|
Player Analysis: Middle Infielders
I will start with the incumbents and work down. Most of these guys can play multiple positions.
2B Rodney Wright (25, bats R) – All-Star second baseman hit .292/.360/.495 with 16 SB, has the speed to steal 40 bases, might win the Gold Glove at second base and plays shortstop equally well, arbitration eligible at $5.8M estimate, prior GM offered a 4-year deal worth $41M and Wright favors the offer; could bat leadoff for us
SS Raul Martinez (25, bats R) – starts at shortstop and also plays third, prior GM offered him a one-year deal at $3.2M (same as arbitration estimate), hit .225/.325/.387 last year but has some power (20 HR) and decent speed (16 SB), excellent defense but his bat is questionable
2B Julian Mejia (30, bats R) – star player for us in 1996-98 but slumped in past two years, played part-time in 2000 with .230/.285/.360 line, Type B free agent and wants $5M
SS Royce Jones (27, bats R) – backup shortstop and third baseman that doesn’t play second base well, can’t hit, VORP of -10 in 2000, cleared waivers last year and was sent down (yet prior GM was planning to offer arbitration?)
2B Juan Garcia (26, bats R) – plays a variety of infield and outfield spots well, doesn’t appear to be able to hit well enough to hold a job, not a good option to keep as a utility man because his arm is too weak to play shortstop
SS Ben Thomas (26, bats R) – classic backup middle infielder, might hit well enough to stay on the roster, decent speed, outstanding defense at shortstop and second base
Bottom line: Wright is the real deal and will play second base. Martinez is probably the best option at shortstop. Mejia will be offered arbitration to get the sandwich pick. I like Thomas to win the backup job.
|