Cincinnati Reds at midseason – How good are the position players?

The Cincinnati Reds have a few high end players, but also several that are way under performing in 2017.

When two Cincinnati Reds were named to the National League All-Star team, it was vindication for both the players and the team.  That there were a few other players that received consideration, it was a sign that the team is better in 2017 than it was in 2016.  That doesn’t mean the consideration was truly warranted, though.

Joey Votto and Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt make each other look normal.  Remove either and the other looks like the best player of a generation in the National League.  Ryan Zimmerman is getting the press, but his career season still doesn’t match what Votto, who is arguably better, and Goldschmidt do on an annual basis.

At shortstop Zack Cozart won the All-Star balloting despite not being healthy for the last few weeks before the voting ended.  Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals both had better first halves.  Cozart may be the best middle infielder traded in July this year, but even the Diamondbacks’ Chris Owings could argue that he is a better all around shortstop than Cozart.

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In the outfield Adam Duvall has gone from overrated to perhaps the most underrated outfielder in the NL.  Last year he made the All-Star team as the Reds’ lone representative because no one else deserved it.  This season, he is better across the board including defense, except for his home run total.  He has advanced from a number two type hitter to a true clean-up hitter.

After the big three of the Cincinnati Reds, the team has few outstanding and many mediocre players.

Billy Hamilton had a good start to the season and Jose Peraza had a good finish to last year. Unfortunately, neither has been able to maintain that momentum.  Peraza has stabilized as a solid defensive middle infielder who bats enough to play everyday.  Meanwhile, Hamilton is battling to keep his starting role.

The rest of the starting line-up is solid with Eugenio Suarez and Scott Schebler protecting Duvall in the line-up.  The platoon of Devin Mesoraco and Tucker Barnhart has kept Barnhart fresh and productive so far this season.  Scooter Gennett filled in for Cozart when he was out. He continues to take playing time from Peraza.

Next: The Reds are home run central this year

Young talent still fills the Reds’ roster.  Votto are Cozart are the last players that were starters when the Reds last made the playoffs.  Hopefully, the young talent will produce a touch more.  They just need to get a touch older.