From John Fay:
Josh Hamilton was out of the lineup Saturday after hitting .455 with two home runs and five RBI in his previous three starts.
Such is life when you’re trying to play four outfielders.
“It’s a pretty good situation,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I’m not complaining about it, is what I’m trying to say.”
Narron said he’ll try to alleviate the jam by playing Ryan Freel at third base some.
I’m all in favor of playing Hamilton more while he’s playing well, but I’m concerned that fan pressure and Narron’s seemingly being enthralled with Hamilton make me concerned about him staying with him even when he begins to struggle, as I have no doubt that he will. And that “playing the hot hand” idea is difficult to do; how long do you stay with them?
No mention of playing Freel any at 2nd (unless Phillips is hurt) and since neither is playing well, why not play him some at 2B and some at 3B? EE’s offense is more proven than Phillips and, according to most defensive ratings, Phillips defense is overrated by the media. Seems like pretty close to a push to me.
It was reported in another section of the sports that Gonzalez might be back on Monday, but it didn’t sound too definite. So, my guess is it’ll be Castro at SS until he gets back. Playing Phillips at SS and Freel at 2B doesn’t appear to be an option.
So, what’s the best option?