Quote:
Originally Posted by mace
I've read on several threads now (well, at least two) that Didi might soon be shoving Cozart aside. I just don't see it. And that's no disrespect for Gregorius, who looks like an outstanding prospect. I just think that Cozart is being decidedly undervalued. In my view, he has become a guy you can seriously trust as a defensive SS. He makes his share of outstanding plays, to boot (ooh, bad choice of word). Offensively, he's an extra-base hitter and a decent baserunner. His OBP skills are lacking at the moment, but I think that is exaggerated by the fact that he's misplaced at the top of the order. He's no leadoff guy. At least, not as a rookie. But on the whole, Cozart is not a guy I'm looking to replace in the lineup.
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I like Cozart a lot too, but I don't let that color my view when it comes to the future at SS. Gregorious is a solid defender too, is very speedy and is hitting more power daily it seems. Zach has had a lot of good things going for him this year, but he hasn't been so good that he'll be imune from competition next fall.
I say let them battle it out next spring training. What's the worst thing that can happen? One wins the job and the other is a solid INF backup. Between them, they're like having a SS. Let them fight over the job a year or two, choose the one you want and the other is a valuable trading chip (someone's always looking for a young SS with some offensive pop/upside).
What, if neither of them meets the standards you want? Blazin Billy should be ready or Billy moves to CF if one of them does.