FanPost

Defending playing Neifi

I'm sure this will result in a few flaming responses.  Everyone complains about Baker playing Neifi but what options does he have?  

  • Cedeno: Neifi is a better fielder and at least right now a better hitter.  If Baker's job is to win games (and maybe until recently it was), Neifi is a better choice then Ronny.  The minors is supposed to be where players learn and develop, right now Cedeno looks like he needs some development time.
  • Walker: Obviously Walker is a better hitter but if defense matters up the middle, Todd is a tough play.  It does say something that Hendry tried to trade Walker before the season and no one wants him.  Should Walker play over Neifi even with his defense, probably but after seeing last Sunday's game, I can see why Baker sometimes wants a more steady defender.
  • Womack: No discussion needed.  
  • Theriot: Probably the new favorite choice.  At this point, Ryan should play but earlier in the season, I can see not playing him.  I really doubt he'll amount to anything.  After all, 275 AB's and zero homeruns.  I can see it now, teams will call the outfielders in and pitchers will roll the ball to him and say hit it.  Unless he develops Pierre speed from the right hand side, he's never going to be a starter.    
  • Now I'm not going to say Neifi is a good player.  He isn't.  He should never bat second.  He's a terrible hitter.  In fact, in some seasons he was the worst offensive player in baseball but it's not like Dusty is sitting Ryne Sandberg for Neifi.  The Cubs roster is just bad.  Time for Fontenot now.            

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