I understand they like his speed but I'd like to see us put someone who gets on base a little more consistently in the 2 hole. Based on our options there isn't a standout for that spot, but I'd rather see someone else. Any thoughts on trying out Pudge or Kennedy?
I would tend to agree (although batting Guzman 3rd seems a bigger mockery). One thing about Tavarez that may (hopefully) develop into its own discussion if he actually sticks with the team. I've considered him nothing more than a defensive replacement and poor excuse for a major leaguer for years. But there was a comment made in yesterday's game that was both intriguing and disturbing. Allegedly, Eckstein has prompted Taveras to adjust his hitting style to be much more of a full swinger, which Tavarez claims is what he used to do regularly years ago. Supposedly, if he is to be believed, the other teams he has been on for years discouraged him from swinging away and pretty much restricted him to tapping the ball and trying to be nothing but a slap bunt style speed guy. If that is true, and he wasn't just restricted because he sucked otherwise, it could change the perception of him. At a minimum, it makes those other teams nuts.