re: Baseball Preview 2022 Season (Feb 10th - Pro Prospects & SEC Predictions)

I feel like Bianco would be better on the turn than Doughty, but that's probably just because I haven't seen enough of Doughty doing that.

Merrifield is a highly thought of defender at third (and at 2nd I believe), but I'd lean toward Doughty at 3rd just because I've seen him do very well there before. He was really growing into a top flight defensive third baseman by the end of last sea son. I just haven't seen Merrifield play enough. But I know he played all over the infield in JUCO.

I havent seen any of Merrifield... so Im likely speaking out of turn....

But Im comfortable with Bianco at 2nd and Doughty at third... and Id think Bianco would have a slightly better bat ....

So I'd lean Bianco in and Merrifield out... but doesnt seem like its going to go that way

IMO, Berry's defensive shortcommigs at 3rd are due to his footwork more than his glove. He makes catches but struggles to get set before he throws, causing errant throws.
As to McManus' problems behind the plate in fall, I heard that his movement was restricted by hip and knee ailments. In the 3 scrimmages this spring, he seems to be moving better.
I think both players will be major contributers to the team this season.

You definitely have to look at the option of Bianco at 2B and Doughty at 3B. Perhaps even Bianco as the third outfielder.

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If Morgan is our set first baseman I’m not looking to platoon him. I trust him against LHP.

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The platooning would come in the form of moving him to CF and Berry playing first against lefties. This would either take Gio out of the lineup in CF, or move Crews from CF to RF taking Jobert out of the lineup. Reducing it by 1 LHH, since another switch hitter (Merrifield) would be inserted to cover for Berry at third (or Doughty at 2nd when he shifts to third to cover for Berry).

I think Crews, Morgan, Berry, Doughty, and Dugas are platoon immune. But they all play more than one position so platooning still affects them.

ETA: Last night I mapped out each of the 8 fielding positions and what handedness the hitter is, plus the likely DH options. So the platooning stuff is fresh in my mind. Having it written out helps with figuring out all these potential lineup permutations.

ETAA: Thompson is probably also platoon immune because he's the best SS on the team and there are no realistic LHH options at catcher.

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Yet we only have one championship during that span…

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Pretty sure that period includes 2000. Point still stands though.

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Im gonna need to see the algorithm involved for these ratings

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It's subjective Josh...

What would you put 70 hitting? 55 arm?

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I know its subjective. Just giving you shite

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ideally I’d prefer to leave 2B, SS and 3B alone.

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I agree with what you are saying about SS. Purely out of curiosity why do you prefer not platooning 2B and 3B?

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Purely out of curiosity why do you prefer not platooning 2B and 3B?

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When it’s early and you’re giving guys chances to find the best option it’s cool.
But once you know who you like stick with them. The more reps the infield gets together, the better.

I’m on board with Morgan playing CF and let the platooning happen at 1B and DH.