Barring some sort of miracle bullpen solution, it seems pretty reasonable to assume that our beloved Bravos will not be in playoff contention when the September 1st call ups roll around. What better time to start preparing our future stars? We can call up Jose Peraza and Mallex Smith and let them platoon so that they only bat against opposite arms.
The Maybin (bats R) / Mallex (bats L) platoon in CF seems like it would be just what Smith needs to get his feet wet in the big leagues. And if we luck out and Mallex shows that he can handle Major league ball... then does Maybin have the offense to move over to LF in our future?
If we project Maybin's current stats out over a full 600 AB season, he would give us 26 HR, 96 RBI, and 28 SB. So... HELL YES we would take that from a LF who also has great speed and range in the field!
As far as Peraza (bats R) / Peterson (bats L) is concerned, Peraza will be auditioning in September for the full-time 2B job and also batting only against opposite arms. Assuming he shows enough to be with the big league squad in 2016... can we move Jace Peterson to 3B? Does he have enough offense?
If we project Jace's current stats out over a full 600 AB season, we get a 3B who hits .263 with 66 RBI and only 3HR. However, we have to consider that Peterson hasn't been hitting in spots to drive in runs in 2015. Can an MLB third baseman survive with such low power numbers?
Placido Polanco played 15 years in the Majors, was an All-Star, but only averaged 9 HR and 61 RBI. So it can be done... but usually only if the rest of team is a bunch of power hitters.
This explains why we are hearing so much about Peraza playing CF in the Minors: because we are looking at a 4-headed Monster to play 2 positions: CF and 2B.
This gives us a TON of flexibility.
What if one of Maybin or Peterson just BUSTS OUT and shows that they are simply too good to get rid of?
What if one of Peraza or Smith just FLAMES OUT and shows that they were too overrated?
What if Mallex and Peraza BOTH kick ass and allow us to package Maybin and Peterson in a big trade for (insert name of some corner OF who can MASH)?
Hopefully the front office gives us a chance to see the future in September.
