"Chris Valaika got his first start at shortstop Tuesday night.

"I talked about how do you play everybody," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I'm doing the best I can to give everyone a look-see. Some are getting more than others."

Valaika was drafted as a shortstop. He played there his first five years in the minors. He was moved to second base last year in Triple-A to make room Zack Cozart.

"I played it probably 15 times this year," Valaika said. "It's no big deal I've played it my whole life."

Todd Frazier started in left field, and Dave Sappelt started in center.

"We're trying to help figure some things out," Baker said.

Obviously, the players who spent the majority of the year at Triple-A are trying to win big league jobs for next year.

Valaika, Frazier and Sappelt all fall into that group. None of three is likely to make it as a starter in 2012, so versatility helps.

If Valaika can play short, that enhances his chances to make it as a utility player. "