Cincinnati Reds Youth Who Will Become Everyday Players

The Cincinnati Reds have some aging players in the questionable positions.  Who will replace Scott Rolen? 

Are the Reds prepared should Joey Votto leave after 2013? 

Who will play left field? 

What kind of depth do the Reds possess? 

The future of the Reds looks good, with several very promising players already on the 40-man roster and some still playing minor league ball.

Left Field: Chris Heisey

Chris Heisey was not what fans excepted him to be in 2011.  His numbers were not terrible, but they were unimpressive for the minor league player of the year.  With Dave Sappelt traded to the Chicago Cubs, there is little competition for Heisey in left.  This is another position that Todd Frazier might see some time in as well, but Heisey will see most of the playing time in left this year.

Another possible left fielder is Fred Lewis, although his numbers were worse than Heisey's.  His fielding work was solid but the Reds will take the few more errors that come with Heisey in exchange for his bat.  Reds fans should hope for more performances like his against the New York Yankees.

Third Base: Juan Francisco

Juan Francisco has played in 31 games last year and will play more in 2012.  Scott Rolen will be the Reds' preferred third baseman, but his age is working against him.  Todd Frazier will be another option, but Francisco has been a better hitter.

Francisco gave Reds' fans a taste of what he's capable of against the Cubs when blasted this ball 482 feet out of the park.  It was the second farthest home run in all of baseball in 2011.  Bearing in mind he's only 24 and that at the time he had yet to have 150 at-bats.  With that, he have the recipe for a promising future as a power hitter.

Second Base: Chris Valaika or Kristopher Negron

Chris Valaika should be another familiar name to Reds faithful.  In the past two seasons, he's appeared in 33 games, usually at second base.  While Brandon Phillips will be the Reds' first choice at second for a least a few more years to come, Valaika will serve as a valuable back-up when Phillips is in need of rest. 

I don't see Valaika being a future replacement for Phillips, but he'll see playing time for the next few years.

The other option is the minor league player Kristopher Negron.  Negron can play second or shortstop and has been an okay hitter throughout his minor league time.  He is listed in the Reds' 40-man roster.

First Base: Neftali Soto

Neftali Soto is next in line for first base, with Yonder Alonso now being a Padre.  Soto has been a solid hitter, batting .272 in his 102 at-bats in AA Carolina.  In his 17 at-bats at Triple-A Louisville, he batted .412 with 7 home runs. 

The 22-year-old is still a couple of years away from becoming a major league starter, but with Joey Votto's contract expiring in 2013 and his renewal questionable, Soto would be the most likely replacement.  Except to see the young first baseman make a limited number of starts this season.  Todd Frazier will once again be the go-to backup for first base.

Outfield: Denis Phipps

It's doubtful that 24-year-old Jay Bruce will need many off-days, but if he does, Louisville holds his backup.  Denis Phipps is 26-year-old left fielder who has played well in the minors.  He batted .328 in Double-A Carolina and an astounding .380 in 158 at-bats in Triple-A Louisville. 

He's not the power hitter than Bruce is, hitting only 14 across Double-A and Triple-A, but he's an excellent contact hitter and solid fielder with his 97.1 percent fielding rate.  His .428 on-base percentage in Triple-A will be desirable for the future should the outfield need some support.

Shortstop: Billy Hamilton

Zach Cozart has been a very good shortstop, called up mid-season to spark some life into the organization.  His elbow injury was traumatic, but Dusty Baker has already come out to say that Cozart will be the Reds' first choice shortstop in 2012.  So why this talk of Billy Hamilton?

Hamilton is the future of the Reds.  He's one of the highest rated prospects in baseball.  The Reds have declared that he is untouchable for trades.  That means something for a team that just sent their best minor league first baseman, one of the best minor league catchers, and a great minor league pitcher packing. 

The 21-year-old has still only played at Single-A Dayton, batting .278.  He had an impressive nine triples and 18 doubles, but the most incredible stat of all is his 103 stolen bases.  103!

Granted, that is at a low level of baseball, but 103 steals is a testament to the shortstop's speed.  He's faster than Drew Stubbs who had 40 steals in 2011.  He's expected to climb through the minors quickly.  He definitely fits the mold of a lead-off hitter, which is what the Reds are in need of right now.