Locked On Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are making strategic moves with the hiring of Chris Valaika as their new hitting coach, aiming to enhance their MLB performance by reducing strikeouts, a skill he honed with the Cleveland Guardians. This episode explores Terry Francona's philosophy on player development, emphasizing patience with young talents like Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who are pivotal to the Reds' future. Host Jeff Carr engages with the new Locked On A's podcast host to reminisce about the 1990 World Series, highlighting Eric Davis' memorable home run and discussing the ongoing challenges both the Reds and the Oakland A's face in returning to the World Series. The conversation underscores the importance of developing young talent internally, a crucial strategy for small-market teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the A's. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion about the Reds' strategic direction and player development—listen now to gain a deeper understanding of their journey and future prospe