Spring training statistics are nothing to swear by, but it has been hard to ignore the impressive numbers Cincinnati Reds prospect Todd Frazier has been posting this preseason.
Through 25 plate appearances, the 26-year-old third baseman is leading Cincinnati in batting average (.280), home runs (three), RBI (eight), runs (eight) and stolen bases (two).
The question remains, however, where exactly does Frazier fit in the Reds’ plans for 2012? While it is safe to assume that veteran Scott Rolen has locked up the everyday third base job, the rest of the third base depth chart is a bit blurry, with both Frazier and slugger Juan Francisco vying for playing time.
While Francisco looks to be next in line, manager Dusty Baker and the rest of the Cincinnati coaching staff have expressed concerns regarding his durability and lack of physical conditioning.
Could those worries potentially open up a roster spot for the surging Frazier?
That still remains unclear.
As for now, Frazier appears to be floating somewhere between Triple-A ball and an infield utility role with the big league club. While he’s likely to start the regular season in Louisville, however, the Reds may not have a choice but to call him up should he continue to fill up the stat sheet.
With the overload at third, don’t be surprised to hear either Francisco or Frazier come up in trade talks as the season progresses. Given Cincinnati’s high expectations for 2012, the Reds may be in position to make a roster-bolstering move come playoff time and both prospects could generate some serious interest.
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