The Reds brought their annual team caravan to a conclusion at Great American Ball Park on Sunday and held a question-and-answer session with fans that shed some light on a handful of areas surrounding the team as it prepares to head to spring training.
Perhaps most interesting were two items from new manager Bryan Price regarding the possibility he might use a pair of talented left-handed Reds in ways predecessor Dusty Baker often resisted.
Bruce batted fourth in 25 games last season, posting an OPS of .912 compared to .787 when slotted in his customary No. 5 slot.
Only three of Chapman's 68 appearances began in the eighth inning last season, and he pitched more than one inning twice -- at home against the Diamondbacks Aug. 21 and at Milwaukee Sept. 14. He recorded a save in both games, giving up a total of one hit in 2 2/3 innings while walking four (two each appearance) and striking out five.
In addition to those tidbits from Price, fans and media on hand learned free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz is not likely to be a Red next season.
Finally, a Reds center fielder of the past and one of the future shared a light-hearted moment on the stage at GABP when Eric Davis and Billy Hamilton were asked to compare their speed on the diamond.
Jocketty asked if #reds could sign Nelson Cruz: "I would say no. We don't want to give up the draft pick. I like the way our club is now."
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 26, 2014
Billy Hamilton asked if he's faster than Eric Davis in his prime. Davis says 'absolutely not' @b_ham_3 says 'yes'
— ctrent (@ctrent) January 26, 2014
