I've been a Scott Rolen fan, but it's time he gave it up, and it's time the Reds realized it even if he doesn't. There are some potential downstream bad impacts in even allowing Rolen to audition in spring training, namely probablle hard feelings if they have to cut him...or the mixed messages about his role, if they don't.
Hannahan is no gem, folks...but he has higher upside as a hitter than Rolen does at 38 after 5 shoulder surgeries.
The Reds have a high draft pick invested in Todd Frazier, and he did more in his MLB rookie year than most expected...and earned a broader opportunity.
I've seen Frazier play quite a bit in the minors, and have serious doubts about his ability to be better than average on defense at 3b, and his ability to hit righty pitching in MLB with a longer sample size....BUT, those doubts don't justify signing 38 year old Scott Rolen again, unless everyone (foremost Dusty Baker and Rolen himself) understands Rolen's role/goal is to replace pinch hitter Miguel Cairo, NOT compete for his old starting job again.
I'm pretty tired of hearing about Rolen's "leadership" qualities being a factor in retaining him...no one leads from the bench, except the manager...and unfortunately, on this team,that means NO ONE leads from the bench.
All the Reds need is for everyone to do a little better at DOING THEIR JOB...ESPECIALLY DUSTY BAKER... Players like Votto, Phillips and Bruce are signed long term, Bronson Arroyo is a vocal veteran leader in the pitching staff, Johnny Cueto is an elite young pitcher, Ryan Hanigan is a strong leader and calming influence on the young pitchers, and all to a large degree, are already the true leaders of this team. If they can't exempify where the effort and productivity "bar" needs to be for the rest of the team, it's Dusty's responsibility to give them a clue, not a struggling 38 year old crippled, ex-All-Star.
I'd love to see Rolen replace Mark Berry or Brook Jacoby as a coach, or to take a minor league coaching position. The immediate problem is, he must still think he can play, and that is a problem if he can't. I don't think he can.
I'd guess Rolen doesn't see a way of making the roster this year and probably has had some pretty serious conversations with Walt about his role. He's not going to be anything but a 25th man and that's not the way I'd wanna go out either.
So our chances of seeing No. 27 this year ... hey, I was happy he was a Red.
I think if there is an injury to a corner infield. I bet he gets a call to guage his interest in returning for a short season. As long as he is on the playoff roster
His greatest impact the last couple years has been his experience ,leadership, and helping the young guys, all of which are very valuable, especially the LEADERSHIP role in which we have lacked for a while. But its time to go and hes not what he was on the field and with all the injuries u cant pay him all that money to be on the bench . GO Reds!!!
It sounds to me that the Reds probably told him or his agent their plans at 3B were for Frazier, and Scotty wasn't ready to accept a bench role or get cut... Maybe he has another offer with better possibilities for PT, or was just undecided and couldn't commit without seeing what he could do. Either way, even though I was a Rolen fan, I think it's best for the Reds to go another direction. Rolen is 38, and even IF he could play, hit AND stay healthy, time isn't on his side, and no sense throwing Frazier away after a good rookie season, just to give Rolen one more year. Maybe Rolen will consider the Reds for a job coaching later.
