Gibson says it’s Juan Miranda’s time
Mar 31, 2011, 3:23 PM | Updated: 4:26 pm
For pretty much their entire existence the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled to find a first baseman.
From Travis Lee and Erubiel Durazo to Mark Grace, Greg Colbrunn, Tony Clark and Adam LaRoche, the D-backs have gone through 10 different opening day starters at first in 13 years.
Number 11 is set to be Juan Miranda, acquired from the New York Yankees in the offseason.
“I think Juan Miranda will get the majority of the time,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson told Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash Wednesday.
Gibson said Miranda could end up platooning some with veteran Russell Branyan, but the 27-year-old lefty has an edge when it comes to fielding and thus, should play a little more.
“He’s been behind Mark Teixeira in the Yankees organization for a while and I think the general feel amongst us all is that it’s his time to find out how good he can be,” Gibson said.
A career .253 hitter in 83 at bats, Miranda hit .310 with three home runs and seven RBI during the spring, getting the nod over Brandon Allen who hit .333 with one home run and nine RBI in Cactus League play.
