Allen still waiting for his chance to shine
Mar 31, 2011, 4:54 AM | Updated: 6:08 am
PHOENIX – When Brandon Allen was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in 2009, he was expected to one day become the Diamondbacks starting first baseman.
He is still waiting for his chance.
Arizona finalized its 25-man roster on Wednesday with Allen being one of the last cuts despite having a solid spring training.
He was in a three-way battle with Juan Miranda and Russell Branyan for the vacant first base position.
Allen hit .263 in spring training, but impressed manager Kirk Gibson with his aggressiveness and showed versatility by playing left field as well.
“It was a pretty tough decision. The guy played his butt off. He improved his game tremendously and has really come on,” said Gibson.
“He’s the kind of guy that the Arizona Diamondbacks want.”
Reading those comments on their own would make you think Allen made the team, but once again the young first baseman finds himself the odd man out and headed back to the Minors.
In two brief call-ups the last two seasons, Allen has hit a combined .221 in 54 games. Hardly much of a chance to showcase one’s abilities.
Allen is beginning to hear the whispers that he is a 4A player (Too good for Triple-A but not good enough for the Big Leagues).
Unfortunately for Allen there isn’t a league for 4A players, so in the meantime, he will wait for a legitimate chance in the Major Leagues.
