got a guy like Connor Phillips who was very
impressive in the last month of the season, and he's
gonna have a shot at making a you know, making
some moves in the bullpen. I mentioned Grant Ashcraft, So
there's some there's some guys that could make this a
very deep bullpen.
Speaker 6 (34:57):
No question about that.
Speaker 5 (34:58):
And other things that I'm looking forward to are how
does Ellie Dala Cruz handle playing defense at shortstop after
a very very rough year defensively last year. What are
the improvements he is going to make this year? Matt McClain,
nobody is very few people have talked about how good
he was offensively before he got hurt and what he
(35:20):
could be this year if he bounces back offensively, and
I think it goes without saying the Reds are really
counting on him doing that. Throw that in with Sal
Stewart and I think you've got the potential of a
much deeper lineup than you thought at the end of
last year.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
And it could be better defensively too, because you don't
forget key Brian Hazy's not a great offensive players, kind
of you know, on the low end on the offense,
but he is now a two time goal Glove winner.
Speaker 3 (35:45):
He makes it solid three.
Speaker 6 (35:48):
Games down the stretch with defensive plays.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
So there's a lot to like there. Well, we just
had a lot to do tonight. We got it all done.
Speaker 4 (35:56):
I want to thank JJ Blade, Mark Pines and Rick
Wall Betralia plus Drew wester Heidie back at the studio,
and our engineer Dave Abbott. I'm Mark Sheldon from MLB
dot com. Thank you so much for joining us to
talk to you next time. This was the Budweiser Reds
Hotstove League, presented by UDF on the Reds Radio network.
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