What would it take to get Shannon Stewart from Toronto? AND more importantly, can he play CF? I could have sworn when he was an up-and-coming prospect, he played CF but he's now listed as a DH in the Blue Jays team site? Does anyone know anything about him and his ability to play the outfield? I don't think we'd have to give up our A-level prospects to get him. Any thoughts?
Stewart has played plenty of CF for the Jays. He used to only be a fleet-footed fielder-type player but now he's a hitter as well. He would really improve this ball club, especially now. We are really on right now, right before the All-Star break and Stewart could come in with a hot bat, explosive speed and range and help the Stros keep this thing going for the second half of the season. Good idea.
If I were going to take Brian Hunter out of the game (good fielder, surprising .287 average) it would have to be for a bona-fide, leadoff man type CF.
Surprisingly, Stewart has only played 110 games in CF in his 8-year career (none this year). He'd be a huge improvement at the top of the order for the 'Stros, but his lack of playing time in center is troublesome. Remember Roger Cedeno? He had all the physical tools to be an outstanding CF'er, but he had absolutely horrible instincts (bad jumps, bad angles, misjudging balls) Then again, an outfield alignment of Berkman/Stewart/Hidalgo would be definite improvement over what's out there now. I'm not sure the Jays would want Ward, however, unless they could unload Delgado, but they haven't had any takers so far.
That's what I was also thinking. Heck, we could put Hidalgo back in CF with Lance in LF and Stewart in RF if we had to. Also, Ward is tailor made for the A.L. Couldn't the Blue Jays use him at DH if they hold on to Delgado?
And he's also not one of those $10mil players. What's he making, $4-6mil/year? He'd improve our offense as well as defense for sure.
