I think you give Gomez the everyday job to lose in center come March. If he plays poorly enough to lose it, you change things up at that point. I'm not getting into the Dickerson thing again, but in a straight platoon, he probably gets 400-450 PA.....not a good thing in my opinion. Deservedly or not, I think Gomez should get first chance- not only because of his defense, speed and 'potential'- but because Hardy was given up for him. If he plays his way out of a job so be it, but I want him to get one more chance before they give up on him. As for shortstop(which I think is the main problem), I think it comes down to spring training. Like it or not, Betancourt will be making the team, and he will be on the roster for a chunk of the season, unless there is a garbage in garbage out trade out there- probably not going to happen. Counsell will be backing up no matter what, because no 40 year old will be able to man short everyday. Basically, I'd say that who starts comes down to whoever plays better this spring- Betancourt or Cruz. If Cruz outplays Betancourt, I could see them going north with all three. I'm not sure if Betancourt is as bad as people says, I need to see with my own eyes before I judge. At any rate, if the team is competing and these positions are a problem, my guess is that Ray Durham type trades will be made with non-contenders in June or July to fortify things.