Dusty Baker is having young Chris Valaika take ground balls and workout at shortstop and thirdbase in addition to his Louisville Bats position, secondbase.
Vailaika played well in place of Brandon Phillips when the Gold Glove secondbaseman needed time off with a hand injury last season.
The dilemma for the Reds is whether to allow Vailaika to play every day in Louisville or learn in a back up role at the major league level.
"That's where the balance comes in. Is it better for him to help us here or is better for him to go play to help us and himself later?" Baker said. "Its hard to develop sitting. A guy that's sitting should already be developed."
Bench strength is more of a veteran's role.
"They know how to stay ready and their confident because they have a background of success," Baker said. "Young guys don't have that yet. We have a few of those, Valaika, (Todd) Frazier, (Zack) Cozart. All of those guys are knocking on the door, big time," Baker said.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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