For the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays, of all the players jockeying for a starting job in spring training, the most captivating story is who will win the starting right fielder's position. Candidates for the starting job in right field are Anthony Gose, two time MLB home run champion Jose Bautista, and the dark horse Moises Sierra.
On pure "5-tool talent" alone, one would have to give the job to Gose outright. This guy has speed to burn! So far through 6 spring training games, Gose is sporting an impressive .375 batting average against some of the best arms the Grapefruit league has to offer, with a lofty OPS of .944. Throw in a triple and two stolen bases and one might consider the job Gose's to lose.
Jose Bautista is the incumbent as last season's starting right fielder, but with John Gibbons at the helm, every job is available, regardless of career numbers or salary, or number of 50+ home run or 120+ RBI seasons. This spring Bautista is only batting a pitiful .125, tied with third string catcher Mike Nikeas so obiously things aren't looking good for him to win the starting right field job.
Dark horse Moises Sierra is another feel-good story for the Jays this spring. Unlike Bautista, he and Gose have overachieved; with the former hitting .333. If you extrapolate this batting average over a 162 game season you get the exact same .333 which would have Sierra and Gose battling it out Olerud and Molitor style for the batting title.
While they are not as intimidating a presence at the plate as Bautista, another advantage Gose and Sierra have is their marketing appeal. How irrestistable is the nickname "Canada Gose" to the brass at Rogers who will surely be whispering in skipper John Gibbons' ear. Moises Sierra is just such an exotic name that will surely play well in such a multicultural city as Toronto.
Unfortunately though for Gose and Sierra, the reality is that even though they are having the much better spring, Jose Bautista will probably get the job anyway. Guys who can hit 50+ home runs, drive in 120+ RBI's, bat around .300, and have the strongest throwing arm in the league just don't come along every day. I guess I can't argue with the decision to give Bautista the starting job in 2013. Just remember, Jose - Gibby, and I, will have you on a short leash.
I don't know which part of this bothered me more: using spring training numbers to determine a player's value or using batting average. It's a close call.
ReplyDeleteAs long as there was at least one thing that bothered you, then my work here is done:)
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