PLAYING IT SMART AT FIRST BASE

Joe Girardi announced this week that Alfonso Soriano may get some playing time at first base this season.  I say, why the heck not?  We have a decent number outfielders and perhaps a shortage of infielders, so why not consider the big bat of Soriano in the lineup at first base.  Even if Mark Teixeira stays healthy this season, he will need a night off here and there, and with Soriano ready to go with a brand new first baseman glove and hot bat in hand, why the heck not?

“He's played infield. It'll give us a chance to DH someone besides one of our outfielders at times," Girardi said. "I think he's athletic enough to do it. He's played that side of the infield before; shorter throw,” according to MLB.com.

Girardi went on to say that they were not considering Soriano as a back up at second and Kelly Johnson, originally slotted as the back up first baseman, may find a home on opening day at third base. 

I like the strategy and I like the flexibility we have in the lineup this year.  We’ve added some speed in Jacoby Ellsbury, some grit with Brian McCann, and maybe some additional athleticism with Carlos Beltran.  The Braves have done a good job with two out of the three guys we added to our roster, and I am happy to have the flexibility and strength that all of our guys possess collectively.  Adding Soriano to the first base rotation is playing it smart, and that’s what this year needs to be about- being smart about how we use our pitchers, how we rotate our fielders and how we initiate the bullpen.

And let’s not forget the coverage we have in the outfield with Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Realistically, adding Soriano to right field in rotation with Beltran and first base in rotation with Teixeira gives us more bang for our buck and a lot of flexibility – a smart strategy, any way you slice it. 

Half way through spring training and we have the offense and defense to rival our American League East teams where the competition is fierce and the longevity to carry us well into September and October where the pennant awaits.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Opinion Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof



 
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