First, about Brignac at second base: Get used to seeing him there this season. In fact, get used to...

First, about Brignac at second base: Get used to seeing him there this season. In fact, get used to seeing lots of players at lots of positions. I speculated a few posts ago (scroll down a bit there) that Bulls’ manager Charlie Montoyo was juggling his lineup every night because he was looking to jolt the sluggish early-season hitting into gear. It turns out that Montoyo is actually executing the Rays’ overall organizational plan, which is all about versatility and flexibility: Tampa wants guys who can do multiple things.

Hunsicker on some Durham issues.

almost 3 years ago R.J. Anderson 12 comments 0 recs |

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Hunsicker said that the Durham starters will be stretched out to 100 pitches as the season progresses. The exception, of course, is David Price, one of the few old-fashioned blue chips in the Rays’ portfolio. He’ll stay at his limit until further notice. Hunsicker, for his part, said that he’s in no hurry to recommend promoting Price. "Players tell you when they’re ready," he said, via their performance and their demeanor.

www.draysbay.com

by Tommy Rancel on Apr 30, 2009 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

Like my girlfriend, The Rays only like guys who can do multiple positions.

by ReasonableDoubt on Apr 30, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs

Is this a good thing?

Or does management just not know where to put guys anymore?

It took years to realize that BJ wasn’t making it as a SS……

Mound Visit

by Mound Visit on Apr 30, 2009 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

We need a 2B since there is a large chance Aki won't be here next year. We have a major SS prospect in Beckham, who will be ready around the time when Bartlett leaves.

This makes a great deal of sense IMO

In Play, Out(s)

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 30, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions

And they don't want Outfielders who get pissy when moved out of their "native" corner.

You won’t hear Fernando Perez complain about getting ambushed by being put in CF. This is why.

by ReasonableDoubt on Apr 30, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Moving somebody to 2B now because we have Tim Beckham in low-A isn't a good idea

That said, I don’t have a big problem with Brignac getting time at 2B. My only worry is that this could end his progress defensively at SS, which wouldn’t be good.

www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Apr 30, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I said moving him to 2B is a good idea because we won't have a 2B in the majors next year, yet we will have a SS

In Play, Out(s)

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 30, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Unless they have reason to believe he's a future 2B based on a weak arm or whatever.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 30, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Friedman took over in late 05.

06: Upton spent time at third
07: Upton spent time at 2B/CF
08: Upton spent time in CF
09: Upton spent time in CF

It took them about a year to judge Upton at SS, then they moved him around the 2.5 runs positions finding a fit.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 30, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a matter of cross-training.

This is actually very common in football, where a linebacker will learn to play both outside and mike LB. It give you versatility in case of injury and makes the player more valuable.

Tools Whore

by Tyler on Apr 30, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

they say that when you move someone from ss to 2b, they say it feels like the field is tilted it feels so weird. i hope it works out. it does for lots of players

by walkoffwalk on Apr 30, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

Second base is a pretty easy defensive position for 3B/SS to learn.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 30, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If Skip to my Schu can do it Briggy can do it

Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.

-Al Lopez

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 30, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

the only problem with moving a player around is..

At times a player psyche may suffer. There some players who are “gung-ho” about playing everyday and could care less where they are played, i.e. Ty Wigginton. Some players are only cofortible in one spot. So, bottom line as long as we get players used to switching positions from the get-go, like Henry Wringley, Omar Luna, Ceasar Suarez, and Will Aybar, the Rays will be fine.

In the name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Apr 30, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions