Reds Polls: Prospects, Votto, Leadoff

A few tidbits and polls to get your work week started.

Last Friday, John Sickels of Minor League Ball released his top 120 prospects for the 2012 season. The Reds claimed three spots on his list: #12 Devin Mesoraco, #57 Billy Hamilton and #120 (yes, last spot) Daniel Corcino. While it might still be a sore spot to some, former Reds Yonder Alonso (#28) and Yasmani Grandal (#42) made an appearance as well.

Here might be another sore spot. Of all the NL Central teams, the St. Louis Cardinals have the most on Sickles list with eight. Next was the Pittsburgh Pirates with five. The Milwaukee Brewers have four, but their highest rated is at #100. The Reds and Chicago Cubs own three while the Houston Astros have two.

And that brings me to the first poll…

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there is still chatter about one Joey Votto. If you have visited our home page, go up to “The Hub” in the top right-hand corner. You will see a quote, a tweet and a video with Votto as the topic.

And what did I read this morning but a post about all the Votto talk. Tara Franey of C-ing Red published a post about the attention everyone is paying to Votto and his contract “situation”. I must say that I share the same sentiments as Tara when it comes to this subject. One line refelcts that more than the others.

"I’m going to count my blessings every time he comes to the plate this season, stress out about his contract once it’s over, and if he takes off after 2013, I’ll be rooting for him (as long as he doesn’t sign with the Cards or Cubs or something)."

And you know where this leads…

So the prevailing thought is that Brandon Phillips will be the leadoff hitter once the 2012 gets underway. Some still believe that the Reds have not specifically addressed this. I’m beginning to wonder who is the best option for the role.

During last season I had my say on this. I felt that Drew Stubbs was no longer a viable option. I could be wrong and he will be put there at some point during 2012 and he will blossom into what some expect him to be, a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

The other alternative, and the guy that filled the role at the end of last season, has been to leave Brandon Phillips there. In his 38 starts during the 2011 campaign, BP hit 7 home runs and drove in 19. His slash: .350/.417/.573. He was also stole seven bases while being caught only once. He crossed the plate 30 times. Oh, and two of his home runs came in leading off a game.

All of this I get to wondering. Do the Reds have another option? Let’s say BP struggles early on. Do you think Dusty would go back to Stubbs? Does Dusty then decide to see if Chris Heisey is the guy? That would mean less time for both Stubbs and Ryan Ludwick.

So, I leave this in your hands…

And on the last choice, please leave your “nominee” within th ecomments section. I look forward to see what other fans think about this.

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