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Jorge Cantu

There was a time, not so long ago, when I thought Jorge was going to be a part of the glory Rays. Now it looks like he’s destined to play for someone else. I’m forced to face the fact that he wasn’t going to be the guy at second base for the Rays. When BJ Upton beats you out because his defense is BETTER, you know you’ve got a problem.

I understand it came down to a choice between Cantu – an infielder by trade, and Johnny Gomes – yet another outfielder. Neither one of them is tearing up the world in the field, and the Rays need another outfielder like they need more seats at the Trop. However, I was talking with someone last Friday who summed it up perfectly… who’s bat would you rather have in the DH spot? Cantu struggled all year last year, but he was just a year removed from being the Rays RBI machine. Gomes has the ability to change a game with a swing of the bat. Sure, it’s more likely that swing will result in a third strike than an RBI, but he may turn out to be the kind of power hitter most AL teams have in their line-up. Who do you see as an AL DH? A solid line drive hitter, or a guy with more pop than a Coca-Cola bottler? I just don’t see Cantu as a DH, and it’s a shame because I was really pulling for him.

Knowing the Rays, they’ll turn the DH duties over to Greg Norton… a guy that may be less suited to the DH than either Cantu or Gomes.

Lord help us.

The Rays had to pick someone, and I can’t fault them for picking Gomes. Well, not now anyway. I’ll reserve the right to change my mind in August.

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