The Rites of Spring Training: Infielders

The Reds' questions at spring training about a No. 5 starter, closer and third outfielder have overshadowed the peril that was the team's infield defense in 2006. Without significant improvement with the glove within the first 120 feet of the diamond, the Reds cannot--and will not--compete for the NL Central.

Correcting the core issue was Krivsky's major offseason move, signing shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Most fans went Saturn V on this deal because of the contract (3 years, $14M) and the Fantasy League mentality nowadays that shortstops ain't worth a hoo unless they hit 25 homers and drive in 110.

What Gonzalez brings is nearly 10 years' experience of steadiness in the field, gaining raves from his stops in Florida and Boston, and abroad. Said Reds legend Dave Concepcion: "The fans in Cincinnati are going to love Alex Gonzalez because this kid can really play, even better than me."

What worries Reds fans is the loss of offense the team suffered last year with "The Trade" and the fact Felipe Lopez is only 26 and still developing as an everyday player. But his defense was killing the pitching staff, which lost confidence in him and he sulked. Now, some scouts say Gonzalez has lost a step, plus he's a good candidate for 100 strikeouts.

Let this be clear: If Gonzalez makes the routine plays that Lopez could not, the pitching staff won't give a flip about that extra step.

So, barring injuries, the Reds will leave Sarasota with Scott Hatteberg and Jeff Conine splitting first base, Brandon Phillips at second base, Gonzalez at shortstop and Edwin Encarnacion at third.

The Reds got a whopping 25 errors by their shortstops in 2005 (14 by Lopez, 7 by Clayton) and 17 by their second basemen (16 by Phillips). Then, coupled with the 25 made by EE at third, it's clear why the Reds were 28th in total defense, 24th in double plays and 14th in unearned runs. Coupled with being 29th in homers allowed and 26th in hits allowed, how in the world did this team stay in the race as long as it did?

So, what we should like about the infield is the potential of Gonzalez and Phillips up the middle. Phillips' range is terrific and we saw him make so many dynamite plays. That most of his errors were on seemingly routine plays has the coaching staff gushing of Phillips being a potential Gold Glover.

Let's say the Reds cut those errors from shortstop and second from 41 to 25. How many runs does that save? How many games does that win? The guess: three more wins.

Now, look at EE. We see he has great hands. We also see he has troubled footwork. The notion of moving him to first is preposterous. He's only 24 and in his second full season as a starter. Mike Schmidt and Wade Boggs are recent reminders of porous third basemen who turned into Gold Glovers. So let's give Eddie more than 12 minutes in the big leagues before anyone starts screaming about moving him to first like Tony Perez . . . who wasn't moved until age 30.

If Eddie cuts his errors to 15, what will that mean in terms of wins? One, two, three games? But to me, the bigger issue with EE for now is One vs. Another. With the Reds' heaviness of lefthanders in the middle of the batting order (Hatteberg, Griffey and Dunn), Eddie will likely be needed as the cleanup guy for stretches. Will the offensive burden impact his defensive progress?

The platoon of Hatteberg and Conine doesn't excite too many people because of their age and lack of mobility. But we all know they are stopgaps for Joey Votto, who one columnist has pondered: What if Votto earns a job in spring training? Good question, but it won't matter. Votto is going to Louisville this year.

The utility roles go to Ryan Freel, if he isn't traded, and Juan Castro. We all know by now that Freel can't play everyday, and given his need in the outfield, his time in the infield will likely be spotty. But, mercy, he can flat out play third and he's a solid breather for Phillips at second for a few games.

Castro generated a lot of inflamed bloggers last year. Some were upset the Reds re-acquired him from Minnesota, claiming it was a Krivsky love affair with former Twins (ridiculous). Others couldn't understand the contract extension for a backup infielder who doesn't hit much (look closer). And then, when Gonzalez was signed, the world fell apart because many believed the Reds already had a no-hit, good-field shortstop in Castro who was a lot cheaper (contemplate).

Here's what Castro is: He's the best defensive utility infielder in the game and perfect for late-inning replacements/double-switches. Or, if there is an injury, he fills in aptly.

Here's what Casto is not: An everyday player. But in his role, as defined, he's terrific.

The other infielder is Jeff Keppinger, who came from the Royals in a minor offseason deal and has a penchant for putting the bat on the ball (only 13 strikeouts in 176 ABs) and carries a little pop (5 homers). Keppinger is viewed as mostly a pinch-hitter who can play all four infield positions, and even a corner outfield slot in an emergency.

Still, if Keppinger makes the squad it likely means two very important things: Freel's time in the infield might be limited so he can platoon in the outfield, and Josh Hamilton makes the squad as the primary lefty off the bench.

Otherwise, the Keppinger deal is one of those that costs a deserving and popular young player (Ray Olmedo) his spot in the organization and fans scratch their noggings wondering, "why?"

NEXT: The Bullpen