I think y'all are underestimating how much Marisnick will play. Hinch has already said that Aoki will sit against lefties and that he will deploy Reddick against only certain types of lefties. Since Gattis will likely be catching against lefties, it pretty much means Marisnick will always be in the game against a LHP, which is 50-60 games. Also, he will need to play CF anytime Springer needs a rest, so another 30-40 games. I will be extremely surprised if he doesn't get 300+ PA this year. Marisnick just turned 26 and so is entering his physical prime this season. It is unlikely he will make a dramatic improvement in hitting, but with his defense and base running if he can post a .650 OPS he will be a heckuva player (career ops is .607). I'm fine with him being a heavily used fourth outfielder. That said, I'm also okay with shortening his leash, since between Gurriel's ability to play LF (with White/Reed/Moran able to take over 1B) and Teoscar and Laureano as high ceiling CF capable RH bats available in the upper minors, there's no reason to keep running him out there if he isn't providing adequate value.
Marisnick barely got 300 ABs last year with being the third best OF regardless of pitcher handedness as Gomez sucked and secondbest hitting against LHPs. Springer was only hitter in OF last year that was at least average. 150-200 seems more likely. I've not seen Hinch say Aoki won't play against LHP. He has said something like he has options OF such that he could play Beltran, Springer, Reddick one day and Aoki, Marisnick, Springer the next. With as many LHPS out the, I don't expect Reddick will sit, unless banged up, against a RHP.
Springer won't get 30-40 games of rest. He played all 162 last year so unless he's hurt, Marisnick won't get 30-40 games in CF
Jake may be entering his physical prime, but he still can't hit enough to justify 300 ABs on this team.
This is a crazy, batsh!t crazy idea, but we could wait a couple/three weeks and see what [the manager] does.
Discussion about a baseball team in a (sub) forum about that baseball team...what has the world come to? We all should go to our porch and shake our fists in the air until this stops.
I don't see Aoki automatically sitting against lefties, unless last year's numbers end up being the norm vs the aberration.
I also don't see Springer moving from CF now that he's there.... including days where Jake is in the lineup. Presuming his plate peripherals remain consistent, he stands to make a few more millions in arbitration/free agency as being an everyday CF than a corner OF.
Hinch has mentioned something like this. It is not Springer's choice, but Astros don't want to piss him off either. That said, Marisnick's defense, over long term, should not play well enough in corners due to fewer opportunities to make up for lack of offense ( even LHPs) provided he doesn't break out with bat. I like Marisnick more than most, but I'm not sure he's best 4th OF with Springer in CF and Reddick needing to platoon. Astros aren't going to give up talent, but they shouldn't piss off Springer again.
Also, knock on wood...but I think it would only take 1 lower body muscular injury (hamstring, quad, core/oblique, calf, etc.) to Springer for them to say "CF full time isn't worth the risk". Whether justified or not.
Marisnick is just in the roster because he has gold glove potential defense. Plus, he looks the part. Big guy who is athletic & fast, and a true cf.
I hope another full season lets him shed that "injury prone" label for good. He had flukeish injuries his first two years, then played all 162. I actually think he wore himself out as he only has one speed. The way he plays, I doubt CF puts him in a more injury prone risk situation than his brand of playing RF does.
