Whispers Out of Clearwater: A Couple Thoughts on Potential @IronPigs

I’m still recovering from hockey day, but I’ve got a couple quick thoughts about the players in MLB camp now who may be IronPigs:

Darrin Ruf: He’s been getting no time with the outfielders and has been working strictly with the infielders as Ryan Howard’s backup. He’s been playing very well at first. But for now, it appears that he’ll have to make the Phillies as Howard’s back-up and RH bat off the bench rather than as a fourth or fifth outfielder. You’d think they would have him working on his outfield defense more if they expect him to come North with the Phillies 25. His perceived competition for a roster spot, John Mayberry, Jr., has been working strictly with the outfielders. Is there a scenario where Cody Overbeck gets squeezed out by Ruf and Jim Murphy? Probably not–and I hope not–but the thought does come to mind.
Cesar Hernandez: Also taking strictly infield, he’s listed on the Spring Training official roster as an infielder as well. The news is, though, he’s been taking reps at Shortstop and Third Base. We’ve heard all along that he doesn’t have the arm to play there, so this is indeed an interesting development.
Reid Brignac: Has been getting plenty of time at third base with Asche, Franco, and Frandsen. I’ve had
Brignac pegged as our shortstop for some time, and that still may be the case. They do have a glut of SS guys: Rollins, Galvis, Cedeno, and Blanco–who all need reps.

It’s easy to read too much into this. Once the minor leaguers report next weekend we may see things shift a bit. Or, it could be a sign that Ryne Sandberg wants excellent defense and is not willing to pound square pegs into round holes vis-a-vis positions.

Stay tuned for more news about IronPigs roster formation,

@Kram209