Top 5 Reds defenders that you've seen

[cincrazy]

I really enjoyed the discussion about the Top 5 Reds arms, so I thought I'd create another one. A lot of you have seen a lot more of the game than I have, and I love reading about old players I'm not too familiar with .

Top 5 Reds defenders of my time as a diehard fan:

1. Barry Larkin (He was the gold standard for shortstops during his time. Great arm, great range. Total package.)
2. Brandon Phillips (Incredible second baseman. Makes the hard plays look routine, and makes the routine plays look like plays a little leaguer could make.)
3. Bret Boone (Before his head grew 3 sizes and he added 60 lbs of pure muscle, this guy was known solely for a great glove. And that glove alone was enough to keep him in the show and in the starting lineup.)
4. Pokey Reese (If he lasts a little longer, I probably put him higher on this list. He was an absolute joy to watch.)
5. Scott Rolen (This isn't Rolen in his prime, but I still feel he belongs on this list over Mike Cameron, Joey Votto, and some other deserving candidates. He's an absolute rock for our infield at the hot corner, and even with a bad shoulder and bad back, he's fascinating to watch).

[cincrazy]

One thing the Reds haven't lacked for over the years seems to be elite defenders. With the exception of the lost decade, haha. This should be a fun discussion. The "honorable mention" lists should be just as impressive as the top 5 lists I'd imagine.

[top6]

I have no clue if stats back this up or not, but I don't think I've ever personally witnessed a better defensive season than Pokey Reese in 1999.

Eric Davis was also awesome.

[cincrazy]

I have no clue if stats back this up or not, but I don't think I've ever personally witnessed a better defensive season than Pokey Reese in 1999.

Eric Davis was also awesome.

Pokey was breathtaking. An argument could be made that he was even better than Phillips when he was at his peak.

[WrongVerb]

1. Bench
2. Concepcion
3. Eric Davis
4. Phillips
5. Larkin

[top6]

Pokey was breathtaking. An argument could be made that he was even better than Phillips when he was at his peak.

I think he was definitely better, defensively. Again, that's just based on observation.

Obviously, Phillips is the vastly superior player overall.

[SunDeck]

Bench
Buddy Bell/S. Rolen
Barry Larkin/D. Concepcion
B. Phillips/J. Morgan
E.D./C. Geronimo

[steig]

1. Barry Larkin
2. Pokey Reese
3. Paul O'Neil - cannon for an arm and great helmet punter as a bonus
4. Scott Rolen
5. Eric Davis

[RollyInRaleigh]

Bench- he still defines the position.

Phillips- never have seen anyone better.

Concepcion- made the spectacular look routine.

Bell- As good as anyone at 3b, ever.

Geronimo- see Concepcion.

[RedsMan3203]

Funny, seems like this converstaion is all pointed/directed at the infield...

Can't Jay Bruce get some love in RF?

[RedsBaron]

Johnny Bench re-defined the position of catcher. I do not have the words to describe how unparalleled and breath takingly great he was in his prime. He has to be first on my list.
As for shortstops, Davey Concepcion and Barry Larkin were both great. Barry is in the HOF because he was a much greater offensive force but in the field I view them as equals(I haven't done any statistical analysis to compare the two).
Joe Morgan, Pokey Reese and Brandon Phillips all deserve mention as second base men ( and Tommy Helms won a Gold Glove as well). Based just on observation I put Phillips first.
In the outfield Cesar Geronimo and Eric Davis stand out.

[marcshoe]

Bench is on top. After that, I'd have to think a bit. BP, Davey, Morgan, Geronimo, Larkin, BretB, ED, Pokey (at shortstop in single A it was like he covered the whole infield), who knows who else. I throw one out there though--Tony Fernandez, playing a position he didn't like (3b) for one strike-shortened year.

[Joseph]

Bench
Davis
Larkin
Morgan
Phillips

[mth123]

1. Johnny Bench
2. Brandon Phillips
3. Dave Concepcion
4. Eric Davis
5. Cesar Geronimo

[mth123]

Next 5

6. Pokey Reese
7. Barry Larkin
8. Scott Rolen
9. Joe Morgan
10. Buddy Bell