Assuming Izturis starts at 2nd. Who is the utility infielder??

[Ultimate]

Goins

 

Elite defense at 2B and can back up Reyes at SS. Good value as a defensive replacement. But can keep him in organization if you send him down unlike other options

 

Tolleson

 

Izturis doesn't need a platoon partner the way Kawasaki or Goins would since he is a switch hitter. But Tolleson would give you so much more against lefties than Izturis or any of the other options, so maybe Tolleson could start against lefties anyway. He provides solid defense and good versatility. If he doesn't make the team, good chance he is picked up by another organization.

 

Kawasaki

 

I don't think he has the versatility defensively that the other options have. If he doesn't start I'd let him play in Buffalo

 

Santiago

 

He's an MLB player and has spent the bulk of his career in pitchers park. He might be equivalent to Izturis. If you have the 2 of them on the roster, maybe one of them gives you some production.

 

Travis

 

I think most will agree that if he doesn't win the job, he should be in AAA.

[intentional wok]

Agreed on Travis. Of the other options I'd go with Goins. If we're not getting a bat in any of this, might as well have some swell glove. He'll be valuable as defensive replacement in late innings too.

[KingKat]

I think you're selling Santiago short here. He's one of the better options for backup SS.

[Ultimate]

Not selling him short at all, I don't hate the idea of him playing a semi-regular role.

[BTS]

I think it will be Santiago.

[KingKat]

Not selling him short at all, I don't hate the idea of him playing a semi-regular role.

 

I guess my point was that I felt that you were selling him short in your description by not mentioning his defensive value.

[KingKat]

I think it will be Santiago.

 

I think he provides the most logical pairing for Izturis.

[skicross1]

If goins doest start i'd still like to have him getting ab's in buffalo , better chance the bat comes around that way .

[Angrioter]

Vetrin preZent: Santiago

[Deadpool]

If goins doest start i'd still like to have him getting ab's in buffalo , better chance the bat comes around that way .

 

So... .05% chance instead of .01%?

[glory]

It would have to be someone who can cover at short for Reyes so either Santiago, Goins, or Kawasaki. I think Goins and Santiago have the best shot. The only reason I'm picking Goins is because Santiago makes over a mil if he makes the team, and that's money Rogers can pocket.

[Ultimate]

It would have to be someone who can cover at short for Reyes so either Santiago, Goins, or Kawasaki. I think Goins and Santiago have the best shot. The only reason I'm picking Goins is because Santiago makes over a mil if he makes the team, and that's money Rogers can pocket.

 

Tolleson can certainly cover short. Better than Kawasaki can IMO.

[CHRIS]

If goins doest start i'd still like to have him getting ab's in buffalo , better chance the bat comes around that way .

 

I think we're beyond the point where we can reasonably expect Goins bat to improve, no matter how many ABs he gets.

 

His primary skill is his defense. The best way to utilize that is as a backup middle infielder where he rarely bats. Not saying it should be him to start the season though, just that that's the only role he should employ.

[Nafro]

How has Travis looked at the plate and on the field? I haven't seen him yet

 

I believe he's 0 for the Spring so far. (Its early). Though he did manage to get on base late in the game yesterday. In what must have been a comical "throw your bat in the crowd swinging at a third strike, on a pitch to the backstop, than run to first". I cannot comment on how his defense has looked. He did get thrown out attempting to steal later in that inning.

[Zaun of the Dead]

it will be izturis and goins

[G-Snarls]

Can Tolleson still play outfield at all?

[Zaun of the Dead]

I seem to remember him getting some time in the outfield last season. I don't remember how he did but it was probably better than having edwin there.

[G-Snarls]

I seem to remember him getting some time in the outfield last season. I don't remember how he did but it was probably better than having edwin there.

 

Right. He played 7 games I just looked it up. Just wondering if you could get by with Pillar Pompey Bautista with Tolleson as 4th OF until Saunders gets back.

 

P.S. Anything is better than having Edwin there. LOL

[G-Snarls]

Chances of Viciedo making the 25 man to start the season?? Too early to tell I suppose. But I wonder if Gibby and AA are banking on him being their 4th OF.

[Governator]

I don't see many scenarios where Goins coming off the bench is very useful.

[G-Snarls]

I don't see many scenarios where Goins coming off the bench is very useful.

 

I know... he's a good defensive backup if your regular 2B or SS needs a day off. But he has zero pinch hitting value which really sucks from a bench player.

[Governator]

I voted Santiago, call me old fashion but I like a veteran utility guy off the bench who knows his role and doesn't have absurd splits. Everyone loved Johnny Mac and he never even broke .300 OBP with the Jays but he was clutch at times and someone who actually knew how to sacrifice himself. Goins just needs to accept his future MLB role and maybe he can be that guy one day.

[Laika]

*futility infielder

 

Such god awful depth for a turf team with an old SS and no starting caliber 2B.

[Governator]

Chances of Viciedo making the 25 man to start the season?? Too early to tell I suppose. But I wonder if Gibby and AA are banking on him being their 4th OF.

 

I really don't think so, Saunders seems pretty determined to get be ready for Opening Day now (According to sportsnet.ca) the cost to add him even for just a couple of weeks seems high, no? Will he go to the minors if he's not on the roster or would they cut him? Be nice if he was available as depth.

[burlingtonbandit]

Tolleson is crap and should not seriously be in contention.

[KingKat]

Right. He played 7 games I just looked it up. Just wondering if you could get by with Pillar Pompey Bautista with Tolleson as 4th OF until Saunders gets back.

 

P.S. Anything is better than having Edwin there. LOL

 

If Saunders can't start the season, I'd rather the extra OF be Carrera who is a good outfielder and a lefty over Tolleson who is a bad OF and a righty. I don't really see a role for Tolleson. His strength is hitting lefties and that's not really an area of need. I guess with his verastily they could use him in an extremly short bench with Navarro and Valencia but that's a terrible configuration. I'd much rather have a dedicated backup OF and a dedicated backup MI.

[shortstop]

Tolleson is crap and should not seriously be in contention.

 

 

I think Gibby likes Tolleson, probably b/c he can play 2B/3B and the corner OF spots if necessary. He also seems to carry himself very well which I'm sure goes a long with AA/Gibby.

[Spanky99]

He can't be sent down, while everyone else can.

 

Everyone else as in, Saki/Thole/Goins and Santiago, correct.

[burlingtonbandit]

He can't be sent down, while everyone else can.

 

Shouldn't make a difference. There are better players who fit the role he would provide. Tolleson is an average at best fielder who is a bad hitter and one that is completely useless vs RHP.

[Spanky99]

Shouldn't make a difference. There are better players who fit the role he would provide. Tolleson is an average at best fielder who is a bad hitter and one that is completely useless vs RHP.

 

Jays and them options though. Hard to say what they'd do this early, we'll see, I agree though, seems redundant.