In order to truly transform the Cincinnati Reds offense, they don't just need protection for Elly De La Cruz; they also need table setters for him to drive in. With De La Cruz occupying the third spot in the order, the big question that remains unanswered so far is who should the No. 2 hitter be? If we're deciding based solely on early spring training results, the easy answer seems to be Matt McLain.
De La Cruz is the Reds' offensive engine. Their success at the plate depends not only on how De La Cruz performs, but also on how they directly support him.