4th spot on the bench
There are eight players vying for this last bench spot alongside Ramon Castro, Mark Teahen, and Omar Vizquel. What’s sad, if not unsurprising, is that some of the best performers in camp come from this group of players, fighting for their major-league lives.
The Pick: Lastings Milledge
The pick could easily be at least five of the other seven players, but Milledge brings a “wow” factor to the White Sox that could prove crucial in the case of a prolonged slump or injury. The onetime first-rounder has proven nearly as sound defensively as Brent Lillibridge and Alejandro De Aza and is every bit the baserunner. He also brings more pop as evidenced by his pair of home runs on Thursday to bring his Cactus league total to four.
Fundamentally (bunting), he might trail the competition, but the White Sox have enough bunters on the roster. It also helps that as the fifth outfielder (given that Teahen will likely see a healthy chunk of time spelling Carlos Quentin in right), Milledge balances the bench as a right-hander, which gives him an advantage over De Aza. Perhaps the biggest advantage Milledge has over the competition is five walks against five strikeouts—all of the other aspirant outfielders are much heavier on the Ks.
More battles at the link.
milledge is showing great power. he could end up taking cqs job in right if carlos isn’t playing well. they are going defence over offence at third, but in this case milledge coulb be better on both sides if he keeps it up!
Comment by Anonymous — March 17, 2011 @ March 17, 2011 11:17 pm |
oh man, that’d be so awesome.
I remember when milledge was with the mets, I wanted kenny to swing a trade for him so bad.
Comment by The Wizard — March 18, 2011 @ March 18, 2011 7:41 pm |
he’s not bad. and now showing power, he can be a alex rios type player, but it’s too early to tell. he deserves more spring at-bats.
Comment by Anonymous — March 19, 2011 @ March 19, 2011 12:51 am |
yeah, we must wait to see more ABs
damn!
Comment by The Wizard — March 21, 2011 @ March 21, 2011 12:18 pm |