I'm happy to report that I'm ending the Bench Rich Aurilia campaign.
While it remains to be seen what will happen when Aurilia returns from the DL, I'm confident that Felipe Lopez has earned the starting shortstop role. Felipe's play, combined with the solid play of Ryan Freel and Austin Kearns (of late), I find it hard to believe that the Reds will simply slide Aurilia back into the starting lineup on a day to day basis.
I've seldom been so right as I was when it came to my immediate dislike of the Aurilia signing. His numbers through the campaign were .198/.228/.354 in 96 at bats. It's clear, without a shadow of doubt, that Felipe Lopez is a superior option at the shortstop position for the Reds.
I'm sure he'll add on to that number of at bats in 2005, but I simply can't see the guy starting again. I refuse to believe that my beloved Reds could possibly be so obtuse.
I reserve the right to begin this campaign again, if necessary.