Catching up: Santiago Espinal's role, the Brady Singer deep dive and more
Santiago Espinal is an unconventional No. 2 hitter in the Reds’ lineup
Cincinnati Magazine
Terry Francona’s first year in the Cincinnati dugout been full of subtle changes as he puts his stamp on this team. The base-running strategy, points of emphasis for hitters, and willingness to have starting pitchers face the order for a third time are all some smaller changes in how Francona manages the Reds.
The most obvious change is the way Santiago Espinal’s role has significantly increased. He’s not just playing more than he did in 2024—he’s batting second in the lineup. “He’s probably our best situational hitter,” says Francona. “Whether it’s pushing a bunt or hitting the ball through the hole, he sees the game. He plays the game.”
Espinal’s role represents a drastic difference in Francona’s approach with this year’s team.
Francona values him more than any other manager Espinal has played for, and Espinal’s role highlights a different philosophy that Francona is trying to establish. So far through the first third of the season, the results haven’t been enough yet.
Read the rest of the story at this link
Power Stacks: The deep dive on the Jonathan India-Brady Singer trade
Power Stacks Podcast
Jonathan India and Brady Singer were college teammates who went on to be traded for each other. Their entire careers have also played out in very similar fashions.
Hear from Brady Singer on his rise through the Royals’ farm system, the expectations placed upon him, the changeup saga and the trade. Also, hear from Nick Krall and Jonathan India.
Listed to the podcast at this link. It’s also available on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms.
Brent Suter keeps finding ways to add value
Dayton Daily News
When Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona finds the team’s pitching staff in a pickle, he turns to reliever Brent Suter.
Suter has been a spot starter, he has been the pitcher to enter the game when someone exits with an injury and he has even closed out games when the Reds have a big lead and are looking to close out the game with some quick innings.
Suter’s efforts have certainly been recognized.
“Remember the game in Baltimore where we were kind of up against it?” Francona said. “He has been good all year. He does it with enthusiasm. He takes the mound and it feels like everybody has a little extra pep in their step.”
Read more at this link
I don't fully understand Tito's obsession with Espinal. The splits are too skewed for him to be batting 2nd. To practically throw away the player who will get the most AB's against RHPs, is foolish. Tito has been great historically as a manager, but things like this show me he hasn't evolved with the game.