H/W: 6-1 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/14/85
The former 2006 3rd round draft pick had another fine season at High-A Sarasota and AA Chattanooga hitting .317 with 18 HR 81 RBI and 78 runs scored en route to being named the organization's minor league player of the year. Valaika has a very fine bat that produces good gap power to all fields that should translate into 15-20 HR per season at the MLB level. He has a good game plan at the plate and has shown a high competency for getting on base, however, he doesn't walk as much as the organization would like (35 BB/102 K's in '08). Defensively, Valaika is an intelligent player, but his subpar range and average arm profiles better at 2B than SS. With Brandon Phillips currently manning the helm at the 4-hole for the next three seasons, it will be imperative for Valaika to be able to be at least an adaquate fielding SS. If not, he may find himself stuck in the AAAA turnstiles or with another club.
2009 Projection: There isn't a lot of stiff competition for the SS job in Cincinnati as current starter Alex Gonzalez missed all of the '08 season and backups Jeff Keppinger and Paul Janish are not nearly as offensively gifted as Valaika. Regardless, Chris will almost assuredly begin the '09 season at AAA Louisville before earning a call up at some point in the season. Valaika is not a high-upside player, but his good bat and decent power could provide an immediate boost to the Reds' offense once he is called up. A solid debut with the big club could sweeten the market for some of his first year cards.
Key Chris Valaika Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/309
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings Auto #/500
 5/4 2011 Reds vs Astros Full Ticket - Chris Valaika 1st Career Triple $2.99 |
 CHRIS VALAIKA 2008 BOWMAN CHROME AUTO RC #1/1 $149.99 |
 2011 Topps Heritage Chris Valaika Reds RC card#41 $1.00 |
 CHRIS VALAIKA RC AUTO 2008 BOWMAN CHROME BLUE REF /150 $60.00 |
 2009 Tristar Projections Green 126 Chris Valaika /50 $1.99 |
 Chris Valaika 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto Rc BCP 269 $7.99 |
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