“We’re used to individualizing things, so it won’t change too much,” Bell told reporters. “But more than anything, just been great to catch up with people you get really close to. Then all sudden, you’re not allowed to talk to them. That was tough, but that was part of the situation. It’s been a good couple of days.”
On the other hand, there was Sunday when the Reds traded starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Minnesota Twins for minor league pitcher Chase Petty.
“It’s always tough,” Bell said. “We’ve all been through it so many times where you lose players from a team — your teammates, people you get to know so well. You get close to the family. All kinds of emotions. We are somewhat used to it in this game, but it never gets any easier. He was not here. I only got to speak with him over the phone. On the other side of it, it’s a new beginning for Sonny. He’s going to a great place. He will be supported and cared for, but we’ll certainly miss him. He was a big part of our team in so many ways, and he made us all better.”
The Reds now have to figure out who replaces Gray in the starting rotation. They still have Luis Castillo (8-16, 3.98 ERA), Tyler Mahle (13-6, 3.75) and Vladimir Gutierrez (9-6, 4.74) but two spots to fill.
“Looking at our situation with some of our younger pitchers, it creates an opportunity there,” Bell said. “We have a great group of non-roster invites. People are going to step up. As hard as it is to lose good players and good people, it does create opportunity for players. We’re really excited about our young group of players. That’s the way this game goes.”
One of those young pitchers is Hunter Greene, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft. Greene is now 22. He made it to Triple-A last season for the first time and was 5-8 with a 4.13 ERA in 14 starts for the Louisville Bats.
“We’re all excited to see Hunter,” Bell said. “He’s healthy. He had a full season last year. We know what he’s capable of and the kind of person he is and the kind of talent he is. I believe he’s ready. This creates even more of an opportunity for Hunter. Hunter just has to go out and be himself and do his thing. We’re looking forward to seeing the pitch.”
Back ✌️ work‼️ pic.twitter.com/6J7wVbiVfA
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 13, 2022
Another spot of focus for the Reds this month will be right field. With Nick Castellanos opting out of his Reds contract and exploring free agency and the Reds not pursuing resigning him, the job is open, but it’s too early to speculate on who might win it.
“We have to see where everyone is, “Bell said. “In fairness, we haven’t been able to speak with guys. As far as we know, for the most part, everyone’s healthy.”
The one obvious returning starter in the outfield, All-Star left fielder Jesse Winker, was traded Monday. Bell said Tyler Naquin, who hit .270 with 19 home runs and played all three outfield positions, will get an opportunity. Bell is confident Nick Senzel, who was limited to 36 games last season because of a knee injury, is healthy and will have a big year.
“So you look at those three, and as far as the rest of outfield, it’s going to have to play out a little bit,” Bell said.
Bell mentioned Aristides Aquino and Max Schrock as other possibilities.
Although they couldn’t talk to the players from December into March, Bell said he and his staff worked on the season as much as they could.
“You’re always wishing you had more time, and that’s one thing that we did have more of,” Bell said. “Our staff worked extremely hard during that time to continue to make up ground, reflecting on last season and initiatives. W definitely used the time very productively, but definitely missed talking to players.”
FRIDAY’S GAME
Reds at Guardians, TBA
About the Author
