Bats Preview: Infielders
*The article predicts the Louisville Bats’ infielders for Opening Day based on the spring training information provided to us by the Cincinnati Reds’ beat writers through manager Bryan Price.
First Base
The Louisville Bats appeared to be heading into the 2017 season without an established first baseman until the Cincinnati Reds designated Jumbo Diaz for assignment and claimed Christian Walker off waivers from the Atlanta Braves in early March. Walker figures to be the Bats’ everyday first baseman now that both first basemen who were on the roster last year are no longer with the organization.
After playing almost exclusively at first base in his previous four minor league seasons, Walker transitioned to the outfield last year, making 90 starts in left field and only four at first. Walker slashed .264/.321/.437 while clubbing 18 home runs for the second consecutive year at Triple-A Norfolk and knocking in 64 runs in 131 games. The 220 total bases he accumulated in 2016 ranked fifth in the International League.
Second Base
Assuming Dilson Herrera makes the big league club out of spring training, fans can expect to see Tony Renda occupying second base for Louisville. Renda made only 24 starts at second in 2016 but has amassed plenty of experience there in the past, as he’s been used predominantly as a second baseman throughout his career.
Renda was one of four players involved in the Aroldis Chapman trade back in 2015 and impressed in his first season in the Reds’ organization. He started 2016 at Pensacola but ended up in Cincinnati by the end of the year. Between the Double-A and Triple-A level, Renda combined to hit .311, the second highest batting average of any player in the Reds’ farm system. He went on to hit .183 in 67 plate appearances with the Reds last season.
Third Base
Two guys who spent all of 2016 at Double-A Pensacola will likely man the left side of the infield in 2017. While Brandon Dixon played six different positions at some point last year, manager Delino DeShields will likely utilize his services primarily at third base this year.
Dixon’s first season as a Reds minor leaguer was a success, recording a team-high 16 home runs and 65 RBI for the Blue Wahoos while being named a Southern League All-Star. He, along with Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler, were acquired in the three-team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox in December of 2015.
Shortstop
Zach Vincej’s eye-popping season last year may have landed him the starting shortstop gig for the Bats. After a disappointing 2015, Vincej put together his best season as a professional ballplayer in 2016, setting career-highs in batting average (.281), doubles (24), and RBI (47) during his second year at Double-A Pensacola. He was named to the Arizona Fall League’s All-Prospects Team after leading the AFL in extra-base hits, total bases, and slugging percentage.
Vincej was just as good defensively as he was offensively, committing only four errors in 423 total chances (.991), the highest fielding percentage of any minor league shortstop. He received a Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award as the best defensive shortstop in the minors.
Bench
Seth Mejias-Brean was expected to be the Bats’ Opening Day first baseman until the Reds signed Walker during spring training. Now, barring injuries, Mejias-Brean will come off the bench despite starting 117 games game last year, the most of any Louisville player. After a dismal first half of 2016 in which he hit a meager .207, Mejias-Brean salvaged his season by recording a .253 batting average post All-Star break.
Juan Perez will likely serve as the back up to Renda and Vincej. Perez operated mainly as an infielder last year, playing 41 games at second base and 31 at shortstop. He hit .248 and led the Bats in runs (52) and stolen bases (12).
