Travis Shaw

[SeaBass]

From Haudricourt's article today in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

While battling the wrist issue, Shaw took ground balls at second base, fueling speculation that the Brewers might try playing him there. By doing so, Jesus Aguilar could see some action at third base, allowing Eric Thames to go back to first base. That, of course, assumes a completely healthy outfield corps.

 

Shaw said he'd be excited to play second base "if that's what they want to do." but Counsell downplayed any long-term position switches.

 

"That's a lineup you could see but it won't be a regular lineup," Counsell said. "Those are choices we make every day, with offense and defense and the strengths and weaknesses of certain players.

 

"The whole thing with Travis taking ground balls at second base, that's for shifting purposes. That's because we shift a lot (with Shaw on the right side). Travis probably spends 30% of some games on the other side of the infield. He has turned multiple double plays this year as a 'second baseman.' So, he will continue to practice over there.

 

"It's also because I believe that training infielders to react to different things makes them better at their position.

This seems more logical than a full time shift to 2B for Shaw. It is intriguing what opening up 3B for a trade acquisition could do for the offense but it would tank the defense too much IMO.