Jackrabbits Swing the Infield Around - The Jackrabbits had a problem. The team was not hitting and even the DH slot was lagging. Not only that, the only weakness star slugger Brent Gilbert seemed to have, his glove, was being exposed as he had little range and whenever he broke the lacing on his glove they called a welder. New manager David Pinto needed to shake things up, especially after a dismal stretch where the team lost 27 of 33 and fell into last place. Pinto solution? Shore up the defense while keeping Gilbert's bat in the lineup. Second baseman Manuel Ortega, a 2nd round pick in 2057 was called up from AAA, a little surprising so soon after coming back from a 5 week groin injury, but aside from his time missed, Ortega had torn up AA and AAA. He could also play a very solid 2B. But what about current 2B Billy McKay? No problem. Move McKay to SS! Okay...but what about Socrates Kazantziakis? Not only was "The Philosopher playing stellar defense at SS, he was also having arguably his best season at the plate, currently at .313 with 23 SB, Surely you wouldn't take Socrates out of the lineup? No they would not and don't call me Shirley. Socrates played an even better 3B than he did SS. The last move was to switch Ray Hoskins from the hot corner across the diamond over to 1B where he has a solid glove. Not only has Ortega hit well in his limited time, but the whole infield is hitting well and fielding well and give the Jackrabbits a very very capable infield. Now if they can just fix the outfield.
Yes, the Outfield Still Sucks - Once CF Andre Ly went on the DL, most every offensive weapon had disappeared from the roster. You could still count Gilbert as an OF even though he was strictly a DH, but from LF to RF this team is underperforming. Jiao-long Lopan is hitting .322, but only has 59 AB so it is too early to tell. With little in the way of OF prospects on the horizon except 1st round pick Luis Rubio, the team may have to make an investment in outfielders in free agency next year.
Coming Up the Rabbit Hole - The aforementioned Luis Rubio is off to a fast start. At 21 years old Rubio began his professional career by crushing A ball pitching at a .400 clip, then pummeled AA hurlers at a .375 clip. He has hit his first snag at AAA going just 2-for-17 so far, but he is expected to adapt fast. If he can get his numbers up before the end of the season, he may even compete for a spot in Edmonton next year.
