Choices to Make....

With two players (not counting Ross) returning from the DL in the near future, large questions will face the Reds management. Both Matt Belisle and Alex Gonzalez are scheduled to return from the Disabled List next week and with their returns comes questions about the new roles of those that have filled in for them.

1. Alex Gonzalez- Since given the opportunity to play everyday, Jeff Keppinger has been more and more impressive. In his first 20 at-bats of the young season, he has responded with 9 hits. While he will never win a gold glove, he has shown his defense to not be the hindrance that some thought it might be. So now the question is raised, what happens to Keppinger with the return of Gonzalez? Can you really sit a guy that has proven that he is capable of these types of numbers? In over 430 career at-bats, Keppinger is hitting .314! A caller on the post game radio show said it best when he asked "Does this guy have Utility role attached to him? What does he have to do to play everyday?" If you use Keppinger as a utility guy, what then happens to Freel?

In my opinion, Keppinger has got to be considered to replace Encarnacion at third. What happens to Edwin? I don't know, a trade maybe. Keppinger is only two years older than Edwin and is outplaying him both offensively and defensively. So my question is, why is Edwin "the third baseman of the future" and Keppinger regulated to a utility role? Who would you rather have up to bat at a crucial time in the game? I know I would prefer Kepp. Some fans and announcers have called for Kepp to platoon at first with Votto/Hatteberg. In my opinion, I don't like it. It still doesn't keep this kid in the lineup EVERYDAY. When Alex Gonzalez gets off the DL, Jeff Keppinger needs to be moved to be the starting third baseman.

2. Matt Belisle- Once returning from the DL, where does Matt fit in? Is it going to be Cincinnati or Louisville? If it is Cincinnati, where does he fit and whose spot does he fill? It appears that the starting rotation has no room for Belisle to fit in unless Fogg falters for multiple starts. So that would mean the bullpen. Does Matt really fit in this Cincinnati bullpen? The knock on this kid from the beginning has been the way he freaks out with runners on. Is that the right mentality for the bullpen? Long relief would be the only way Matt would fit. Then the question would be, who does he replace? The logical response would have to be Lincoln. In my opinion, Matt Belisle is a AAA pitcher and that is where he should go and STAY.


Thoughts? Comments?