“It’s just another game, naturally, you’ll get a few butterflies in the beginning,” said Vincej. “Once the game starts it is just another game really. I’ve played so many of these games in my lifetime.”
Vincej hit .263 for the Dayton Dragons in 2013 one year removed from being picked by the Reds in the 37th round of the 2012 draft out of Pepperdine University. He was a midseason Midwest League All-Star.
Last season, his second at Double-A Pensacola, the 25-year old improved his batting average from .241 to .281. He played in the prestigious Arizona Fall League and was named to the All-Prospect team. Vincej hit .352 in 20 games with 13 extra-base hits, including four home runs.
“It was just confidence,” said Vincej of his improvement. “I changed my mentality a little bit. I was more aggressive and not letting the good pitches go by.”
His confidence could have been at risk when he started the Cactus League opener against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner on Friday. But he didn’t get to hit against Bumgarner, who left after facing seven batters in the first inning.
The shortstop’s first at-bat was against Roberto Gomez. Tony Renda led off the second inning with a triple. Vincej lined a pitch back to the box and Gomez gloved it for the out. He grounded out to third to end the fourth inning.
There is a real opportunity for Vincej. Zack Cozart is coming off knee surgery and is being brought back cautiously. Eugenio Suarez and Jose Peraza have major-league experience at shortstop but they are playing other positions. Peraza was Vincej’s double play partner against the Giants.
“You never know when my number will be called. I want to be ready for any kind of situation,” Vincej said. “I am here learning from these guys and it’s been an awesome time so far. I’m excited about the future.”
The Reds have bench positions open. Arismendy Alcantara, Hernan Iribarren and Dilson Herrera are competing for backup roles but only Alcantara has played shortstop in big-league games, two for the Chicago Cubs. Alcantara started in center against the Giants.
The opportunity exists for a backup role at shortstop. Vincej has played there all his life.
“I’ve been a shortstop since I was a freshman in high school and all through Pepperdine,” Vincej said. ‘I started playing second base in pro ball. This camp I’ve been taking some reps at third base. I just want to be ready. Whatever position I’m at, I want to be ready physically and mentally.”
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