Reds Report: Can Paul Janish Hit Enough to Be Cincinnati's Everyday Shortstop?

I was born in 1975 and have been a Cincinnati Reds fan ever since. For the majority of my life, the shortstop position has basically been manned by two people: Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin.

Since Larkin's final season in 2004, the Reds have been unable to find stability at the position. It appears that the latest person to get a chance to play shortstop on a regular basis is Paul Janish.

Janish got a chance to play regularly when Alex Gonzalez was traded in August of last year. He played exceptionally in the field, showcasing his glove and arm. I would consider Janish to be one of the best defensive shortstops in the National League.

With Scott Rolen at third base and Brandon Phillips at second, the Reds should be able to count on a strong infield.

Nobody in the Reds organization doubts the fact that Janish can handle the job defensively. The question is whether or not he can improve on the .211 batting average he finished with last year.

Walt Jocketty has said the Reds are interested in free agent Jamey Carroll. Carroll has spent the last two years as a utility man with the Cleveland Indians. He has a better track record offensively than Janish but has not played shortstop on a daily basis. 

Signing catcher Ramon Hernandez might have helped the chances that Janish will be given a real shot at the everyday shortstop job. The other option at catcher is Ryan Hanigan. Hanigan, like Janish, is known for his superb defense. Offensively, the Reds probably could not afford to have the bats of Hanigan and Janish in the everyday lineup.

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