FanPost

Who to call up IF Johnson is sent down to AAA

There has been a lot of talk about possibly sending DJ down to work out his swing due to his horrible start.  I am not really arguing the merits of that move as much as I want to consider, who would we bring up in such a case?

First, I do not think we will bring up Daric Barton.  BB does not want to bring him up too soon, hurt his confidence and slow his progression.  Also, BB does not want to start his clock any earlier then he has to, and right now he does not HAVE to.

So who?  First thing to remember for those people advocating we move Swisher to first and call up an outfielder.... we still need a back up 1Bmen.  The only person on the entire roster that has played an MLB game at 1B is Thomas (and hell will freeze over before we put FT in the field) and Melhuse (a grand total of 6 games).  So, unless the minor league OF can play some 1B, that is very important to consider.

The solution?  Well, the easy solution is to call up a 1Bmen, but since that is Barton currently at AAA, that is not the current solution.  We could buy Perez a 1Bmen glove and turn Wash loose on him, but that might be scary already into the season.  Here is what I would like to do (and I have not heard it mentioned yet).  Lets call up a 3rd catcher and let Melhuse get some at bats at first base.  We can see what Melhuse would do with some semi-regular time (maybe some sort of time split with Payton), and not have to worry about not having a backup catcher.  Also, on days we play Payton, we would have 2 catchers on the bench, maybe making it more possible to pinch hit for certain DP machines (you know who you are).  It would seem that Brown would be the likely person to call up to fill that role, and it would be nice to get him a taste of the bigs, even if it is just for long enough for DJ to get his groove back.  

Again, not advocating sending DJ down persay, but if we do I think this would be the best way to do it.  Thoughts?

(By the way, this is my first AN diary so be kind -- or if not kind at least funny.  Also, even if just for pity, please at least one response or I might have to send myself back to the AN minor leagues -- would that be the espn chats, or <gasp> Halo Heaven?)