5 Ways to Keep Reds' Todd Frazier in the Lineup When Joey Votto Returns

"And the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year award goes too..."

Cincinnati Reds fans know how this phrase should end.

With just over one month to go in the 2012 MLB regular season, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves with a problem—an unusual one—too many good players and not enough spots in the lineup. According to Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Joey Votto could return sometime this week after he makes a couple of starts with the Dayton Dragons, the Reds Single-A club. This leaves top ROY candidate Todd Frazier without an everyday position.

Todd Frazier has been on an absolute role since the All-Star break—raising his season slash totals to .293/.354/.550 while clubbing 18 home runs and driving in 60 runs. Let's not forget to mention his .319 BA with runners on base and his offensive WAR of 2.5—both second on the team behind Joey Votto.

With that type of production, it is almost inconceivable that Dusty Baker not start him everyday. It's time for Baker and Co. to start thinking creatively to ensure that Todd Frazier's bat has a secure spot in the lineup.

With that being said, let's give them a few suggestions.

The Obvious Solution: Frazier Becomes the Everyday 3rd Baseman

Scott Rolen has shown signs of becoming a productive piece of the lineup lately. He's raking at a .356/.445/.564 clip in limited time (100 ABs) since the All-Star break; but when push comes to shove, it is the youthful Todd Frazier who provides the most production at the plate.

B/R reader Matthew Thomas commented on a previous article I had written and suggested that Rolen become the late inning defensive replacement—not a bad suggestion.

Regardless, placing Todd Frazier at third base for four to five starts a weeks secures his spot in the lineup and ensures Rolen stays healthy for the stretch run.

Drew Stubbs Sits and Todd Frazier Takes Over LF

Drew Stubbs and his bat should be the real odd man out here. Stubbs has struggled all year to the tune of a .227/.292/.372—now tell me that is starting lineup material. Better yet, tell me it is top of the lineup material.

Here's the solution—Stubbs sees more time on the pine while Ryan Ludwick makes the shift to right field, Jay Bruce takes over in center field and Todd Frazier takes over in left field. It weakens the outfield a bit, but Frazier is no slouch. There wouldn't be any Adam Dunn or Yonder Alonso reminiscing going on here.

Drew Stubbs could always be inserted as a late-inning baserunner or defensive replacement.

Todd Frazier Is a Jack of All Trades

The kid can play a few positions and play them well. Maybe the club decides to use his versatility to get him in the lineup. Sure it stinks to not have a permanent position, but at least he would be in the batting lineup each day.

Give him three starts a week at third base, rest Joey Votto once a week and let Todd Frazier get a game a week at first. Then sit Drew Stubbs a few times and allow Frazier to man the outfield two to three times a week.

Badda-boom-badda-bing—now he's in the lineup every night.

Pinch Hitting Followed by Late-Inning Replacement

If you don't start him, get him in the lineup late. Pinch hit him early and then let him play the remainder of the game. Though this is not the ideal way to get Todd Frazier at bats, it's better than nothing.

I'm not saying you use him like a normal bench player, but rather make a conceded effort to get him in there every night and for a couple ABs. It may take some creative thinking or going against conventional wisdom, but it can be done.

Let's get creative here Dusty.

The "Off the Wall" Solution

Todd Frazier played shortstop and second base in the minors. So why couldn't he do it now? Use Frazier's versatility and start him at short once or twice a week. While you're at it, maybe even move Phillips to short for a game or two a week and put Frazier at second.

I know these are radical solutions, but sometimes, it takes radical actions to get the results you need or want. I am a huge Zack Cozart fan, who in my eyes, should be the 2012 NL Gold Glove winner at shortstop. Maybe Frazier's defensive abilities and offensive superiority outweigh the harm done by removing Cozart from short a couple games per week.

Once again, it's crazy I know, but it gets your second best bat in the lineup.

Let's Sum It All Up

No matter how you phrase it, the man with the funky batting stance that all the scouts said wouldn't work in the majors is the second best hitter on the Cincinnati Reds. The boy from Jersey who was a Little League World Series hero for Toms River has earned his stripes this season.

There are only so many ways to get Frazier in the lineup and regardless of how you look at it, some hard decisions will need to be made for it to happen. Dusty Baker will need to hurt some feelings and take away some playing time from others.

After all, the Reds are 57-32 when he starts and 21-20 when he doesn't.

Let your voice be heard—how would you get Todd Frazier's bat into the lineup? 

You can follow Joshua Ramsey on Twitter @JRamCincy