Horst wasn't going to contribute significantly this season, Valdez gives them a backup shortstop in case Cozart can't answer the bell at the start of the year.
Simple as that, IMO.
Horst wasn't going to contribute significantly this season, Valdez gives them a backup shortstop in case Cozart can't answer the bell at the start of the year.
Simple as that, IMO.
Cincinnati Reds: Farm System Champions 2022
If you're knee deep in muck, you don't pour on more muck, even if it does give you more depth. Unless of course, you just really like muck.
Don't really like or understand the move. Adds nothing substantial that wasn't already there. Probably has Janish in Louisville all season blocking someone more worthy. Maybe we can trade PJ to the Phils at the break for a LH reliever. Not complaining. Whatever Walt wants, but it's just a "Meh" move to me.
Last edited by corkedbat; 01-25-2012 at 06:15 PM.
Cincinnati Reds: Farm System Champions 2022
Right now the 40 man is at 40 and Ludwick isn't on it. I presume Negron is the odd man out? And BTW we have only 2 catchers on it. And with Ludwick only 5 OF's.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
I would agree that Valdez is the better hitter right now, but the difference is VERY small. He's getting older and trending downwards. Janish can pretty much only improve from his bottoming out season of last year. Considering the small difference in the bats, I'd go with the better glove as the backup. I would've also kept Horst instead of dumping him for a slightly different version of Janish.
If Paul Janish gets another 200 Major League ab's in a season I'll be floored. I've never seen a guy so "deer in the headlights" as he looked last year. I don't know what "it" is, but I know I've seen enough of Janish to know he's not the place to look. Stash him at AAA and hope no one gets hurt.
School's out. What did you expect?
2 things.
First, we don't know that Cozart isn't 100%. If he's not, then this move makes sense. I won't argue about it at all.
Second, why is it that we HAVE to have a dedicated SS backup? Why has that become automatic? We HAVE 3 guys with more team value who CAN cover the SS backup role if absolutely necessary. Phillips, Frazier and Cairo. Will they be GOOD at it? Doubtful. Will they be able to do it for a game without killing us? Highly probable. Will they be able to do it for part of a game if Cozart gets hurt? Highly probable. So where is the need? If our starter gets hurt and is going to go onto the disabled list, then where we need a capable full-time backup is at Louisville. Not on the roster "just in case". Janish filled that role already IMO.
Here's my biggest question...who would you guys rather have on the 25 man roster full-time? Frazier or Valdez? Which player would prove MORE VALUABLE over the course of the season (if you discount injury)?
I think it's highly probable, after this deal, that Janish is the guy at AAA. And I'm very OK with that.
And come on -- not carrying a backup SS is silly. You aren't going to weaken your infield defense by moving Phillips off his gold glove position, and why throw Cairo or Frazier out there unless you absolutely have to?
Cincinnati Reds: Farm System Champions 2022
It's silly to expect that Cozart is going to play 162 games and you can bet the guys on the pitching staff aren't going be very happy if the their isn't a legitimate BU SS when Cozart needs a rest.
School's out. What did you expect?
Seriously, no one in their right mind should have an issue with the FO adding depth to the MI.
If you don't like Valdez, that's fine, but if so you're pretty much dumping on the entire population of backup middle infielders. The only difference between him and a lot of starting shortstops is about 25 OBP points. That matters, don't get me wrong, but not all levels of "not good enough to start" are equally lousy.
There isn't any such prospect, at least not yet, and if there was, I doubt Janish would be in the way. I think the Reds have concluded Janish is an emergency glove and that's about it.Probably has Janish in Louisville all season blocking someone more worthy.
Yep. The job description involves both offense and defense. He's a split-the-difference guy between the all-bat and all-glove options we had, and over the course of the season that works better off the bench every day. And he can play the other infield positions as well.
Reading comprehension is not just an ability, it's a choice
Well put. Valdez is a clear upgrade IMO. And the team could use a little turnover on the bench too, after a lousy year.The job description involves both offense and defense. He's a split-the-difference guy between the all-bat and all-glove options we had, and over the course of the season that works better off the bench every day. And he can play the other infield positions as well.
I was completely okay with Janish at AAA before.
As for Cairo or Frazier covering short for one game here and there...here's what we dealt with for years, I don't see Frazier doing worse than these guys.
Felipe Lopez, Rich Aurilia, Juan Castro, Ray Olmedo, Royce Clayton, Enrique Cruz, Alex Gonzalez, Jeff Keppinger, Pedro Lopez, Jerry Hairston Jr., Danny Richar, Jolbert Cabrera, Adam Rosales, etc, etc, etc.
There are some pretty bad SS listed there. I think Frazier or Cairo can hold their own. Especially considering we're only talking about the occasional PT there. But personally, I'd rather let Phillips cover it for that odd game and then plug in Frazier/Cairo at 2nd where they're more comfortable.
Let me put it this way, NOBODY in the starting infield needs a defensive replacement. Period. So when the bench guys AREN'T getting that odd 2 or 3 starts a month, what are they going to be doing on the club? Pinch hitting. I just don't see the value of Janish or Valdez as PINCH HITTERS. Because that would be their main role on the club. Frazier brings much more to the table in that role and he won't KILL us defensively.
Last edited by _Sir_Charles_; 01-25-2012 at 07:34 PM.
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