Dusty and Walt on SS: "We are happy with what we have"

[dougdirt]

From Fay:

Shortstop Zack Cozart is hitting .323 with 23 doubles, seven home runs and 28 RBI, while the Reds shortstops hover around .230 with little power.

Does there come a point where Cozart forces a move?

“We’re not at that point yet,” Jocketty said. “We’ve got a lot of guys down there doing well. (Yonder) Alonso’s done well, (Juan) Franicsco, (Jeremy) Hermida. A lot of guys are down there who are putting up good numbers. Dusty and I have talked about it. Right now, we’re happy with what we have.”

My brain pretty much just melted.

[Redhook]

Liars!

[757690]

Until they actually bring someone up, they kinda have to say that. And he did qualify it with "for now."

[Superdude]

Is every organization this incredibly irritating when it comes to being loyal to anemic players or is that specifically a Cincinnati thing?

[Brutus]

Jocketty may well be telling the truth. But regardless, why would he say otherwise? What is to be gained by coming out and saying "we're not happy with what we have"?

If he did say that, he'd most certainly lose posturing and negotiating leverage in any prospective trade discussions.

It's very possible they are in fact content. But my hunch is that they aren't and they're surveying the landscape before making moves (let alone commenting publicly on them).

[Will M]

I agree that Walt isn't going to say "we are desperate for a shortstop".

However, the SS/Cozart situation is an example of the very conservative way the Reds are run currently. Its frustrating to me as a fan when there are guys on the team who have a minimal chance to suddenly improve get start after start. All 162 games count.

[RedsManRick]

Agree with the others? What's he going to say? If these guys don't starting hitting, we're gonna cut one of them loose. What would that accomplish?

As absolutely frustrating as it is, I've finally come to understand you have to take anything they say with a giant grain of salt.

[Brutus]

I agree that Walt isn't going to say "we are desperate for a shortstop".

However, the SS/Cozart situation is an example of the very conservative way the Reds are run currently. Its frustrating to me as a fan when there are guys on the team who have a minimal chance to suddenly improve get start after start. All 162 games count.

I'm of the opinion they clearly need to find an upgrade, as they don't have someone on the Major League active roster that's going to produce at a capable level. I differ with most others on using Cozart, though. Prior to this year, Cozart hasn't shown anything to indicate he would hit at the majors with any regularity. If what he's doing in Louisville is legit (and it could be), I'd personally like to see it for more than half a season.

I don't mind the trepidation regarding Cozart. It was just last year he OPS'd just .726 in AAA in nearly 600 PAs.

If I'm the Reds, all my energy is on either Hardy or Reyes. If that falls through in July and Cozart is still hitting, I'd hand it over to him.

[Superdude]

I agree that Walt isn't going to say "we are desperate for a shortstop".

However, the SS/Cozart situation is an example of the very conservative way the Reds are run currently. Its frustrating to me as a fan when there are guys on the team who have a minimal chance to suddenly improve get start after start. All 162 games count.

Agreed. I wouldn't expect them to say anything different when they're put on the spot like that, but watching the epitome of futility, Paul Janish, cranking out a .270 slugging percentage while a 25 year old Cozart demolishes AAA is just plain idiotic at this point.

[Matt700wlw]

In other words.....a move is coming soon

[Brutus]

In other words.....a move is coming soon

heh, you must have received your Walt Jocketty decoder ring that comes with every 10th purchase at Skyline.

[Superdude]

heh, you must have received your Walt Jocketty decoder ring that comes with every 10th purchase at Skyline.

be sure to drink your ovaltine?...a crummy commercial!

[dougdirt]

be sure to drink your ovaltine?...a crummy commercial!

[Will M]

be sure to drink your ovaltine?...a crummy commercial!

I love obscure references!

[LvJ]

Then the Reds deserve to fail.

I don't care. OOTP12 comes out Monday. Alsonso is my starting LF and Cozart will be at short. Goodbye Gomes and Edgar.