Lil Red Machine

Only the diehards scan over the spring training statistics.  To say that “none of this matters” might be an understatement.  If you want proof, look at the results from last year.  Corey Patterson went from having a Ruthian-like spring training (.455 AVG, .545 SLG), to being one of the worst centerfielders that the Reds have ever had.  On the flip side, the best overall hitter on the Reds last season, Joey Votto, was putting up stats that a pitcher would be fairly satisfied to have in their batting line (.158 AVG, .262 SLG).

Lets fast forward to 2009.  Ryan Hanigan currently leads the team in batting average, as he’s hitting a robust .455 in 22 at-bats.  Hanigan is a nice backup to have around, but lets face it, many of those pitchers he’s hitting against as using this time of year to fine tune their current repetoire, or attempt new pitches.  Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Chris Dickerson, amongst the regulars, are also turning in fine spring training performances, but then you have Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion, regular who are struggling.  What to make of it?  It’s best not to look into it at all.  These guys don’t need spring training.  It’s helpful for team comrederie purposes, but any true pro has already spent a good portion of the offseason working on their game.  Spring training is mainly a chance for young guys to make an impression, and for fringe players to get one last shot at “the show.”  A guy like Johnny Gomes needs spring training.  A guy like Micah Owings needs it also.  Nothing is guaranteed for either, and so far, they are performing.

The good news it, from everything I have read, there is an energy in camp that hasn’t been there in years past.  This is one of the younger, more athletic Reds team in recent memory, and the focus is clearly on speed and defense, things which weren’t emphasized in years past.  So, ignore the results, observe as the pitchers try out new stuff, and hitters look at different pitches, and use this opportunity to watch the roster take shape.