Or displace Blum, Berkman to LF, Wigginton at 3B. I think Steve's beef might've been with moving Lance off of 1B and into the outfield.
Understood, but Cooper was not talking about displacing Berkman at all with this move. It is Pence who is the one that he's talking about if Berkman is to go to right field where he's played in the past. And really shouldn't that be a larger red flag to latch onto in what Cooper said. I understand about the concern defensively though and to that you just have to think that 1) Berkman has done well enough in RF to warrant no fears in that move and 2) we're talking corner infield and corner outfield positions so Cooper knows he can take a chance if he wants more offense in the lineup.
Why isn't anyone looking at this and thinking "hmmmm... is Cooper saying he would easily replace House's bat for Pence if given a chance?". That's quite a story given how much there is a need (IMHO) to give the youngsters a chance to play (re: Bourn, Pence, et. al.). Looks like Cooper is a veterans type of manager by these sort of moves.
If however, Cooper is wanting to move out Wiggington from left field and move Pence or Berkman there, then you're correct that he's looking at the lack of offense from somebody in the outfield so you have to think who and where. Is it Blum lacking offense at third that is weighing into this situation or Cooper now showing some traits that he's prone to lift youngsters when necessary? In any situation, the idea of Berkman playing a corner outfield position isn't a big deal at all. He can handle it. So is it Pence or Blum (assuming Wiggington's hot bat keeps him in the lineup and Cooper moves him to third)? Pick your poison. But it does mean that House will need an extended looksee if Cooper wants to see if he's swinging a hot bat right now.
