It would make sense. With Whitley and Dubin injured you don't have another starter available on the 40 man roster if you don't stretch out Blanco. They still have Garcia listed on the 15 day IL so he will be moved to the 60 day IL at some point to open up a spot.
For one we need a backup infielder, a role he's fine in. Secondly MLB teams would laugh their asses off if we tried to trade for a non trash starter with Dubon as the centerpiece. He's having a great season and still has below average offensive numbers, he's just a guy that fills out a roster.
Can Brantley play first base? Loperfido can for sure. Can we find a reason to put Abreu on the 60 day DL soon?
Brantley is playing 1B in AAA during his rehab. I take that as a minor red flag in what the front office thinks of Abreu. If nothing else when Brantley comes back Abreu’s time should be reduced by at least 25%.
I'm always dubious of turning career OFs into IFs (I'm trying to think of one that actually worked, help me), but to me this sounds like a potential occasional option to keep his bat in the lineup once he and Chas come back (especially with a flyball pitcher on the mound, you can always do a defensive sub later in the game).
Lance Berkman… lol. Yes, I know he was a 1b in college…but technically he was a MLB career OF when he made the switch. I agree, I’m not expecting Brantley to get a semblance of regular starts at 1B with the rare exception of everything playing out that way all at once. Sort of like when Yuli had to play one of the other IF positions occasionally (which again, I know he used to be a 3B).
I let my Athletic subscription lapse (yet I'm still paying for espn+ because resons?) Don't post the whole thing, but maybe a few quotes?
Fine… Billy Williams Carl Yastzremski Hank Aaron Mickey Mantle Albeit these are just the most notable examples due to the players’ stature. I’m sure there have been other less notable players/examples. Also, not sure all the above “worked” per-say… but they did all play first base for a season or so.
That France performance was exciting last night. Stuff looks good enough to at least be a MORP if he can improve his command, which is far from a given but they have had success with other pitchers having similar issues.
I would be fine with putting Abreu on the bench and playing with a 25 man roster. His performance makes him the 26th man at this point. Put him in as a pinch hitter once a game has been secured one way or another and give him a chance to work his problems out gradually. He may feel as if he is being badly served but punishing the rest of the team by playing him is a disservice to the 25 others on this team.
Yaz played a bit of IF his whole career. Billy Williams, Mantle and Hank? Lol. Not a comp you want to use. Still waiting, @Nick.
