Brandon Larson

After being given the third base job to start the season, Larson got off to a horrible start (4-for-48) and was optioned to Triple-A Louisville by mid-April. One might have argued that manager Bob Boone should have been more patient with Larson (as well as with a number of other young players). Larson subsequently went on to destroy Triple-A pitching for the second consecutive year. He was poised to get a real chance with the Reds over the last two months, only to be sidelined with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. Larson is out of options, so the Reds will have a tough decision regarding him coming out of spring training.

Larson, the Reds' first-round draft pick in 1997, finally demonstrated he could hit professional pitching in 2002, busting out with 25 homers in 297 Triple-A at bats before posting a .911 OPS in limited time with the Reds. Larson's time with the Reds was limited due to two freak injuries, a broken toe and a broken hand. The Reds are moving Aaron Boone to second base to create playing time for Larson. A quick start will be important for him, as Felipe Lopez is sitting on the bench looking for a place to play, and Russ Branyan will return from shoulder surgery in May and could steal the left-handed and better side of the platoon.