In all fairness I think we all believe Burke can play 2nd but none of us are sure he can hit well enough to be an everyday player.
Of course.... but then you look at the only extended regular playing time he got (last summer), where he put up a decent average, occasional pop, decent OBP, and showed good instincts on the basepaths, and you wonder if he can eventually "get it" with continued regular playing time (which he hasn't gotten much of this year... in addition to the fact that he was pressing to start the year, as well as the obvious lack of confidence he has playing CF). Many seem to think Willy T has turned the corner, and is every much the .310, .370 OBP player that he's been so far this year... and that only happened after 2 years of full playing time, combined with natural development of an inexperienced player.
(for the record, you brought it up this time) taveras has been that guy since last year's all-star break (.308/.365, 240 ABs in '06's second half). that now covers 544 consecutive major league ABs. so it's been after a year and half of full playing time and he's also nearly two years younger than chris burke with less minor league experience. i think he's a terrible measuring stick for burke; in fact, he's a reason why we should be losing hope that burke ever gets it. in short, f jason lane. i'm at a loss why he's in the line-up and not burke - it defies any explanation that doesn't include "brain dead" or "r****dation." if this **** continues the rest of the year, THAT, above everything else, should seal purpura/garner's fate.
Isn't he playing for Pence? I don't think anybody else on the roster has viable CF experience... based on spring training, and the first month of the season, I'm not comfortable with Burke out there (although I also am not thrilled with Lane being the backup option). The only thing pushing Lane along is that he was hitting decently at round rock with everyday playing time. Burke should be in the lineup at 2B and RF. Had the club been able to throw him in the everyday lineup and leave him there, regardless of production (like Willy T), when he was orginally "ready" (when he was 24)... they'd likely have an answer right now. Its frustrating, especially for him, but that's what happens when the "special expemption" of Biggio is in front of you.
The questions aren't about Burke's defense at second. They're about whether he'll hit enough to be a viable everyday starter, and to find that out, he needs more consistent at-bats. Whether he's playing CF or 2B in the other half of the inning is irrelevant to the bigger point. Burke said last week that there's absolutely zero correlation between his hitting and where he's playing defensively. And I don't think he's any more of a liability in center than Lane.
exactly. with pence out chris burke should be playing almost every single day. i think we all agree this season is lost so lane playing a better defensive centerfield than burke shouldn't be an issue.
