From CBS Sports - Futures Game: Yonder Alonso on LF, Cuba and more

[Redsnake]

http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbsspor...97882/30578343

By C. Trent Rosecrans

PHOENIX --Reds prospect Yonder Alonso is in his second Futures Game this weekend at Chase Field in Phoenix and is off to good start at Triple-A Louisville, but because he's primarily a first baseman, the Reds aren't in any need to bring him up to the big leagues because they're set at first base with reigning National League MVP Joey Votto playing first.
Alonso has started playing left field in an attempt to be more versatile and as a way to get his bat into the Reds' lineup. It's a good strategy, as he's hitting .298/.372/.490 with 11 home runs and 48 RBI for Triple-A Louisville. His manager, Rick Sweet, said he's making strides in left and is doing well in the field. Alonso said he's enjoying his time in the outfield as well. He's stating at first base for the World team on Sunday for the Futures Game, but said he had to take some extra infield because it's the first time he's play first in the last three weeks.

Born in Cuba, Alonso's family left the island when he was young and he grew up in Miami. He talks about the difficult feelings wearing the Cuban flag on his chest for the game brings up, among other topics.

Wish the Reds would give him a shot?

[FireDusty]

http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbsspor...97882/30578343

By C. Trent Rosecrans

PHOENIX --Reds prospect Yonder Alonso is in his second Futures Game this weekend at Chase Field in Phoenix and is off to good start at Triple-A Louisville, but because he's primarily a first baseman, the Reds aren't in any need to bring him up to the big leagues because they're set at first base with reigning National League MVP Joey Votto playing first.
Alonso has started playing left field in an attempt to be more versatile and as a way to get his bat into the Reds' lineup. It's a good strategy, as he's hitting .298/.372/.490 with 11 home runs and 48 RBI for Triple-A Louisville. His manager, Rick Sweet, said he's making strides in left and is doing well in the field. Alonso said he's enjoying his time in the outfield as well. He's stating at first base for the World team on Sunday for the Futures Game, but said he had to take some extra infield because it's the first time he's play first in the last three weeks.

Born in Cuba, Alonso's family left the island when he was young and he grew up in Miami. He talks about the difficult feelings wearing the Cuban flag on his chest for the game brings up, among other topics.

Wish the Reds would give him a shot?

He should be part of a platoon in left field next year with Heisey.

It makes so much sense that it will never happen.

Dusty will talk about his defense. Who cares? Left Field isn't where great outfielders play. If they are good defensive outfielders, they play right or center.

The Reds have had horrid defensive left fielders in the past. George Foster made that one great throw in the 1975 Series to nail Denny Doyle at the plate, but other than that his motto was "I ain't crashing into any walls chasing triples that the pitcher threw". Since Foster, we've had guys like Kal Daniels, Kevin Mitchell, Adam Dunn and now Jonny Gomes.

Ain't one of them bringing back any memories of Roberto Clemente.

We need our Left Fielder to hit & cover the line as well as possible & catch what comes to him & hit the cut off man.

Yonder Alonzo can do that right now.

[brm7675]

Come Sept when we are out of it, what I would love to see is Yonder in LF, Frazier at 3rd, Cozart at SS (full time) and Devin getting starts at catcher. Now the chances of that happening are not real strong...

[SidneySlicker]

Come Sept when we are out of it, what I would love to see is Yonder in LF, Frazier at 3rd, Cozart at SS (full time) and Devin getting starts at catcher. Now the chances of that happening are not real strong...

Meh to everyone who's writing the Reds off already. Even if they were out of it at that point why is everyone so eager to put a guy who's probably somewhere near to equal to Heisey at the plate but much, much worse in the field ahead of him?