Zobrist Longing
May 12th, 2016
You’ll understand if the sight of Ben Zobrist tearing it up with the Cubs makes Joe reach for nearest bottle of Knob Creek.
Yeah, yeah, it’s no surprise that Zobrist left the Rays after the 2014 season. Yeah, yeah, we all know how the game works around here: Stars cut their teeth with Tampa Bay before they’re shipped off for prospects because they become too expensive for the Rays’ pint-sized payroll.
Still, wouldn’t it be nice to have Zobrist right about now?
Zorilla has been a gorilla at the plate in May, hitting around .400 for Papa Bear Joe Maddon and the crazy-hot Cubs. Zobrist (.309 overall in 2016) has been a mainstay at second base in Chicago, but he showed versatility in the infield and outfield during his stop in St. Pete.
Tampa Bay shortstop Brad Miller, meanwhile, has been spotty at the plate (batting .213 after yesterday’s loss). And his defense? It’s like he rubbed Crisco in his glove early this season.
Advantage: Zobrist.
Joe would take Zobrist over Miller, Tim Beckham, Logan Morrison and Steve Pearce right now. Evan Longoria and Logan Forsythe are the only Rays infielders worth more than a passing glance at the moment.
Zobrist is a classy dude, so it’s easy to feel good for him. But his success stings a little.
May 12th, 2016 at 2:28 pm
The problem with Zobrist is that they would have to pay him $8 million a year to play DH, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base, RF, CF and LF.
He can only play one position at a time!
We all know about the “character” issues he brings. Plus we would have to listen to his wife singing the national anthem again and again.
They should have sent him to the Loney Bin, where you get $8 million for doing nothing but looking pretty.
I saw James Loney drinking a Manny’s Pale Ale at the Highliner Pub and his hair was perfect!