Employing Cairo

Anticipating that their star second baseman Chase Utley would miss significant time this year while recovering from offseason hip surgery, the Phillies issued several spring training invitations to middle infielders in the hope that one could potentially fill the void. Eric Bruntlett already held down a spot on the roster, but the Phillies were willing to take a look at prospect Jason Donald as well as the formerly employed triumvirate of Miguel Cairo, Marcus Giles, and Pablo Ozuna.

The hopes of everyone mentioned above not named Bruntlett were essentially dashed when the robotic Utley not so shockingly expedited his rehab to the point that he should be ready for opening day. Donald has already been demoted to AAA, and with both Utley and Rollins not going anywhere for some time, the Phillies should really be looking to unload the youngster. The futures of Giles and Ozuna are less clear but it is already apparent that they are not making the big league team. Miguel Cairo, however, will be a Philadelphia Phillies player come opening day, a fact that is eliciting negative responses from many that don’t seem to hold a ton of water.

I can more than respect the distaste over the idea that Cairo is taking the spot of Donald, who looked good this past month. I can also understand that he might not serve as much of a purpose with Bruntlett already garnering utilityman status. And even further, I can comprehend why some fans would be weary of his earning a spot on the team based on spring training numbers, but all of this supposed hatred for Cairo seems to be stemming from the wrong reasons.

The Phillies are not giving him a uniform to be an everyday starter, or even a platoon partner with another starting player. Cairo will likely serve as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement who will make occasional starts and help fill-in when the inevitable injury bug rears its ugly head. He is not a good hitter by any stretch of the imagination but he has proven himself more than capable on the basepaths and has played league average or better defense at just about every non-catcher position over the past few seasons.

Plus, it isn’t as if the Phillies signed him to a contract reminiscent of Geoff Jenkins‘ deal, which looks very bad given the monetary magnitude as well as the fact that the Phillies have a very solid starting outfield and also have to reserve some plate appearances for Matt Stairs. And if they decide to give John Mayberry Jr. a shot, Jenkins and his $8-9 mil are the odd man out.

This is not the case for Cairo, who signed a minor league deal without the guarantee of a roster spot. This move seems to be motivated moreso by the contractual stipulation that Cairo can opt to seek employment elsewhere should he not make the Phillies opening day roster, in conjunction with Jason Donald still having options. There is such low risk involved with giving Cairo this spot; if he stinks in the very limited duty, cut him and bring up Donald. If he thrives or stays true to expectations, he will likely have the chance to do more good than harm. Plus, he’s a former Mariner, so the Phillies are required to give him a roster spot.