The Reds didn’t move Todd Frazier to second base as a prelude to moving Brandon Phillips to shortstop. But Walt Jocketty didn’t dismiss the idea.
“The reason we moved Frazier – we probably should have done it earlier – was with (Juan) Francisco at third and (Zack) Cozart at shortstop, we wanted to see if (Frazier) could play second. We know he can play the outfield, third and short.
“It wasn’t done with idea of moving Brandon. That doesn’t mean that won’t happen. But it’s never been discussed.”
It’s a safe bet that the Reds won’t pick up Alex Gonzalez’s option for next year. Phillips came up at shortstop. He’s been open in the past to shift back.
Also from Jocketty:
--It sounds like the Reds are getting more money in the Scott Rolen deal than previously reported. “We got cash considerations that the make it more tolerable to take on Scott’s contract,” Jocketty said. “There’s also an offset on his contract.”
Jocketty would not say how much. I’ve been told they got $3 million for this year and $3 million for next. The St. Louis Cardinals are also paying a $4 million signing bonus that is due in 2010.
--On Drew Stubbs: “He’ll be here before the end of the year,” Jocketty kidded.
But he added: “What he’s done lately has not gone unnoticed.”
Stubbs is hitting .306 with a .375 on-base percentage since the All-Star Break. He’s leads the International League in steals – 42 in 47 tries.
--How will Edinson Volquez’s injury affect the offseason plans? “I guess we’re going to have to take a different approach,” he said. “We thought we were pretty well set. We have some guys in the organization to look at. A trade is a possibility.
--On the possibility Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo being moved? “I’m not soliciting offers. We’ll see how it all fits.”
The Reds owe six players $57.25 million for 2010 -- Francisco Cordero ($12 million), Harang ($12.5 million), Arroyo ($11 million), Rolen ($11 million, I'm counting it as that until they tell me what it actually), Phillips ($6.75 million) and Willy Taveras ($4 million) salary. That leaves them with little payroll flexibility -- unless they trade Harang or Arroyo.