Gibby is an idiot, i'll tell you what he's thinking regarding Alford. He figures at some point during the game, he'll have a valid reason to insert Alford, either to PH or for defensive purposes. Let's go with the experienced less athletic inferior bat and defender over the better more athletic younger bat with huge upside because that's just how things are done. His savvy move will be using Alford late, Alford contributes towards a win, Gibby leans back in his chair post game and winks at every reporter when asked about Alford's contributions and his decision in using him.