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The injury to Devin Mesoraco was probably the number one reason the Cincinnati Reds season went sideways in 2015. Aside from his ability to hit with power from the catching position, he also helped the Reds’ pitching staff stay on track. With Mesoraco down, the Reds relied on a combination of Brayan Pena and Tucker Barnhart to cover the position. It just wasn’t the same.
Mesoraco was never right in 2015. He batted .178 with an OBP of .275. He didn’t hit a single homerun in 23 games.
This was following a 2014 season where Mesoraco hit 25 home runs and played in 114 games. He may not be ready to play every single day in 2016. As long as the Reds sign a veteran back-up in free agency, such as Alex Avila, they should be OK.
Looking at the 2016 line-up, Mesoraco slides nicely in behind the left handed batting Jay Bruce. Mesoraco is more of the traditional slugger in that he has never had a large AVG to walk rate differential. Allowing Mesoraco to bat fifth would give Bruce some protection with another power hitter behind him. The Reds’ 2016 lineup should be all about power.
The Reds have had issues with OBP since Shin-Soo Choo left. Even before Choo, they had issues with Drew Stubbs as the center fielder. Here is their chance to correct years of trying to be what they are not. The Reds are a slugging team and letting a healthy Mesoraco bat fifth will continue to allow them to take advantage of this strength. A healthy Mesoraco is key to the Red’ success in 2016.
Nick Vorholt is writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Cincinnati Reds.
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