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Originally Posted by Benihana
Pretty much agree with everything here. Frazier and Cozart are both nice-to-have guys for the next 2-3 years, not necessarily franchise fixtures (at this point). I'd like to see the Reds draft a SS with one of their top couple picks this year. JP Crawford and Oscar Mercardo are both guys I like that fit the bill. Not sure they'll be ready by 2015, but they'll be good to have in the organization regardless.
With Frazier, I see him holding down the hot corner until Rahier or Rosa is ready to takeover full time and/or he becomes too expensive. If neither of them fully ripen, and/or Frazier doesn't command an eight figure annual salary, I could see Frazier playing out his contract and actually re-signing if he becomes a fan favorite. Not necessarily the strong suit of the roster, but a good guy to have on the team, and the kind of aw shucks hustle-guy that Cincinnatians seem to love.
No use in really arguing over B.Smith, LaMarre, Vidal, Mejias-Brean, et al. as it seems we both agree that they are not impact players at the major league level. Maybe they stick on the roster for a year or two, but let's hope it's on the bench because we have better starting alternatives. Ditto for Henry Rodriguez, who I see as a pinch hitter and utility infielder, a modern day Luis Quinones.
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I could see LF/3B being a mix and match group when Ludwick goes. Maybe Frazier at 3B with Lutz in LF some days or Vidal at 3B and Frazier in LF some days or H-Rod at 3B with Frazier in LF. May be a couple of patoons with Lutz/Frazier in LF and Vidal/H-Rod at 3B.
Now that Frazier has been around the league for a year, we'll probably find out if pitchers adjust to him. I hope it doesn't happen, but I could see him turning into a lefty killer who struggles with RHP. That kind of thing usually doesn't show itself until the league gets to know a guy and everybody starts to "work him" instead of challenging him with hard stuff. 2013 may tell a lot of tales with both Cozart and Frazier.