Krivsky offers Twins peek
Reds insider
The firing of Chris Chambliss was the latest move in the "Minnesota-ization" of the Reds. If the Minnesota-ization continues we could see bigger moves.
Let's explain the Minnesota-ization theory.
Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky worked for the Twins for 11 years before coming to the Reds. Minnesota GM Terry Ryan has had more influence on Krivsky than anyone in baseball.
So it stands to reason that Krivsky is trying to rebuild the Reds in the Twins' mold - given the success of the franchise.
The Reds were the antithesis of the Twins offensively under Chambliss.
All you have to do is take a look at the final stats for this season to see that.
The Twins led the American League in batting average. They struck out fewer times than any team in the AL. They were 13th in home runs. And they were fourth in the AL in sacrifice flies.
The Reds were second last in the National League in batting average. They struck out more than all but four teams in the NL. They were second in home runs. And they were 14th in the NL in sacrifice flies.
The Twins won 95 games; the Reds 80.
Krivsky said the Chambliss move wasn't a change in philosophy. But two days after Chambliss was fired the club hired Ronnie Ortegon to replace Leon Roberts as the minor-league hitting coordinator.
Sounds like the club wants a different approach to hitting.
"There are a lot of different ideas about hitting," Krivsky said. "I just want to win."
But he admits an aversion to strikeouts.
"I don't like strikeouts," he said. "I'd give up home runs for (fewer) strikeouts."
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