Selling the Drama
It just isn’t spring training without some drama, and even though players have only been in Goodyear for a week, there’s already plenty of drama going around in Reds’ camp.
First, Chris Dickerson is complaining about simply mentioning that he should be included in discussions for the vacant center field spot.
Now, some would argue that the Reds went two entire seasons (2008, 2009) with a vacant center field spot, but this year the Reds intend to actually do something about.
As of today, the 2010 center fielder’s name is Drew Stubbs. I’m okay with that. Chris Dickerson, on the other hand, is not.
I’m indifferent about Dickerson. I saw him make some really bad plays in the outfield last season, and his offensive numbers didn’t exactly inspire me. I want to like the guy, but I really hate it when players complain about playing time.
Stop complaining and do something about it!
Here’s Dusty Baker saying something I agree with:
“You can be disappointed all you want to. But he allowed Stubbs to get his foot in the door, via performance and injuries. It happens. Sometimes, you’ve got to wait for your next opportunity.”
By my count, this is the third thing Baker has said this spring training that hasn’t made me want to hit him. I guess when you’re in the final year of your contract you need to tread lightly.
The solution is simple:
Try to win the left fielder spot, Chris. The right field and center field jobs are taken, so if you’re as versatile as you say you are, show us what you can do in left field.
I don’t know if we can consider this next one “drama,” but it certainly is something to keep our eye on: Joey Votto vs. Yonder Alonso.
Many Reds fans were scratching their heads when the Reds drafted Alonso — a first baseman — a couple of years ago. With already one of the best first basement in the NL (Votto), what were the Reds going to do with Alonso?
John Fay has some interesting tidbits about this story. A story that I predict will end in one of these guys getting traded in the near future.
For the record, I don’t consider Baker’s final contract-year “drama” — I consider it wishful thinking.
