nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
Bonifacio started in center last night. We've reached a point in the season where we have to throw whatever we've got against the wall and hope something sticks. I'm hopping Bonifacio plays most of the games there the next few weeks. I wouldn't bury BJ because there is a chance (however slight) he will catch on fire and out-perform Bonifacio. But I think Bonifacio should be the primary center fielder, sort of like the two week trial Pastornicky had at second earlier this year.
Unlike the situation at second, we don't have a La Stella caliber candidate waiting in the wings in AAA. But we should use the September roster expansion to call up Constanza and Cunningham. Again it is a bit of throwing stuff at the wall and hoping something sticks. Constanza got off to a slow start in April, but since then has hit well. He is good in the clutch and has strong talismanic qualities. Not the best defensive center fielder. If we go with him, I would play him in right and use Jason in center.
Cunningham got off to a strong start, but slumped in the middle of the year. Apparently an injury had something to do with that slump. He went on the DL for a time, and has had a strong July since coming off it.
We have some options. None ideal. But we've reached a point where all options need to be explored.
I haven't mention Peraza. Part of it is his youth. Part of it is the limited experience in AA. Part of it is the total lack of playing time in center. I don't think it would be a good idea to play him in center this year at the major league level. I would have him play some center and third (in secret of course) in Venezuela this winter and give him a look at those positions in spring training.
Unlike the situation at second, we don't have a La Stella caliber candidate waiting in the wings in AAA. But we should use the September roster expansion to call up Constanza and Cunningham. Again it is a bit of throwing stuff at the wall and hoping something sticks. Constanza got off to a slow start in April, but since then has hit well. He is good in the clutch and has strong talismanic qualities. Not the best defensive center fielder. If we go with him, I would play him in right and use Jason in center.
Cunningham got off to a strong start, but slumped in the middle of the year. Apparently an injury had something to do with that slump. He went on the DL for a time, and has had a strong July since coming off it.
We have some options. None ideal. But we've reached a point where all options need to be explored.
I haven't mention Peraza. Part of it is his youth. Part of it is the limited experience in AA. Part of it is the total lack of playing time in center. I don't think it would be a good idea to play him in center this year at the major league level. I would have him play some center and third (in secret of course) in Venezuela this winter and give him a look at those positions in spring training.
