Mailbag: Roles for Hopper, Keppinger?

The offseason mailbag will return in a few weeks, and I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about in the months to come.

The Reds offense late this season has seemed to improve greatly when Norris Hopper and Jeff Keppinger bat first and second. What is the probability that they will be batting No. 1 and 2 in the Reds' lineup next year? Thanks.
-- Alex A., Brentwood, Tenn.

Both players made the most of their chances when they filled in for missing regulars throughout the season. Both get credit for helping to make the team better in the second half. Interim manager Pete Mackanin said last week both Hopper and Keppinger deserve chances to be everyday players next season.

But if Adam Dunn, Josh Hamilton and Ken Griffey Jr. are all back in the outfield, I don't see where Hopper gets to be a starter. If Hopper does seek to be an everyday player, he'd need to do more leadoff-type things like drawing more walks (three walks on Sunday was pretty cool). Eventually, defenses will neutralize his push bunts and pitchers will work him differently to prevent him from slapping those singles the other way to right field.

Alex Gonzalez, Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion seem set in the infield, which makes it tougher on Keppinger. However, he could assume that super utility role should the Reds explore dealing Ryan Freel -- which seems more possible with Keppinger's success.

We have heard a lot about Bill Bray possibly being the Reds closer in the future. What about Jared Burton in that role? He has done extremely well in the setup role as a rookie (which is impressive) and he has the intensity of an Eric Gagne that is needed to be a good closer. Has there been any talk about Burton in the closer role for 2008?
-- Mike K., Oxford, Ohio

It's been a nice half a season for Burton, but he's not being groomed to be a closer at this point. Unless the Reds acquire someone, David Weathers (33 saves in 39 chances) definitely deserves to get the role next season. Burton's eighth-inning work and having Weathers in the ninth helped stabilize the bullpen in the late innings. Now, the front office needs to work on improving the rest of staff.

A nice surprise that exceeded expectations as a Rule 5 Draft player, Burton is a young pitcher that needs to show he can do it again next year before being promoted to the closer's role.

Have a question about the Reds? E-mail your query to MLB.com Reds beat reporter Mark Sheldon for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

I read with interest your conjecture about the possibility of Matt Belisle being part of the Reds starting rotation in 2008. Although Belisle seems to have a lively and strong arm, the truth is, his entire repertoire seems to be infinitely hittable. His curveball appears flat, and his fastball does not have much movement. His hits-to-innings pitched ratio is not good, and his strikeouts and homers per 9 innings is average or below average. Other than lack of payroll, I can't think of another reason to give Belisle serious consideration for a starting spot, can you?
-- David D., Lexington, Ky.

Many in the organization believe in Belisle's arm and stuff and think he can sort out his issues with more experience. By no means should he be handed a rotation spot next season based on this season's performance. But he'll likely be given a shot at competing for a spot because players with his ability usually get multiple chances (and seasons) to prove themselves.

With all the hype that Hopper and Keppinger are getting, I think people are missing another great talent the Reds acquired in Jorge Cantu. Where does he fit into the equation next year? I don't like the idea of platooning him again at first with the lefty-righty thing with Joey Votto.
-- Greg D., Connersville, Ind.

Cantu has been a nice addition and credit is due to the front office for taking a chance and dealing for him. The buzz is pretty hot on Votto, and the rookie will likely get every chance to win the starting role outright in camp next spring, especially if Scott Hatteberg's option isn't picked up. If not, he and Cantu would platoon -- assuming Cantu is brought back.

With the lack of free-agent starters this offseason, what are the chances the Reds open up their pocketbooks and go after Johan Santana, who has no intention of re-signing with the Twins?
--Ryan H., Fairborn, Ohio

Do you know something I don't? There were some strained moments with the Twins front office this summer, but Santana has never said that he doesn't intend to re-sign after his contract is up after 2008. Minnesota has limited finances but will make every effort to re-sign him. If it doesn't, he'd likely command the richest contract ever for a pitcher. Then it's get-in-line time because many clubs will be looking under their sofas for tons of loose change and smashing open their giant piggy banks to make a run at him.

My question involves uniforms: Who assigns numbers to players when they join the club? How are numbers selected? Do the Reds keep jerseys on hand for players who they think may get called up? For example, Tom Shearn came up out of nowhere. Was there a jersey already there for him, or did equipment manager Bernie Stowe stay up all night making one for him? Finally, why do the Reds just wear their red jerseys at home on Sundays? They look great and I would like to see them worn more often, like some other clubs do.
-- Jen M., Harrison, Ohio

Most of the time, numbers are assigned by clubhouse manager Rick Stowe. Sometimes numbers are selected according to player preference, and sometimes there's inspiration -- Stowe issued No. 34 to Texan Homer Bailey as a nod to Nolan Ryan. Sometimes, numbers are assigned simply based on what's available. Spare jerseys are kept in storage for any player called up or acquired and the names are sewn on by a local uniform outlet. Shearn wore No. 64 in Spring Training, so he wasn't entirely out of nowhere.