I repeat my assertion that the Reds need a solid shortstop to be an authentic contender for the Central Division championship. I have had my fill of Juan Castro's, Felipe Lopez's (though look at him now), Enrique Cruz's and Alex Gonzalez's until I could puke.
Jeff Keppinger filled in for nearly a year and did an adequate job. I think they sent him to Houston while my back was turned shortly before the season began.
Since the retirement of Barry Larkin, they have come and gone so swiftly that a daily roster is needed to keep abreast of the situation. Prior to that, Roy McMillan, Chico Cardenas, and Dave Concepcion provided a strong lineage that existed until Larkin's arrival in 1986.
Mark DeRosa, a Type B Free Agent, is a Swiss Army Knife of MLB if there ever was one. He can play anywhere in the infield or outfield without giving quarter to the opposition.
He can hit adequately, as his .275 career average testifies. He can hit with power, as he has left left the proverbial yard 44 times in the previous two seasons.
We don't know if DeRosa is a Gold Glove player, because he hasn't had the opportunity to play consistently at one position long enough.
He has played third base more than any other position, however I could see him at second base if the Reds would like to move Brandon Phillips back to his original position of shortstop.
Age is not a big concern, either, as he is only two months older than Scott Rolen, whom the Reds remortgaged Great American Ball Park for recently.
It is unclear to me as to the kind of jack he makes. ESPN shows that he made $4.75 million in 2008 and played for free last year. That's what it shows.
I don't think he would incite a bidding war, though I could be wrong. I would at least like to see the "Muckety Mucks" of the Reds open the door a crack and take a look inside. You never know what you might pull out.
I may be alone, a voice crying in the wilderness, as it were, but I do believe it is at least worth a gander. Please, no more bring-ups at SS, and don't think that you will go an further than last year with Paul Janish filling the gap.
No offense intended to Paul, he is a great guy and an excellent glove. If he could only hit, we would have something to behold. We cannot afford another season of a shortstop batting below the Mendoza line.
Sources:
Cliff Eastham is a B/R Featured Columnist for the Cincinnati Reds
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