Tyler Greene vs. Daniel Descalso

This was one of the biggest questions going into the spring, and it could continue into the regular season. The battle for the second base job was Tyler Greene's to lose entering into the spring. However, he hasn't been overly impressive and Descalso has had a solid spring. There are pro's and con's to each player. So let's take a look at them.

Tyler Greene
Primary position: Shortstop
Age: 28
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Strengths: Legitimate major league base stealer (16 for 16 in ML career)
Power potential (16 minor league homers per 450 at-bats)
Defense (he can make the spectacular plays, but he will also make errors)

Weaknesses: Batting average (his .270 career minor league average hasn't translated to the majors)
Track record (he has proven he has potential in the minors, but he hasn't done squat in the majors)

Daniel Descalso
Primary position: Third Base
Age: 25
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Strengths: Defense (he was ranked third in Gold Glove in '11 even though he only played 66 games at third)
Clutch hitter (.345 average in Late/Close games, half of his RBI's came with 2 outs)
Track Record (hit .298 after his first two months in the big leagues)

Weaknesses: What you see it what you get (he's not going to hit homers or steal bases)
Second half drop (2 RBI's in 76 at-bats in August and September; 11 RBI's in 85 at-bats in May)


My take: Tyler Greene obviously has a higher ceiling than Daniel Descalso. I think that Greene could hit 15-20 home runs and swipe 25-35 bases if he ever reaches his prime. Descalso, on the other hand, is a safer option because he remained on the major league roster the entire 162 game season. However, I feel that Descalso is most valuable as a utility player and late game replacement (whether it be on defense of Freese or as a pinch hitter in a clutch situation). With that being said, I would give the bulk of the at-bats to Tyler Greene. If he doesn't produce however, I wouldn't hesitate to let Descalso take over.