Top Prospects to Watch in 2012 Features Two Reds

ESPN came out with a list of 2012 prospects that could make a splash. Two Reds were featured on the list. Here are the comments that follows:

• Alonso can hit at the big league level, but as long as Joey Votto is around, he'll be playing out of position for the Reds. If you've gotten to watch him, you've seen the struggles he has had in left field. Presuming he is not dealt this offseason, the plan is for Alonso to shed some weight, work on his quickness and mobility and try to make a go of it as a starting left fielder next year. Scouts remain skeptical, but the Reds have shown a willingness to live with poor defense from their left fielders before (see: Jonny Gomes) as long as the player produces offensively. I wrote about the offensive potential of Alonso, the seventh overall pick in the 2008 draft, in more detail in July.
• Cozart is expected to return from elbow and ankle surgeries to assume the Reds' starting shortstop job in 2012. He can hit for batting average and has the potential to reach double-digit output in both homers and steals in full-time play. That combination could make him a useful piece at a shortstop position that had depth issues this season. He's not going to be the kind of player that wins you titles, but he can certainly fill a role on a fantasy team as a capable producer with a starting job.