There has been some talk about Cooper and WadeSmith talking about the idea of sitting Michael Bourn this series. The Pirates are going to throw three leftys at them this series, so Bourn is probably not going to start. Bourn struggles versus leftys was accented against the Brewers, especially Parra. It got so bad Cooper decided to let Brandon Backe hit away instead of bunting two runners into scoring position.
So that's an interesting situation for Cooper and one he has apparently decided he knows how he'll react: he's going to bench Bourn. Okay, that's a good idea but who is he going to put in center to play for Bourn in the vast expanse of PNC Park. That park requires a good CF because of the huge gaps and quirky angles. So if he's going to sit Bourn simply because of offense, and I'm not saying it's a bad idea either, then who will fill the defense need for him?
Pence?
Erstad?
Cheito?
Well, Pence is a good hitter and probably could hit leadoff three days in a row and Houston will be okay. But on defense, Pence is lost in CF. Gamble? Yes, on defense it will certainly be.
Erstad? Well he's probably the best solution with his veteran savvy and ability to play very well on defense. And his offense has been really good lately. But looking at his stats against left handers, well... it makes you think he's going to struggle... just a tad. So you're sacrificing Bourn's defense for not much more offense if Erstad's number prove true against leftys. Good idea? Only if Erstad somehow goes against trend and hits well, else it's not such a good idea at PNC.
Cheito? He actually has very decent career numbers hitting against left handers. But his season stats (small sample size warning) is a concern. So three days of Cheito should make the masses rise up and notice.
So if for no other reason, this series should be fun to follow in terms of CF defense and the offense you've traded for.
