Maybe it's the arm strength, more opportunities to throw out runners from a corner OF spot? Or it might just be temporary, don't want to give a form of demotion to Fowler, jerk him around until Marsinick proves he can stick in the majors?
Really doesn't make much sense... in fact, his defense is basically wasted in LF at MMP. Rather have him at least play RF if CF is off-limits due to an "ego" thing, or whatever. It still should be about putting the best possible team/lineup... and clearly this team is better defensively with Marisnick in CF.
If Marisinick can even maintain an OPS over .700, he is a better player than Fowler. If Fowler insists on staying in center I would look to move him, but only if Marisnick finishes well. This is clearly an ego thing and not a baseball decision, because defensively it's a no contest.
I'm nearly positive that they are making the move because Fowler is an established vet, and they are giving him special treatment because of it. It isn't uncommon in baseball for that to happen. Fowler has started every game of his career in center, how would he feel if the team moved him off of a glory position, particularly going into his final year of arbitration. My only other thought is that they plan on trading Fowler in the offseason, and he has more "value" as a CF. Personally, I'd have Marisnick in Center, and have Bo talk to Fowler. Tell him the team still views him as a CF (as they also do Springer), but that Marisnick is just a special defensive player and they also think it might keep Fowler healthier.
He'll also make more money in arbitration as an everyday CF who can bat leadoff (vs. a corner OF), so its more than just ego. As I said in an earlier thread, if Marisnick can show a semblance of looking competent at the plate, I'd re-appropriate Fowler's future $10 million+/year salary elsewhere.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Dexter Fowler's back, batting cleanup. Grossman in left, Marisnick in right. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> <a href="http://t.co/wbtjENcNai">pic.twitter.com/wbtjENcNai</a></p>— Howard Chen (@ho_chenCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ho_chenCSN/statuses/499578035767873536">August 13, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Fowler hitting behind Carter is DUMB. The best OBP guy in our lineup and he is hitting behind the best homerun hitter on the planet the last 2 weeks. Does Bo draw names from a hat?
Well, I fully planned on skipping out of work early to go to the game. The wife's department is having a day out at the game, so thought I would join. Then remembered I work with a bunch of bungling fools, so there goes that plan unless they miraculously remove their heads from their rectum in the next 120 minutes or so.
If more than 7 people actually cared about his lineup, and this team, he'd be forced to do things better. I doubt the front office dictated this move. This is all Porter. Id like to see his explanation of his reasoning.
I'll save you some time: Q: Mr. Porter - why isn't Marisnick in CF and Fowler in RF? A: Menacing Glare - 30 second pause - Next question
