Dusty on SS

Dusty Baker said what Wayne Krivsky wouldn't: Alex Gonzalez is not going to be ready for Opening Day. Gonzalez isn't allowed to do any baseball activity for three weeks because of the compression stress fracture in his left knee.

"I don't think so," Baker said. "I wouldn't think so, unless a miracle happens. He's still got to get at-bats and get baseball-ready. He's not going to be running or throwing. That's a pretty good setback. But we've got to go on."

Baker isn't ready to declare anyone his starting shortstop.

"I've got to see them play," he said, "not only offensively but shortstop is very big part of the defense. That's a big part of your game. I was counting on 9Gonzalez) defensively -- he and Brandon (Phillips), that's a great double play combination -- and offensively. He's capable of 20-plus homers and driving in big runs."

Baker will not consider moving Phillips to shortstop.

"You're weakening yourself at two positions," he said. "You leave Brandon alone because if you do that it's more work on him defensively. That could affect his offense. He's potential Gold Glove second baseman."

The field to replace Gonzalez includes Jeff Keppinger, Juan Castro, Paul Janish and Adam Rosales -- probably in that order.

The guy to keep an eye on is Rosales. He's made a great early impression at camp.
Rosales, 24, was the Reds' 12th-round pick in the 2005 draft. He hit .286 with 41 doubles, 11 triples, 18 home runs, 79 RBI and 13 steals last year.

"He doesn't look athletic," Baker said. "He just is athletic. He gets the job done big time. The more your around him, the more you like him, the more he grows on you. He's in the right place in right time. He's played well for us."