Quote:
Originally Posted by Kc61
Frazier will never be a good third baseman if he keeps getting moved around the diamond. We're no longer talking about Todd as a backup. If he's the primary third baseman, left field should be eliminated from his vocabulary unless it is an emergency situation.
Paul gives the Reds a lefty pinch hitter and a guy who can fill in against righties as a corner outfielder.
As for Rolen, I don't think he's returning. Even if he goes to spring training I think he will drop out before the season. If he does return, perhaps his spot will come from an injury. I would count on a bench of Hannahan, Donald, Paul, Heisey, and Mesoraco (or Hanigan).
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As I originally said, as of now, Paul is clearly the 25th man, but if Rolen decides to play, the Reds will make a spot and Paul seems the clear odd man out.
This brings up a whole topic I've been thinking about starting a thread on. Hamilton is the CF of the future when Choo leaves, but the next opeining will be LF after Ludwick goes. IMO, that is Frazier's long term position. I think H-Rod, Vidal, Mejias Brean or maybe Mattair at 3B with Frazier shifting is the more likely plan. I think the Reds are actually on record as saying they think Frazier's best spot is LF and he's the 3B more out of need at this point.
If the Reds have Rolen and Hannahan, I don't think they are going to worry about Frazier's development at 3B. He seems to be a stopgap there IMO. Frazier will play 3B most of the time to get his bat in the line-up, but if moving him around allows the Reds to play Rolen or Hannahan instead of Paul when somebody in the OF or Votto needs a day off, I think they'll move him around.