The final spring training installment on Bo’s spring training review is in the infield. There were plenty of infielders to be had during spring training with a lot of people playing a few innings here and a few innings there. The results of spring training and Bo’s observations are note below:
1B Zenobius Kazantziakis – Zeno was acquired via free agency and felt like he had a point to prove to the naysayers about his contract as he hit .275/.368 with 4 homers while swiping a few bases. His defense proved to be helpful with the gluten of groundball pitchers that the Valencia team has assembled.
1B Vicente Rivera – Would have been starting at first base this season if Zeno was not signed. His barely average glove at first base was the only thing that prevented this from happening. Vincente hit .385/.411 with 5 round trippers this spring. While that pace is unlikely for an entire season, Vincente’s potential rating jumped from 50 to 65. The Valencia fans will have to see if the current rating catches up to the potential or if the potential settles back down to the current rating.
2B Miller Shed – The Franchise had a good spring hitting .315/.439 while still playing excellent defense at second base. Valencia is hoping for third consecutive 5+ WAR season from Miller.
2B Carlos Schumann – The middle infield backup hit .214/.241 this spring – well below his .265/.300 career average.
SS Tyler Conklin – Tyler continues to excel in the field while hitting .247/.262. He still seems to have the philosophy of I never saw a pitch I didn’t like in spite of going to the dev lab for plate discipline this off-season.
3B Tim Bartlett - While Tim’s batting average is a measly .226, he makes up for it with a .406 on-base percentage. The Valencia fans are hoping to have a repeat of 2060 for Bartlett.
Sent to the minors:
Other infielders in spring training this off-season of note
1B Bailey Sang – Bailey went 6 for 10 in limited plate apperances this spring. He will start 2061 in AAA.
1B Ken Hall – Ken did about as well going 5 for 9 this spring. He will start this season with AA Jamestown.
2B Sumitero Okubo – Sumi hit .345/.367 this spring. With his above average glove, he will be handling second base in AAA this season.
1B Suhail bin Youssef – Suhail hit .300/.348 this spring. He will start in AAA this season as well.
