It’s been difficult to question the decision making of the Diamondbacks’ front office lately.
After consecutive seasons in the division cellar in ‘09 and ‘10, the Arizona brass has put together a winning ballclub under manager Kirk Gibson. The “Snakes” captured the National League West division crown last year and are favored to be a postseason contender once again in 2012.
But where’s the love for Gerardo Parra?
It’s not too often that a player is presented with his Gold Glove Award during Opening Day pre-game ceremonies and then isn’t in the starting lineup. Parra was riding the pine because Jason Kubel, whom Arizona signed to a two-year, $15 million contract this offseason, was playing left field instead.
While it remains to be seen exactly how Gibson will platoon Kubel and Parra, signing Kubel was the wrong move.
A key figure in last season’s playoff run, Parra, 25, is a .282 career hitter with speed, outstanding defensive skills and a ceiling that still hasn’t been reached. Kubel, 30, only tops Parra in terms of power with a .271 career average but has no speed and mediocre outfield skills.
At the very least, left field should be Parra’s spot to lose to Kubel and not vice versa.
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