Josh Elander on Antigua: “Playing Out of His Mind”

[TheMookieMonster]

Elander met with the media this morning to kick off the week of Opening Day. He had quite a few interesting comments, but one that stuck out to me is his thoughts on Antigua. Ariel has been a bit of a work in progress, and mystery, since he stepped on campus. He may be the most intriguing piece to watch in the early part of the season. How he plays has kind of a cascade effect on the rest of the lineup and where guys play in the field.

 

[Orangeslide]

If he can show some pop on offense, it will make Josh’s job much easier. I hope
he does and earns the position for this year. Super talented defensive play.

 

[txbo]

This is Antigua's first year without any nagging offseason injuries.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

It’s an interesting conundrum, because I listened to The Porch (VQ podcast) that previews the season and Cain raised a good point that Antigua performing well actually complicate the picture for where to play people in the infield. Elander will have a tough job deciding who plays where this year.

 

[cncchris33]

It’s an interesting conundrum, because I listened to The Porch (VQ podcast) that previews the season and Cain raised a good point that Antigua performing well actually complicate the picture for where to play people in the infield. Elander will have a tough job deciding who plays where this year.

That's how I would look at it, as well. If Antigua can't get bat to ball, then he's one less variable in the equation to consider.

Perhaps Elander's view is, though, if AA can hit, then I know I can play him and that locks down one spot and I can figure out the rest.

 

[Ttucke11]

I think Marin scrimmaging at SS shows that AA is still a question mark. If they were sold you would leave him at SS since his defense is his calling card. 2B is down the list of important defensive positions.

Personally think Newstrom or Myatt will be holding down 2B by the end of the year.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

That's how I would look at it, as well. If Antigua can't get bat to ball, then he's one less variable in the equation to consider.

Perhaps Elander's view is, though, if AA can hit, then I know I can play him and that locks down one spot and I can figure out the rest.

The puzzle is definitely easier to solve if Antigua doesn’t hit, because it’s then fairly straightforward that your infield is:

1B Clark
2B Newstrom
SS Marin
3B Ford

Otherwise, you’re pushing Newstrom to the outfield which’s creates a lot of (good) problems. It just makes fitting the puzzle pieces together harder.