Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
When the Cincinnati Reds got Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians in a huge three team trade this past off-season it seemed pretty clear that whoever got the better part of the deal, it wasn’t the Reds. However as the season has developed, Choo has delivered clutch hits, great defense and all around good hitting. He has made everyone forget why the Reds were said to have not gotten the better part of the deal. Whatever most may say, the Reds got a fine deal and I’m sure they would make the move again if given the chance.
Choo has been great in clutch situations and is a real force to be reckoned with at the top of the order. He might not steal bases like a typical lead-off guy but for certain he is good at getting hits and setting the table for the guys behind him. In the way of recognition Choo has received the Reds version of the Heart and Hustle Award which means he and the selection from each of the other teams have a chance at the overall MLB Heart and Hustle award this year.
He deserves it for sure. Though the names of Jay Bruce and Joey Votto get thrown around a lot for great reasons, Choo is every bit as large of a part of that offense as the sluggers are. The fact that he was chosen from the Reds roster might serve as motivation for Choo to do even more of the same. The better he plays and the more he is on base, the better the Reds chances of staying out in front of the last wildcard spot.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
