Check out Tony Mansolino’s Profile to learn more about the Saints new infielder. He has primarily played first base and third base in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, but he started last night at second base for the Saints. In addition, Pichi Balet is now off the inactive list and will start for the second consecutive game as the DH in the clean-up slot.
…from what i can tell, mansolino has a very good swing, goes to the opposite field with a great deal of success, and is a very sure-handed infielder. the question now deals with playing time. so far, steve butler has stayed at third base while ben thomas rehabs from that wrist/hand/thumb injury, and mansolino seems to be slotted in at second base over julius thames. however, i would not be surprised to see mansolino spell butler at third base until thomas comes back while thames gets some starts at second base. pichi balet, on the other hand, is the biggest acquisition that any american association team made while re-tooling for the second half. he returned to the lineup last night, went 2-4 with the game’s first RBI, and actually LOWERED his batting average from .688 to .650. i liken him to moises alou — he just gets out of bed, picks up a bat, and hits the ball. no questions asked. if you’re looking for a reason to have optomisim heading into the second half, pichi balet is exactly that…
Tags: Pichi Balet, Signings, Tony Mansolino
