03-01-2010, 08:13 PM
<!--QuoteBegin- Muskrat Cubs Inbox+-->QUOTE ( Muskrat Cubs Inbox)<!--QuoteEBegin-->I've been wondering if there was some reason Blanco has been left out of the roster discussion. It seems no one considers him a candidate for much of anything, but I was very impressed with what I saw of him last year. He made some incredible plays. I know his hitting left something to be desired, but isn't that something that a lot of guys struggle with when they only get into 53 games? Can you help me understand why he's not getting any credit or consideration?
-- Jonathan T., St. Charles, Ill.
The decision comes down to whether the bench is made up of offensive or defensive players. In a perfect world, you have both. Blanco has shown he can play solid defense at second and short. If Mike Fontenot can play second and short, then the Cubs may opt to keep another hitter on the bench, which could include someone like Kevin Millar. One thing to consider regarding Blanco is that he's one of six players out of options. That list includes Jeff Baker, Angel Guzman, Tom Gorzelanny, Koyie Hill and Geovany Soto.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If Blanco is out of options, does it mean that if he doesn't make the 25-man roster, he has to clear waivers before going to the minors?
Or if you have less than 5 years experience, are you able to be sent down without having to clear waivers? According to ESPN stats Blanco has '4 years experience'.
I like Blanco a lot, I would like to see him make the team. Hes defense is basically as good as it gets, and people like to bring up his offense but I feel that he did a respectable job for a rookie who wasn't getting consistant at-bats (his BA was higher than most of our starting lineup). His offense should definitely continue to improve.
-- Jonathan T., St. Charles, Ill.
The decision comes down to whether the bench is made up of offensive or defensive players. In a perfect world, you have both. Blanco has shown he can play solid defense at second and short. If Mike Fontenot can play second and short, then the Cubs may opt to keep another hitter on the bench, which could include someone like Kevin Millar. One thing to consider regarding Blanco is that he's one of six players out of options. That list includes Jeff Baker, Angel Guzman, Tom Gorzelanny, Koyie Hill and Geovany Soto.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If Blanco is out of options, does it mean that if he doesn't make the 25-man roster, he has to clear waivers before going to the minors?
Or if you have less than 5 years experience, are you able to be sent down without having to clear waivers? According to ESPN stats Blanco has '4 years experience'.
I like Blanco a lot, I would like to see him make the team. Hes defense is basically as good as it gets, and people like to bring up his offense but I feel that he did a respectable job for a rookie who wasn't getting consistant at-bats (his BA was higher than most of our starting lineup). His offense should definitely continue to improve.