The Cincinnati Reds really pulled off a great move early in the month of July when they signed Xavier Paul as a free agent after he was let go by the Washington Nationals. 

Paul, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 2003 in the fourth round of the amateur draft, soon found himself bouncing around the league.  For the 2012 season, Paul signed to play for the Nationals.  He was assigned to play for their Triple A team but was released at the beginning of the month of July.  The Reds swooped in to pick up the versatile outfielder and have not been disappointed with the move at all.

While in Louisvile Xavier Paul hit .480 for the Bats.  Oh sure it was only for 6 games with them, but he proved he truly had talent.  His overall batting average in AAA ball this season is an outstanding .332. 

Since being called up from Louisville when Joey Votto went on the DL, Xavier Paul has appeared in 17 games (mostly as a pinch-hitter).  In that time, he has produced very solid numbers.  He has 9 hits (2 doubles), knocked in 3, stolen 2 bases, has a batting average of .360 and his on-base percentage is .407. 

With numbers like that, he has shown the brass in the Reds’ organization that he can be a valuable member of the team.  However, what the front office of the Reds like most is his versatility.  He can play anywhere in the outfield.  He is not relegated to one position – he can play them all.  Plus his speed, second only to Drew Stubbs on the team, has been a great addition too.

Xavier Paul is making it very difficult (a good problem to have) for the Reds to decide what to do with him down the stretch.  I believe that he has proven he deserves to remain on the bench in Cincinnati.