(The new golden hands.)Lets play a fun game to get us started... Who is Paul Janish?
A) The drummer for the classic rock band The Who.
B) Testicular cancer survivor and star of upcoming Discovery Channel show "Paul's Balls."
C) Utility infielder for the Cincinnati Reds.
If you guessed A or B give yourself a pat on the back; we can now be friends.
Paul Janish came into this winter looking to be the starting shortstop for the Reds. General Manager Wayne Krivsky decided to sign free agent Orlando Cabrera instead in order to insert some leadership and stability into the lineup. While most agree that Cabrera is past his best years, the risk has more than paid off as he has filled the holes at the top of the lineup and provided solid defense at SS. Still though, as Cabrera started to show his age over the past month or so, more and more fans have been calling for Janish to get a shot. One awkward swing, and veteran to the DL later and Janish has that shot.
This is Janish's 3rd season with the Reds. Last year he played in 90 games, recording 256 at bats, but only posting an average of .211. Reports surfaced in the off season about all of the work he was putting into his offensive game, and the signs of his improvement were there. This season through 40 games and 67 at bats, his average is at .269. which really says something since his chances at the plate are more spaced out than Michael Strahan's front teeth.
Janish's defense has never been questioned, and his remarkable fielding ability and versatility (he can play 2nd, SS and 3rd, is listed as the 3rd catcher, and has even made a pitching appearance) has kept him in the big leagues despite his sub par batting numbers. If he manages to slap a .275 average on those defensive tools the Reds will have their shortstop for the future.
In his first two starts since Orlando went on the DL Janish is 4-7 with 1 HR, and 4 RBIs. So while it's easy to see he is off to a good start lets let him get a couple weeks under his belt before we crown him King of Cincinnati. That title still belongs to Pete Rose. Put Pete in the hall.
It will be interesting to see how Baker manages this situation if Janish is able to post solid offensive numbers. I actually have faith in his player management decisions and think he has done a great job with a lot of sticky situations (not a Pitino joke) this season. Yes, this is the exact opposite of what I would say about his in-game management which is about as good as Michael Scott's.
Regardless Reds fans should feel somewhat relaxed knowing that the backup is more than capable. His insertion (also not a Pitino joke) into the lineup only strengthens the defense and the future appears very bright. Just remember to keep things in perspective and know that he will cool off. He's not Barry Larkin.... yet.
B "My friend Matt is friends with Janish so that makes me cool." Reinhart
A) The drummer for the classic rock band The Who.
B) Testicular cancer survivor and star of upcoming Discovery Channel show "Paul's Balls."
C) Utility infielder for the Cincinnati Reds.
If you guessed A or B give yourself a pat on the back; we can now be friends.
Paul Janish came into this winter looking to be the starting shortstop for the Reds. General Manager Wayne Krivsky decided to sign free agent Orlando Cabrera instead in order to insert some leadership and stability into the lineup. While most agree that Cabrera is past his best years, the risk has more than paid off as he has filled the holes at the top of the lineup and provided solid defense at SS. Still though, as Cabrera started to show his age over the past month or so, more and more fans have been calling for Janish to get a shot. One awkward swing, and veteran to the DL later and Janish has that shot.
This is Janish's 3rd season with the Reds. Last year he played in 90 games, recording 256 at bats, but only posting an average of .211. Reports surfaced in the off season about all of the work he was putting into his offensive game, and the signs of his improvement were there. This season through 40 games and 67 at bats, his average is at .269. which really says something since his chances at the plate are more spaced out than Michael Strahan's front teeth.
Janish's defense has never been questioned, and his remarkable fielding ability and versatility (he can play 2nd, SS and 3rd, is listed as the 3rd catcher, and has even made a pitching appearance) has kept him in the big leagues despite his sub par batting numbers. If he manages to slap a .275 average on those defensive tools the Reds will have their shortstop for the future.
In his first two starts since Orlando went on the DL Janish is 4-7 with 1 HR, and 4 RBIs. So while it's easy to see he is off to a good start lets let him get a couple weeks under his belt before we crown him King of Cincinnati. That title still belongs to Pete Rose. Put Pete in the hall.
It will be interesting to see how Baker manages this situation if Janish is able to post solid offensive numbers. I actually have faith in his player management decisions and think he has done a great job with a lot of sticky situations (not a Pitino joke) this season. Yes, this is the exact opposite of what I would say about his in-game management which is about as good as Michael Scott's.
Regardless Reds fans should feel somewhat relaxed knowing that the backup is more than capable. His insertion (also not a Pitino joke) into the lineup only strengthens the defense and the future appears very bright. Just remember to keep things in perspective and know that he will cool off. He's not Barry Larkin.... yet.
B "My friend Matt is friends with Janish so that makes me cool." Reinhart
No comments:
Post a Comment