Quote:
Originally Posted by NorrisHopper30
How long till one of these two are ready, and what position do you think they will play in the MLB?
My main reason for asking this question is I am not a big fan of Gonzo, do you think the Reds will make a move to acquire a SS or just stick with Gonzo/Keppinger.
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I predict that Janish goes the Gary Green route and becomes a defensive minded minor league IF that teams stash at AAA in case of emergency. I suspect he's no threat to be a major league starter and even as a utility IF he will struggle to stay in the majors.
Valaika has quickly reached a crossroads. He looked like a plus bat for the MI but he probably won't stay at SS and its questionable whether he'll even stick at 2B. His best bet may be multi-position supersub, but his bat completely tanked at A+ and he needs to prove he can hit again. If he does he could be a nice player as a 2B or supersub.
Neither of these guys is the answer to the SS position any time soon. The best bet in the system is probably Jose Castro who was one of the guys they got for Jeff Conine. He should have the glove to stick at SS and had a BA driven ability to get on base until he was pushed to AA after the trade (maybe before he was ready). He probably starts back at AA this year and how he does on offense will tell the tale. Even if he does hit a little, he's probably a number 8 hitter type with no power and he doesn't walk much. I'm less optimistic than I was previously now that I've had time to examine him a little more closely. I think the next Red's SS is not in the system at this time.