Can the Reds Break Their Own Record for Hit-By-Pitches This Season?
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 10:20 am
The Cincinnati Reds are poised to make history in a rather unconventional way this season, with projections suggesting they could lead the league in hit-by-pitches. With pitchers like Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene expected to plunk a staggering number of batters, the Reds are on track to challenge the all-time record of 110 HBPs set in 2022.
This raises some intriguing questions: Is this a strategy that could actually benefit the Reds, or does it reflect a deeper issue with their pitching approach? Are we witnessing a shift in how teams view the value of intimidation on the mound?
Moreover, with injuries always lurking in the background, can we trust these projections? If Lodolo and Greene can stay healthy, could they not only break the record but redefine what it means to be a hit-by-pitch team?
Let’s also consider the psychological aspect: how do you think opposing teams will react to facing a team known for hitting batters? Will it lead to more aggressive play, or will it instill fear and hesitation?
And for the bold predictions: if the Reds do break the record, what does that say about the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball? Are we entering an era where plunking batters becomes a tactical norm rather than an anomaly?
Share your thoughts, predictions, and any experiences you've had with teams that have adopted similar strategies. Are the Reds onto something, or is this just a recipe for disaster?
This raises some intriguing questions: Is this a strategy that could actually benefit the Reds, or does it reflect a deeper issue with their pitching approach? Are we witnessing a shift in how teams view the value of intimidation on the mound?
Moreover, with injuries always lurking in the background, can we trust these projections? If Lodolo and Greene can stay healthy, could they not only break the record but redefine what it means to be a hit-by-pitch team?
Let’s also consider the psychological aspect: how do you think opposing teams will react to facing a team known for hitting batters? Will it lead to more aggressive play, or will it instill fear and hesitation?
And for the bold predictions: if the Reds do break the record, what does that say about the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball? Are we entering an era where plunking batters becomes a tactical norm rather than an anomaly?
Share your thoughts, predictions, and any experiences you've had with teams that have adopted similar strategies. Are the Reds onto something, or is this just a recipe for disaster?