I was looking through the stats yesterday and couldn't believe this team is 9 games over .500 as we approach the end of the first 3rd of the season. I
went through the lineup and there are only 2 positions that are exceeding expectations CF (Cameron) and 2B (Weeks / Counsell / McGehee), 2 that are around what
you would expect at 1B and LF with Braun and Fielder and the rest below expectations at 3B (Hall), SS (Hardy), RF (Hart), and C (Kendall) though I know it is
tough for Hall and Kendall to be below expectations, I expected at least a .230 batting average. Then bench of (Duffy, Nelson, and McGehee before he started)
contributed nothing and Rivera barely plays.
When you look at the rotation Gallardo has been a pleasant suprise while Parra once again disappoints and Bush, Suppan, and Looper are what they are.. the
bullpen has been absolutely fantastic when you factor out Julio's and Swindle's throwaway innnings.
So I started wondering what the Crew would have to do to keep up the pace the last 2/3 of the season. I think it is safe to assume Hardy and Hall will heat up
but I see a regression to a career mean for Counsell and Cameron. In addition, I think it is safe to say outside of Villy everyone else in the bullpen will
end up with a higher ERA than they have now so to me that leave 3 areas where they need to focus: 3B, C, and SP.
At 3B, I think it is time to send Hall to the minors to let him regain some confidence and I would platoon Gamel and Heether indefinitely. I don't think
they would have much trouble replacing Hall's production and likely easily exceeding it. If someone claims Hall oh well I believe that gets them off the
hook for next year's salary and I don't see him refusing the assignment and giving up $10 million in salary.
At catcher I think it is time to let Rivera catch more. I don't get the argument where Kendall's defense is making up for his pitcher level bat. I
don't see Suppan, Parra, and Looper benefiting and he has regressed in throwing out runners. I would at least have Rivera starting to catch once more per
rotation if not splitting them evenly.
Finally, I would send Parra to the bullpen and let McClung start. Sending Parra to the minors is useless as he already knows he can get AAA hitters out and
needs to learn to be agressive with major leaguers. Maybe a stint in the bullpen will give him that knowledge. Also if gives you another left-hander in the
pen. I think Big Red has earned a shot at starting and he would at least give you Looper / Bush numbers which would be an major improvement over Parra at
this point. Other than that I think the rest of the roster is in pretty good shape now that they brought in Catalanno and Gerut and evicted Julio.
What do you think?






