25.5 Matador Headline News - Checking the Locks: Shortstop

[crobillard]

At the beginning of each season I review the players that may make the team on Opening Day. This is the fourth of a nine part series that will "check the locks" on each position; which players are locked into a starting or backup role for the team this season and which players are competing for a role.

Sure-fire locks: Don Jones, Ferdinand Magellan
Trying to get in the door: Javier Ruiz

Analysis: Don Jones will probably see time here at some point, but this is the home of Rule 7 draftee Ferdinand Magellan. I think he'll do well in the EBA. He wont be a superstar or anything, but he should do better than last year's option Harald Taubernberger. There is question about whether Magellan should be moved over to third base where he is more comfortable though. He doesn't have great range or ability to turn the double play, so that Matadors may be better served by having a more defensive option there.

Whatever the team chooses they have plenty of options to choose from. Another outlier for the infield is Javier Ruiz, his offensive ratings look terrible with 4/5/4/5/7 ratings with no split. His value is very clearly in his defensive versatility. He is best as a third baseman with a 9 ratings, but is very serviceable at second or even center. His base defensive ratings show that he can be taught to play just about any position. In addition, in limited time he's played over the last few years he has always been very solid. He has a .279/.326/.424 batting line over the 290 career at bats. Obviously very limited, but may be worth a closer look.

[recte44]

I love that Magellan is getting his shot, but his defense definitely isnt great for SS. Much better suited to 2B or 3B.

[crobillard]

I love that Magellan is getting his shot, but his defense definitely isnt great for SS. Much better suited to 2B or 3B.

Yeah, aside from Taubernberger I don't really have anyone with the shortstop chops. I don't really like him though lol. I would much rather throw Magellan or Jones over there and hope for the best.