THE BENCH BATTLE: As I've noted on here before, there are three openings on the Blue Jays' bench: backup catcher, backup outfielder, backup first baseman. In the running are Joey Gathright, Jeremy Reed, Mike McCoy, Randy Ruiz, Brian Dopirak, Molina and Chavez, among others.
On Monday, Gathright got the start as the leadoff man for the first time this spring for the Jays. He went 0-for-2, dropping his average through five games to .167, and he was caught stealing after drawing a walk in the first inning. Gaston was asked what Gathright is up against in his quest to make the roster this spring.
"Everybody's got a chance," Gaston said. "He's certainly got Reed out there against him. Reed's got a chance to play. Mike McCoy has a chance to play the outfield, too, and play the infield. So, just go out and play well. Everybody's going to get a chance at it."
Gaston's mention of McCoy was unsolicited. After following up, the manager said he plans on giving McCoy some playing time in the outfield this spring to see if he can be an option as a utility man off the bench. Like Gathright, McCoy also brings some speed to the table (40 stolen bases with a .400+ OBP at Triple-A last year).
Major League Bastian
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