Sorry original poster, but just don't see this bench as something that this team should be worried about. For one, they are the bench; so, to look for stardom is a bit misguided, IMO... Two, they can look quite nice if looked at in a different light: Gomez: .224 average, .359 slugging -have we ever had that much speed off the bench? Or, defensive replacement security? Kotsay: .250 average, .298 slugging -veteran hitter who has seen all of both leagues...he came here because he knew he could be a bit player on a special team. I expect him to fulfill his expected role in an above average fashion. Counsell: .197 average, .212 slugging -two time WS winner? can that hurt for guys to be around? Can it hurt that he is 100% professional on and off the field? Can it hurt that at 41 he can still spell a SS? Nieves: .152 average, .196 slugging -very good defensive backup, to a young jason kendall clone who plays 85+% of games. Sure, argument can be made that Kottaras or Rivera serve as better backups; but, in the end, this is the least important role on the team. Add another player...Wilson, whoever....and I think this bench is pretty much what you'd expect and hope for from a team that is good enough to qualify for and win in the playoffs. Assume your best is good enough to get you to where you want to be and assume your extra guys can fill in the blanks. I think these guys are capable.
