My guess is that most Twins fans wouldn't be able to name last year's opening day center fielder. I'll give you a hint, his name is the headline of this blog. The Dodgers have invited him to their spring training this year with the thought of making him a pitcher AND a fourth outfielder. The thought being that he could give you two or three innings of relief work each week, while giving the regular outfielders a day off once a week. He could even be a late-inning defensive move in the outfield after pitching on the mound. Instead of leaving the game, he'd just take up the center field position while the center fielder would leave the game.
Pretty cool, huh?
The idea behind this, of course, is to have two roster spots taken up by just one individual thus having an "extra" roster player available. Schafer was never known for his great arm from center field BUT he was extremely accurate in his throws. I guess he had some real success in winter ball as a pitcher, and he thought now was the time to try such a move. Like most ballplayers, he pitched a lot in high school and college, so this position is not new to him.
The Dodgers are willing to give him the chance. I look forward to future reports on Jordan and wish him great success.
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