The Cincinnati Reds are gaining attention during their Spring Training for some unusual on-field sights. The team is preparing for the 2024 season after achieving a surprising 82-80 overall record in the previous year.
Although they did not make it to the postseason, this represented a remarkable 20-game improvement from their 62-100 performance in 2023.
As a result, there is a positive atmosphere during this offseason as the Reds aim to build on their progress with a talented group of young players.
Pitcher Hunter Greene and infielder Elly De La Cruz are the standout stars, and on Tuesday, they found themselves in a comical situation that resulted in damage to a vehicle.
It’s hard to believe, but during a live batting practice session, De La Cruz hit a foul ball that smashed the rear driver’s side window of Greene’s luxury SUV. Greene jokingly told De La Cruz, “You’re paying for it,” to which De La Cruz replied, “You make more money than me.”
Earlier in the week, the Cincinnati catchers were seen practicing their skills at home plate. This is a challenging task that requires attentiveness to both the baseball and the baserunner, while also maintaining awareness of their position on the field.
They must be close enough to the plate to make a play, yet still allow a clear path for the baserunner.
This is a difficult play to execute in fast-paced situations, but it can make a significant difference in a game. That’s why the Reds were seen working on their technique in a unique and interesting way.
As catchers fielded throws to the plate, coaches used a small stuffed object to simulate a baserunner charging towards home. The visual was quite amusing.
No stuffed animals were harmed during the making of this drill.
The Reds are putting in maximum effort to improve themselves during this Spring Training. The season begins on March 28th with the opening game against the Washington Nationals, which will be hosted by Cincinnati.
According to the Source brobible.com