Wittenmyer & Williams It is a regular point/corner column for Enquirer Reds reporter Gordon Wittenmyer and sports columnist Jason Williams. This week, they weighed Jeimer Candelario's bench and manager Terry Francona's win-win approach.

Williams: What you said to Noelvi Marte in spring training made him the second arrival of Alex Bregman when we entered May. Honestly, I didn’t expect that I would see Matt in the major leagues with this team.

Wittenmyer: The conversations held at the clubhouse remain at the buddy's clubhouse. But seriously, after what we saw last year, you don't think you're wrong, obviously, Marte has a lot to prove, and the new manager sends him to the minors to start the season. Marte takes advantage of the opportunity when he is summoned, which deserves praise.

Williams: Let's settle here. Marte still has a lot to prove, especially after beating his rookie season at 80 steroid suspensions, then 66 games look like he isn't ready for the game. And he is here now only because of his injury.

Wittenmyer: But the reason he stayed is because he made the most of this opportunity. His greatest chance now is named Jeimer Candelario.

Williams: Don't let me start, the biggest waste of the Reds since Mike Moustakas.

Wittenmyer: So far, you are right about this. Candelario is one of the biggest question marks of the season, as he suffered from all injuries and production in his first season with the Reds last year. His biggest problem at the moment is probably the 45 million playing time for a guy who hits 113.

Williams: Maybe he should buy him an unconditional release. This is a guy who scored three hits in the first four hits of the season and has 20 games since. It's time for the Red Army to reduce losses. We've seen enough of this guy.

Wittenmyer: It may be too early. But it's certain that the new manager has seen enough of it. Terry Francona said on Monday that he mentioned the day before that Candelario is now on the bench.

Williams: Well, it's time.

Wittenmyer: In fact, timing may say a lot about the manager and how he wins, just like anything else.

Williams: How difficult is it to be the worst player on a substitute team?

Wittenmyer: Correct. But my point is that for new veterans’ managers, the more common way is to give them more time. Maybe this was not taken until mid-May. Francona didn’t waste time trying to make the most of his roster, which is part of the reason they hired him. Just ask Alexis Diaz. Francona has been relegated to the 2023 All-Star from a closer position before the start of the season.

Williams: These should have been done a long time ago. This is part of the problem last season. Don't worry about hurting people's feelings. Francona said from day one: “It’s pleasant to play the game correctly and try to kick someone else’s ass.” To follow this means keeping the player in charge and making tough decisions. I like it. Hopefully Reds fans can do it as well if they see it.

Wittenmyer: This is why this team disappeared last year, and some players even admit it. But here’s the thing about these tough decisions: Francona brings tough love to the process. Check out Marte. He didn't bury that guy. That's easy to do. He gave the guy a chance to prove himself. When he did this, he gave him a chance to compete and he has paid off for the last three weeks at least.

Williams: It's only been a month since we've seen the results of introducing a Hall of Fame manager. The Reds entered a game on Tuesday and secured a record-breaking end in April. It's not bad for a team that doesn't have a closer distance and on the bench with the highest salary.

Wittenmyer: Make you wonder what he will do in the next five months, especially if the front desk can add on the transaction deadline.