Cincinnati Reds 2012 Mid-Year Player Report Card

Why wait till mid-year to give my eagerly awaited Cincinnati Reds Mid-Year Report Card when I already have rendered my carefully considered and well though-out snap decisions?

Professor Aaron has arrived. Here is my take on the infielders.

Joey Votto: A+

The moan you hear is from the sabermetric crowd's orgasm as they admire Joey Votto's stat line. Votto leads the NL in every sexy metric (OBP, SLG, OPS, 2nd in AVG) through the first half. More importantly, for a Red's team whose bats are prone to go to sleep at times, Votto brings it every at-bat, every night.

The only thing keeping Votto from a perfect 100? His apparent lack of joy. Yeah, I get it, he's a driven guy who grinds away day after day and needs the intensity to maintain his focus. Like I said, I get it, but have you EVER, EVER seen the guy smile? Come on, Joey, I say this for all of us--Iighten up and try and enjoy the ride!Why quibble, let's enjoy greatness as Votto takes us on another MVP ride.

Brandon Phillips: B

To fans, Dat Dude is the heart and soul of the team. To the Reds, his unbridled enthusiasm, Gold Glove fielding, and willingness to bat in the fourth hole has been invaluable.

Zack Cozart: A-

Do I grade on curve for rookies? Absolutely. Cozart has stepped in beautifully in a very demanding position.

Scott Rolen: C-

That odor you smell are the fumes of what's left of Rolen's career. That said, Rolen continues to be a rock in a clubhouse with a lot of youngsters.

Ryan Hanigan: B-

Light hitting catcher exceeding my expectations. Manages staff well.

Todd Frazier: A-

What's not to like about Frazier? Best discovery since Snappy Pizza. The guy is clutch.

Devin Mesoraco: C

No surprise the rookie catcher is struggling at the plate, but Mesoraco calls a nice game and has shown flashes of leadership.

Miguel Cairo: C-

Subpar year for the wiley 16 year vet, but tough to judge with such limited at-bats.

Dusty Baker: C

I hate the phrase, "Hey, it is what it is", or the personal corollary to that, "Hey, it's just Joe being Joe". But with Dusty, these throw-a-way phrases are perfectly appropriate. He's not innovative, he doesn't win you any games with dazzling strategic moves, he's not particularly motivational. His player-centric schtick works some years and not others based on the personality mix he has in the clubhouse, and more importantly, the kind of talent he has on the field. Dusty is steady, doesn't rock the boat, is management's ideal yes man, patient with the media, and he won't screw up a winning formula. In short, he's a fine, if unspectacular, manager.