Jordan Schafer

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Jordan Schafer had his second three-hit game of the season today, getting his batting average above .200 for the first time since the first week of the season.  He also made a fine catch for the third out of the eighth inning and drew a walk.  It was probably the game in which he had the most (positive) impact for the entire season. 
 
Schafer has been the whipping boy for many of us.  His batting average got very low (.125?), he demonstrated that good speed doesn't equal good range in center field and lastly, he hasn't been able to be a threat on the bases.  Schafer was caught stealing for the third time in three attempts today. 
 
Several days ago, Schafer beat out a bunt single, but had to be removed from the game due to a knee injury.  A day or two after the injury he pronounced himself ready to play and has started against right handed pitchers since.  Schafer also revealed that he has been dealing with a toe injury since the first week of the season.
 
This information brings several questions to mind.  Have the injuries, especially the toe injury cost him speed both in the field and on the bases?  If his situation were different, would he have gone on the disabled list?  Did the Twins' staff know of the toe injury from the time it happened? 
 
Schafer is a 28-year old outfielder picked up by the Twins when he was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves.  His resumé includes disappointing hitting, less than stellar fielding, drug problems and an elite ability to steal bases.  Schafer performed very well for the Twins after he was acquired.  He faded in September after experiencing a shoulder injury.  Schafer claimed the left handed hitting half of a center field platoon with adequate play this spring.  It wouldn't be an understatement to say that Schafer's hold on his role in center field is tenuous.
 
Further complicating Schafer's prospects is three potential replacements playing in the upper minors.  Just-promoted Eddie Rosario has played all three outfield positions, although he will probably play mostly left field for the Twins.  Byron Buxton was Player of the Week in Chattanooga and is one of the top five prospects in all of  baseball and 2013-14 Opening Day starter Aaron Hicks is doing quite well in Rochester. 
 
Schafer knows that the window that is open to allow him to start in center will close soon and if he doesn't succeed now, he might never get another chance.  I think the pressure supplied by the depth chart could cause many players to underachieve and perhaps that is what has happened to him.  It would also mean that if he suffered a nick,he might never get the opportunity be a starting player again.  I think he may have kept his injury quiet and tried to keep playing when it might have been better to heal up and rest. 

 

I doubt that Jordan Schafer will be a Minnesota Twin beyond this year.  I wish him well because he is on the team I support, but also because he's a guy trying to make good on probably his last chance.  I hope he succeeds and can help his present team.