What Would Descalso Do?

During Spring Training this season, one thing I thought for sure was that there would be a tandem of “Dirty Dan” and “Stinky Pete” at short and second for the Cards. With Matt Carpenter breaking out this season, Descalso at second just isn’t in the cards (pun intended), which is understandable. Carpenter has become one of the premiere lead off men in the National League, if not in Major League Baseball.

If you are a baseball thinker, then you know that the middle infielders need to work together. Playing both short and second are pretty close. The players that are playing there have to really gel with each other, and pretty much know how to play each others’ positions. So, should Descalso get a chance at short? Hmmm….now I’ve got you thinkin….

Looking at the comparable stats between Dirty Dan and Stinky Pete, here’s what we’ve got:

Batting Average: Descalso-.266

Kozma- .243

Homeruns: Descalso-3

Kozma-1

RBIs: Descalso: 26

Kozma: 31

Well, looking at these stats, they look pretty darn comparable. The only problem is, Kozma has seen play in 94 games for the season with 313 at bats, and Descalso has played in 71 with 177 at bats. Those stats look a little overwhelmingly in Dan’s favor.

Defensively, for the 2013 season, Kozma has committed 6 errors in those 94 games. Descalso has seen playing time at 3rd, short, and second with 1, 3, and 4 errors in those positions respectively. Kozma may have the advantage in that category.

During last season’s playoff implosion to the Giants, I remember thinking about Pete Kozma’s play. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that he and Descalso teamed up for some late-inning heroics against the Nationals. But then when I think about the San Francisco series, and how he played…well, not good things come to mind. I know that he was just a rookie, coming up in a pressure filled time, but just think back with me.

I realize that Descalso got the start at short on Saturday against the Braves. And, I know that he was 0-3. He was also moved to 3rd base during the game, and Kozma came in to play short. I wonder what would happen if he could see a few games of consistency at one position, and see how he does. Just a suggestion. I’m not putting down Kozma, just asking a question of what if…

On the heels of a sweep by the Braves and a 5-game spread against Pittsburgh–who are right behind them in the NL Central, it could be time to change up a few things.  The trade deadline is just around the corner, but why can’t we try with someone who is already known and loved?

Descalso could very well be hungry for that shortstop starting job…

Go Cards!