Keppinger - Go or Stay?

I can't think of a reason why he shouldn't be the everyday SS!!  But, as was said before me, there is the Dusty Baker factor.  Kepp has been a consistant spark on offense and does a hell of a job on defense as well.  Kepp is for real and should be the Reds SS for this year AND the future!

GO REDS!

Here's what I think will happen:

A-Gon returns to the roster and gets about HALF of the starts at SS, but Kepp will remain in the line-up almost everyday.

"How?" you may ask.

Well, as I said, A-Gon will get half of the starts at SS, and Kepp will get the other half.  When A-Gon is starting at SS, Kepp can fill in at a variety of other positions.  If Edwin starts to slump, Kepp can get a few starts at 3B.  When Votto isn't playing well you can plug Kepp in at first.  Phillips can be given the occasional day off at 2B.  Keppinger can also play LF, so when the Reds face a tough lefty, Kepp can move out to left field.

This is where Keppinger's versatility helps him.  He deserves to be in the line-up every day, and his versatility will help keep him there.

Also, you can expect a trade very soon.  Hatteberg, Freel, a catcher, and maybe even Belise could all be on their way out.  Likewise, as soon as Griff hits 600, he should be traded to Seattle.

All of these things considered, there is (will be) plenty of room for Keppinger in the Reds line-up.

Do whatever works to keep Keppinger playing the way he is, both in the field and at the plate. I agree with Nasty -- let him be where he is comfortable. He's earned it.

Can Gonzalez play somewhere else in the infield? He needs to play when/if he comes off the DL, but maybe it doesn't have to be at shortstop.

I do want to point out that Keppinger is NOT the freat defender some of you think he is.

He is solid, and he makes the plays when the ball is hit to him, but his range is terrible.  I don't know how many softly hit balls have made it through the infield this season simply because he has no range.

That's why it important to play Gonzalez, but keep Keppinger in the lineup at other positions.  Give him half the starts at SS, and half elsewhere.  Our defense will be better because of it, and his bat stays in the line-up.

i have said it once.

i will say it again.

if kepp is not the everyday s.s.

i will start a riot!

CK Fresh is right.

Gonzalez will be the SS until he proves he can't be- for a couple of reasons-

 1. He makes too much money to sit, has no minor league options, and is of such low value (for the money he makes and his age) he can't be traded for much.

2. He has a track record of being a superior defender, and this Reds team is not a good defensive team. I will also remind you his previous record indicates he isn't much of a hitter, and before you start siting last years improved bat stats, remember Gonzo had as many errors as homers- and he hit more homers than expected.

I do think Keppinger can get over 400 at bats if Gonzo does play well enough to play every day, and I'm not sure yet Gonzo can do that, but for the above reasons, he's going to getlots of opportunity.

Keppinger is an average armed, below average range infielder, with a solid glove (better than Gonzalez at making routine plays), below average speed, below average power with a VERY good hitting stroke for average. In other words, he's a 2 tool player. Uhmmm....Gonzalez can field, and throw. He is a below average power hitter, below average speed, and below average BA hitter....I think that is only 2 tools, too.. Kepp makes a LOT less money. That should be pretty good incentive for Gonzo to come back and play better than he did last year...or there will be more Krivsky contracts eaten, namely Gonzo's.

Kepp is no Larkin , but he is better than Gonzo, Gonzo will be cut .thier is no room for a s/s that can not and will not ever hit. i dont think Reds fans have anything to worry about, he will stay.

GO REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!