On April 1, 2012, the Cincinnati Reds traded future third base prospect, Juan Francisco to the Atlanta Braves. At the time, the Reds were counting on a healthy Scott Rolen to be their everyday third baseman. Unfortunately, shoulder problems have again prevented him from contributing as planned.
Rookie Todd Frazier replaced Rolen and has played very well. Offensively, he his batting .263 with seven home runs and 22 RBI. His .541 slugging percentage is second on the club
Defensively, he has played well, committing only three errors in 37 games. Rolen, a Gold Glove third baseman, has committed three errors in 30 games.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com quoted Reds manager Dusty Baker in an article about Rolen’s return:
“‘I told him he is icing on the cake here,’ Baker said. ‘He brings great defense, clutch hitting, leadership and great base running. Let’s face it, nobody on the filed has achieved the quality he has achieved over such a long period of time. This guy knows how to win and what it takes to win.'”
While all that Baker said about Rolen is true, Frazier has out performed Rolen in every aspect of the game. I am a Scott Rolen fan and understand shoulder problems may be the cause of Rolen’s struggles, but the Reds have won with Frazier in the lineup.
In my opinion, Frazier should be the Reds everyday third baseman. As far as Rolen goes, the Reds will need him, and will count on him for a postseason run.
As Baker said, Rolen knows how to win, but he is icing on the cake.
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