Sheldon: Baker may look at moving Yonder Alonso to catcher

[savafan]

Via Twitter once again:

Also from #reds Q&A. Baker said org. has considered turning Yonder Alonso into catcher. DB: "Imagine a left-handed, power-hitting catcher."

http://twitter.com/m_sheldon

[11larkin11]

Wow. Instead of the obvious of Votto to left and Alonso at first, he tries this. Why couldn't they think of this with a guy like Francisco?

[Benihana]

Wow, that would be amazing if it works.

2011:

CF Stubbs
C Alonso
1B Votto
3B Rolen
RF Bruce
2B Phillips
LF Frazier/Heisey/Francisco
SS Cozart

SP Cueto
SP Bailey
SP Chapman
SP Volquez
SP Leake

[Ron Madden]

I don't think we'll ever see Alonso start a MLB game behind the plate.

[mth123]

Alonso is on a big league deal and the options are quickly going to expire. Can't imagine there is sufficient time to convert him, get him playing time and him to become major league caliber before the options are exhausted.

Unless he's a natural, I have to wonder if Dusty is just joking and no one knows it.

[OnBaseMachine]

Alonso played some catcher in high school. I love the idea if they think he can be decent behind the plate.

[Benihana]

Why couldn't they think of this with a guy like Francisco?

I've been advocating that for a long time.

[RedLegSuperStar]

Why? Has he had the experience? Just makes sense to do what 11larkin11 said.. Lincoln now Yonder.. Guess later today we'll find out that Aaron Harang will attempt to close games when CoCo needs a day off..

[mth123]

Alonso played some catcher in high school. I love the idea if they think he can be decent behind the plate.

Me too. I just don't think it can happen.

[flyer85]

not a good sign that it even has crossed someones lips

[OnBaseMachine]

My only question is this - if the organization has seriously considered this, then why wait until now when he's already in Triple-A? Why not last Spring Training?

[fearofpopvol1]

My only question is this - if the organization has seriously considered this, then why wait until now when he's already in Triple-A? Why not last Spring Training?

Probably because they didn't know Votto was going to be such a stud at 1B.

[kaldaniels]

not a good sign that it even has crossed someones lips

Why not. If as stated before, he played catcher in high school...I don't see a problem with looking into it.

Face it, Dusty and the Reds organization has way more info and data than we could dream of. If they think it is worth a shot, I'll be on board and will judge the decision mainly on the results.

But for some on RZ just to shoot down the idea almost reflexively...I don't get it.

If this idea would somehow beat the odds and work...holy cow would the Reds reap some awesome dividends.

[Scrap Irony]

I like that Baker and company are thinking outside the box.

But I don't think this will work or that Baker was completely serious.

[flyer85]

Why not. If as stated before, he played catcher in high school...I don't see a problem with looking into it.

Face it, Dusty and the Reds organization has way more info and data than we could dream of. If they think it is worth a shot, I'll be on board and will judge the decision mainly on the results.

But for some on RZ just to shoot down the idea almost reflexively...I don't get it.

If this idea would somehow beat the odds and work...holy cow would the Reds reap some awesome dividends.

moving a high first round draft to the most difficult position on the field that takes years to master (ever wonder why catchers are generally late bloomers?) Smacks of desperation.

What it says to me is the Reds screwed up this pick and don't think he will ever cut in the majors as a 1B. The guy is so unathletic that catcher is the only other position he could play.