Comments on: Um, Who’s the Backup SS? http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/ A Cincinnati Reds Blog | Dishing out hot, creamy bowls of bloggy goodness Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:51:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Brandon http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016182 Brandon Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:47:50 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016182 When Gonzo gets back I'd say Hopper is the odd man out...I hate to say that because I really like him but he isn't exactly sniffing much of the field, Thom Brennaman noticed this other day as well. I prefer Hopper over Freel because I just cringe when Freel starts swinging the bat but I know many people have differing opinions of that...but I think you'd have to say one of them is drawing the short straw when Alex gets back. I want to know how they're going to figure out the Ross situation with Bako swinging the bat well, is Valentin the odd man out? When Gonzo gets back I’d say Hopper is the odd man out…I hate to say that because I really like him but he isn’t exactly sniffing much of the field, Thom Brennaman noticed this other day as well. I prefer Hopper over Freel because I just cringe when Freel starts swinging the bat but I know many people have differing opinions of that…but I think you’d have to say one of them is drawing the short straw when Alex gets back. I want to know how they’re going to figure out the Ross situation with Bako swinging the bat well, is Valentin the odd man out?

]]> By: Brandon http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016180 Brandon Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:44:01 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016180 I don't really see the big deal either, it's not like Keppinger would sit out more than a game a week (not even that often) for rest. Surely Freel/Phillips/Hairston...somebody can get us through 2 or 3 games at short without a bunch of errors. I don’t really see the big deal either, it’s not like Keppinger would sit out more than a game a week (not even that often) for rest. Surely Freel/Phillips/Hairston…somebody can get us through 2 or 3 games at short without a bunch of errors.

]]> By: jason1972 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016163 jason1972 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:17:41 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016163 He is being replaced by Walt Jocketty. A press conference is to be held this afternoon. He is being replaced by Walt Jocketty. A press conference is to be held this afternoon.

]]> By: jason1972 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016162 jason1972 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:15:59 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016162 The Cincinnati Enquirer just reported that Wayne Krivsky has been fired. The Cincinnati Enquirer just reported that Wayne Krivsky has been fired.

]]> By: Tampa Red http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016130 Tampa Red Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:19:45 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016130 Chris makes an excellent point, and one that has been nagging at me. Individually, I don't have a real problem with the makeup of the bench. But taken as a whole, it has some flaws. I don't see how you can go all season with 3 catchers (even though one is a switch-hitter who can play first), two left-handed 1B's and 3 guys (Hopper, Freel and Hairston) who who are remarkably similiar. Nothing against any of these players at all, but to round out the bench, I think either Hatteburg or Valentin need to be moved, and Hopper as well. If it were my team, I'd get what I could for Valentin and Hopper and keep Hatteburg as my lefty PH specialist. I'd then bring up Andy Phillips and Paul Janish until Gonzalez got healthy. Chris makes an excellent point, and one that has been nagging at me.

Individually, I don’t have a real problem with the makeup of the bench. But taken as a whole, it has some flaws.

I don’t see how you can go all season with 3 catchers (even though one is a switch-hitter who can play first), two left-handed 1B’s and 3 guys (Hopper, Freel and Hairston) who who are remarkably similiar.

Nothing against any of these players at all, but to round out the bench, I think either Hatteburg or Valentin need to be moved, and Hopper as well.

If it were my team, I’d get what I could for Valentin and Hopper and keep Hatteburg as my lefty PH specialist. I’d then bring up Andy Phillips and Paul Janish until Gonzalez got healthy.

]]> By: Chris http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016122 Chris Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:08:54 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016122 It's not a big deal if it's for a week. It's a big deal if they plan to go without a backup SS for the entire season. Freel and Hairston are as valid options at SS as Hatteberg is behind the plate - <em>maybe</em> good enough to finish a game, but you can't start them there. Just an odd roster all around: * 3 catchers (when Ross returns) * 2 lefty 1bs * 3 short, fast, RH outfielders * 3 "starting" OFs who hit from the left side It’s not a big deal if it’s for a week. It’s a big deal if they plan to go without a backup SS for the entire season. Freel and Hairston are as valid options at SS as Hatteberg is behind the plate – maybe good enough to finish a game, but you can’t start them there.

Just an odd roster all around:
* 3 catchers (when Ross returns)
* 2 lefty 1bs
* 3 short, fast, RH outfielders
* 3 “starting” OFs who hit from the left side

]]> By: Andy http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016120 Andy Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:59:16 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016120 I don't really see what the big deal is , especially since everybody has been calling Castro dead weight since the beginning of spring training. We've got guys that can fill-in in a pinch, and if Kep goes down for an extended period of time, we can always call a glove up from the farm as mentioned above. I don’t really see what the big deal is , especially since everybody has been calling Castro dead weight since the beginning of spring training. We’ve got guys that can fill-in in a pinch, and if Kep goes down for an extended period of time, we can always call a glove up from the farm as mentioned above.

]]> By: beavertucky http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016119 beavertucky Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:58:19 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016119 gonzalez would be an ideal candidate for a bench player to spell kepp, or when kepp is used at 1B when hatteberg is gone. gives us a little rh pop off the bench, and a late inning defensive replacement...that's a pretty big chunk of change to pay a bench player, but i don't see how you take the job away from kepp at this point. gonzalez would be an ideal candidate for a bench player to spell kepp, or when kepp is used at 1B when hatteberg is gone. gives us a little rh pop off the bench, and a late inning defensive replacement…that’s a pretty big chunk of change to pay a bench player, but i don’t see how you take the job away from kepp at this point.

]]> By: Tampa Red http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016111 Tampa Red Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:36:34 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016111 Bill: I really don't think Gonzo's contract is overpriced. I'm going off of memory, but it seems like he makes about $5 million a year. For a really good defensive SS with some pop in his bat, that's a pretty reasonable contract. And it's only for one more year. If/when he gets healthy and goes out on a rehab assignement, I can see plenty of interest in Gonzalez by other teams. I'm not sure I would trade him. As impressed as I have been by Keppinger, I can't help but think of Chris Stynes(?). I need another 50 games and 200 AB's before I will be a TRUE believer. Bill:

I really don’t think Gonzo’s contract is overpriced. I’m going off of memory, but it seems like he makes about $5 million a year.

For a really good defensive SS with some pop in his bat, that’s a pretty reasonable contract. And it’s only for one more year.

If/when he gets healthy and goes out on a rehab assignement, I can see plenty of interest in Gonzalez by other teams.

I’m not sure I would trade him. As impressed as I have been by Keppinger, I can’t help but think of Chris Stynes(?). I need another 50 games and 200 AB’s before I will be a TRUE believer.

]]> By: John http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016110 John Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:27:49 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016110 I was gonna say...it's not like they have no shortstops in the organization. Do what most other teams would do and call up someone like Janish. I was gonna say…it’s not like they have no shortstops in the organization. Do what most other teams would do and call up someone like Janish.

]]> By: Mark in CC http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016106 Mark in CC Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:14:59 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016106 Louisville SS Paul Janish has a big league glove and is on the 40 man roster. Not going to hit big but could get by for a week or two if needed. Louisville SS Paul Janish has a big league glove and is on the 40 man roster. Not going to hit big but could get by for a week or two if needed.

]]> By: Mr. Redlegs http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016102 Mr. Redlegs Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:06:11 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016102 Janish is on the 40-man, so he'd likely get the call. But remember: Baker really liked Rosales in the spring. Narron tried Phillips at SS a few games near the end of 2006, and while he had only one error, I believe, the assessment was he didn't charge well and, particularly, his first step wasn't that quick for a SS. Shortstops coming out of high school and college are often switched to more natural positions. Scouts love the athleticism of these guys. I believe Eric Davis was a shortstop. So was Ryne Sandberg. Just because they played the position even at the high levels of the minors doesn't mean it's their best majors position. The Reds went through this with Oester. You find a guy who is Gold Glove quality at a position you really don't mess with that. Janish is on the 40-man, so he’d likely get the call. But remember: Baker really liked Rosales in the spring.

Narron tried Phillips at SS a few games near the end of 2006, and while he had only one error, I believe, the assessment was he didn’t charge well and, particularly, his first step wasn’t that quick for a SS.

Shortstops coming out of high school and college are often switched to more natural positions. Scouts love the athleticism of these guys. I believe Eric Davis was a shortstop. So was Ryne Sandberg. Just because they played the position even at the high levels of the minors doesn’t mean it’s their best majors position. The Reds went through this with Oester. You find a guy who is Gold Glove quality at a position you really don’t mess with that.

]]> By: Joel http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016101 Joel Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:05:03 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016101 The more important question: Who is the 5th center fielder???? What happens if Freel, Hopper, Patterson, and Hairston all collide with each other? You laugh, but if Freel's involved it's not out of the realm of possibility. The more important question: Who is the 5th center fielder???? What happens if Freel, Hopper, Patterson, and Hairston all collide with each other? You laugh, but if Freel’s involved it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

]]> By: beavertucky http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016095 beavertucky Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:49:11 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016095 hairston was playing ss in l'ville before being called up, so i'd bet it's him, though i would hope not for long...who else could they pull from the minors to play in a pinch? hairston was playing ss in l’ville before being called up, so i’d bet it’s him, though i would hope not for long…who else could they pull from the minors to play in a pinch?

]]> By: GregD http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016066 GregD Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:10:19 +0000 http://redlegnation.com/2008/04/22/um-whos-the-backup-ss/#comment-1016066 Phillips played mostly SS in the minors up until his first promotion to the bigs. He played 2B with Cleveland because Omar Vizquel was at SS. When he got sent back down, he split time between 2B and SS with Johnny Peralta splitting time between SS and 3B. Peralta got the call to play SS for Cleveland when Vizquel left, and Phillips was eventually traded to Cincinnati. Why he's played so few games at SS in Cincinnati, I still don't quite get. Freel's played some SS in the minors, but it's been a little over 10 years since he had more than a couple of games in a seasons at that position. Hairston's experience is similar to Freel's. Last played there in more than a couple of games back in 1997/98. Phillips played mostly SS in the minors up until his first promotion to the bigs. He played 2B with Cleveland because Omar Vizquel was at SS. When he got sent back down, he split time between 2B and SS with Johnny Peralta splitting time between SS and 3B. Peralta got the call to play SS for Cleveland when Vizquel left, and Phillips was eventually traded to Cincinnati. Why he’s played so few games at SS in Cincinnati, I still don’t quite get.

Freel’s played some SS in the minors, but it’s been a little over 10 years since he had more than a couple of games in a seasons at that position.

Hairston’s experience is similar to Freel’s. Last played there in more than a couple of games back in 1997/98.

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