In Defense of Jonathan Schoop
By Andy Hefty, guest blogger
GLEN SAINT MARY, FL – Enough time has passed for Orioles fans to determine whether they want to keep infielder Jonathan Schoop on the roster or send him back to the minors. Put me in the “keep” court. And that doesn’t even include his 2-run shot tonight.
Presently batting .231, that’s not a very impressive number, but it’s serviceable. Schoop has shown flash, and he had some very timely clutch hits. And while he has a rough patch going right now, Schoop is learning. He’s young. And that brings me to my next point.
Schoop is adapting to life in the Majors much more quickly than other young guns making their way. At only 22, he is the second youngest player on the roster (Machado is 8 months younger). He didn’t spend any time developing in college. This proves he can make it, albeit with a few bumps in the road.
Finally, Schoop has played with great flexibility on the field. While he has given a few errors (4 at 3rd base, and 1 at 2nd), he can pick himself up and keep playing. Not every prospect-turned-rookie is going to have the same type of start that Manny Machado had. Showalter clearly sees more than potential in Jonathan Schoop.
And so do I.
