News
Inbox: Stubbs or Dickerson in center?
Beat reporter Mark Sheldon answers fans' questions
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
09/21/09 12:10 PM ET
Has Chris Dickerson lost his job to Drew Stubbs? The numbers suggest Dickerson has been and will be a better hitter than Stubbs and I think their defensive chops are about equal.-- Greg J., Maineville, Ohio Lost his job? No. Dickerson has been out with a severely sprained ankle for over a month. However, Stubbs has given the front office something to seriously think about during his audition. Next spring, Dickerson and Stubbs should be the top two contenders for the starting center-field job and may the best man win. If no one wins it outright, platoon with the two of them. What has happened with Willy Taveras? I have heard almost nothing about him. What do they plan to do with him next year? If they tried to trade him would anybody want him?
-- no name given Taveras went on the disabled list Aug. 19 with a strained quadriceps. As for the future, notice that I didn't include his name above for the battle for center field in 2010. He's no match for either Dickerson or Stubbs in my mind. Taveras has been a big disappointment -- both offensively and defensively -- after he signed in the offseason. At best, he should be a reserve outfielder and pinch-runner for the Reds, but it's a good bet that if he stays with the team, he'll get to play. As for a potential trade, his track record plus the $4 million he's owed in 2010 equals no chance any team would be interested. What are the options for leadoff hitter next year? Is Stubbs the answer? Will we have to look outside the organization?
-- no name given If Stubbs can cut down on his strikeouts, he'd be decent leading off. But he's got the kind of power that would suit him for spots further down in the order. I think Dickerson would make a better overall leadoff hitter. What do you think the Reds' front office will do this offseason concerning the shortstop position? I think sometimes the best moves are the ones that aren't made, when talking about keeping Paul Janish for another year.
-- no name given I know Janish hasn't consistently hit well in the Majors, but he's had his moments. His fielding skills at shortstop have been nothing short of sensational. If he can become even a .240 hitter, that'd be good enough in my mind. The Reds aren't likely to spend a ton in the offseason and Janish would be a strong in-house option, especially if the Reds can somehow find ways to boost their offense in other areas. Defensively, an infield with Janish, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen would be tough to top.
|
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.
|
||||||||
Whether or not he is re-signed for next season, will Reds fans ever appreciate the bargain they got in Jonny Gomes this season?
-- no name given
They better appreciate his contribution because Gomes more than exceeded expectations at the plate after he was signed for all of $600,000. He's also been a stellar presence in the clubhouse and sets a good example with his effort. Hopefully the Reds recognize this and can find a way to re-sign him.
Is there any word on who the player to be named later is for reliever David Weathers? The trade with the Brewers happened about a month ago and it's almost forgotten.-- Rob E., Cincinnati Not forgotten, just not a pressing issue at the moment. The Reds already likely know who they're getting. Those PTBNL situations usually involve a team agreeing to pick one out of a group of low-level Minor League players. I would expect that player will come over soon after the season ends. I know the Reds are trying to stay young for the near future, but can there ever be an opportunity for a club like the Reds to win in this high-dollar free-agent market if they do not at least go out and try to bring in at least one top free agent per year to build a winner?
-- Will T., Dayton, Ohio It's not easy, but small market teams can and have contended in the current era -- the Marlins, Rays and Twins being among the best examples. It comes down to trusting your organizational development, having a plan and most importantly --- sticking with it. The Reds have not been good at that last one over the years.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
