Back-Up CF Options In 2013

September 25, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielders Anthony Gose (48) – Colby Rasmus (28) and Rajai Davis (11) celebrate after a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays defeated the Orioles 4 – 0. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY SportsColby Rasmus will be out of the Blue Jays lineup until Tuesday because of a sore right shoulder.

The first reaction is here we go again, continuing 2012’s theme.

Your second thought is who would play center field if Rasmus couldn’t go on opening day. Even though we might be getting way ahead of ourselves, it’s a thought that can’t help but cross the mind.

Moises Sierra would be the least likely candidate since he hasn’t learned to use sunglasses yet and defense really matters in center field. He’s also the Brett Lawrie of base running. He’d be better off spending as much time as he can in the minor leagues.

It’s been easy to forget that while watching the Blue Jays rebuilding over the years but players aren’t meant to come to the big leagues so fast.

The same thing can be said about Anthony Gose. If you watched him at all last season, there’s no doubt you know he still needs time in the minors. No point in rushing him to opening day when the Blue Jays aren’t exactly desperate for offensive help. If Gose tears the cover off the ball in Triple A the first half of this season we’ll see what the Jays do from there.

Emilio Bonafacio and Rajai Davis would probably take turns playing CF and DH.

In 2012 Rajai Davis stole 46 bases in 142 games (it blew my mind he was in that many games, doesn’t feel like it) and Emilio Bonafacio stole 30 in 64 games. They’d both hit at the bottom of the order. They’ll get on base more than J.P. Arencibia even though JP will hit higher than them.

Hopefully Rasmus is back on the field as soon as possible. He could be the Blue Jays most exciting player to watch if he reaches his potential. Not exaggerating. If the Rasmus injury does linger, has a bad season, or even gets traded in July the Jays CF depth isn’t exactly boring.