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2008 Bruntlett is a useful bench player, providing average or better defense at six positions, pinch-runner's speed, and a willingness to draw walks. You wouldn't want him to play regularly because his defense doesn't really carry his offense at any single position, but as a Swiss-Army-knife reserve, he helps a good manager win games. Traded with Brad Lidge, he'll have the same job in Philadelphia, where he will get most of his playing time as a defensive replacement in the outfield. 2007 It`s ironic that PECOTA doesn`t think much of a player whose best comp is Bill Pecota. Bruntlett is a useful player for a club with a variety of offensively weak parts. He`s played every position on the field except catcher, and he isn`t an automatic out (he even went 7-for-17 as a pinch-hitter last year), so he can be inserted into the game without completely sacrificing offense for versatility. When Phil Garner gets a bit grumpy with Everett`s accumulating outs, Bruntlett`s there to pick up some playing time. The two would be a nice platoon, with Bruntlett in behind the fly ball pitchers and Everett starting when the groundballers throw. Then again, the Astros could dump them both and find a shortstop that can actually hit. 2006 Just like every fine TV cop drama needs an S. Epatha Merkerson to serve as the guide wire to allow the rest of the cast to bloom into a fragrant Orbach, every club needs some version of an Eric Bruntlett to smooth over the rough patches on a team`s bench. Bruntlett`s got a little bit of pop in his bat, with enough of a platoon split (he hits lefties hard) that he`s useful off the bench. Plus, he plays pretty much any infield position reasonably well, enough so that the club doesn`t need to sweat minor injuries to the regulars. He`s at his best right now, and should be able to wring out four or five more years as a useful role player. 2005 Any chance he had for a meaningful career most likely ended when the Astros went with Jose Vizcaino instead of him after Adam Everett's broken hand wiped out the starting shortstop's season. Bruntlett has never hit as a pro, advancing on his glove and the momentum of getting older every year. Alfaro, with less pedigree and less defense, is a better prospect. With Vizcaino re-signed, Bruntlett should start the year in New Orleans.
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