Add new comment

Before I get hammered... I like DJ, and DJ had a very good year last year. I acknowledge that. BUT....
Moe... I am all for getting the young players a shot to succeed, but I question whether DJ has EARNED it yet.
I know small sample sizes apply here but....
1 . Jordy Lara played on the EXACT SAME team at the EXACT same time as DJ for 98 games last year, and Jordy Lara out hit DJ in Jackson as well as High Desert.
2. Kivlehan played on the EXACT same teams at the EXACT same time as DJ for 92 games last year, and Kivlehan out hit DJ on both teams AND Kivlehan was promoted first last year.
3. DJ at the Jackson / AA level last year hit ... 261 / 335 / 473 / 808 for 58 games, which is arguably the worst of any of the 6 players I listed. Yes DJ did crush the ball in his last 25 games in Jackson AND DJ did demolish the High Desert his last 35 games... both with OPS numbers well above 1000... but over the long haul....
In my opinion, Jack is trying to leave a spot for at least one of these guys to step up and take the spot. Thus, Romero & Montero MUST perform in spring training, or they will just get left behind.
As you propose Moe, IF there is a spot open on the 25 man in June AND guys are tearing up Tacoma, then I agree the Mariners SHOULD choose the guy who is farthest progressed in Tacoma. However based upon last year, and where guys ended up last year, I do not see DJ even starting in Tacoma. Kivlehan, Blash, Morban, Montero, Choi, Romero and even Paolini are all slightly ahead of DJ on the depth charts. Now we all know there are agendas, and things change, but... that would be a major leap for DJ... and I just do not see why.
As for Kivlehan in June though... that I could see.