Bill has already noted that SS Alex Gonzalez will be out at least three weeks. Now Dusty Baker is saying that there is no way Gonzo will be ready for Opening Day.

So who’s the starter at shortstop? You’d think Jeff Keppinger would be the leading candidate, and he probably is. Here’s John Fay’s take:

The field to replace Gonzalez includes Jeff Keppinger, Juan Castro, Paul Janish and Adam Rosales — probably in that order.

The guy to keep an eye on is Rosales. He’s made a great early impression at camp. Rosales, 24, was the Reds’ 12th-round pick in the 2005 draft. He hit .286 with 41 doubles, 11 triples, 18 home runs, 79 RBI and 13 steals last year.

“He doesn’t look athletic,” Baker said. “He just is athletic. He gets the job done big time. The more your around him, the more you like him, the more he grows on you. He’s in the right place in right time. He’s played well for us.”

Rosales is a player, no question about it. He can hit a baseball.

If the starter on Opening Day is Juan Castro, however, I will walk out of the stadium in protest.

Don’t even mention the possibility, Chad…please. Don’t give Baker any ideas.

Comment by Bill — 3/1/2008 @ 11:09 am

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Have no fear the MLB Trade Rumors offers up the obvious solution:

The free agent market offers next to nothing even as a short-term Gonzalez replacement. Unless…wait for it…Neifi!

I’d laugh if I didn’t fear that the chances of such a thing were so high that it might actually happen. Oh yeah, he’d bat second for sure too!

Comment by Tom — 3/1/2008 @ 12:41 pm

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Of course Baker doesn’t want to consider the what is probably the best solution, from John Fay’s Blog:

Baker will not consider moving Phillips to shortstop.

“You’re weakening yourself at two positions,” he said. “You leave Brandon alone because if you do that it’s more work on him defensively. That could affect his offense. He’s potential Gold Glove second baseman.”

The field to replace Gonzalez includes Jeff Keppinger, Juan Castro, Paul Janish and Adam Rosales — probably in that order.

Hitting second, at SS, Juan Castro…

Comment by Tom — 3/1/2008 @ 12:47 pm

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I’m glad that Rosales is getting noticed. I’ve noticed in the first three games he has played 3B, 2B, and then SS. I’m guessing his shoulder is back in shape. It will be interesting to see what team he ends up with and what position he will play.

Comment by Tom — 3/1/2008 @ 12:59 pm

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Actually, I think Dusty is right for not moving Phillips to SS for just the reasons he mentioned. Isn’t Castro still a bit gimpy (OK, stop it…)from the elbow operations? I don’t think he is at 100% either (I said STOP IT!)If you are looking for a stop gap, I think Keppinger is the perfect guy. That’s the best role for him. Don’t bring in Neifi. That’s two Juan Castro’s on the roster. One is more than enough, thanks.

Comment by preach — 3/1/2008 @ 1:14 pm

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Rosales should not play SS. He can hit, but he just isn’t cut out defensively for SS. I am probably one of the guys biggest supporters, but he can handle every other infield position… shortstop just isn’t one of them.

Comment by doug — 3/1/2008 @ 1:42 pm

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Rosales is a much better prospect if he can throw, which allows him to play somewhere other than 1B. I think he’ll start the season at AA, but wouldn’t surprise me if it was Louisville.

Comment by Bill — 3/1/2008 @ 2:59 pm

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Give it to Keppy to hold until Gonzo is ready.

Comment by Y-City Jim — 3/1/2008 @ 5:18 pm

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It’s nice to have versatile players in the system. It’s not that Rosales is a good shortstop but that he can go there in a pinch (and not embarrass himself). I can’t see him going to AA unless his spring falls apart. I see him in AAA with Kepp starting and Janish backing up taking Castro’s spot. However if Rosales really takes a spot via brute force by excelling all spring, it could get interesting. I don’t think there’s a chance that the Reds will go without a strong defensive shortstop, somewhere on the 25-man roster.

Comment by McWax — 3/1/2008 @ 7:45 pm

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Kepp is a good starter but hes doesnt have the intimidation factor of the young Mickey “the angry rooster” Casper hes going to be a stud coming up from the Punxsutawney Pilgrims

Comment by Tony — 3/2/2008 @ 2:19 pm

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TONY, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! THE ANGRY ROOSTER WAS A JOURNEYMAN BACK IN 2004, RETIRED, AND NOW RESIDES IN FLORIDA DRINKING ORANGE JUICE! ANY TEAM WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE ANGRY ROOSTER HEY BIDDY KIDDY!!!!!!

Comment by ZACH — 3/2/2008 @ 2:22 pm

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I saw Rosales play in the Arizona Fall League last fall. He played third the few games I watched and made several nice plays. From what I saw there is nothing wrong with his arm strength or accuracy. He seems to have a patient, opposite field approach at the plate.

I talked to him a little and asked if his days at short were over. He said he really didn’t know but he was hoping to play there again. I’m rooting for him, he seemed pretty down to earth.

Comment by rob — 3/2/2008 @ 11:01 pm

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