You touch on the real reason Story remains in the lineup: they really don't have a major-league level defensive SS to replace him with long-term. I like Valaika a lot as a bench/utility guy, but I really think the people who want to see him installed as the #1 guy at SS are dreaming. Amarista has more experience but is still not very good at short. And DJ has played 4 innings at SS in his career. Taking Story out creates a huge defensive issue up the middle.

Story is a trainwreck at the plate, far more frustrating to me than Cargo. But he's batting 7th or 8th, which is where guys barely hitting their weight are supposed to bat, and he's by far their best defensive option at SS. So I think unless a surprise trade is made, it's going to be Story the rest of the way... I just hope he can quit being such a meathead at the plate. It occurred to me last night that he almost always swings at pitches he can't hit, but often watches hittable pitches right into the catcher's glove.