Thanks for your input, I am enjoying this back and forth. Honest question, but what makes Bregman project to be a better defensive SS than Correa? Arm strength has to go to Correa, as he has one of the strongest arms in the game (among infielders), but does Bregman project to have more range (I'd guess probable), and softer hands (again probable)? Is it a material upgrade? I am not even saying that Bregman doesn't end up as the better defensive SS among the two, I just think it might be a bit premature to assume so, and ask one of the biggest, youngest stars in the game for a position change in order to make it happen.
You know what's really driving this, at least right now? Manny Machado. There just aren't very many tall shortstops. Like Machado, Correa is built like a prototypical 3B - a prototypical 3B who hasn't even filled out his gigantic frame yet. I would not be surprised if the long-term plan (read: as early as 2017) is to move Correa.
Bregman consistently makes the routine plays. Bregman lacks the elite range, but gets the most out of his range by positioning, getting feet set, hands, and a strong enough arm. Correa's arm is stronger, but Bregman appears to get throw off sooner. I see Bregman as a likely average SS defensively at MLB. SSs make so many plays that going from a fringe average to an average defensive SS is a big deal. On the flip side, I think Correa's arm plays up even better at third base. Granted, I still expect Bregman to come up at 3B initially.
4 errors in 5 games at 2B, 3 in 7 at SS. He's young so there's no reason to read much into this, but yikes.
I wonder if we'd cut someone like Marisnick, considering we have Tucker in AAA, who can come up any time, Bregman waiting in the wings, and White and Reed. Not that any would replace his defense, but his bat has been fairly inadequate, and at this point, he's just taking up a roster spot. Edir: didn't realize Marisnick was that young. My bad.
Correa seems to have been much more sound in terms of footwork/positioning at SS than he was to start the season. I expect unless Bregman is playing superstar-level SS defense, the possible improvements are marginal for now, and they probably keep Correa where he is. A move may be expected if he fills out and starts to lose some of the lateral quickness.... then again, Cal Ripken never did.
Marisnick can be sent to AAA still. Tucker doesn't fill the hole they have against left-handed pitching.
Sure he did, not until his 30's but still. Fun fact: when he was 21 he played about half the season at 3B.
I completely see the Machado comp. His initial move to 3B was because they had (and still have) a defensively great and established SS in JJ Hardy. I'm not disagreeing with you at all, I think a 2017 or 2018 can possibly be the most beneficial move for the team. Thanks. At 21 years old, I personally don't see Correa as fringe average. He's just getting his feet wet, and I think he is more than holding his own. With your unofficial scouting report, I'd see the potential defensive upgrade as marginal, and not worth the possibility of rustling feathers/changing things up when we have momentum going in the right direction. I don't think we are really disagreeing with each other, thanks for helping me understand Bregman's defensive chops better. Agreed. I'd also like to state how fortunate we are to even be having this discussion. Either configuration sounds great to me, what a time to be a fan!
Correa has gotten much better defensively since he talked with Jeter about Jeter's routine he used before each game.
Reed should still be eligible, so that makes 7 in the top 100, 6 in the top 50, 2 in the top 10. Not bad at all
Then add Forrest Whitley to it. Anyone has been paying attention to Stephen Wrenn in the Minors lol. Woah, where did that came from lol.
Adding Whitley probably knocks out Fisher, so it would still be 7. I'm not so sure he would be in the top 100 though
I can't wait for a MLB line up of: Springer Bregman Altuve Correa It's going to be fun to watch for years.
Rogelio Armenteros isn't playing games. Another great start last night, now his ERA is 2.67 at Lancaster, with an opponent BA of .215. Needs to tighten up his control, but success at Lancaster (not merely surviving) is always extremely impressive to me. Teoscar Hernandez is now slashing .394/.429/.818 at Fresno, and he is really starting to demand some attention. The farm just keeps on rolling.
Miguelangel Sierra is tied for 2nd in the Appalachian League with 6 home runs. His 1.110 OPS is also 2nd in the league.
Sierra is striking out at a pretty high rate, but an 18 year old middle infielder crushing Appy league pitching like that is a very good sign.
