Versatile Gil Starts Vying for Shortstop Job

TEMPE, Ariz. —  It’s not that Angel Manager Mike Scioscia doesn’t want Benji Gil to win the shortstop job this spring. Gil, who split playing time with Kevin Stocker last season, will be given every chance to be a starter and probably rates a slight favorite over Wilmy Caceres.

But Scioscia said Gil’s most valuable asset is versatility. The 28-year-old is proficient at shortstop, second base and first base, and he can also play third base if needed.

“Our best scenario would be for someone to step up and play great shortstop and have Benji in a utility role,” Scioscia said. “But Benji could be that guy who plays the best shortstop too.”

The shortstop competition will heat up this week with intrasquad games Tuesday and Wednesday and the beginning of Cactus League play Friday. The player who is most reliable, who shows good range and makes all the routine plays, will win the job, Scioscia said.

But with the shortstop likely hitting ninth, ahead of leadoff batter Darin Erstad, Scioscia can’t ignore offense. He needs a shortstop who can get on base consistently and provide Erstad with opportunities to drive in runs.

Caceres, a 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic who was acquired from Cincinnati for pitcher Seth Etherton this winter, has shown smooth hands, a quick release, a strong arm and good instincts in drills. He has excellent speed and is a good bunter.

But there is concern that Caceres, a switch-hitter who has only played as high as double A, is not ready to handle big league pitching and would benefit from a year in triple A.

“Caceres will only make the team if he’s starting or getting significant playing time,” Scioscia said. “We should have a good idea where these guys stand in a few weeks.”

Gil provided solid, if not spectacular defense, in 2000, though he committed 18 errors in 94 games at shortstop. He struggled offensively in the first half, batting .218, but his .284 average after the All-Star break enabled him to finish at .239.

The key for Gil was spreading his stance and cutting down his swing, replacing his natural uppercut with a more level stroke. Scioscia thought Gil attacked the ball better in the second half.

“I don’t try to hit home runs on purpose, but by the looks of my swing, you’d say that I was,” said Gil, who struck out 59 times in 301 at-bats last season.

“When you have an uppercut and you swing and miss, it looks like you’re overswinging. Now, I’m trying to put the ball in play more, hit more line drives and ground balls.”

Gil has been concentrating on second base and first base for the first week of camp, but he will shift his focus to shortstop this week. Though he prefers to be the starter at short, he won’t be disappointed with a utility role.

“Whatever I’m told to do, I’ll do to the best of my ability,” Gil said. “If they ask me to work in right field, I’ll do that.”