The 2013 season came to a premature end for the losers of the two Wild Card games, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians.
While making the playoffs (and the Wild Card game is considered the playoffs) can be considered a success, the fact that they needed to enter as Wild Cards means they still have room to improve. With their offseason now beginning, these are some areas where each team should prioritize.
MLB Offseason Priorities for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians:
Cincinnati Reds
A New Manager
Cincinnati didn’t waste time changing things up. Days after losing the NL Wild Card game to the Pirates, the Reds fired manager Dusty Baker.
Baker led the Reds to a 509-463 (.524) record in six seasons, including two NL Central crowns in 2010 and 2012. But much like this season, they were disappointing in the playoffs, going just 2-7 with Baker.
Preliminary reports have Jim Riggleman, the Reds’ Class AAA manager in Louisville and former manager of the Washington Nationals, as the favorite to replace Baker. Pitching coach Bryan Price is also one of the main candidates.
Whomever the Reds hire, they should be confident in his ability to exceed Baker’s record, especially in the postseason.
Centerfielder/Leadoff hitter
Leadoff man and starting centerfielder Shin-Soo Choo is set to become a free agent this offseason. Potentially losing Choo’s production from the leadoff spot (21 home runs, 112 walks, .423 on-base percentage) would leave a massive hole in the Reds’ line-up.
Highly touted outfielder and stolen base machine Billy Hamilton would be an ideal replacement at the top of the line-up but the Reds prospect struggled in AAA this season, which could made the Reds hesitant to give him the job.
If Choo does not re-sign and if they don’t give the reins to Hamilton, then expect Cincinnati to delve into free agency for a decent outfield bat.
Cleveland Indians
Starting Pitching
Much of the starting rotation’s surprising effectiveness this year must be attributed to Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir pitching well beyond expectations.
Both face uncertain futures with the Tribe as they become free agents, although both have voiced their interest in staying. Jimenez’s resurgence could compel him to test free agency, where he could go beyond the Indians’ price range. Re-signing Kazmir is more feasible, although it’s hard seeing another season like this from the former ace.
Should they fail to re-sign one or both, the Indians may well promote rookie Danny Salazar or prospect Trevor Bauer into the rotation instead of spending in free agency. However, re-signing Jimenez and/or Kazmir should still remain a priority.
The Bullpen
With three of Cleveland’s top relievers (Joe Smith, Matt Albers and Rich Hill) all hitting free agency, the Indians must rebuild a bullpen that was middle of the pack last season with a 3.62 ERA.
Cleveland must also resolve its closer role this offseason. Chris Perez lost the job at the end of the season after some poor performances. If the Indians opt not to keep Perez, who is arbitration-eligible, they can dip into a potentially deep market for closer-quality free agent relievers this offseason.
Another Bat
The Indians could also use another bat in the middle of their line-up. Last season’s big free agent signing Nick Swisher blasted 22 home runs but hit a disappointing .246 with a career low 63 RBIs.
Swisher could return to the outfield to accommodate a slugging first baseman, who could also DH if Jason Giambi decides to retire this offseason.
The Indians offense was league average in terms of home runs (171) and team batting average (.255) last season.
The season may be over for these two, but the MLB Playoffs are still very much alive. For a comprehensive list of lines and odds all the way through to the World Series, visit the MLB section of Top Bet sportsbook.
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