This happened yesterday, but If you hadn't heard, Rolen has been DL'd and Jose Arredondo returned to the bullpen for Jeremy Horst. Frazier makes the first start of his major league career today at 3B.
At this point in the season, I'm tempted to go crolfer on every post. The Reds continue to find new and gut-busting ways to be not quite good enough. Meanwhile, they're stuck in a trade deadline paradox. If they fall any further out of the race, it's not worth acquiring anyone. But putting off an acquisition may very well be keeping them out of the race. It's seems like Walt knows he needs to make a trade that will help improve things for next season. But many of these players - and probably more - will be available in the offseason also, without the element of desperation. It's an 11-dimensional game of Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots. Do something now, without overplaying your hand or else forget about it.
It'll be interesting to see what Todd Frazier can do. So far, so good: .500 average (2 PAs). Not unlike offensive production at SS before Cozart, it'll be kinda hard for it to get any worse with some combination of Frazier and Cairo. Scott Rolen is hitting .242/.279/.397 and not feeling good. Rolen's got productive third-basing left in him, but only if he's healthy. The Reds get to take a good look at the guy who may be sharing a good chunk of time with him next season.
LINEUP:
Stubbs CF
Cozart SS
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Lewis RF
Gomes LF
Frazier 3B
Hanigan C
Bailey RHP