...4th game in a row with the above arrangement. Morel DH; Tauchman CF.
....Cubs stopped playing Morel at 3B after couple weeks of AAA season... Not playing 3B since the call-up. No opening for Morel middle IF for several seasons to come. Ditto corner OF. Maybe to rest Happ against a lefty.
Maybe he’s a DH going forward, period, with very occasional forays playing a position? He’s hitting enough, obviously, to be a DH. Consider him basically career DH/utility?
He's blazing hot, but we know that can't last. Career DH seems a challenging career path. For a guy who simplistically looks to be the most athletic, toolsy guy on the team, it's frustrating that he's never developed decent defense anywhere.
I've thought he's flashed at both 2b and 3B. But Morel always looks kinda hyper and out-of-control. Can consistency and reliability ever come? I hope so, but maybe never?
I used to figure 3B was his most ideal position, with his quickness and arm. Pulling him off 3B at Iowa, that's not encouraging.
Management prioritizes versatility and the utility pathway for prospects. *IF* they'd imagined he'd have 20 HR by Memorial Day, I wonder if they'd have instead told him to practice 3B only all winter, and for the previous two seasons? I wonder *IF* they hypothetically committed him 100% to 3B, whether he'd ever have a chance to become good there?