Monday's Bunts and Boots

Developments from around the spring camps bring us news of players winning jobs, others being ousted, and one player apparently calling it quits. In one of the more interesting occurrences, the Pirates announced that Jose Bautista would be their Opening Day third baseman, relegating former starter Jose Castillo to a utility role. Castillo had been the Pirates’ regular second baseman, but his diminishing range convinced the Bucs to give him a look on the other side of the infield. Castillo didn’t sufficiently impress Jim Tracy, who likes Bautista’s bat and is apparently willing to gamble on his poor fielding at the hot corner. Castillo becomes the Pirates’ primary utilityman for now—but that could change quickly. Freddy Sanchez has been rehabbing slowly from his injured leg, so Castillo might be back at his familiar second base environ. Then there’s always the possibility of a trade involving Castillo, who might not be good enough to start but does seem wasted in a utility role…

It appears that the once-promising career of Travis Lee may have come to an end. At one time a touted youngster with the D-Backs and Phillies, Lee asked the Nationals to give him his release over the weekend and the organization complied with his request. Lee claims he no longer wants to play professionally, but the sorry state of affairs in Washington may have contributed to his anguish. Lee is still only 32, plays an excellent first base, and could serve as a decent power threat off the bench. If that sounds like a recipe that could help the Yankees, you’re thinking along the same lines that I am. I’d certainly rather have Lee than the wiffle bat of Doug Mientkiewicz…

Rumblings out of St. Petersburg indicate the Devil Rays may cut loose their 2005 rookie sensation Jonny Gomes, in part because they don’t like his overly reckless style of play and his sometimes outlandish behavior. If the D-Rays cut Gomes, they will turn their DH duties over to journeyman Greg Norton. I’m sorry, but that makes no sense. Norton can’t come close to matching Gomes’ power bat, especially now that Gomes’ troublesome shoulder has healed, and doesn’t even hit well enough to play third base, let alone DH. The Devil Rays had better acquire something tangible for Gomes, like a serviceable pitcher. Otherwise, they’re just wasting talent and showing little ability to evaluate their own players…

Finally, a sad note from the weekend. Longtime WPIX broadcaster Jerry Girard, a staple in New York sports throughout most of the seventies and eighties, died from cancer at the age of 75. Girard was well versed in all of the major sports, but particularly so in baseball. Girard brought a dry sense of humor and an analytical bent to his local sportscasts, not easy to do given the time limits of the nightly news. His sarcastic sense of humor could be particularly biting, but it was usually versed in truth. I remember one spring training when a mediocre Yankee first baseman named Dave Revering hit two home runs in an exhibition game. "He could be on his way to becoming the next Lou Gehrig," said Girard with a roll of his eyes, quickly bringing any overly enthusiastic Yankee fans back to reality. On another occasion, Girard expressed his frustration with the lack of hitting by a certain Yankee shortstop. "And there’s Bucky Dent with another line drive back to the catcher." My father particularly liked that one. The players might not have enjoyed such quips, but the fans in my house sure appreciated the honesty and the wit. Thanks, Jerry. We’ll miss you.