IMO, Miles is just a slight step down from Eckstein both offensively and defensively. They're very similar types of hitters--foul off a bunch of balls, and hope you can loft one over the 2B's head for a hit. The only difference being that Miles switch-hits, and Eckstein hits for a slightly higher average. Eckstein has a bit better range in the field as well.haltz wrote:
I can agree with that in principle, but I don't see how any scenario makes Miles that useful to the ballclub. God forbid he is a long term solution, and in the event of something like a 15-day DL stint for Eckstein, well, that's what your Memphis SS is for, or perhaps let Kennedy swing over and Spiezio take the keystone for a couple of weeks. Who knows, I just don't want Miles taking a bunch of ABs, and if he isn't I don't see a whole lot of use for him. I have a feeling that Miles is going to get a lot more playing time than a couple innings here and there, and 7 spot starts (even then, what's the big deal?) and that's a little scary.
So if Eckstein is out, you replace him with his virtual clone. I don't foresee any situation where Miles gobbles up tons of AB's though. If Eckstein is indeed out for a while, you make some sort of bigger move.
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