Why is Jonathan Arauz a Major Leaguer?

jose melendez

Earl of Acie
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Oct 23, 2003
30,969
Geneva, Switzerland
He can play a bunch of infield positions, apparently competently, but not great. He doesn't play outfield. He basically hasn't hit at any level, he's got a little bit of pop, maybe, but not much. He's young, I guess. But what suggests this guy belongs on a major league roster right now?

With the 28 man roster, a utility man seems like he should be way less valuable.
 

patinorange

Member
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Aug 27, 2006
30,660
6 miles from Angel Stadium
He can play a bunch of infield positions, apparently competently, but not great. He doesn't play outfield. He basically hasn't hit at any level, he's got a little bit of pop, maybe, but not much. He's young, I guess. But what suggests this guy belongs on a major league roster right now?

With the 28 man roster, a utility man seems like he should be way less valuable.
Can we trade for Iggy again?
 

billy ashley

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Jul 15, 2005
1,228
Washington DC
To expand on that to be less pithy...

He's on the 40 man and fills an organizational need. That need could potentially be better filled by Fitzy, but it's not worth the cost of losing control of Arauz to make that switch. Arauz, btw, is a sort of useful project. He is still very young, was highly thought of early in his minor league career, and has demonstrated an ability to not suck too terribly in extended stretches despite having had an unusual development path (the rule 5 season, specifically).

He's probably got some possible upside to be a good full-time utility player. He's also not so good that you mind seeing him miss regular ABs in the minors.

Personally, I'd rather Cordero be playing everyday in the OF, but it's not that big a deal.