Another suitor for Podsednik
Only two National League teams last season had lower on-base percentages out of the leadoff spot than the Cincinnati Reds.
A free-agent leadoff man is available. He bats left-handed and could platoon with Jonny Gomes in left field.
His name: Scott Podsednik. And, yes, the Reds are interested in him, according to major league sources.
The extent of the Reds’ pursuit of Podsednik is not known, but the fit seems obvious. The Reds’ leadoff hitters combined for just a .306 OBP last season.
Second baseman Brandon Phillips, shortstop Orlando Cabrera and center fielder Drew Stubbs were the Reds’ primary leadoff men. Cabrera is gone. Phillips is more suited to hit lower in the order. Stubbs, 26, displays the requisite speed, but does not get on base enough.
Podsednik’s .340 career OBP is below average for a leadoff man. His OBP the past two seasons, however, is .347. So, although he turns 35 on March 18, he’s actually trending upward.
The Angels also have shown interest in Podsednik, who could help them offensively and make them more athletic in the outfield.
— Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi
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I believe that Podsednik would be good addition for the Reds outfield, and off the bench.
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LOVED SCOTTY WHEN HE WAS WITH THE WHITE SOX.
HOWEVER, AT HIS AGE, HIS LEG & GROIN INJURIES
ARE TOO FREGUENT AND TAKE TOO LONG TO HEAL.
UNTIL YESTERDAY, COREY PATTERSON WAS AVAILABLE.
WASN'T HE A DUSTY GUY? -
No, no, no, no, no... Podsenik can't go to the Reds. The Angels need Scotty Pods - the guy's a gamer, and already plays ball the Mike Scioscia way: hard nosed & smart, takes the extra base to pressure the other team's D, and on top of that he's a solid defender himself. Let the Red Sox overpay for Crawford (and for their sake, I hope he improves on his career-to-date stats in Fenway Park). I'll take Podsednik, no problem... and use the savings to fill other needs.
