There are few better stories in baseball right now than Hernan Iribarren. Last year, when he was with the Bats, I spent some time talking to him and wrote a profile that – conveniently – went up just as he was promoted to the majors for the first time in seven years. Just the other day, C. Trent Rosecrans wrote a story about his potential value as a teammate.
There are common threads in both stories. One is that, at one time, Iribarren was a well-regarded prospect. The other is that all of that changed when he was injured before the 2011 season. But I’m not going to re-hash those stories. Instead, I’ll encourage you to go read them if you haven’t already.
What I want to focus on today are Iribarren’s chances of making the roster.
Pros
There is a fair bit to recommend Iribarren. At the top of the list is that he can play anywhere. This has been talked about a lot, but I’ve seen it in person and he really is competent at any non-catching position in the field. And he likes it. One of the places he hadn’t played until last year was first base. But he thought it would be fun and so he asked to get time there. Players with that kind of capability and willingness to do what’s asked of them aren’t common.
Speaking of willingness to do what’s asked, Iribarren is entering his age-33 season. He has no illusions about the paths open to him. When I spoke to him, it was very clear that he knew his ceiling at this point is that of a bench player. A younger player or a player who had formerly been established as a major league regular may chafe at the notion of being given the status of permanent bench player. Not so with Iribarren, and that’s nice for team chemistry.
Perhaps the biggest asset Iribarren has is his reputation as someone who is excellent at mentoring younger players. Everyone I’ve spoken to – including Rockies GM Jeff Bridich – has spoken highly of his ability to work effectively with younger players. He’s already working with Jose Peraza and Eugenio Suarez. Should Herrera be called up, one presumes Iribarren would work with him as well. He very much feels that he is someone who didn’t appreciate the opportunities he was given and is dedicated to making sure other players don’t make the same mistakes he did. On a team overflowing with young players, having a player around who’s willing to be honest in that way can only help.
Cons
The two primary issues with Iribarren are age and roster space – and those intertwine. Iribarren is not currently on the 40-man roster and the Reds would have to give him a spot if he were given a place on the Opening Day roster. And, at his age, you can understand why the Reds might be reluctant to do that. Iribarren isn’t going to be a long-term contributor and so if the choice is between him and, say a 26-year-old who could theoretically contribute over a longer time period, it could be a difficult decision.
Conclusion
Regardless of what ends up happening, Iribarren is a fabulous story. A player returning to the majors for the first time in seven years when he is in his 30s is almost unheard of. And now he’s worked his way into the conversation for a regular bench spot on a major league team. Here at Redleg Nation, we’re fond of saying that we’re pro-fun. And players like Iribarren make the game a little bit more fun and that makes us want to root for him.
I would love to see him make the team. I am all in with the rebuild and understand the time line we expect. However a player who can help mentor three young players or more is priceless. I also thin the fact that they are all Hispanic adds to the benefit. Making them feel more comfortable could be a real benefit. And I also think winning a little more now can go a long way toward building a healthy winning attitude. Add in the fact that another younger utility type has what a 40% chance of helping us down the road. Most are usually expendable trade bait.
I’d rather have Iribarren than Alcantara. Peraza and Suarez can play SS if needed on a day where Cozart isn’t playing or in a pinch. And if we manage to trade Cozart, then Peraza should be moved to SS full time to see if that is a place he can play in the long term.
I don’t think it has to be Iribarren or Alcantara. Both can play multiple positions in both infield or outfield. Iribarren sings a good bat. rather have Hernan than Renda.
Iribarren also gives you the flexiblility to carry three catchers if you want to ease Mesoraco back into a regular schedule.
So while it may be a strain on the 40-man, it might be helpful to the 25-man?
I think taking a potential starting pitcher and having them pitch for a season out of the bullpen is sometimes a great idea. I think doing the same with a position player, having him be a bench player, isn’t nearly as good a choice for development.
Iribarren fits for the bench with Alcantara, Kivlehan, & Turner (if Meseraco on the DL). He does not fit with Raburn & Jennings in the mix. Iribarren is 1 NRI that might actually be successfullt flipped at the tradind deadline.
If he has a great bench first half, he’s trade bait. If his defensive range allows us to carry three catchers for a time, he’s helpful. If he can mentor younger players, we get another coach. I think it’s a smart move to include him on the 25-man roster.
Rooting for Hernan as a player and a man. Hoping he makes the 25 man roster because it makes good baseball sense. Isn’t he the definition of the ideal bench player? I’ll be disappointed if Renda is in and Iribarren is out, but I guess we’ll know soon.
A big question I have for deciding who should make the team on the bench is who can play a decent defensive centerfield. Billy is obviously the starter there, but based on his injury history I would like to see him get a few more days off throughout the course of the season. I would want to make sure that 1 of my bench players is capable of backing up Hamilton in center.
I was looking for someone who could give Hamilton 1 day off each week. Hopefully giving him a little more rest through the season will keep him from getting injured in the second half.
I saw Hernan a lot in CF in Louisville last year. He’s legit. He’s not Hamilton, of course, and sometimes has issues with balls hit straight at him, but there’s nothing embarrassing about his play out there and he still has enough speed to have acceptable range, which is all you can really ask of a backup.
Totally agree you old Cossack you.
The guy gives a professional at bat. Great guy for the playoff roster we should now be assembling.
The only downside was that Renda like Steve Sax throw from second base this week.
I am on board with him, love his intangibles and drive
Nice article, I liked Hernan when they called him up last year. I also would like to see him on he bench. I believe he can contribute. And he is flexible.
I agree Cossack!!!
I think iribarren will be a nice piece on this team I have felt for awhile it would be cool to have a left handed hitting infielder on the bench