I am not a fan of using shifts on the majority of hitters and so far the shifts have overall hurt the team. Clearly, Arrieta was upset about the fielding support and especially Kingery at shortstop. I certainly agree that Kingery should not be playing shortstop except as a limited back up. I think there is a place for using shifts, but perhaps they Phillies are over using them. Today, the shift and Kingery not getting anyone out on a play that sure looked like an out as the ball came to him, ended up setting up the 5 run inning.
I am concerned about Kingery. I think he has a future and will come around, but for now, he probably needs to go back to AAA and get a couple hundred at bats. I also think he needs to play some position other than SS most of the time. Of course, I understand that injuries have caused Kingery to be at shortstop and I don't expect him to play much if any short once they have a true shortstop back on the active roster.
Kingery is hitting .216, but his .265 OBP just is not near good enough for a ML starter. Contrast Altherr, struggling with a .181 BA but a .308 OBP.
Crawford was struggling at the plate before going on the DL, but I think he has to be put in as the starter at short for a couple months at least, when he comes back. The Phillies need to see what they have in Crawford so they can make good decisions on what needs to be done this next off season.
