Reds Assistant GM Bob Miller hosted another of his monthly chats on reds.com earlier this week. A couple of the Q & A’s touched on the same topics we’ve discussed at length the past couple of days with regard to the future of the Reds infield, and he mentioned that Todd Frazier was still a possible long-term option at shortstop.
rprprprprp: What’s the long-term solution at shortstop?
bob_miller: Could be Cozart or Frazier (both at AA) or Valaika (AAA) or Janish. Or someone we get in a trade
It was interesting that he also mentioned Janish, suggesting that they aren’t necessarily concerned about offense at the shortstop position. Would that open the door for Valaika or even Cozart to be the opening day shortstop in 2010, if they felt either player was ready defensively?
Later in the chat, specifically on the topic of which position Frazier will ultimately end up:
redsdevil: Todd Frazier has been all over the field lately. Where do you guys see him long-term?
bob_miller: The great thing with Todd is he can play just about anywhere in the infield plus left field. He’ll be able to slot in wherever we need him.
I like this kind of flexibility, as it gives the Reds options while they pursue other players via free agency or trade. It decreases the chances of Frazier getting blocked should the Reds add another bat in the off-season. If he’s successful at 2B, it also increases the possibility of trading Phillips.
If they have to move a contract this off-season, I think Phillips is the most logical choice as I suspect he would bring the most major league ready talent in return.