Cincinnati Reds general manager Nick Krall spoke with the media on Saturday evening from Goodyear, Arizona. Not only did he have a press conference with the media, but Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer also got an exclusive interview with Krall. There’s a whole lot in there, so you should probably be sure to go read it. But when it comes to prospects and minor league related stuff, the biggest part was when Goldsmith asked about Jose Barrero and the positions he’d be competing for this spring.
“He’s a shortstop,” said Krall. “He’s coming in, and we’ll evaluate him where he is.”
One of the Reds top prospects, Jose Barrero has seen action in the big leagues in each of the last two seasons. It’s been limited – first in the final month of 2020 as he made the jump from then Advanced-A Daytona, and then last season as he essentially came off of the bench in the final month-and-a-half after destroying Double-A and Triple-A. But more of his time with the Reds in 2021 came in center than at shortstop as the team dealt with injuries and needed anyone who could to get in the outfield. That wound up being Barrero, while Kyle Farmer continued to start at shortstop.
In 85 games in the minor leagues split between Chattanooga and Louisville, Jose Barrero hit .303/.380/.539 with 19 doubles, a triple, 19 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. He also put on a show in the Futures Game in Denver with a long home run. In his limited action in the big leagues, though, he struggled as he hit just .200/.286/.320. Barrero will turn 24-years-old just before opening day. Now is the time where he needs to step up and take the position by the horns and lock it down.
It’s important to grab the position while it’s seemingly there for the taking, too. Shortstop is a very deep position in the Reds farm system. Two other shortstops in the organization are Top 100 prospects in baseball. Matt McLain, who just got invited to big league camp, was the team’s 1st round pick last season. Elly De La Cruz burst onto the scene last season and vaulted from an unranked in the organization prospect to a Top 100 prospect over the summer. Both players were mentioned by Nick Krall on Saturday as guys who stood out during early minor league camp.
Jose Torres, the Reds 3rd round pick in 2021 who was considered the best defensive shortstop in the entire draft went out and hit .333/.387/.591 in 28 games last summer between the ACL Reds and Daytona Tortugas. He also was noted by Krall as a guy who looked good in the Reds early minor league camp.
There are guys coming up who could challenge for a spot, and perhaps quickly, if it doesn’t get locked down.
Austin Hendrick Video
After a long time of not having any video to upload over on Youtube, we’re back at it. It’s been a mix of big league stuff and minor league stuff in the last few days, but we’ve got more coming in the next few days.
Krall will probably have to override Bell if indeed Barrero will start the year @ SS. It seems that as far as Bell is concerned Farmer is the SS right now.
+1000
He looks to have a better swing (less rear shoulder drop) than the last 3 prospects featured. On the other hand, he hasn’t been that productive with the bat yet. On the good side, he is very young and can still take off with the bat.
Agree he is a Shortstop.
Think should start at that spot.
But If plays everyday.
Be happy with that at least.
Sonny to twins for chase petty
This is a fairly positive article on Petty’s mechanics. While there are no guarantees, it seems they think the young man will do alright.
https://www.lookoutlanding.com/2021/1/4/22206979/2021-mlb-draft-scouting-report-chase-petty