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Edwin Encarnacion is back.

If you don’t believe me, look at yesterday’s box score: E—Encarnacion.
No, they are not just calling him by his initial, the man again showed his lack of defensive prowess. His throwing error yesterday allowed the St. Louis Cardinals to bring home two more runs (as if they needed them).

The Reds already have warm bodies to put at third and actually get some hits. If he would hit like he is capable, it would be a different story. The man’s OBP doesn’t even make a decent batting average.

I have been an Encarnacion guy for a few years, but now I don’t think he will ever pan out while wearing the red and white. The man can make a play that would top amnybody’s highlight reel, then two innings later make a bonehead play that could cost them the game.
He can hit with power, that has been shown. He led the Reds last season with 26 HRs. That is a decent season’s production of long balls, but when it is the best you have, you need to do some analysis.

I have always advocated offense over defense, but now I am twisting in the wind. Couldn’t Rosario, Janish or Hairston play as well or better than Edwin?
Seriously.

It is hard to believe that Encarnacion is just 26 years old. I say make a deal with somebody who can take the pain. Maybe an AL team that could use a designated hitter who can play long-ball.
I used this bully-pulpit to meanmouth Homer Bailey, for which I had to eat a plate of crow, humble pie, and ask his forgiveness on bended knees. I am going to stick by my guns on this one and say: “We need a third baseman who can play defense or offense, one or the other.”
Don’t anybody else read the following—it is intended for manager Dusty Baker’s eyes only.

What is going on Dusty? My God man, try and pick a lineup and play with it. Just because the man let you have your precious No. 12 doesn’t mean you owe him.
Ryan Hanagan needs to play, hell, try him at third. I know Taveras is starting to hit a little, but we can do better.

We have better. Chris Dickerson can play center field. Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix could platoon in left, or ride the wild horse that’s hot.
Do something constructive!

OK, you can start reading again.

The Reds could have pulled within one game of the Cards and Milwaukee Brewers had they won yesterday.

So close, yet so far away.

The Reds get one pick for the All-Star Game. A mercy-pick—Coco Cordero.
It reminds me of 1965 when the Kansas City A’s had holes in their boat and had to send John O’Donoghue to the All-Star Game with a 4-12 record.

All teams do not need to be represented, it should be a display of the game’s best.
Just sayin’.

By Cliff Eastham
BR Writer/SJ Contributing Author

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