Cardinals' Nation is abuzz about John Jay and his production (or lack thereof). Many are calling for the Cardinals to make a change and soon.
Bernie Miklasz wrote an article yesterday highlighting Jay's deficiencies on offense and defense and suggests that the Cards could look for an alternative on the trade market.
John Nagel of CardinalsFarm suggests that the Cardinals should use an internal option such as Tommy Pham, to replace Jay in center.
Tom S. of Viva el Birdos does an analysis of the situation and concludes that, with no better options available either inside or outside the organization, the Cardinals should just stay the course with Jay. However, that doesn't appease Cardinals' Nation that wants action now.
So, what is the answer?
The way I see it, there are no viable trade options to plug into center field and the current, healthy internal options for the Cardinals, such as Tommy Pham, probably are not ready for the bigs. Why make a change when its not going to provide you with much better results than your current option?
Thus, the best option is to stick with Jay for now and hope he improves. Many have said over the last few years that his unusually high BABIP, which ranged from .340 to .355, was unsustainable. But he did it for 3 years, while bucking the odds. Perhaps he just has an uncanny ability to "hit 'em where they ain't".
However, if after a month, things do not improve, then the Cardinals have to turn to Oscar Taveras. Hopefully Taveras will be healthy by then and ready to take over. While he may not be a long-term solution in center, as he may eventually grow out of the position, he should be able to at least hold down the job for the remainder of the season.
After that, the Cardinals can explore a more permanent solution in the offseason.
I would be looking for options for Kozma at short stop before worrying about Jay.
ReplyDeleteKozma's defense is actually pretty good, which may be why the Cards are willing to stick with him despite his lack of pop. However, the same cannot be said for Jay, but there may not be better alternatives available in either case.
DeleteFYI--It is Jon Jay---------STL Card Fan
ReplyDeleteArgh, I hate when others mess up the spelling of a name and here I am doing the same thing. Thanks for pointing it out.
Delete" Jay's deficiencies on offense and defense "
ReplyDeleteDeficiencies on offense yes but on defense!!!!!!!!!!! He has a streak of 220+ errorless games how is that a deficiency?????????????
If you read Miklasz' article, you'll see that there is more to defense than just how many errors you make. Jay's range and arm are both suspect and are costing the Cardinals runs.
ReplyDeleteIf it isn't broke don't fix it.
ReplyDeleteI AM 70 YEARS AND I KNOW I CAN THROW THE BASEBALL FARTHER THAN JON JAY
ReplyDelete