Cincinnati Reds have a series of difficult decisions around top pick

When the Cincinnati Reds drafted Hunter Greene, they hopped he was the solution to their problem.

Of course, that means that the Cincinnati Reds know what their problem is. Is it pitching? Is it elite hitting? What is the Reds’ biggest problem?

Hunter Greene is a pitcher that can run and hit. That is the story here. There are many examples of athletic pitchers, but few athletes that can pitch.

Hitting 102 MPH as a 17-year old in high school is a blessing and curse for an MLB club. It means that Greene has that upside. It also means four or five years of protecting that arm.

Again, it comes back to what the Reds need. Do they train him as a closer in the hopes that he owns the role for ten plus seasons or do they hope that he is the next Dwight Gooden? Gooden was drafted fifth overall and only spent one season in the minors.

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The Reds won’t do that. They will want him to be under their control in his age 25-29 seasons at the very least and that may mean keeping in the minors for five years. Think about that and allow it to ruminate for a bit.

What if Hunter Greene doesn’t end up a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds?

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Greene looks a lot like Reggie Sanders did when the Reds drafted Sanders. Granted, Sander was 3 years older. The fact that Sanders, Eric Davis, and Billy Hamilton were all shortstops turned outfielders may prove the path for Greene.

Greene was a pitcher that played shortstop in between starts in high school. That makes him sound, somewhat accurately, like the Southern California version of Babe Ruth. Greene hasn’t projected to that level of power, yet.

With his size at such a young age, it is difficult to imagine Greene as a shortstop long-term. That is especially difficult with Alfredo Rodriguez, who the Reds paid nicely for, a step ahead of Greene in the minors and light years ahead defensively. Greene could be Manny Machado and switch to third as soon as he reaches the majors.

The position that Greene settles on could depend on where other batters end up. If last year’s top pick, Nick Senzel, ends up in the majors this season and replaces Joey Votto at first eventually, it will open up third for Greene. If Senzel remains at third, then right field may make more sense for Greene long-term.

Next: The Reds impress with their 2017 draft picks

In the end Greene appears to project most closely to Dwight Gooden. Greene just needs to develop a curve to go with his fastball. If he can do that, Greene may never see shortstop again.

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