Back Seat Managing

Apr 3, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (1) throws out the baserunner in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Rogers Centre. The Indians beat the Blue Jays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY SportsIf you’ve been a fan of any baseball team for more than 2 days you can’t help but think of what you would do if you were the manager. It’s almost impossible to watch any game without thinking why didn’t he do this or that.

I’m already feeling that way so I’m going to talk changes I’d make if I were the Toronto Blue Jays manager.

First off Maicer Izturis is my every day 2nd basemen.

The AL East is going to be way to tight this year for the Jays to lose games because of Emilio Bonifacio’s defense. He’s missing routine plays and you just can’t do that. Emilio barely played in the infield last season so the Jays don’t have time for him to learn how to play 2nd base. Izturis is also a better defender so Bonifacio’s not exactly losing the opportunity to play 2nd to just anyone. If the Jays continue to play Boni at 2nd then hopefully he turns his defense around quick. He made some great plays at the position to so it is possible but I personally wouldn’t take a risk that he doesn’t.

I’d have Mark Derosa playing 3rd base until Brett Lawrie comes off the DL.

I’d have either Adam Lind or Emilio Bonifacio DH against right handed starters because they are the best options on the team. Like Bonifacio, Lind would be hitting as low in the lineup as possible.

I’d continue having Davis or Bonifacio as the center fielder against lefties which is what it is right now anyways because of Rasmus struggles against lefties.

The newly acquired Casper Wells would be the DH against lefties because he has a career 264/.349/.489 slash line against lefties in his career in case you thought the Jays claimed him off waivers just for the sake of it. Although there’s always the chance he’s designated for assignment before the Jays can get him an at bat. In every scenario Bonifacio or Davis would be available to pinch run late in games.

Henry Blanco would catch ALL of Dickey’s starts whether Arencibia bat is hot at the time or not.

And I’d get an update on Lawrie’s injury every 2 hours.