Henry Rodriguez

[RedlegJake]

HRod's bat should play well but his somewhat limited homer power and his average but adequate defense at several positions just screams super sub to me. That's not a negative either - that's a really valuable player. Infield outfield plus he switch hits - lefty - righty, any kind of match up, any place on the field you need him except catcher and maybe center field. Yeah, he'd play almost as much as a regular.

Cozart and Gregorious - if DiDi's bat continues to develop I think I agree with Scrap - there's so much value in trade you about have to move one of them while that value is high. If Didi doesn't improve much as a hitter he's still a great sub for SS just as he is, though, it's a can't lose situation for the Reds.

[Scrap Irony]

Rodriguez profiles as a 10-15 HR bat, with ceiling projections at about 20. It's not like he's got no pop at all. A .310/ .350/ /425 number two hitter who rarely strikes out is really, really valuable, especially at a position like 3B. I think Frazier's season makes him much more likely to start at that spot next season, but this is fairly new territory for him. The majors are littered with guys who went Joe Charbineau for a year before settling into mediocrity.

At this point, Rodriguez is a great bat to stash in AAA or as a super-sub for 2013. If Frazier is dealt or struggles next season, I absolutely think Rodriguez can step in and step up.

[rgslone]

Originally Posted by Scrap Irony

Rodriguez profiles as a 10-15 HR bat, with ceiling projections at about 20. It's not like he's got no pop at all. A .310/ .350/ /425 number two hitter who rarely strikes out is really, really valuable, especially at a position like 3B. I think Frazier's season makes him much more likely to start at that spot next season, but this is fairly new territory for him. The majors are littered with guys who went Joe Charbineau for a year before settling into mediocrity.

At this point, Rodriguez is a great bat to stash in AAA or as a super-sub for 2013. If Frazier is dealt or struggles next season, I absolutely think Rodriguez can step in and step up.

I just don't know about a guy like that hitting 2nd for the Reds. You don't want Joey Votto to be put in a state of shock. I mean what's he supposed to think when he comes to the plate and somebody in front of him actually got on base?

[j_m_t_us]

Whats going on with Henry as he looks to be really struggling at Louisville over the last 10 games going 6 for 40 and batting .150? Even Didi has cooled off recently!

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by j_m_t_us

Whats going on with Henry as he looks to be really struggling at Louisville over the last 10 games going 6 for 40 and batting .150? Even Didi has cooled off recently!

Just the normal ups and downs of a season. Everyone goes through ups and downs.

[Tom Servo]

From what I'm reading, is Placido Polanco a comp for H-Rod?

[Steve4192]

Originally Posted by Scrap Irony

I'd personally play him at 2B, watch him go .310/ .350/ .450, and deal with the lack of range. He has really sure hands and won't screw up what he gets to.

But Phillips is there. So that won't work.

The next most logical move, IMO, is to play him everywhere on the infield. 2B, SS, 3B-- pull a Tony Phillips.

That is a REALLY optimistic projection. There are only 10 active major leaguers who currently maintain a 310 career batting average. I like HRod, but I doubt he'll be one of the elite BA hitters in the game. I expect something more along the lines of 290/330/410. That makes him a useful player, but given his deficiencies with the glove, not a guy I would want to pencil into the lineup everyday. I see him more as the Reds version of Jose Oquendo, the perfect Swiss Army knife to have sitting on your bench ready to step in and replace just about anyone.

[Steve4192]

Originally Posted by Tom Servo

From what I'm reading, is Placido Polanco a comp for H-Rod?

The difference between Polanco and HRod is Polanco is a plus defender. He was an asset in the field, not just adequate. With the bat, the obvious difference is that HRod is a switch hitter and Polanco is not. Aside from those two quibbles, I could see Polanco being at the upper end of HRod's projection.

[Benihana]

So I'm gathering from this thread there isn't a major difference between his hitting against lefties vs. righties?

What might be interesting is if Ludwick declines his option and seeks a huge payday elsewhere, move Frazier to LF and bring in Kevin Youkilis on a hometown deal to play 3B against lefties and let Rodriguez spell him against tough righties and inevitably when Youk suffers an injury.