Jerry Gil

[tripleaaaron]

As I just returned from spring break in mexico with no access to TV or internet I have been scanning the articles etc and came across the article on Jerry Gil. Upon reading about his 96 mph cannon and shortstop defense being "jeter-like", 26 hr potential, etc. I began to get chills thinking about our future infield of EE, BP, Votto, Gil, but since this is only based on the Reds site "talking up" their acquisition I wanted to ask those of you who have been able to watch the games or have watched him play in the past, how is his range at short? And does he have the potential to be as good as they are advertising, or just a solid utility player? I know that he prefers the outfield for his offensive game, but if he could put it all togethor and play short, imagine that infield. It still has the hairs standing on my back.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by tripleaaaron

As I just returned from spring break in mexico with no access to TV or internet I have been scanning the articles etc and came across the article on Jerry Gil. Upon reading about his 96 mph cannon and shortstop defense being "jeter-like", 26 hr potential, etc. I began to get chills thinking about our future infield of EE, BP, Votto, Gil, but since this is only based on the Reds site "talking up" their acquisition I wanted to ask those of you who have been able to watch the games or have watched him play in the past, how is his range at short? And does he have the potential to be as good as they are advertising, or just a solid utility player? I know that he prefers the outfield for his offensive game, but if he could put it all togethor and play short, imagine that infield. It still has the hairs standing on my back.

I haven't seen him play, but in an article that I have read he has stated that he is more comfortable in the OF. Too bad, at SS his low OBP might have been something he could have improved enough to be ok with his power. In the OF, I can't see him being more than a fringe guy. As an all around utility guy that provides competent defense at many spots, he could have a chance, but he needs to raise his OBP.

[BubbaFan]

Small sample size, admittedly...but from what I've seen, he's a better infielder than outfielder.

He does have a cannon for an arm, though, so I can see why they want to try him in the outfield. It was his strong throw from CF that gunned down the runner at the plate and ended the first spring training game. Unfortunately for him, Marty told everyone it was Denorfia who made the great throw...

[11larkin11]

I think he has to try to take a spot from Bellhorn, who may start on the 25.

[membengal]

I think Gil is "Jeter-like" only in the sense that they are both human beings and play baseball...

[dougdirt]

If Gil has Jeter like defense at SS, then I surely hope he sticks in the OF becuase Jeter just isnt very good at SS.

[ochoa30]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

If Gil has Jeter like defense at SS, then I surely hope he sticks in the OF becuase Jeter just isnt very good at SS.

This is very true, i live in CT and watch a lot of yankee games unfortunatley, and he isnt that good. He is at best average. He makes the easiest plays look difficult and gets so much credit for it. The gold glove or gloves he won were as credible as the one rafael palmeiro one when he played like 40 games at first. Tino martinez was amazing that year and got snubbed.

[flyer85]

versatility and power. He would be an excellent reserve (much better than Castro or Moeller)

[tripleaaaron]

although Jeter may not be that great of a shortstop overall, his athleticism was the focus of my wording, was tired and wanted to make it short.
The article stated:
"In Cincinnati on a relay in the bottom of the ninth," Miller recalled, "[Ryan] Freel hit a double to left-center field. [Luis] Terrero got the ball off the wall and threw to Gil. He jumped and did one of those [Derek] Jeter plays where you land and you throw and don't step. He just threw a laser to home and got [Jacob] Cruz out."
This denotes his laser of an arm and athletic ability to catch and release, which Jeter does very well. This is a very worthy quality in a middle infielder with their ability to field the cut off and make the close plays, which Jeter does as well. I for one have a strong disliking for Jeter as well, think he is very overrated, but at the same time this ability is very valuable. If Jerry Gil can do said above, and has good speed/range, he could develop into a very good infielder ie Barry Larkin who also had the uncanny ability to make the said close plays and athletic, crazy throws, he also had good power similar to Jerry Gil, so my post should have been more direct, can he develop the rest of his game to be an elite defensive shortstop?

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by 11larkin11

I think he has to try to take a spot from Bellhorn, who may start on the 25.

Marty compared the two of them today while on the radio and said skills wise Gil beats him hands down. No contest.

[flyer85]

there are only five reserve spots.

It looks as if Valentin, Conine and Castro are locks. If you add Hamilton there is one spot for the likes Denorfia, Bellhorn, Hopper, Moeller, Gile, etc.

BTW, Moeller has a major league contract, that has to work in his favor.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Originally Posted by flyer85

BTW, Moeller has a major league contract, that has to work in his favor.

My heart breaks every time I hear that.

[edabbs44]

Conine, Castro and Moeller would be the makings of a putrid bench.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by flyer85

there are only five reserve spots.

It looks as if Valentin, Conine and Castro are locks. If you add Hamilton there is one spot for the likes Denorfia, Bellhorn, Hopper, Moeller, Gile, etc.

BTW, Moeller has a major league contract, that has to work in his favor.

That assumes a 12 man staff. Are you sure that's set in stone?

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by Sea Ray

That assumes a 12 man staff. Are you sure that's set in stone?

I really don't think they can go long with 11, the Reds have a bunch of short relievers and with the lack of quality in the starting rotation I would think six in the pen would wear out quickly. Plus I hope they keep Burton.