Jason "On the Bench" Kubel

At least that's what Gardy calls him. Why? Because Craig Monroe started at DH last night against a RHP. And promptly went 0-for-3. Kubel pinch-hit for him in the 8th and dumped a hit behind third base.

Somehow, Gardy was able to convince himself that Monroe, who hit under .200 against RHP last year, deserved the start. Kubel hit .280/.336/.474 last year against RHP. On my way into work today, The Dazzleman Dan Gladden was on the radio and he was asked why Gardy would do such a thing, and he responded that Weaver "has a nasty change-up against lefties."

Even if Weaver had a nasty change against lefties, he's not going to throw 10 change-ups to Kubel every at-bat. And what does Kubel have? That's right, plate discipline. Something that Monroe has lacked his entire career and will continue to lack because he's on the wrong side of 30.

Will this be a one night stand? Was Gardy merely giving the nod to the "veteran" on opening day?

If you know Gardy, I think you know the answer.

If you don't know the answer, here's a hint from Gardy's post-game interview: 

"I just wanted to see that guy [Monroe] out there. He's been having a good spring, drives the ball and all those things. Put him out there, and [Tuesday] might be a different story."

Spring Comparisons:

Monroe: .265/.288/.449, 2 HR, 8:2 K:BB

Kubel: .231/.322/.404, 2 HR, 5:6 K:BB

What we can learn (actually re-learn) from this: Kubel can walk to get on base, Monroe can't. Despite hitting 34 points lower, Kubel had a 34 point advantage in OBP. This is all important if you can remember, unlike Gardy, that the only job of a position player in baseball is to not make an out. In other words, to get on base.

What Gardy means by "all those things": is a veteran, can OBP under .300, strikes out a lot?

Tonight's opposing pitcher: Jon Garland

Monroe vs. Garland: 7-for-33 (.212 avg), 3 HR

Kubel vs. Garland: 7-for-17 (.412 avg), 3 HR

Chance Gardenhire will start Monroe "because he's had some success against Garland": 78%

Never mind that Kubel has equalled that success (7 hits, 3 HR) in half the ABs.

Free Jason Kubel!