Opening Day Countdown: Quintessential Red #63

Yes, the #63 is exactly who it should be today. Let's go.

5. Adam Pettyjohn (-0.5 WAR)

Adam Pettyjohn is one of those guys who seems like he was around forever, but surprisingly enough, he only spent parts of 2 seasons in the big leagues. The longtime Tigers farmhand, he had a quick stint with the Reds in 2008 after 7 years away from the big leagues. It didn't go too well, as he gave up 9 runs in 4 innings. Oh well.

4. Buck Coats (-0.1 WAR)

Remember him? Ah, the good old days, when guys with adult film names occupied the Reds bench. Coats actually spent the bulk of his career in Cincinnati, but only managed to put up a .206/.263/.324 line in 38 PA.

3. Dernell Stenson (0.1 WAR)

Stenson was actually a pretty promising player, making his debut at age 25 in 2003. He ended up with a .247/.333/.420 line, with 3 homers in the 2003 season. Unfortunately, his career and life were cut short in the offseason after that, as he was murdered as part of a robbery gone bad. Awful story.

2. Chris Michalak (0.3 WAR)

The one we affectionately called Chris Michahalakahalaka at Red Reporter, Michalak made a comeback at age 35 after 4 years out of the big leagues. Before then, he had been mostly well known as a starter in Toronto, but the Reds were hurting for a starter in 2006. He debuted with a pretty good relief appearance, but only got out of the 5th inning in one of his 6 starts.

1. Sam LeCure (3.0 WAR)

Who else? Bad ass Sam has held down #63 for the past 4 years, and will (likely) add two more to that based on the deal he just got. He's been worth more to the Reds every season, and has become a go-to guy in higher leverage situations as he's progressed. Keep it goin, Sammy.