-
Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Sweet on Franicsco, Frazier and Valaika
Posted by jfay September 26th, 2009, 5:52 pm
Louisville manager Rick Sweet is with the Reds for this series, I talked to him about Juan Francisco, Todd Frazier and Chris Valaika:
–Francisco: Fans are getting a look at Francisco at the plate. He’s looked good so far. He’s hitting ht, hitting .462 with a home run and four RBI in 13 at-bats. Francisco combined to hit .295 with 27 homers and 93 RBI at Double-A and Triple-A this year.
But Francisco plays third base. The Reds have Scott Rolen there. Francisco did play some left field for Sweet.
“He was all right,” Sweet said. “To be quite honest, I was surprised. I don’t know it but we had worked him out there before. So he had some experience. He made all the plays. In fact, he made a couple of plays where he had to run a long way. His routes were good to the ball, which is an instinctual thing. I put guys out and you’d see them go for balls and say: This ain’t going to work. You didn’t say that with him.”
Francisco will go to the Instructional League to work on his outfield skills.
–Frazier: The Reds moved him to second base midway through this year. He’s played first, shortstop third and outfield as well. The transition to second hasn’t been easy.
“He’s rough,” Sweet said. “I think that’s the best word. In fact, he’s in Instructional League right now. He’s rough.
“But if you understand what kind of player he’s going to be, you can smooth that out. I think the biggest thing is he can hit. What we’re trying to do is figure out where he’ll fit best. I don’t think he’s a utility guy. He’s young enough that we’re going to have to sit down and make the decision. He’s good enough that he could play if that’s what we decide to do.”
Frazier combined to hit .292 with 45 doubles, 16 home runs and 77 RBI at Double-A and Triple-A this year.
–Valaika: Valaika started off terribly. He hit .161 in April and May. He then missed time with a broken hand – the result of hitting a water cooler in frustration.
“The time off helped him,” Sweet said. “He was really struggling – big time. He had never struggled in his life. I think when he got hurt he stepped back and said: This isn’t me. When he came back, he hit and had good at-bats.”
Valaika finished up by hitting .299 in August and September.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
they've really screwed up the Frazier thing. three years to think about it and they still can't do it.
ol' princeton saw this a long while back, and at least had a plan. the Reds seem to go it month by month.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
they have to make some key decisions in 2010, just like when they had the crown jewels, youve got to get rid of the right guys IMO.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
The whole Frazier thing makes little sense to me.
With Phillips on the Reds, why are they force feeding second base to Frazier?
Only possible answer I can think of is that they feel he won't be a good third baseman or shortstop, that he may not hit enough for left field, but he could be a top offensive second baseman. But it is confusing.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kc61
The whole Frazier thing makes little sense to me.
With Phillips on the Reds, why are they force feeding second base to Frazier?
Only possible answer I can think of is that they feel he won't be a good third baseman or shortstop, that he may not hit enough for left field, but he could be a top offensive second baseman. But it is confusing.
Sweet says he's not a utility guy, but Frazier seems like an ideal supersub. His bat is playable anywhere (though 1B and LF may be a little over his head). At 2B, 3B and even SS he could get occassional playing time. Its not a bad thing to have a good hitter that can play a bunch of spots on the bench and keeping guys fresh with frequent rest. He could back-up 6 spots and with Bruce ability to get by in CF, he could back-up that spot as well with Bruce sliding over for a day.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mth123
Sweet says he's not a utility guy, but Frazier seems like an ideal supersub. His bat is playable anywhere (though 1B and LF may be a little over his head). At 2B, 3B and even SS he could get occassional playing time. Its not a bad thing to have a good hitter that can play a bunch of spots on the bench and keeping guys fresh with frequent rest. He could back-up 6 spots and with Bruce ability to get by in CF, he could back-up that spot as well with Bruce sliding over for a day.
Frazier had 45 doubles at two levels, 63 extra base hits altogether this year. I don't see him as a supersub, this guy should have a position.
Yes, for a year or two he could be on the Reds' bench, but you'd expect a team to be grooming Frazier to be a regular player. Maybe they see him as a supersub initially, then eventually, when Phillips gets too expensive, as a second baseman.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
If the Reds see him as a super sub we are looking at a dynasty in our future I guess.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kc61
Frazier had 45 doubles at two levels, 63 extra base hits altogether this year. I don't see him as a supersub, this guy should have a position.
Yes, for a year or two he could be on the Reds' bench, but you'd expect a team to be grooming Frazier to be a regular player. Maybe they see him as a supersub initially, then eventually, when Phillips gets too expensive, as a second baseman.
Depends on his defense. As a supersub they can get the benefit of his bat without he cumulative damage that having a subpar defender at a spot day-in and day-out provides. Especially a spot like 2B (or SS or 3B).
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Frazier's got a lot of talent I think he really needs a set position and regular playing time. That's not something he'd get as a supersub.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
which trade sounds better and more realistic?
Frazier and Valaika for Dan Uggla
Frazier and valaika for Yunel Escobar
Paul Janish and Matt Maloney for JJ Hardy
Frazier, Taveras, Lincoln for Johnny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
vottofan4life
which trade sounds better and more realistic?
Frazier and Valaika for Dan Uggla
Frazier and valaika for Yunel Escobar
Paul Janish and Matt Maloney for JJ Hardy
Frazier, Taveras, Lincoln for Johnny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera
How would Peralta AND Cabrera fit with the team? Cause we'd still have Rolen, Phillips, and Votto as locks? Could one play LF?
If those are the options...
1 Escobar after an inteview would be prefered, he's shown a bit more to fit what we need as long as Duhhhsty Baker is the manager (top of the order bat and good glove)
2 Im not sure how BOTH Peralta and Cabrera fit (may just be financial) but Peralta could really be helped by GABP, hit 20 hrs a couple times. Cabrera is a Switch hitter could help "balance" the lineup.
3 Buying "Low" on Hardy would come next, but I worry if he wouldnt be AGon part duex.
4 Which Uggla is the real Uggla? I can't see him succeeding in Cincy for the same reason Dunn was dispised by SOME. My valuation would increase if we were CERTAIN that Phillips could play SS at an above average level. It would be an expensive mistake to make this deal to find out that Phillips can't play SS well enough.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
I think the thread itself indicates what the Reds are up against in trying Frazier out here and there. His bat's too good for that of a supersub yet he has no clear position and so they've been trying to find him one, one that fits not only him but the configuration of people they have around him. He's not going to play SS, C, CF, or, with Jay Bruce, RF. A move to 2b might make sense, if he's good enough defensively to move Phillips to SS in order to get his bat into the lineup. We now have a future Hall of Famer playing third, one whose coming off the DL is at least perfectly correlated chronologically with a 23-10 run by the team. And surely it must be in the FO's mind that our absolutely best offensive group for 2011 includes Alonso at 1b, Votto in LF, Francisco at 3b. And if Francisco can't play 3b, he's likely to go to LF, leaving Votto or Alonso to be traded (or maybe Francisco), with the return probably being a very good position player at one of the available spots. So 2b's probably what's left for Frazier if he's to be an everyday guy on this team.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
i think Frazier either gets traded or Phillips gets traded.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
I don't think Phillips gets traded and I don't think he gets moved to SS unless we have a really good glove to play 2b. I think that's what the Rolen for Encarnacion move was in large part about at 3b: the pitching staff deserves people who can catch the ball.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HokieRed
I don't think Phillips gets traded and I don't think he gets moved to SS unless we have a really good glove to play 2b. I think that's what the Rolen for Encarnacion move was in large part about at 3b: the pitching staff deserves people who can catch the ball.
Edwin never had a problem catching the ball. It was the throwing part that he didn't get.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
princeton
they've really screwed up the Frazier thing. three years to think about it and they still can't do it.
ol' princeton saw this a long while back, and at least had a plan. the Reds seem to go it month by month.
I can't recall your plan. Was it to attempt a move to catcher?
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
I gotta chuckle everytime I hear a deabte on Frazier at this point. He's a starter and one who would likely have 3rd base down right now if he was just allowed to play there. Terry Reynolds and company have really flubbed up his development moving him around everywhere. And yet the fans knowing this still wanting to play him at 2nd or as a supersub, all this conjecture without even 1 report of him not being capable of holding down 3rd base. And if someone suggested it I'd have to laugh, I see no good reason why he couldnt.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mario-Rijo
I gotta chuckle everytime I hear a deabte on Frazier at this point. He's a starter and one who would likely have 3rd base down right now if he was just allowed to play there. Terry Reynolds and company have really flubbed up his development moving him around everywhere. And yet the fans knowing this still wanting to play him at 2nd or as a supersub, all this conjecture without even 1 report of him not being capable of holding down 3rd base. And if someone suggested it I'd have to laugh, I see no good reason why he couldnt.
Reynolds has even said that they know Frazier can play 3B, which is why they have gotten him time just about everywhere else.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mario-Rijo
I gotta chuckle everytime I hear a deabte on Frazier at this point. He's a starter and one who would likely have 3rd base down right now if he was just allowed to play there. Terry Reynolds and company have really flubbed up his development moving him around everywhere. And yet the fans knowing this still wanting to play him at 2nd or as a supersub, all this conjecture without even 1 report of him not being capable of holding down 3rd base. And if someone suggested it I'd have to laugh, I see no good reason why he couldnt.
I'm not convinced. I don't see enough bat to hold down LF or 1B and my take on the Reds actions is that they seem to have questions whether he has enough glove to be worthy of anywhere else on a daily basis. If Francsico converts to the OF in the offseason, then Frazier likely plays 3B at AAA in 2010. If the Reds don't re-sign Rolen (or Rolen retires) I'd guess that Frazier gets first shot. But if Rolen comes back, Frazier's bat could be pretty darn valuable in 400 ABs while moving around to back-up as many as 7 positions. People act like that is some type of horrible fate for the guy. Good teams have good players for roles like that.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Agreed, mth. Frazier could play the Tony Phillips role, with less speed but more pop. And play it well. That, in itself, is quite valuable and something posters overlook (or choose to ignore in favor of telling everyone how important their opinion is).
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
In the short time I saw Frazier, I wouldn't depend on his defense at 3B. Francisco looked better.
But it was definitely a short sampling of his defensive skills.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
The thing about Rick Sweet, is he's just so valuable to the franchise at AAA. I'd hate to find his replacement. It'd be a lot easier to find a Major League Manager to replace Dusty, than it would be to find a replacement for Sweet at AAA. But, because the MLB team is so young, Sweet would actually be perfect right now.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
That is right, Sweet would be a great fit.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Scrap Irony
Agreed, mth. Frazier could play the Tony Phillips role, with less speed but more pop. And play it well. That, in itself, is quite valuable and something posters overlook (or choose to ignore in favor of telling everyone how important their opinion is).
He very well could be valuable in that role but problem is he doesn't have the range to play 2B or SS, CF & doesn't play Catcher. Votto & Bruce shouldn't be taking off a game every week so that leaves him with about 2-3 games a week in that role at best. Which is doing him and the team a disservice, not to mention his development. And frankly the Reds management/f.o. does not inspire confidence when it comes to knowing what they have.
And yeah everyone else has an opinion and is allowed to make it known be it good or bad, you sure don't have any problem giving us your opinion in a similiar fashion. Pot meet kettle...
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mth123
I'm not convinced. I don't see enough bat to hold down LF or 1B and my take on the Reds actions is that they seem to have questions whether he has enough glove to be worthy of anywhere else on a daily basis. If Francsico converts to the OF in the offseason, then Frazier likely plays 3B at AAA in 2010. If the Reds don't re-sign Rolen (or Rolen retires) I'd guess that Frazier gets first shot. But if Rolen comes back, Frazier's bat could be pretty darn valuable in 400 ABs while moving around to back-up as many as 7 positions. People act like that is some type of horrible fate for the guy. Good teams have good players for roles like that.
Why do we keep pigeon holing a 1st rounder just because the franchise does? Every other good prospect has pie in the sky futures apparently but somehow we have managed to turn this kid into a super utility guy already based on practically nothing but the poor evaluation skills of the F.O.
For starters if a team has power at non traditional positions (2B) then he doesn't have to lug around a typical LF's bat while playing there. He just has to find a way to be productive offensively while playing good defense somewhere on the field. He brings something special to the table beyond his solid talent and that's intangibles and a lack of any major weaknesses I think he's undervalued.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BEETTLEBUG
That is right, Sweet would be a great fit.
Agree big time Rick Sweet should be the Skip for the Red's:thumbup:
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mario-Rijo
Why do we keep pigeon holing a 1st rounder just because the franchise does? Every other good prospect has pie in the sky futures apparently but somehow we have managed to turn this kid into a super utility guy already based on practically nothing but the poor evaluation skills of the F.O.
For starters if a team has power at non traditional positions (2B) then he doesn't have to lug around a typical LF's bat while playing there. He just has to find a way to be productive offensively while playing good defense somewhere on the field. He brings something special to the table beyond his solid talent and that's intangibles and a lack of any major weaknesses I think he's undervalued.
Its not a question of pigeonholing, its a question of evaluating how he might fit best to make the Reds a good team. I just think at 1B, RF and LF the Reds need a bigger threat. Votto and Bruce provide two of those and Frazier could be the third, but I think you could get more production in LF w/o a lot of cost so why limit Frazier to LF when he has the ability to move around? You yourself said that Frazier doesn't really have the glove for 2B, SS, and CF and I agree. Playing him at those spots day in and day out would be the kind of thing that can do damage to a staff. It doesn't mean that he couldn't get the occasional start at 2B every couple weeks and an occassional start at SS in similar timing. So lets say they do that and between 2B and SS Frazier starts 25 -30 games throughout the year. In the OF, Frazier could play more. LF is probably his best spot at this point and he could probably also play RF. If Bruce could slide to CF with Frazier in RF it would give him the ability to back up all three spots out there. Lets say he could get a couple starts a week in the OF, that is another 50 - 55 games or so. Rolen is going to need fairly frequent rest at 3B. Say Frazier could play there once a week - another 25 starts or so. Throw in 10 to 15 starts a year at 1B while Votto rests and Frazier could start 100 to 110 games per year. Its not hard to see him as a guy who gets 400 ABs or so while providing a solid (but not spectacular) bat to the line-up. I personally think that may be more valuable to the team than having him play every day in LF when other players who may be available for a fairly reasonable price could be more productive out there. LF is a spot for the .900 OPS gorilla and while I like FRazier OK, I'm thinking he's more of the very solid .780 to .830 type in the major leagues. A fine player to spot in as noted above and solid depth to fill in should the team's bigger bats go on the DL. Its, frankly, the kind of player good teams have as depth and second division teams use as centerpieces. I want the Reds to be a good team.
Funny thing is, this same scenario might work with Valiaka and to a lesser extent Francisco (though no 2B or SS for him). Of the three, Francisco has the best possibility as an every day guy in LF (and is also most likley to be a total bust). I could actually see a future where Francisco plays LF against RHP, Frazier gets the RH ABs out there and both Valaika and Frazier end up playing everywhere else with Valiaka getting more of the MI time and Frazier more time in the OF.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
How about a Frazier/Francisco platoon at third in 2011? Francisco is a switch hitter, but his splits are much better from the left side of the plate. The defense might be a little shaky at first, but it couldn't be worse than EE, and the two could combine for an all-star bat.
Francisco vs. RHP
2009 - .345/.582/.927
Career - .321/.509/.830
Frazier vs. LHP
2009 - .380/.523/.903
Career - .406/.576/.982
Of course, the team that bats Brandon Phillips cleanup against RHP can't be that creative.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
I am pretty sure Cisco has not been a switch hitter for a year or two now. Also why accept shaky defense at third? Stick them in left if you are to platoon them anywhere.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Francisco hasn't switch hit since he came to the US.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dougdirt
Francisco hasn't switch hit since he came to the US.
I thought he switch hit in Dayton some to start, but that was quickly scrapped. I could be mis-remembering that though.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TRF
I thought he switch hit in Dayton some to start, but that was quickly scrapped. I could be mis-remembering that though.
If it did happen I didn't see/hear about it. Either way, its been a long time since he has switch hit.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kc61
Frazier had 45 doubles at two levels, 63 extra base hits altogether this year. I don't see him as a supersub, this guy should have a position.
Yes, for a year or two he could be on the Reds' bench, but you'd expect a team to be grooming Frazier to be a regular player. Maybe they see him as a supersub initially, then eventually, when Phillips gets too expensive, as a second baseman.
Ty Wigginton?
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mth123
Its not a question of pigeonholing, its a question of evaluating how he might fit best to make the Reds a good team. I just think at 1B, RF and LF the Reds need a bigger threat. Votto and Bruce provide two of those and Frazier could be the third, but I think you could get more production in LF w/o a lot of cost so why limit Frazier to LF when he has the ability to move around? You yourself said that Frazier doesn't really have the glove for 2B, SS, and CF and I agree. Playing him at those spots day in and day out would be the kind of thing that can do damage to a staff. It doesn't mean that he couldn't get the occasional start at 2B every couple weeks and an occassional start at SS in similar timing. So lets say they do that and between 2B and SS Frazier starts 25 -30 games throughout the year. In the OF, Frazier could play more. LF is probably his best spot at this point and he could probably also play RF. If Bruce could slide to CF with Frazier in RF it would give him the ability to back up all three spots out there. Lets say he could get a couple starts a week in the OF, that is another 50 - 55 games or so. Rolen is going to need fairly frequent rest at 3B. Say Frazier could play there once a week - another 25 starts or so. Throw in 10 to 15 starts a year at 1B while Votto rests and Frazier could start 100 to 110 games per year. Its not hard to see him as a guy who gets 400 ABs or so while providing a solid (but not spectacular) bat to the line-up. I personally think that may be more valuable to the team than having him play every day in LF when other players who may be available for a fairly reasonable price could be more productive out there. LF is a spot for the .900 OPS gorilla and while I like FRazier OK, I'm thinking he's more of the very solid .780 to .830 type in the major leagues. A fine player to spot in as noted above and solid depth to fill in should the team's bigger bats go on the DL. Its, frankly, the kind of player good teams have as depth and second division teams use as centerpieces. I want the Reds to be a good team.
Funny thing is, this same scenario might work with Valiaka and to a lesser extent Francisco (though no 2B or SS for him). Of the three, Francisco has the best possibility as an every day guy in LF (and is also most likley to be a total bust). I could actually see a future where Francisco plays LF against RHP, Frazier gets the RH ABs out there and both Valaika and Frazier end up playing everywhere else with Valiaka getting more of the MI time and Frazier more time in the OF.
I just think Frazier is the answer at 3B and as a 5th/6th place hitter eventually and would prefer he finally get some time to play that position. If he fails to rise to that level of player then fine turn him into a supersub. If they want to use him as a supersub initially until Rolen is gone after next season that's fine as well but he should get every opportunity to be an everyday player at one position just like everyone else. I happen to think the more he's talked about as a supersub the more likely he ends up there because his ceiling isn't quite as high as a Francisco. Perception by the fan base can have an effect if the F.O. and management isn't up to par and I don't feel they are. Great teams are built on a great foundation and guys like Frazier are that type of player IMO, I'd hate to see him undervalued, misused and/or dealt only to see him be a Paul O'Neill for someone else.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mario-Rijo
I just think Frazier is the answer at 3B and as a 5th/6th place hitter eventually and would prefer he finally get some time to play that position. If he fails to rise to that level of player then fine turn him into a supersub. If they want to use him as a supersub initially until Rolen is gone after next season that's fine as well but he should get every opportunity to be an everyday player at one position just like everyone else. I happen to think the more he's talked about as a supersub the more likely he ends up there because his ceiling isn't quite as high as a Francisco. Perception by the fan base can have an effect if the F.O. and management isn't up to par and I don't feel they are. Great teams are built on a great foundation and guys like Frazier are that type of player IMO, I'd hate to see him undervalued, misused and/or dealt only to see him be a Paul O'Neill for someone else.
I'd guess that Frazier will primarily play 3B in AAA in 2010. Louisville could be loaded but the defense could be iffy with lots of guys going to new positions.
1B Dorn (eventually or maybe initially Alonso)
2B Valaika
SS Cozart
3B Frazier
LF Francisco
CF Heisey
RF Henry
C Denove
SP Wood
If Frazier can handle the spot defensively (I'm guessing the jury is still out), he may be the guy to inherit the spot from Rolen. The Reds could re-up Rolen though or he may retire. I'm guessing that Rolen engineered the deal to cincy to be as close as he could to his home and probably won't leave on his own unless St. Louis wants him back (say if Larussa leaves town), otherwise he'll stay in Cincy until he retires. I'm not sure he's worth $11 Million anymore at his age, so Frazier moving into that spot would help the budget, I just think Walt will bring Rolen back for another couple years and 3B won't be an option. If Rolen moves on it could be different.
Frazier's bat still is a concern IMO. Other than roughly 125 PAs at Dayton, he's not been a monster with a .900 plus OPS anywhere. He been more of an .830ish type which is still pretty good, but I'd wonder what that translates to in the big leagues. If he's in the .780 to .800 range, then he may be a bit of a tweener. Not enough glove to play everyday where that would be a plus and not enough bat to be the type of hitter you'd want in a corner OF or 1B spot except possibly as a part of a platoon. It probably fits best at 3B, but if he's a butcher defensively, you're right back to having another EdE out there. Fact is, if Rolen sticks around, supersub is Frazier's best option and he'd be a good one - the type of depth that championship teams have. I'd guess if he played every day in a corner, he'd be the kind of guy who would leave us wanting an upgrade and would not be so attractive when his price starts going up.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Reds don't need a 3B, Rolen will be here another 3-4 years.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
flyer85
Reds don't need a 3B, Rolen will be here another 3-4 years.
I can see that too. Unless he, or Walt, decides to retire after next season.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
While I agree that Rolen will likely be extended beyond next season, perhaps the shuffle has finally found a spot for Frazier to settle into a regular 3b in AAA for a season and see how things sort themselves out.
It would seem that Stubbs is likely here to stay next year, starting in CF. Heisey is likely to take CF in AAA full time. Sounds like they're committed to Cisco playing LF, and he needs to spend next year in AAA both learning the position and tuning up his swing (though I've definently been more than impressed in what limited action I've seen from him so far), which would then open up 3b for Frazier to man all of next season in AAA and then allow the Reds to go from there in terms of extending Rolen (though I think that happens this offseason) or letting him move along after next season.
Of the above deals, I'd love to get Yunel, and would give even more than your propossed deal. I'd even give up Yonder for him, but the Braves don't have a need for a young 1B, so the Reds have to go another route. He could fill the reds SS hole, and top of the lineup hole for a good 5 seasons, which should put him right in the window of the Red's opportunity to make a run in the playoffs, assuming Votto, Bruce, Bailey, Cueto & a healthy Volquez can live up to their billing.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
could frazier be alot like jeff kent? power guy playing second base who played alot of positions coming up in the minors. reds need to move BP to short and give frazier a shot when he's ready.
-
Re: Rick Sweet on Francisco, Frazier and Valaika
Quote:
Originally Posted by
toledodan
could frazier be alot like jeff kent? power guy playing second base who played alot of positions coming up in the minors. reds need to move BP to short and give frazier a shot when he's ready.
a lot of things could be. However, the Reds biggest needs are still SS and C and they don't have any good internal answers at the moment ( I am not ragging on Janish of Hanigan ).