Will Matt Davidson make the White Sox Opening Day roster?
When White Sox GM Rick Hahn acquired Matt Davidson in a trade from the Diamondbacks for closer Addison Reed, it was with the thought that he would be their starting 3B for years to come. Eventually.
So far, Davidson has failed to impress. He’s struggled at the plate, and predictably, in the field. At this point, he appears to be behind Jeff Keppinger, Conor Gillaspie, and maybe even Leury Garcia, on the depth chart at third base.
But with the news out of Arizona that Jeff Keppinger’s arm isn’t getting any better, and may go to the DL, will this open the door for Davidson? Possibly, but Davidson needs to play every day, whether that’s with the White Sox, or in Triple A. He’s going to experience growing pains no matter where he starts the season.
The question is, do you let him struggle at the major league level and then, if he really falters, send him down? Or will that ruin his confidence, albeit temporarily? Tough call.
And if he does break camp with the big club, is he going to split time with Gillaspie? I don’t like that option at all. Let’s hope he finds the light in the next couple weeks, and he’s the Sox starting third baseman on Opening Day.
Sure, he’ll have his struggles, just like everyone else, but I’m ready for the Davidson era to begin. This may also be the reason why I’m not a GM. Though probably not the only reason.
I for one, don’t want to deal with a platoon at third again this year, and while Gillaspie and Keppinger can be valuable role players, they’re not worthy starting candidates. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.