Francisco Lizarraga

[camisadelgolf]

He was the Reds' only pick in the minor league portion of the rule five draft. Because he was drafted in the AAA portion, he must spend the entire year in AA or higher.

Anyway, if you haven't already, take a moment to check out his stats.

http://minors.baseball-reference.com....cgi?pid=30921

He's really, really bad. He cost only $12,000, so I'm not complaining or anything. I'm guessing that he'll be on Carolina's bench, but I don't know why he would be needed because Jose Castro and Justin Tordi are both capable of playing the infield.

Anyway, just a few more things about him. He's 6'1", 170 pounds, 23 years old, a switch hitter, plays the middle infield (but not exceptionally well, I believe), and is from Mexico (like three others in the organization: Oscar Castro, Daniel Guerrero, and Humberto Sosa).

He was also a MWL All-Star in 2007, but don't get excited--he had a .677 OPS, so it was probably a result of slim pickings. The thing I'm wondering, though, is if the Reds think they have a potential steal on a guy who might have suddenly had a breakthrough in his development. In 2008, he was briefly in AAA on a temporary assignment, and while he was there, he was very un-Francisco Lizarraga-like and performed very well over 42 at-bats (.310/.420/.381).

Yeah, well, the official Francisco Lizarraga thread has begun. Have at it. I'm thinking this won't get too much feedback.

[NorrisHopper30]

At least he has a cool name.

[Orenda]

It makes me wonder about teams strategies of the rule 5. Is there any difference between the AAA phase and the AA phase?

[camisadelgolf]

It makes me wonder about teams strategies of the rule 5. Is there any difference between the AAA phase and the AA phase?

The only difference worth mentioning is cost ($12,000 for AAA and $4,000 for AA). Other than that, it's just a few details that don't really mean anything.

[RED VAN HOT]

Makes sense. With the departure of Elizardo Ramirez we were down one lizzard.

[camisadelgolf]

Makes sense. With the departure of Elizardo Ramirez we were down one lizzard.

That's a good point. He's the only lizard in the organization right now, so I hope we don't see him get too drained toward the end of the season.

[Mario-Rijo]

Nothing but hope, but if he really did have a breakthrough it's much needed here. He was definitely not going anywhere with Hu and DeJesus there.

[redsmetz]

The only thought that crossed my mind is perhaps we think he can pitch and want to convert him. I dismissed that mostly because, I think, you usually want to drop a guy back a level or two to begin as a pitcher and you certainly can't do that with the Rule 5 rules.

[redsfandan]

I had hoped that he could at least be a backup defensive infielder. Now I'll be curious to hear Walt's reason.

[Kc61]

Probably they needed some depth at middle infield at the AA level. Sometimes you need to make sure you have enough guys to field a team.

[Rounding Third]

Probably they needed some depth at middle infield at the AA level. Sometimes you need to make sure you have enough guys to field a team.

I prefer the Lizard theory

[camisadelgolf]

I prefer the Lizard theory

Unless the Reds are going to cut guys like Justin Tordi and Jose Castro soon, it actually makes more sense.

[mth123]

I think its pretty simple. This organization is woefuly short on guys who can capably play the MI defensively. Right now I got Janish, Jose Castro, Zach Cozart and after that I'm struggling to find anybody else for the list. this team has several 3B and OF in the making manning the MI spots.

[camisadelgolf]

I think its pretty simple. This organization is woefuly short on guys who can capably play the MI defensively. Right now I got Janish, Jose Castro, Zach Cozart and after that I'm struggling to find anybody else for the list. this team has several 3B and OF in the making manning the MI spots.

Speaking of which, I haven't heard Mike DeJesus' name in a while. I wonder what he's up to.

Are you including guys in the lower levels because there are a few players who seem to do well at shortstop.

Either way, you might add Luis Bolivar to the list. And why wouldn't Valaika play a capable middle infield?

[mth123]

Speaking of which, I haven't heard Mike DeJesus' name in a while. I wonder what he's up to.

Are you including guys in the lower levels because there are a few players who seem to do well at shortstop.

Either way, you might add Luis Bolivar to the list. And why wouldn't Valaika play a capable middle infield?

All we've heard about Valaika since the Reds got him is "if he can stick," "if he can stay at SS", etc. If there are questions about his MI defense I don't really want him on either side of 2B. I have a feeling Valaika would play 2B the way Freel played 2B.