Chris Valaika could be the Reds answer at shortstop in the future (Photo: Tim Evearitt)
Chris Valaika has been labeled as a guy who likely has to move off of shortstop in the past, but its been noted by Baseball America that he has improved his range this year in part due to him coming into the season at a lighter weight. Today Joe Sheehan over at Baseball Prospectus weighs in on some prospects out in Arizona and he says he thinks Valaika could stick there as well. That could bode well for the future if he can handle the position defensively as shortstop and catcher seem to be the only positions that there are questions about over the next few years.
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I had some computer problems Monday morning and as a result it led to me losing all of my emails (over 700 of them unfortunately) and all of my contacts. If anyone has emailed me in the last year, feel free to shoot me something again so I can get some of my contacts back again.
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Tuesday, 11. November 2008
If we expect Valaika and Turner to start off in AAA, then what do we do with Janish, Bolivar, and Richar? Do you think that Janish and Richar will make the big league squad as ‘back-ups’?
How is Bolivar at SS? I’ve never heard anyone discuss his abilities or status.
D Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I wouldn’t be suprised if Valaika and Turner started out in AA again, but would probably earn a callup to AAA sooner rather than later. That said, I also think that Janish is the 25th man on the Reds roster as the defensive sub, assuming AGon doesn’t make it back. Valaika and Turner will man the AAA middle infield before too long, and I think both can get Sept callups if the 40 man spots can be freed.
coltholt Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 10:31 am
No offense intended, but the reds would be making a huge mistake if they had valaika starting in AA again. Of the list named off, he certainly has the highest ceiling. For a guy who saw great success in AA this year, it would be poor management to not have him starting in AAA.
Kyle Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I see Turner starting the year in AA, not that I agree with it. My guess would be that he will bide his time in Carolina for a month, hit .300, then assume the second base job in AAA when Danny Richar gets dfa’d. I just dont see Richar staying on the 40 man roster very long because he has no future in the organization. Luis Bolivar strikes me as an organizational filler kind of guy and dont think he will block turner when he’ ready.
I would expect to see Valaika get most of the starts at shortstop in AAA and Janish to bounce around from second, to short on occassion and play some third as well.
So right now Doug, do you think Valaika has made it to the point where he is an average shortstop? I would be ecstatic if he could be solid average defensively.
Doug Gray Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I agree on Turner. I think he starts back in AA next season. Valaika has to be a lock for AAA though. What that means for Janish, I am not sure. He could make the team out of ST though as a backup because of his glove.
As for Valaika’s defense, I don’t know how much it is improved, but it does seem he is changing some peoples minds. If he can stick at SS it may be the second best thing to happen to the farm system this past year.
Kyle Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
The first being…?
The Latin Americans signings? Neftali Soto turning into a monster of a hitter? Stubbs learning how to hit? Alonso being drafted?
Im glad that there are so many possible answers to that question.
Doug Gray Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I gotta say its drafting Alonso. If he progresses correctly it helps us address a big hole and soon in left field because Votto can play out there and we aren’t likely to get a downgrade at first base really.
Tuesday, 11. November 2008
Awesome news about Valaika. This is just what I was waiting to here. Sorry about the email thing, Doug…bummer
Doug Gray Reply:
November 11th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
It was my fault…. I should have had it backed up, but I didn’t.
Tuesday, 11. November 2008
Valaika needs to start in AAA this year. Janish will be on Reds Opening Day roster.
I feel Valaika has a solid future ahead of him and if provided ample opportunity, he will be an everyday starter at the MLB level.
Tuesday, 11. November 2008
I believe that Jockety looked at Richar strictly as an insurance policy when he acquired him in the Griffey deal. Once the Reds as sure about Alex Gonzalez’s health, I believe that they’ll DFA Richar.
I just don’t see how Richar fits into the Reds’ plans this year otherwise.
Tuesday, 11. November 2008
Hope he keeps it up and continues to take that next step. Seems like someone like Valaika could become very valuable considering how thin the short stop market is starting to become. Not many hitters seem to play that position anymore.
Tuesday, 11. November 2008
I have to disagree with folks’ opinions on Richar; I think he is likely to be in the mix for a position on the Reds’ bench. He is a much more polished hitter than Janish at the same age in their careers. I didn’t see enough of his defense this year, but he has played SS in the past.
He must have some value, as both Dusty and Ozzie Guillen gave him major league ABs over the past two seasons (36 and 187, respectively). Minor league ‘fillers’ do not get these kind of opportunities. We should also take note that Richar has done much better than Janish at the AAA and ML level thus far in their careers. Another note to consider; Richar fought an injury over the course of late ‘07 and early ‘08, while still managing to get into the line-up.
Overall, Richar might be a much better option than Janish. And let’s not forget Rosales will be in contention with these two as well. I think the competition for a roster spot will be fierce this spring.