Rays' projected lineup with Ben Williamson trade raises Junior Caminero question
Rays' projected lineup with Ben Williamson trade raises Junior Caminero question originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Tampa Bay Rays pretty much plopped themselves onto the Mariners-Cardinals trade on Monday night.
Ben Williamson , a slick-fielding third baseman, is coming to the Rays. They're reportedly sending out a comp-round pick and a prospect to be named later.
That's all well and good, until you look at the lineup card.
Williamson has only played third base at the major league level.
Junior Caminero has played almost entirely third base at the major league level.
Caminero's bat isn't leaving the lineup, obviously, so is Williamson just a utility guy? Or are there position changes on the way?
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Tampa Bay Rays projected lineup
This is one way to look at the lineup against right-handed pitching, and for the moment, it doesn't include Williamson:
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Yandy Diaz DH
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Gavin Lux 2B
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Junior Caminero 3B
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Jake Fraley RF
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Taylor Walls SS
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It's a bit lefty heavy, so the righty-swinging Williamson will certainly help in lineups against southpaws, but it's hard to see how he slots in here.
This could point to a potential follow-up move to come, so stay tuned in case the Rays want to create a spot for Williamson (no, Caminero is not going anywhere, but he could potentially play first base or second base if more moves come).
