MLB Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds Should Sign Alex Rios

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By @NFLNostradamus

Cincinnati Reds, Alex Rios, Texas Rangers

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The Cincinnati Reds need to sign free agent Alex Rios and make him their starting left fielder for 2015, even though Rios has only started one of his career 1,493 outfield starts in left field.

Rios may not be the ideal choice for the Reds, but he’s a much better option than Ryan Ludwick, Chris Heisey and Skip Schumaker — none of whom have shown they can deliver the goods needed for the Reds to regain their contender status in the NL Central.

The Reds will have to pay Ludwick $4.5 million just to go away, like the Texas Rangers bought out the final year of Rios’ contract for $1 million to rid themselves of the aging outfielder, who will be 34 years old to start next season.

The difference between Rios and Ludwick is considerable, though. Rios can still play center and right field if needed, should either center fielder Billy Hamilton or right fielder Jay Bruce struggle to the point that an extended break in action is needed.

Rios would project as the No. 2 hitter in the Reds’ offensively challenged lineup. While not an ideal hitter for the spot considering his career .271/.323 numbers, Rios does put the ball in play and still possesses more speed on the bases than other candidates.

Robb Hoff is a Cincinnati Reds writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NFLNostradamus, like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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