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Originally Posted by BigRapidsJackass
The problem is that Iannetta is a good in-house/cheap solution, and we don't have one of those for some of the other holes we need to fill -- 2B in particular. But still, this is far from a crippling contract and Yorvit's a nice guy to have around.
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On a radio interview yesterday, DOD sounded like they were really committed to giving Ian Stewart and Jeff Baker every opportunity to compete for the job there and get another bat in the lineup with Tulo moving to #2 permanently and the improved 2B power hitting behind Hawpe. He also felt comfortable with the depth they have in the system at that spot if that didn't work out.
I would be skeptical there with the position switch until they obviously proved themselves otherwise, and it does seem very late in the game to be doing that with either guy, but apparently the Rox were pretty impressed with Stewart's athleticism there in the early going and thinks they can both size down a little and give the team more firepower by finding a spot for another bat.
I wonder how it will all work out with Stewart's value. At one point a couple of years ago, he was one of the more highly valued prospect possessions. If it works out that's great, but if not I'm not sure what they'll do there other than just let him turn into a AAAA type guy who can't find a spot with the big club and wouldn't fetch the same kind of trade value as he once did. I'd love for him to live up to his potential this year and make a big splash to help the Rox stay near the top of the division and challenge for playoff excitement again.
The defense was a pretty important part of the team last year, and you have to wonder about the impact there with someone playing out of position at an area where defense is usually a big part of the job requirement. They may be hoping to eventually get themselves something similar to a Jeff Kent type, though, where the bat helps make up for it in his prime.
I don't mind giving Herges a little more for a 1 year deal. He earned some reward in helping stabilize the bullpen last year, and it isn't any kind of long-term commitment that can blow up on them like so many others have. Relievers are unpredictable anyway and he's got some bigger questionmarks, but I think most fans cheering them on in the playoffs wanted to see him back after last year's performance.