WHIV 2044.5- Checking the Locks, Infielders

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.5- Checking the Locks, Infielders (7-8)


Sure Fire Locks (3):
1B Otto Altaner (L/R)
2B/1B Raul Alilea (R/R)
2B/3B Jesus Yan

Altaner is the given on the infield. He'll be the first baseman at least against right-handed pitching. Alilea has a spot reserved for him due to his contract, and his ability to crush left-handed pitching, which he'll do either at first base or second base. Yan is going to also be a primary starter, but whether it's at third base or second base is still to be resolved.

Near Locks (2):
2B/SS/3B/CO Mike England (L/R)
SS Stewart Turton (R/R)

Everything is pointing towards an England (vs LHP) and Turton (vs RHP) platoon at shortstop. An alternate scenario could only emerge if Godwin doesn't earn the third base job or if the Hustlers bring in an outside alternative. Also keep an eye on the center field battle. If Francisco Otero doesn't win that job against righties he's right back in the mix for England's primary shortstop role. This would then switch England to second base with Yan at third against RHP for a premium defensive alignment.

Trying To Break In (4):
2B/3B Luis Alvarez (S/R)
2B/3B Freddy Rijo (R/R)
3B Juan Dominguez (S/R)
3B David Godwin (S/R)

Alvarez and Rijo were both in the mix in September. Rijo will provide more offensively, and likely has the inside track on a backup spot. Alvarez is a little more versatile (meaning he can play shortstop in a pinch). Godwin wasn't acquired to sit on the bench. He's getting every opportunity to win the third base job, likely in a platoon with Rijo. Dominguez, an offseason minor league free agent signee who was placed on the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 Draft, is a similar player to Godwin but with one option year left he's ticketed for the minors where he's expected to get more corner outfield experience.

Breaking In The Back Door (3):
2B Domenic Lewis (L/R)
2B Carlos Fernandez (L/R)
1B/3B Sergio Maldonado (S/R)

Lewis was given a real opportunity in the bigs last year and failed so hard he was waived from the 40 man roster and assigned to the minors. Maldonado is a veteran corner infielder with a decent contact bat. Fernandez is a borderline second base prospect who is likely to begin the year with Milwaukee (AAA).