Mackanin on Keppinger and Hopper

Here's what Pete Mackanin had to say about Norris Hopper and Jeff Keppinger when asked if they were everyday players:

“They've proven that they deserve to be considered as everyday players."

Keppinger's hitting .338 in 198 at-bats, and Hopper's hitting .333 in the 273 at-bats. That's a good sample size. They've played well defensively.

But, the way the roster's made up now, it doesn't look like either would start on Opening Day 2008. Josh Hamilton's going to be in center; Alex Gonzalez's is going to be at shortstop. But because Hopper and Keppinger have done what they've done, the Reds might be willing to trade others to get them in the lineup, particularly if they can add to pitching in the process.