Baker Explains Why He's Playing Macias in Center
Dusty Baker explained to the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan why he has turned the starting centerfielder job over to Jose Macias, rather than putting Jeromy Burnitz in center, Matt Lawton in right, and Matt Murton in left: "Basically, you'd kind of have one guy out of position (Macias) vs. three guys."
Huh? Who are the three guys that would be out of position? It would only be Burnitz. Murton is a leftfielder, and Lawton played rightfield for Pittsburgh all season. What is Baker talking about?
"We're getting them up here to play. Maybe they can give us a spark." That's what Baker said in the first week of July, right after Murton and Adam Greenberg had been called up and shortly after Ronny Cedeno had been called up.
Games since Murton has been in the starting lineup: 7. Games since Cedeno has started: 9.
- cubsnet's blog
- Login or register to post comments
explanation?
explain: v. To make plain or comprehensible.
I'm thinking Dusty's failed on both counts. Maybe you should put "explains" in scare quotes.
Burnitz on bench
Dusty has lost his mind! No way does his explanation hold water!!
Burnitz has played a lot of CF in his career
Burnitz has played 160+ games in CF. That's not exactly out of position. Murton, Burnitz, Lawton is a no brainer. Macias is a 3rd PH and nothing more. In a history of stupid moves and idiotic attempts to justify them, this takes the cake. I'm furious that Dusty is doing this and insulted that he would think that I'm such an idiot that I'd believe his "explanation." I don't know if he really believes this or if he just needs another excuse for playing a veteran over a rookie.
Numbers Don't Lie
Now who was it that "sparked" the awesome Cubs offense the last few games. Hmmm, could it be Jose Macias? With this recent offensive tear, Dusty will be further justified/emboldened to keep Jose in CF.
I also kept waiting for the Murton-Burnitz-Lawton platoon, but that would make too much sense and keep Dusty's favorites out of the line-up. You know a post-season berth is far off when you rely on Macias as a starter for more than one game.