I don't mind Nunez as an occasional sub.  He has a decent bat as well. I think his career is more of the pinch hitter type. That's not a bad niche to carve out for yourself. 

There was an announcement that Niko Goodrum was promoted to AA to backfill for Polanco. More evidence this isn't a short term call-up.

 

Either Vargas is going back down or Stauffer will finally go.

I sure hope he gets to stick around more than one game. He provided most of the excitement in the series at Arlington that I went to last summer and I'd like to be able to see more of that this weekend.

I'll guess either Thompson or Pressly gets optioned. If they really needed another RP in a few days Tonkin should be available again.

I'll be there tonight, looking forward to seeing the kid play. 

 

I sure hope he gets to stick around more than one game. He provided most of the excitement in the series at Arlington that I went to last summer and I'd like to be able to see more of that this weekend.

I hope not too many people were so impressed by his eight plate appearances. He has been very good at Chattanooga, but that is two levels away from the majors. I think he will hit better than Santana did this year. We shall see.

I hope not too many people were so impressed by his eight plate appearances. He has been very good at Chattanooga, but that is two levels away from the majors. I think he will hit better than Santana did this year. We shall see.

Santana has already responded to the challenge. 4-5 today with a double.

Santana has already responded to the challenge. 4-5 today with a double.

really? right on, danny!

I'm guessing this is a brief call-up, much like last year.  I don't know that moving Goodrum to AA means anything.  But, I don't have any inside info, so it's just a guess, based on what I think the FO would do to cover a paternity leave. 

Molitor made it sound like a one day callup.

 

Yay more Stauffer!!

I paid pretty close attention to Polanco in the field at the game last night and even without the error, it was pretty clear that his defense is not major league ready.

 

As advertised, he has the arm strength of a second baseman. I don't expect that to ever change but one thing he can improve is getting his feet set when he makes throws. I realize that's not always possible but there were multiple times when he had time to set his feet but threw off of one foot instead, resulting in a weak throw. 

I think Plouffe also had that footwork problem but maybe had a stronger arm. Interesting because Mientkiewicz was quoted by Scoggins as saying Polanco was major league ready. Maybe Polanco will end up back at 2B someday.

 

Speaking of Mientkiewicz, has he made any other announcements about call-ups?

 

I paid pretty close attention to Polanco in the field at the game last night and even without the error, it was pretty clear that his defense is not major league ready.

 

As advertised, he has the arm strength of a second baseman. I don't expect that to ever change but one thing he can improve is getting his feet set when he makes throws. I realize that's not always possible but there were multiple times when he had time to set his feet but threw off of one foot instead, resulting in a weak throw. 

I had the same thought but was withholding judgment as it was one game.  Not many guys have the tools to play SS well.  That's why I hope Santana gains some confidence and can come back up.  I don't know if he will ever be a big league shortstop but he's the only one that has the requisite range, arm strength and athletic ability in our system other than Nick Gordon who obviously is not a solution for the next couple of years.

 

 

I think Plouffe also had that footwork problem but maybe had a stronger arm. Interesting because Mientkiewicz was quoted by Scoggins as saying Polanco was major league ready. Maybe Polanco will end up back at 2B someday.

 

Speaking of Mientkiewicz, has he made any other announcements about call-ups?

I believe the actual quote was that he was the most major league ready of Polanco, Sano or Buxton, not that he was major league ready right now.

Scoggins:

 

'Mientkiewicz said Polanco is the most ready for a promotion “without question.” He looks more comfortable at shortstop now after switching from second base.'

He seems to have plenty of range and I'm not going to judge his hands after one game but the arm was a little worrisome.