[Kc61]

Paul had an .867 OPS against righties last year. He hits righties well. He's not a great ballplayer but he fits the Reds need for a lefty bench bat who hits righties and play some OF against RHP.

Here's the Reds current bench.

1. Hannahan. LHH, hits righties reasonably ok, excellent defender, 3B and occasionally other IF positions.

2. Donald/Izturis - classic middle infield sub, plays SS and 2B, decent defenders or better, not much stick.

3. Heisey - fourth outfielder, can play CF, particularly important given Choo/Bruce CF situation. Primary RHH off the bench.

4. Paul - LHH, gives the Reds a total of five lefty bats with Choo, Votto, Bruce, Hannahan. Primary lefty pinch hitter, occasionally plays corner OF.

5. Backup catcher.

IMO, while none of these guys is a world beater, the structure of this bench is excellent. Gives lefty/righty balance. Covers all the positions. No overload at any one position, good defensive balance.

On top of this, while I prefer Todd Frazier to stick at third, his defensive versatility rounds things out very nicely and provides additional flexibility.

It's a team game, and I think this group really fills out the team well. The scenario being posited for Rolen - major injury, Frazier moves off third, Hannahan needs a platoon partner, is just not a compelling reason to take on the injury plagued Rolen.

I'd stick with the current group, keeping an eye open if a better middle infielder shows up someplace. That is the potentially weak area.