Nick Senzel

[Griffey012]

The logical idea. Not surprising at all.

Reds keep Suarez at third, bring up Senzel to play second mid-season next year.

As Suarez approaches free agency (currently three years away), he gets marketed for trade. Senzel then moves back to third.

Gennett likely marketed for trade this off-season. Salary getting high. Could be ideal LH DH in AL. If he stays, he’ll begin at second base until Senzel is ready. Gennett then becomes a deadline trade piece.

Possibly, but if Senzel can be an average to above average defender at second base you leave him there. His projected bat is even more valuable at 2b than it is a 3b.

[redsof72]

IMO, the fact that Senzel is going to get some reps at second base on practice fields in Goodyear is not surprising or particularly notable. The fact that Senzel is going to start the year in Louisville is not surprising. What would be notable is if he starts the year with Louisville playing second base. Now that would be news.

Prior to Bats opening day, I am sure there will be some clues as to where this is headed. Knowing Senzel, if we are talking about the possibility of him playing second base for the Reds in 2018, he is not going to go into that process half-heartedly. You are going to see some reports from writers in Arizona of Senzel on the practice field for hours and hours, working with Freddie Benavides or Delino DeShields or Billy Doran. They will work with him on the pivot at second base, on bunt coverage, on the difference in reading hops at second vs. third base, on positioning, on understanding how to get good jumps on balls off the bat, on various footwork, on stolen base coverage. Yes, Senzel has played some second in college, but I doubt he has gotten coached like he would from those guys.

For Senzel to become a big league quality second baseman, it will take a lot of work in February and March, similar to what you heard about Votto last spring, only even more intense. Knowing Senzel, he will be out there. I think he can do it, but I think it will be more telling to hear whether they are doing the things that show they are serious about this than just saying, he will get some work at second base. How many times have we heard something like that over the years with various players and it turned out to be nothing? If they are going to get Senzel ready to play second base in the big leagues, it will take a real commitment.

[reds44]

Assuming Suarez is on the roster and playing 3rd base come spring training, Senzel is going to 2nd base.

[Kc61]

Possibly, but if Senzel can be an average to above average defender at second base you leave him there. His projected bat is even more valuable at 2b than it is a 3b.

Sure, but I doubt that happens. Suarez will become very expensive. A guy like Shed Long seems to have a future at second. My guess is Senzel winds up at third some day in his tenure as a Red.

But for next year, possibly 2019, Suarez at third and Senzel at second is a good plan.

[Griffey012]

Sure, but I doubt that happens. Suarez will become very expensive. A guy like Shed Long seems to have a future at second. My guess is Senzel winds up at third some day in his tenure as a Red.

But for next year, possibly 2019, Suarez at third and Senzel at second is a good plan.

Sure if we have a high caliber 2nd base replacement and it looks like moving Senzel back to 3rd benefits the squad as a whole, you do it. But if we don't, in a vacuum, Senzel's bat plays up a 2b, and he is probably a more valuable player as an average 2b defender than an above average 3b defender. And with 3b being lower on the defensive spectrum it should be easier to fill that spot.

[BillDoran]

It'll be interesting to see whether Dick Williams can capitalize on the surplus of 2B/3B types. Between Suarez, Scooter, Senzel, Blandino and Long, the Reds have real depth there. Williams ability to turn one of the few strengths in the system into major league help will be interesting. He needs to be able to identify the Reds guy (or guys) and deal off the others to supplement the big league squad.

We have too few assets. Williams can't be a wait-and-see guy. Trust your scouts. Pick your guy(s). Bring in more pitching.

The more positional flexibility for Senzel the better. While it'll definitely take work, he can always transition back to 3B in the future. If he hits enough, he'll settle into a position just like Suarez. Until he proves himself, he'll have to find a fit on the big league roster as countless others have before him.

[reds44]

Curious if Shed could handle CF?

[Edd Roush]

Curious if Shed could handle CF?

redsof72 and doug, I am also very interested in your thoughts on this question.

[dougdirt]

redsof72 and doug, I am also very interested in your thoughts on this question.

Tough to say. I've timed him as a 70-runner in the past, so the speed is probably there.

[redsof72]

I personally would have a hard time picturing that but he would tell you he could do it. I don't think you will see that given any consideration. He is more of a straight line runner. He is probably much faster on a stopwatch than Amaral but Amaral was much more agile and coordinated if you want to compare two players. Shed has more of a bull-in-a-china shop way of moving. I am not sure how long it would take him to learn to get a jump off the bat but it would take probably 250 games, at least, to be adequate. Hamilton is not going anywhere for a while, anyway. If they could increase Shed's versatility, it would be helpful, but I don't know if that can happen. I think he is either going to have to be an everyday second baseman or a Lenny Harris type pinch hitter. You are talking about a guy that is 5'7" or 5'8" despite what the roster might say. As I have said before, Shed plays well because of the massive chip on his shoulder and he has so much confidence that he just attacks the game. Confidence is a huge part of sports but in baseball it is rarely talked about because there is no stat to measure it and our game has become a game of stats. Still, we see teams go through enormous hot and cold streaks that are a direct result of momentum and confidence. Shed walks to the plate, looks the pitcher in the eye, and turns the moment into his own personal war. That's his game.

[lollipopcurve]

Fantastic post, 72. Thanks.

[757690]

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/929008179870097410

Attachment 12986

[Z-Fly]

Is he floating?

[dougdirt]

Is he floating?

He's standing. With style.

[kaldaniels]

I’m all aboard the Senzel train so don’t get me wrong...

But I’ve seen it referenced before that Senzel is well, cocky to put it nicely. Are we looking at a guy that other teams will hate (on a personal, not baseball level)? It’s cool if he is...cause he’s our guy. I just want to know what we are dealing with. I like a good heel every now and then.