Kevin

Howard

Howard, 24, is batting .295/.345/.430 with 13 steals in 20 attempts. He’s a prospect, but he probably won’t be quite good enough to become a regular second baseman in the majors.

If the Reds decline to bring back Rich Aurilia, Howard would be a candidate to see time in the majors next season. He, William Bergolla and Ray Olmedo would be the possibilities to step in at second base after Ryan Freel gets hurt. Howard, 24, hit .296/.346/.428 with 13 steals for Double-A Chattanooga this season. He’s 10-for-29 in the AFL.

Howard is batting .413 with three homers and a 4/6 K/BB ratio in 46 at-bats for Mesa. The Reds aren’t going to consider carrying him as a reserve out of spring training, but he’s someone who could spend time on the club’s roster next year.

Howard had three homers, four doubles and 10 walks in 88 at-bats. His performance has to make the Reds feel a little more confident going into next season with the injury-prone Ryan Freel at second base. Howard will likely open the year in Triple-A, but he’d be a top candidate to step in if Freel lands on the DL.

Howard went unpicked in the Rule 5 draft, but he’s still out of the organization. The Yankees’ only use for him might be as future trade bait. Howard is more of a third baseman than a second baseman defensively, and his ability to hit for average is his primary strength offensively. He’s worth more than Womack, but it’s not all that likely that he’ll develop into a regular. Himes hit .320/.372/.533 in 244 AB for Single-A Sarasota last season, but he was 24 at the time and isn’t much of a prospect.