So the 2019 season is at an end. The Reds finished 75-87, although our Pythagorean record suggested the 701 runs scored and 711 runs conceded should have equated to a 80-82 win-loss record. It was still sub-.500 whatever way you cut it.
Here is the season in eight stats:
- Home record: 41 – 40
- Away record: 34 – 47
- One run games: 24 – 33
- May was the only month with a winning record
- We swept the Astros
- 4th in division with 87 wins is the best finish for five years
- 227 homers broke the franchise record
- According to WAR, it was our worst season since 2003.
Eugenio Suarez was easily the best hitter on the roster. His 47 home runs tied for second for the franchise record. He led the club in runs, RBI and OBP.
With Yasiel Puig‘s deadline move, the Reds didn’t have another 20-homer player on the roster. Quite amazing considering 129 players hit at least 20 homers this season.
Whether you think the rotation exceeded expectations or over-performed, there is no argument that both Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo enjoyed career years. Gray had a lower ERA than any of our relievers.
Closer Raisel Iglesias set a career-high 34 saves, but was also tagged with six blown saves and 12 losses.
Embed from Getty ImagesFree agent acquisition Jose Iglesias led the team with .288 AVG. That’s right, no-one hit above .290.
Joey Votto‘s .261 AVG was 50 points lower than his batting average for the last 12 years combined.
Amir Garrett and Yasiel Puig both attempted to take on the Pirates, single-handedly, and on separate occasions.
Rookie Aristides Aquino finished with 19 home runs in just 205 at-bats. The only players more prolific were Twins’ catcher Mitch Garver and Angels’ superstar Mike Trout.
Centre fielder/clutch-hitter/high-leverage reliever Michael Lorenzen is the best all-round player in the game.
We are going to try to come up with player reviews and 2020 season previews over the next couple of months. Make sure you’re following us on Twitter @UKRedsMLB
4000 miles from Ohio 