Ranking by Position Group: Middle Infielders

[mace]

1. Zack Cozart, 24, R
2. Billy Hamilton, 19, S
3. Chris Valaika, 24, R
4. Ronald Torreyes, 17, R
5. Kris Negron, 24, R
6. Didi Gregorius, 20, L
7. Henry Rodriguez, 20, S
8. Miguel Rojas, 21, R
9. Samuel Diaz, 19, S
10. Alex Buchholz, 22, R
11. Humberto Valor, 17, R
12. Ronald Bueno, 17, S
13. Jake Kahaulelio, 25, R
14. Devin Lohman, 21, R
15. Jefry Sierra, 20, R
16. Brodie Greene, 22, R
17. Rusbel Farinez, 18, R

[cinreds21]

Jake may need to be one or two higher but probably not.

[mace]

Kahaulelio had a pretty good year, but I just don't feature him quite as a major-leaguer. Having seen him all season, do you? The two guys just above him are, of course, very, very young, and still largely unknown; but that can be an advantage, too. They haven't hit a ceiling.

[cinreds21]

Originally Posted by mace

Kahaulelio had a pretty good year, but I just don't feature him quite as a major-leaguer. Having seen him all season, do you? The two guys just above him are, of course, very, very young, and still largely unknown; but that can be an advantage, too. They haven't hit a ceiling.

Well he had a great first half. He was our best hitter then he got hurt and after the all-star break he struggled. I don't know if it was because of the injury or what. I don't know if he'll get a shot but I still think he's pretty good.

[GOYA]

No Cody Puckett?

[nemesis]

Originally Posted by GOYA

No Cody Puckett?

Is Cody a viable option for 3B?

I know they said he could move to LF but he has alot of pop in his bat (40 2B/18 HR). that would play at the position.

Being a former SS you would think he could make the move.

[camisadelgolf]

Originally Posted by nemesis

Is Cody a viable option for 3B?

I know they said he could move to LF but he has alot of pop in his bat (40 2B/18 HR). that would play at the position.

Being a former SS you would think he could make the move.

I doubt it--his arm is pretty weak.

[HokieRed]

Originally Posted by GOYA

No Cody Puckett?

Ditto.

[mace]

Originally Posted by GOYA

No Cody Puckett?

Sorry--late in weighing in. I just don't see him sticking as a middle infielder. I'm including him with the outfielders.

[lollipopcurve]

I like Gregorius higher than #6. I would not be surprised if he becomes the #1 SS prospect in the system within a year or two.

[tbball10]

junior arias?

[mace]

I put Arias with the corner infielders. Not many people seem to think he'll remain at shortstop.

[AWA85]

Think we will see Cozart next year with the Reds at some point? He seems to bring a low OBP, but his power is something we don't have at the major league level. Also the stolen bases this past season was a pleasant surprise.

I have not seen him play since Dayton, would it be safe to say his glove is better then Ocab already?

[mth123]

Originally Posted by AWA85

Think we will see Cozart next year with the Reds at some point? He seems to bring a low OBP, but his power is something we don't have at the major league level. Also the stolen bases this past season was a pleasant surprise.

I have not seen him play since Dayton, would it be safe to say his glove is better then Ocab already?

As Cozart moved up in the minor leagues his splits have shown themselves. He looks like a good player against LHP. In 2009 in AA he splits were .862 vs. LHP and only .720 vs. RHP. In 2010 in AAA his splits were .770 vs, LHP and .687 vs. RHP. Platooning at SS isn't ideal, but IMO Cozart needs a partner who hits LH who can play at least some of the time agianst RHP. With Phillips having similar issues, a LH Bat who can play MI would seem to be something the Reds should pursue. I'm not convinced that Cozart is an every day answer in the big leagues any more than I am Janish but I think he's ready to assume a significant role in the big leagues.