Reds: No need for speed means Jesse Winker should bat leadoff

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 31: Jesse Winker #33 of the Cincinnati Reds bats. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Baseball traditionalists are not going to like what I have to say, but the days of insisting speed must be at the top of the order are long gone. The stolen base is basically nonexistent in today’s game, and the Cincinnati Reds roster is certainly not built to swipe many bags. Jesse Winker should bat leadoff for the Reds.

The most important aspect of hitting first in the batting order is the ability to reach base. While Shogo Akiyama may be best equipped to handle the leadoff duties, a hamstring injury will prevent him from being on the Opening Day roster. As a result, Reds manager…