Originally Posted by
The DARK
With the deadline behind us, no impact LF bat added, and Gomes out of the picture, the Reds have quite a few suitors for the left field job. Here's how they stack up:
Chris Heisey- MLB
Advantages: Good defense, capable of leading off, some power, has been waiting for a chance at the job.
Disadvantages: Only hitting .241 on the year; generally considered a better pinch hitter than starter.
Due to Walt removing Gomes from the picture Heisey will be the almost everyday LF here on out. Not a bad idea, but should be used in all positions in the OF and allow the Reds to see what Yonder can do.
Fred Lewis- MLB
Advantages: Capable leadoff/average hitter, major league service time.
Disadvantages: Minimal speed and power, unimpressive defense, signed to a 1-year contract.
Dusty still not really sold on this guy, will be used in limited appearances.
Yonder Alonso- MLB
Advantages: Top prospect, disciplined hitter, decent power, potential future cleanup hitter.
Disadvantages: Slow, poor defense due to recent move from 1B, new to MLB, numbers slightly down from last year.
Unless pushed by Walt will see very little playing time this season for the Reds. A total waste of a young talent due to Dusty's view of him as nothing more then a 1st basemen who is stuck behind the MVP. Walt should either have traded him or needs to step in and inform Dusty he is to see playing time in LF
Todd Frazier- MLB
Advantages: Solid power hitter, decent defense, experience in cleanup role, recommendation from Rick Sweet as the best LF on the Louisville team.
Disadvantages: New to MLB, struggled in minors last season, more useful as a 3B or utility player, high K rate.
Will be back in AAA once rolen returns, not viewed by Dusty as really major league talent
Juan Francisco- AAA DL
Advantages: Raw power, rocket arm, acceptable average, has nothing left to prove in AAA.
Disadvantages: Defense beyond arm strength is suspect, currently on DL for 2nd time this year, high K rate.
Really no shot at ML level until he can stay healthy at AAA and even then no position to play on major league roster.
Dave Sappelt- AAA
Advantages: Outstanding hit tool, some pop, good defense, leadoff experience, some speed, league leader in AAA, numbers good despite oblique injury.
Disadvantages: Not a heralded prospect, not on 40-man, poor stealing ability, new to MLB.
Will probably get a sept callup to ride the pine and be told he got his shot and didn't produce.
Jeremy Hermida- AAA
Advantages: MLB service, league leader in AAA, generally consistent .740 OPS throughout MLB career.
Disadvantages: Signed to a 1-year contract, struggled in brief MLB stint this season, below-average defense.
Average ML player at best, shines at AAA, but can't produce on major league level.
So what, Redszoners, would you do? Who should be the one to get most of the starts to finish out the season? Would you groom one of these players long-term for the job, or allow widespread competition? Who screams "trade bait"?