IIRC, on 26 July Terry Reynolds suggested that JF was at the right level and that he should probably start next year in AA. What has changed?
Obviously, his offensive numbers have exploded. Most importantly, the power numbers are up. Third base is a power position. As good a ball player as Frazier is, JF has more HR potential.
Defense has been a huge problem for JF. What stands out is that in roughly the same number of chances at Carolina as he had last year at Sarasota, he has committed twice as many errors. A player his age ought to be improving defensively. Maybe they want to look at him defensively in another park. I am not a 'stick a bat in LF fan'. He has the arm for outfield, but not the speed. I think realistically, JF must play 3B or 1B. LH hitting first basemen is an overpopulated category for the Reds. To me, it must be 3B.
The other change since 26 July is that Rolen was signed. The Reds will need to decide whether they want to offer him a contract that will run beyond 2010. Doing so will unquestionably be more expensive than replacing him from within the system. Doing it earlier will likely be cheaper than doing it later, but it carries more risk as well. The more they know about the home grown 3B candidates, the better their decision making position.