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In the midst of a four-game losing streak, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Cincinnati Reds. Though they rest just 3.5 games out of first place in the National League Central, they’re surrounded by three other teams all within reach and in no hurry to fade any time soon.

The details are obvious. Joey Votto is making his second extended stay on the disabled list (DL). To complement this crippling void, the Reds will be without Brandon Phillips for possibly the same amount of time.

According to ESPN baseball analyst and former Reds general manager Jim Bowden, the Reds are at least five weeks away from getting Votto and Phillips back. 

#Reds GM Walt Jocketty just told us that both Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are approximately 5 weeks away…ouch Sirius 209 XM 89

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 20, 2014

Because the Reds will be without two pillars of their offense, the pressure to produce will likely shift to three main candidates: Todd Frazier, Devin Mesoraco and Jay Bruce.

Frazier and Mesoraco have seemingly done everything in their power to ensure the Reds’ offense has runners crossing the plate. Frazier is hitting .286/.346/.495 and has arguably been the Reds’ first-half MVP. 

He leads the team in hits (108), home runs (20), RBI (54) and runs scored (58). At this juncture, he is the most important Red swinging the bat.

Mesoraco has been contributing at a high volume as well. He’s hitting .294/.365/.583 and his .294 batting average and .593 slugging are both a team-best. 

Jay Bruce has been a different story. Bruce was given the opening game against the first place Milwaukee Brewers after a horrendous series in New York. In three games after the All-Star break, Bruce went 0-for-11 with just one walk and five strikeouts in that time.

He’s currently riding a four-game hitless streak where he’s 0-for-15.

Bruce’s streakiness is no surprise to anyone. Throughout his seven MLB seasons, he’s been prone to prolonged slumps that can last months. But this season looks very different than the rest.

Right now, Bruce is sporting career lows in a number of categories, including batting average, OBP, slugging and OPS. Last year, the left-handed slugger finished the season with a 5.13 seasonal WAR (per ESPN.com/MLB). According to Baseball-reference.com, Bruce’s offensive WAR is currently 0.3.

And the team is definitely feeling it. Bruce’s production is so pivotal to the Reds’ success. His splits in wins and losses are only too revealing to how much the Reds are depending on him.

In Reds victories this season, Bruce is hitting .278/.352/.500. In losses, Bruce’s slash line plummets to .152/.242/.265. At the risk of being too cliche, the difference is night and day.

Losing Joey Votto means losing quite arguably the best left-handed bat the Reds have to send to the plate.

That places even more emphasis on the need for Jay Bruce to figure it out, because there has to be a bat in the lineup that can punish exceptional right-handed pitching.

A crippling facet of Bruce’s game of late has been his propensity to strike out. While he’s always been known to pile on strikeouts throughout the year, this year, he’s almost on pace to eclipse his previous high of 185 that he achieved just last season.

Also, for the first time in his entire career, Jay Bruce has a fielding percentage of less than .900. He’s currently at .875. The current average fielding percentage throughout the league in right field is .993. 

It’s understandable why Bryan Price gave Bruce they day off on Monday’s opener against the Brewers. On the season, Bruce is hitting just .176/.263/.294 against the division rivals.

He was on the DL the last time the Reds played the Nationals (who the Reds play after Milwaukee), so there’s nothing on the books to project performance in that series.

Against the Arizona Diamondbacks this year, the team the Reds will face after the Nationals, Bruce is hitting just .200/.273/.200. Then the Reds will play two teams they haven’t seen yet this season: Miami Marlins and the Cleveland Indians.

That makes the short-term prognosis on Bruce not very positive, especially when you consider the Nationals and their No. 1 ERA in baseball (per ESPN.com/MLB).

But while the immediate future looks grim, the Reds will need their young slugger to snap out of whatever he’s going through. With reportedly five weeks to go before either Votto or Phillips return, the onus will fall on Jay Bruce to be the left-handed bat who keeps the Reds within striking distance until the team is whole again.

All statistics courtesy of Baseball-reference.com unless otherwise noted.

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Fact: Derek Jeter’s start vs. Cincinnati was his 2,610th career start at shortstop, passing Omar Vizquel (2,609) for the all-time MLB record.

Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Fact of the day, presented by Coors Light.

Source: Elias Sports, h/t Yankees PR Dept.

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Fact: The most runs scored by a team in an MLB game is 36 runs by the Chicago Colts vs. the Louisville Colonels. The AL record and post-1900 record is the Texas Rangers’ 30 runs vs. the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Fact of the day, presented by Coors Light.

Source: Baseball Almanac, MLB.com

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The Boston Red Sox have had a very disappointing 2014 season.

Their offense, projected to be one of baseball’s best before the year began, ranks just 26th in the majors in runs scored with 354. Their rotation, which boasts veteran depth and promising rookie contributors, ranks at just 23rd in baseball, with a collective ERA of 4.11. And the Red Sox’s fielding—so good a year ago—has been noticeably poorer this year, as is evidenced by the 56 errors Boston has committed so far.

Yet amid all of the poor performances that have led to Boston’s 42-51 record, the back end of the bullpen has been phenomenal. All-Star closer Koji Uehara has been a huge part of that, of course, and has further solidified his reputation as one of the best relievers in baseball.

But left-handed setup man Andrew Miller is having just as impressive a year, and it’s Miller who could serve as the Red Sox’s closer of the future.

When you think of where Miller was just a few seasons ago, his transformation is fairly remarkable.

When the Red Sox acquired Miller before the 2011 season, they took him on as a major reclamation project and as a starting pitcher. Miller has always had phenomenal stuff, but a lack of command plagued him throughout his career as a starter.

After posting a 5.54 ERA for the Red Sox in 2011—a year in which he made 12 starts—Miller transitioned into a reliever role, where he’s been ever since.

Miller was good in relief in 2012 and 2013, striking out a ton of batters and posting a solid ERA, but he was still walking around five batters per nine innings. That prevented him from truly reaching the upper echelon of elite relievers in the game despite some eye-popping strikeout numbers (99 in 71 innings).

This year, however, Miller has dropped his walk rate to a career-low 2.78, and the effect that’s had on his stat line is dramatic. Take a look at how Miller stacks up to the average reliever this year:

Those numbers are why FanGraphs has Miller as the 10th-most valuable reliever in the game this year, tied with Pat Neshek, Uehara and Steve Cishek with a 1.3 fWAR and less than half a win behind FanGraphs‘ third-best reliever, Aroldis Chapman. Uehara earned the All-Star nod because he’s the closer, but Miller deserves to be there, too.

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, both Uehara and Miller are free agents after the season. While you have to assume Boston would like to bring both back, one or both could be traded at the deadline this season, and retaining the services of both could prove quite expensive.

Yet as crazy as it sounds, while Miller and Uehara have been equally efficient this season, and while Uehara has been better for longer and on a brighter stage, there’s reason to prefer Miller moving forward.

Perhaps most obviously, Miller is just 29, while Uehara is 39 and generally not able to pitch back-to-back games. Uehara has a history of shoulder trouble, while Miller’s injuries generally haven’t been related to his arm. And while Miller walks more batters than Uehara, he also strikes out more batters and induces more ground balls.

It’s fair to argue that we don’t know that Miller will be able to hold down the ninth inning with regularity, but we also don’t know that he can’t. And while there’s some additional mental pressure that comes with closing out games, it’s not like Miller isn’t used to pitching in high-leverage situations with the game on the line regularly.

Bringing back Uehara and Miller for another run in 2015 is something the Red Sox would be wise to consider, but if they can truly only retain one, it would be perfectly reasonable for them to choose Miller over their standout closer. At best, Uehara probably has one or two seasons remaining, while Miller could pitch for the better part of the next decade.

While major contracts for relievers are rarely a good idea, a three-year contract for Miller could make sense for both sides. Miller hinted to Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal that he’d like to return to Boston, but the two sides haven’t discussed a deal so far.

Perhaps Miller prefers to close and will seek that opportunity elsewhere. He’s certainly earned it with his performance over the past three years.

But the odds are decent that Miller will get that chance in Boston in fairly short order, too. And if Miller is to serve as the Red Sox closer in the future, the Red Sox will be in good hands.

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Fact: Masahiro Tanaka became the first Yankees rookie to win 12 games by the All-Star break.

Source: ESPN Stats & Info

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When Brock Holt does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up: He’s pushing the earth down.

Brock Holt doesn’t call the wrong number. You answer the wrong phone.

Brock Holt does not sleep. He waits.

Sure, all these “facts” may originally have been attributed to Chuck Norris. But after an absurd start to the 2014 season, Holt is becoming a legend in his own right, serving as one of the lone bright spots for the Boston Red Sox this year.

Holt’s success, versatility and all-out style of play have endeared him to the fanbase, and there’s no doubting that he’s been a hugely important piece for the Red Sox this year. Yet the suddenness with which he’s burst onto the scene has many asking a reasonable question: Is Brock Holt good enough to be a legitimate major league starter, or is he merely another flash in the plan headed for serious regression?

A look at the numbers suggests that those two outcomes may not be mutually exclusive.

Holt is hitting .323/.363/.446 through 202 plate appearances this year, hitting two homers and 13 doubles and going 5-of-6 in stolen base attempts. Not bad for the player considered to be the throw-in in the Joel Hanrahan/Mark Melancon trade.

However, Holt’s ISO sits at just .124, and his strikeout and walk rates are 19.3 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively. Holt’s batted ball numbers, courtesy of FanGraphs, help to explain why he’s been so successful despite his modest power and average strikeout-to-walks ratio.

Those of you familiar with BABIP will note immediately that Holt’s due for some serious regression here. He might have a slightly above-average hit tool, but he’s nowhere near good enough to sustain a BABIP near .400 for the entire year. More of the balls he puts into play should turn into outs as the year progresses, and his average will drop accordingly.

One good sign, though, is that Holt’s line-drive percentage is significantly higher than the league average. That generally means that he is making good contact, and high line-drive rates tend to correlate with higher BABIPs, so the regression may not be quite as steep as we think.

Holt’s ground-ball and fly-ball rates also suggest that he’s playing to his strengths, using his ability to generate hard contact and his decent speed by hitting the ball on a line or into the ground. Holt’s power is a weakness, so the fewer balls he hits in the air, the better.

Overall, these advanced stats paint a picture of a player who’s due to fall back down to Earth a bit, but in a controlled descent rather than a nosedive. Holt isn’t this good, but we shouldn’t expect him to be bad, either.

And while he was never considered much of a prospect in the minors, the one thing he’s always done is get on base. Holt’s career MiLB slash line in 2,070 plate appearances is .307/.372/.410, and that includes his .304/.367/.385 line in 556 career plate appearances in Triple-A.

Holt may not bring much power to the table, but he can hit for average. If he works on improving his walk rate in the major leagues, he should warrant playing time with his bat in Boston moving forward, even if he’s eventually moved out of the leadoff spot.

Yet Holt’s bat might not be his greatest attribute at the major league level. Instead, his calling card will most likely prove to be his versatility.

Holt has played 23 games at third base, seven games at first base and 15 games in the outfield for Boston this year, shifting between all three outfield positions. He has extensive experience as a second baseman and a shortstop in the minor leagues, and while he’s an emergency-only option at short, he seems to be able to play all other six positions adequately.

It’s hard to overstate what type of value that brings to a team at a time when 12 roster spots are usually reserved for pitchers. Not only does Holt’s versatility allow John Farrell to find ways to play him every day, but it should eventually let the Red Sox cut Jonathan Herrera once Will Middlebrooks returns.

And while “intangibles” are often mocked—and sometimes rightfully so—many in the Red Sox organization are quick to cite Holt’s work ethic, and we’ve heard nothing but praise for his attitude and preparation.

Farrell told Over The Monster’s Joon Lee:

The best way to wrap it up, he’s a good baseball player…I say that in general, but he understands the game, he’s athletic, he’s got speed, I think he’s improve his basestealing and his overall baserunning from the time we got him here. I think more than anything he’s really flourishing in the flexibility we’re providing for him.

So yes, Holt is due for some regression. He’s not likely to hit above .300 at the MLB level. He’s not likely to lead off for a contender for a full season. And he may find himself sitting against tough lefties once the league adjusts to his sudden success.

But Holt is going to be a major league player for a long time, and whether that comes as a starter or as a “super utility” player, it’s a valuable profile nonetheless. He can play every corner position on the diamond. He’s decent in center field or at second base. And his best position may be standing at the plate.

Not much has gone right for the Red Sox in 2014, but Holt gives us something to root for now and in the years to come.

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Fact: Tony Gwynn is the San Diego Padres’ all-time leader in games, batting average, hits, RBI, runs, walks, stolen bases and wins above replacement.

Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Fact of the day, presented by Coors Light.

Source: ESPN Stats and Info

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Fact: Kyle Seager is the first player in Mariners history with a home run and two triples in the same game.

Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Fact of the day, presented by Coors Light.

Source: ESPN Stats & Info 

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The Baltimore Orioles (23-22) have finally come to a skid in the road on their path to securing a division title and a postseason berth.

As was to be expected, the Orioles’ weaknesses of an underperforming offense and an unreliable starting rotation are finally catching up to them, as they are 3-7 over their last 10 games played, which included a three-game sweep at the hands of the visiting Detroit Tigers early last week.

The offense will eventually come around to playing up to their potential as every piece of their optimal lineup is currently healthy, with the lone exception being Matt Wieters, who is currently still on the DL with a right elbow strain and won’t be activated even when he becomes eligible on May 26. Manny Machado could possibly be back on the DL as well, as he left last night’s contest with right groin stiffness.

However, the Orioles still have holes to patch up in the pitching department and they could call upon one of their top prospects in Kevin Gausman again or bring up any of the other pitching prospects to improve upon a bullpen that ranks 14th in the majors.

It’s been a mix of performances for the Orioles’ top 10 prospects in Week 7, which includes a recent draftee’s bat heating up and a few highly rated right-handers leaving the mound early with high run totals.

Prospect rankings according to BaseballAmerica.com.

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.

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The reason why the Reds are three games below .500 and six games back of the first place Milwaukee Brewers has little to do with offense. According to the numbers, the Reds are just under par when it comes to National League offenses.

They’re near the bottom of the NL in terms of cumulative runs scored (No. 13), but top seven or better in several other categories.

The team batting average (.249) is No. 7 in the NL, in front of both Milwaukee and St. Louis. Their OBP (.321) is No. 4 in the NL, in front of every NL Central rival. In terms of strikeouts, only one team in the NL strikes out less than the Reds.

They are on the low end of extra-base hits (89), but they’re just 11 short of Milwaukee (100), and the Brewers are tied with several other teams for the fourth most extra-base hits in the NL. 

So while the offense isn’t great by any means, it’s not barren. And the early portion of the schedule has been littered with exceptional opposition pitching. The difference so far in this young 2014 season is the Reds bullpen.

Some daunting numbers plague a facet of this team that has traditionally been a staple. The Reds bullpen sits at 2-8 with a 4.40 ERA. That’s officially tied for the worst win/loss bullpen ratio in baseball. In fact, just one team has more bullpen losses than the Reds.

The 4.40 bullpen ERA is No. 25 in baseball. The ERA might be that large because of the Reds’ bullpen inability to strike batters out. At just 65 strikeouts on the year, the Reds’ bullpen is officially dead last in strikeouts (No. 30).

Opponents are hitting .258 off this bullpen, which is the sixth worst opponent batting average in baseball. That’s just partially why the Reds’ bullpen WHIP is the second worst in MLB. With a WHIP of 1.33, only the Houston Astros are worse.

WHIP can be described as a measure of stress, which might explain why Reds fans have been so stressed whenever the ball is turned over to the ‘pen. It’s the amount of walks and hits allowed per inning. The above means the Reds have not experienced a lot of easy innings under the bullpen.

The bullpen is probably in its current state due to massive preseason injuries to both setup men, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton, as well closer Aroldis Chapman. These three injuries produced a chain reaction that ended with the Reds relying on guys like Nick Christiani (4.91 ERA), Logan Ondrusek (6.48), J.J. Hoover (9.31) and Trevor Bell (67.50).

And even though guys like Ondrusek and Hoover were in the blueprint, they probably wouldn’t have been pitching in favor of Marshall, Broxton and Chapman late in close games. And the Reds have had plenty of those, having already lost an MLB-leading 11 one-run ball games.

There is hope, though. Despite poor numbers, the Reds bullpen has pitched in just 73.2 innings. That is remarkable, considering the next bullpen to throw the least amount of innings is Atlanta, a bullpen that has pitched in just over 87 innings.

Bullpen innings pitched is a significant stat. Last season, just two of the top-10 teams in bullpen innings pitched made the playoffs. In 2012, just three teams in the top 10 teams in bullpen innings pitched went on the postseason.

In 2011, zero. In 2010, just two—one being the Reds, who were steamrolled by the Phillies in a first round sweep. 

The low amount of innings pitched is a faded silver lining to an overall disastrous problem. Given the starting pitching, the offense doesn’t need to boast big numbers. The Reds are in a strong position to win baseball games because of their ability to limit runs scored against them. For now, that changes as soon as the bullpen gate opens. 

All stats courtesy of ESPN.com

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