Originally Posted by
striker42
That last bench spot will be an interesting competition. You have Swisher, Bonifacio, and Francoeur all fighting for it. Swisher has the big contract that we'd hate to just cut. So if we can't trade him I have to think that will be a consideration. Bonifacio has versatility and is here on a major league deal but needs to prove he's going to rebound from last year. Francoeur is the fan favorite who provides something we don't have much of, right handed power. As a power bat coming off the bench his OBP limitations aren't as big. You're going to bring him into a lot of situations where you want him swinging. However, he's here on a minor league deal and would cost nothing if choose someone else. We'd likely lose him to opting out though.
Personally, I'd give the last spot to Francoeur. He has a .782 career OPS against lefties and our lefty heavy lineup could use that bat on the bench.