GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Throughout the course of last year, Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price kept an eye on what was happening with the Cleveland Indians at the opposite end of the state of Ohio. Sure, Indians manager Terry Francona was getting creative with his bullpen, but he was also getting creative with his lineup.
Starting 85 games in the leadoff spot was slugger Carlos Santana, a guy not known for his speed on the bases or athleticism. But he did get on base, posting a .385 on-base percentage hitting atop the order in 2016.
It got Price thinking.