January 7, 2009
Reds sign Hairston...to play shortstop?!?!
According to this at MLB.com, the Reds have re-signed Jerry Hairston Jr. The interesting thing in the article is Hairston is expected to become the everyday shortstop. Huh? I could understand if Gonzalez isn't going to be healthy they would play Keppinger at short and take their chances. But, putting Hairston there everyday kind of puzzles me.
However, now that I think about it, it might keep him healthier than putting him in the outfield where he'd for sure get hurt more often.
The better news is the contract is only for a guaranteed $2 million and it's just one year so the Reds are not on the hook for a big contract. He can earn up to $4 million if he meets incentives, which is fine. If he performs well, I have no problem giving him more money.
So, Kepp is without a position again. What about putting him in left? He's played it before (ok 3 games), so why not? Unless you want more pop in your lineup, which I'm sure they need.
I'm not totally against the re-signing of Hairston. I know I devoted an entire thread to it once, but that was when I thought he was going to want a multi-year deal for bigger money. I think he can help, and keeping his salary down will help as well.
OK, Walt. Left fielder is next???
Discussion
7 Comments on "Reds sign Hairston...to play shortstop?!?!"
#1
Posted by Doug Gray, January 7, 2009 6:47 PM
I think that was pure speculation by Mark Sheldon. I hope so at least.
#2
Posted by Larry, January 7, 2009 9:06 PM
Saw on a couple of sites that Gonzo is doing baseball activities in Miami and will be soon checked by Dr. Kremchek. Seems they already know something or they are just covering their butts just in case. But how does this all go if Gonzo is fit to play and they by chance sign a power hitting LF, before the checkup? I really have no problem with Hairston and Kepp doing what they do best, being super utility players.
#3
Posted by Scott Rubin, January 8, 2009 1:37 PM
It looks like the power hitting LF won't happen. HJH is an emergency SS if Gonzo can't go or doesn't regain his stroke. WJ said he expects him to play a lot of LF.
#4
Posted by Rick, January 8, 2009 6:42 PM
I see a lot of platooning going on, but I am still concerned about a lack of lefthanded bench players. I think Walt will add someone else (lefthanded) to the bench and I am not sure Hopper will make the team. Dickerson can't be the only lefthander on the bench.
#5
Posted by Erik, January 10, 2009 1:21 AM
I read sheldon's post and sat there wondering - isn't that some pretty big news? He had gonzalez not being ready to play and gave no source for saying that. Then we hear quotes from Jocketty saying he might be ready, they just can't guarantee it. Very poor form by sheldon on that one.
#7
Posted by GoldGod, January 14, 2009 2:45 PM
Def cant hurt, well....unless he gets hurt, which he never does..............ummmm i mean always is, darn!!!!!
Recent Posts
reds Community
-
Community home
Community home
-
Publish a post
Publish a post
-
Recommended
Recommended
-
Audio
Audio
-
Video
Video
Division Rivals
Regional Teams
Leave a comment