Who Is the Shortstop of the Future?

In 1987, the Reds gave over 400 plate appearances to two young middle infielders competing to become the Reds next shortstop. Both players were high draft picks and had numerous supporters in and out of the organization. After the 1987 season, the Reds traded one of these talented youngsters to the Royals while crowning the other the shortstop of the future. The player the Reds traded was Kurt Stillwell who went on to play for five teams over nine seasons. The player the Reds chose to keep – Barry Larkin.

Almost 29 years later, the Reds are approaching another crossroads at the shortstop position; only this time, they have more options and arguably more questions that need answered.

When the…