Yonder Alonso could see action at third base

MIAMI -- Like he has often over the previous couple of weeks, Reds rookie Yonder Alonso took pregame ground balls at third base on Wednesday. Reds manager Dusty Baker hasn't ruled out getting Alonso into a game there.

"There's a chance," Baker said. "I'd like to get him in a blowout game -- one way or the other -- first before [he make a start]. It depends on who is pitching. You have [Johnny] Cueto going for an ERA title. Those things don't come along very often. You'd rather not put him in a situation where a guy like [Mike] Leake or Dontrelle [Willis] throws mostly ground balls to the pull side. It's not fair to him or us or the guy pitching."

Alonso played his natural position of first base on Tuesday and went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in an 8-6 Reds win over the Marlins. Of course, that spot regularly belongs to Joey Votto. Alonso has had four starts in left field but has yet to demonstrate a comfort level at the position.

If Alonso could handle third base well, it would give the organization an option beyond Scott Rolen, who is currently on the disabled list.

"It's a situation where we'll pick our spots, he'll continue to work," Baker said. "I will pick the situation. Offense wins you games. Generally speaking, defense loses you games."


(mlb.com)