| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 11-17-2010 |
UPDATE 11.18.10 10:35 PM -- M's chances at Justin Upton
UPDATE 11.17.10 12:31 PM -- Benoit signing helps M's.
The hot stove is already red hot, and subscribers can get the latest word by clicking here.
If you aren't yet a subscriber, this is the time to fix that as we will cover the GM and Winter Meetings the same way we did a year ago when we were the first to alert you of the Cliff Lee trade and all of the details.
Click here to become a PI Premium Subscriber.
rumorville-1.0
Comments
The following 73 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: nighthawk180 on 11-17-2010 12:17:37 Jason, Chris, Randal, I read yesterday on mlbtraderumors.com that the reds are looking for a leadoff hitter and some bench help. I was wondering if we could fit that bill. Figgins, cash and prospects for alonso. He is blocked by Votto and we could use him as a dh/1b. I know that probably wont be enough or we dont have the pieces they want but I was wondering if you guys think we could have a shot. Or is it worth it? Your guys thoughts? |
| 2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-17-2010 12:20:03 Thought about that myself, hawk, but the Reds have so little money to spend on outside help. They started the winter with 16-18 million available, and they have 13-15 left after re-upping with Ramon Hernandez and have to take care of Votto and Bruce this winter. It's not completely out of the question, but the M's would have to make Figgins nearly FREE in 2011 and that's too much to ask right now. |
| 3. By: nighthawk180 on 11-17-2010 12:26:18 Thanks Jason, Just a thought if we already have him on the books what if we do pay say 80% say 6.5-7 mil. of this years salary and really tapered down next year. If it means we get a cheap club controlled power hitting dh Im all for it but that doesnt the m's are lol. I also have to look at it as now we need a 3b and a 2b in that case so I guess it wouldnt be the best but still Im glad I had a decent idea. |
| 4. By: shemberry on 11-17-2010 12:39:02 Thanks Jason. I have been dying for some M's news. |
| 5. By: Docmilo on 11-17-2010 12:46:27 There are a lot of options for Figgins. Whoever misses out on Nishioka could be a suiter for him. If the Dodgers fail to land Nishioka they are ripe for a 2B leadoff hitter. If the M's don't ask for anything/much in return perhaps the Dodgers take on the majority of the salary. I was hoping Atlanta could be a suitor, but they are out after stealing Uggla from the Marlins. Maybe St. Loius? If Freeze fails to show up to play this year or they aren't happy with Schumaker. They could use an obp/sb guy in front of Pujols and Halladay. Dreaming. |
| 6. By: John_S on 11-17-2010 12:50:44 Awesome stuff as always Jason. Do you think the M's will bid on Tsuyoshi Nishioka? I know he's not a frontline pitcher but what do you think of Jon Garland? It seems to me like he would be a good 4th or 5th SP in the rotation. |
| 7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-17-2010 13:03:06 Not a Garland fan at all, and he'll cost more than he's worth, despite fitting at Safeco. Figgins is not a fit anywhere that needs a 2B. Most, if not all -- I haven't talked to one team that sees him as a 2B -- see him as a third baseman. The Giants are one team that down the line could make sense. But it's not going to be easy and my guess is Figgins is here for at least 2011. |
| 8. By: shemberry on 11-17-2010 13:06:48 Should the M's have interest in Justin Upton? Could they get it done without Ackley? Would you be willing to give up Pineda/Saunders/Aardsma? |
| 9. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-17-2010 13:09:20 I would not, but it's because I fear two things on Upton. The shoulder and the idea that he's vastly overrated. He's 23 and could still become a star, but he's not going to flourish at Safeco and isn't CHEAP after 2011. |
| 10. By: eastcoastmariner on 11-17-2010 13:26:52 Jason, Understand where you're coming from regarding Upton. That being said, if the M's were to come up with a package for Upton, would do you think it would consist of? What would the Dbacks be asking for from them? |
| 11. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-17-2010 13:28:33 I can't imagine Arizona would take anything less than Pineda, Franklin and Ackley. Upton is inked through 2015. |
| 12. By: Edman on 11-17-2010 13:53:03 I'm with you on Upton. He'd cost too much and not really bring back what the team needs. Why lock up leftfield (they aren't moving Ichiro) and get marginal power in return? Not to mention the prospects it would take to acquire him? Towers merely said Upton isn't protected from trade discussions. What he didn't say is that he'd have to be blown away. I'm not convinced that he'd be any better an acquisition than Drew and certainly not for an outfield position. At least with Drew, you get a more valuable infield position. I just don't see it working, but certainly some will rosterbate this one even if it forms hair on their palms. |
| 13. By: AntsInIn on 11-17-2010 13:55:50 Wow, yeah forget Upton. I was wondering though if, in terms of giving up talent, money etc. in the trading process, if shopping away Figgins and a mil or two per year to the Giants, Orioles or Cardinals and then trading relievers to Arizona for Mark Reynolds would be a net upgrade or not. The M's and D'backs line up for a lower level trade and this seems like one of the more feasible options for adding pop |
| 14. By: dawgncarolina on 11-17-2010 14:14:54 Pineda, Ackley and Franklin? Wow. That's a monster package right there. No way I'd be willing to part with that. Saunders, Pineda, Aardsma +1 prospect not named Ackley or Franklin I'd do, but I understand it might not get it done. But if their asking price is that really that high I can't see anybody prying him away. Bavasi doesn't have a farm system to give away anymore. |
| 15. By: Missthosepilots on 11-17-2010 14:18:36 Living in CO, Francis appears to be a class individual. His first game back last summer he was great hitting spots as prior to injury. Then progressively it seemed he becamse more and more hittable. Not the same pitcher unless a new year with more rehab has strengthened that shoulder. I fear that Ianetta would be lost hitting in Safeco. De La Rosa has a live arm that can frustrate at times. And, as you know, he wants big money. Thanks Jason! |
| 16. By: Missthosepilots on 11-17-2010 14:26:18 Is Upton really an upgrade over Gut in Safeco vs his numbers in the desert air? They like him in AZ. I watched Reynolds quite a bit and think he has incredible potential. But with two outs and two men on think he would be very frustrating to watch. |
| 17. By: Edman on 11-17-2010 14:32:25 Upton doesn't offer enough value to Seattle for the players they'd have to give up. Guti, Ackley or Franklin, Pineda is probably where you start, then start adding other players. And what happens if you move Figgens? You going to bring Lopez back to play third? Addition by subtraction seldom works. You have to replace what you lose. You want to stick Mangini at third and hope for the best? |
| 18. By: mazono on 11-17-2010 15:05:27 JAC & CC - If Vargas was added in a package, would we be looking at adding two SP? What would it cost for Harrang to to be in M's uni? 2yr 8mil? Also alot of speculation on Figgins,chances he is moved? I would see if he can rebound before moving him. |
| 19. By: davelee99 on 11-17-2010 16:16:14 About a week ago, ESPN the Magazine's Jorge Arangure tweeted that the Mariners are the favorites to land shortstop Esteilon Peguero. Have you heard anything/ |
| 20. By: Edman on 11-17-2010 16:53:58 What's the power of having a career year? Ask Benoit. He's now a likely candidate to plummet. Not being a Tigers fan, I couldn't be happier. As they say, timing is everything. |
| 21. By: Lailoken on 11-17-2010 21:34:11 Nice catch on the Peguero tweet. He also tweeted that Depaula is back on the market again a few days ago. |
| 22. By: rocketdawg31 on 11-17-2010 23:29:01 Oooh, ooh, ooh. I know next to nothing except basic player info about either Esteilon Peguero or Rafael DePaula...and I know the success-story rates on Latin signees are both pretty atrocious and years down the line, so don't get hopes up. But if it's a matter of having to choose one premium Latin signee(besides the already-inked Phillips Castillo), gimme Peguero. He's a bat. |
| 23. By: 200tang on 11-18-2010 02:28:22 @22 I think everyone would take Peguero regardless of the fact that he's a shortstop. He's just better. I doubt DePaula gets more than $500k and I think the Mariners would be better just avoiding him. |
| 24. By: rjfrik on 11-18-2010 02:55:00 hope that twwet on Peguero is true. that would be sweet. We would be foolish to trade of our premiere talent for Upton (Franklin, Pineda, Smoak, Ackley) Thanks but no thanks. I do like the Alfonso trade though. Let's get it done, one of Leauge/Aardsma and Figgins. |
| 25. By: safecochatter on 11-18-2010 09:38:39 That is good news on Benoit. Now let's get some value out of Aardsma and League..Jack. Where did Oakland get all the money? First they send a small boatload to Japan. now there offering Beltre 5 years 64 mill. AFL championship game will b on the mlb network saturday morn @ 11:30. Scottsdale is said to b starting Sammy Solis a lefty,to help nuetralize Ackley. |
| 26. By: masonb on 11-18-2010 09:52:43 Jason or anyone else, please tell me Jack isn't dumb enough to get into all this Upton nonsense. Sure he's a tremendous talent, but surely they wouldn't surrender a package that involves two of Ackley/Smoak/Pineda. I'd offer AZ Pineda, Saunders, Aardsma/League, Lueke and see if they bite, but even that deal seems ridiculous. |
| 27. By: mymrbig on 11-18-2010 10:33:54 Pineda, Saunders, Aardsma/League, and Lueke wouldn't come close for Upton. Relievers just aren't that valuable. Lueke's issues drag his value down, he had inconsistent scouting reports last year, plus he hasn't yet shown he can succeed in the majors. I still believe in Saunders, but as a guy who has largely flopped in his first two shots in the majors (and who is older than Upton), his value is limited. If the M's could keep Pineda and Ackley and build something around Smoak and Franklin, I'd be interested. But I probably wouldn't do that if I was the D-Backs. |
| 28. By: mymrbig on 11-18-2010 10:44:28 There are always a few relievers taken early in the offseason who are signed to bad contracts (Farnsworth 2 years ago, Lyon last year). I won't believe this sets the market for relievers until at least 2 more mediocre relievers sign for like contracts. Just because Detroit overvalued a reliever doesn't mean everyone else will. |
| 29. By: Rick Randall on 11-18-2010 11:15:18 The Mariners are not players for Upton. Arizona will want pitching to lead the deal. Based on what Jason told me about the package one team would have to cough up, I think there may be a total of 4 possibly 5 teams that even have the talent available to talk about getting a deal done. And I wouldn't be surprised if none of those teams feel comfortable pulling the trigger. |
| 30. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-18-2010 11:20:45 I'd rather keep Smoak and deal Pineda, Ackley and Lueke for Justin Upton. An Upton, Smoak and productive DH hitting 3-4-5 after Ichiro and Figgins would go a long way toward getting this club back in the playoffs. |
| 31. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 12:19:15 I wouldn't Ackley at all, for Upton. He's as special a player as Upton, younger, and currently plays an infield position. Unless an outfielder is truly special, I don't get excited. Some have this impression that Upton is a power hitter. He has decent power, but not enough to give up some of the names being thrown around. Upton is not moving Ichiro, so you're paying a premium price for a leftfielder. No thanks, that's one of the easier positions to fill in free agency or by trade. Upton isn't worth all that the Diamondbacks want in return. He's valuable to a team near or at playoff level contention. He makes no sense on a team that's got as much rebuilding to do as Seattle does. |
| 32. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 12:20:01 ooops.....wouldn't trade Ackley....sorry |
| 33. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 12:33:29 Riddle me this, Batman. Why would Kevin Towers, and acknowledged solid baseball GM, be willing to give up a player that some of you think is the next true superstar? Would you suggest that Seattle trade Felix Hernandez and take the haul of players they'd get in return? I suggest that the Diamondbacks are probably in a little better shape than Seattle, but not much. If some of you think Upton is a building block to the future for a rebuilding team, why doesn't Towers? Maybe he's selling while he feels the market for Upton is greater than his actual value. There's more to the story than what we see on the surface, I'm willing to bet. |
| 34. By: baseballman on 11-18-2010 12:45:52 Yikes for the price JAC mentioned in the rumors section, NO WAY do I want Upton. That package is insane...ya Upton is good, but we are better keeping all those players |
| 35. By: FWBrodie on 11-18-2010 12:46:27 Felix: Cy Young winner. |
| 36. By: rjfrik on 11-18-2010 12:48:46 Could be a bunch of things that the public isn't aware of Edman. Maybe Upton has worn out his welcome in the clubhouse with the management. Maybe he has major attitude problems. Maybe he doesn't try to succeed. Or maybe they don't believe in him becoming what he's been labeled to become, like you say. The bottom line is: It doesn't matter what the issue for trading him is. The Mariners have no business even discussing a trade for Upton that includes any of the big 4 (Ackley, Smoak, Pineda, Franklin). None! I'm tired of trading away our premier talent. I know Upton is young and a stud, but he's right handed, strikes out a ton and frankly not what we need. Let's cultivate our young talent and give them a chance, not send them off. Trade the relievers, trade Figgins, heck even trade Saunders, but not the big 4. |
| 37. By: shemberry on 11-18-2010 12:49:08 Jason, If Towers came to the Ms and offered Upton for Pineda, Saunders, Aardsma and Lueke and you had final say, would you do it? |
| 38. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 12:51:02 sherm, I think anyone would do that deal and not even think about it. |
| 39. By: jgstecker on 11-18-2010 12:56:40 If it were up to me, Smoak and Ackley would be off limits for Upton. If Pineda, Saunders, and Franklin could get it done I'd probably pull the trigger. With Franklin going I'd probably want to get Drew in return too and expand the deal to include League/Aardsma and a couple of secondary level prospects. |
| 40. By: acqb1424 on 11-18-2010 13:05:48 The price mentioned in the rumor section is too much. I know that prospects are just that, prospects, but when we are a team with multiple holes, the last thing that I want to do is trade away three or four guys that could fill those holes for a player that would only fill one hole and still leave us with more. |
| 41. By: marinermutt on 11-18-2010 13:11:17 congrads to Felix. Well deserved. |
| 42. By: marinermutt on 11-18-2010 13:18:10 Would love to know what writer had him 5th on his ballot. |
| 43. By: asymonds on 11-18-2010 13:34:10 #37: This is about as much talent as I can see Jack Z offering for Upton, but the scouts and assistant that have talked about it make it pretty clear that that package wouldn't be enough. |
| 44. By: FWBrodie on 11-18-2010 14:06:41 Figgins+cash, Pineda, Saunders, Franklin, Lueke, Aardsma for Upton and Drew A) How much more would have to be included to get them to throw in Drew? B) Even though they probably want a centerpiece bat along with Pineda, doesn't a doesn't a discounted 3+ WAR 3b and a high upside SS prospect get close to that in value? |
| 45. By: Rick Randall on 11-18-2010 14:50:04 Towers mentioned in the same conversation that he said Upton was available that Drew is the least likely to be dealt do to organizational depth...or the lack thereof. |
| 46. By: shemberry on 11-18-2010 15:45:35 Edman, First of all(not trying to be snarky here, but) my screen name is not shermberry, it is shemberry. Second, I am not so sure that ANYONE would do that deal. I want to know if Jason perceives that there are questions about Upton's shoulder, or his ability to develop in the AL/Safeco. I have been in favor of dealing Pineda for a young established hitter under club control for several seasons, but I want to know if Jason thinks Upton would be worth the gamble. I am not trying to start an argument, but there is a reason I addressed my question to Jason. |
| 47. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 16:27:41 Shem, I apologize for getting your name wrong. And, since you brought it up, I'm not sure how you expect Jason to take this statement...... If Towers came to the Ms and offered Upton for Pineda, Saunders, Aardsma and Lueke and you had final say, would you do it? And get this out of it....... I want to know if Jason perceives that there are questions about Upton's shoulder, or his ability to develop in the AL/Safeco. I have been in favor of dealing Pineda for a young established hitter under club control for several seasons, but I want to know if Jason thinks Upton would be worth the gamble. You asked a general question and placed it in a public forum. If you want to have a personal conversation with Jason, email him. If you put a comment up, just like anyone else, it's open for public comment. Mine was an observation, based on a vague question. |
| 48. By: shemberry on 11-18-2010 16:31:59 Edman, I think my issue is that you often think you have the right to answer with authority on this board. I don't have an issue with you commenting, I have an issue with you acting like my question was stupid because you think it is a no brainer. |
| 49. By: shemberry on 11-18-2010 16:35:46 Edman, I guess to finish my thought, what I am saying is that I am happy to hear your comment, but not interested in hearing what you think EVERYONE thinks. |
| 50. By: rjfrik on 11-18-2010 16:40:33 And Edman ruffles some feathers again. Or should I say berries? By the way I haven't said this on here in awhile, but....Go Ducks!! |
| 51. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 17:10:25 Shem, you read way too much into things. Yeah, I think the question that you posed was a no-brainer. The only valuable tool Seattle would give up is Pineda, and his durability is in question. Saunders becomes unnecessary if you acquire Upton. Aardsma and Lueke can be replaced. Sorry if it offended you, but I don't think there's a single person that posts here that wouldn't take your proposed deal in a heartbeat. I would suggest that had you given more detail into your reasoning instead of asking a vague question, it might be clearer what you're trying to discover. |
| 52. By: sexymarinersfan on 11-18-2010 18:34:25 Arizona seems to be acquiring some top draft choices of late. If they get a package for Upton, not only will they have that to build upon, but they also hold the 4th and 7th pick in the 1st round of a VERY deep draft, especially in the top 1-10 spots. Arizona is like us building for the future and Upton does not fit into their plans. |
| 53. By: StandinPat on 11-18-2010 19:34:28 "Pineda, and his durability is in question" That's a bit of an over statement. Pineda threw 138 innings in his first year in the states, was shut down with elbow stiffness after 44 innings the next, and just threw 139 innings as a 21 yr old. That doesn't exactly scream "durability issue." Is the elbow something to watch? Sure, but that can pretty much be said on any 21 yr old flame thrower. |
| 54. By: Edman on 11-18-2010 19:57:48 Has Pineda thrown enough innings that you'd see him as a 200 inning a year guy? I'm not saying he's a medical concern. But, he hasn't shown yet that he's projectable to be a 200+ innings a year guy. |
| 55. By: StandinPat on 11-18-2010 20:13:42 How many 21yr olds have? |
| 56. By: MarinerMoose on 11-18-2010 20:45:06 I'm hearing that Zduriencik only briefly talked about Upton, just like everyone else in the league has done their "due diligence." However, the bulk of the conversation was on the availability and price of Drew. |
| 57. By: JonathanAicardi on 11-18-2010 21:31:18 I was half-expecting to see the back of an old Gilbert Arenas jersey when I clicked on our chances for Upton. |
| 58. By: studentofthegame on 11-19-2010 10:07:19 I would rather see the M's destroy the budget and sign Crawford than deplete the farm for Upton. I don't see either happening. This offseason will likely be lackluster compared to last offseason. However I think that may be healthy for the M's because it won't inflate the expectations of the fan base. |
| 59. By: Shawnuel on 11-19-2010 11:28:38 #24 Ah.....The difference one letter can make. I just spent a half hour pouring over the rumor reports as well as the comments looking for ANY mention of a trade offer involving Alfonso Soriano or Edgardo Alfonso.......anybody named Alfonso. Finally it occurred to me it was the Yonder Alonso suggestion that was made. I just wasn't bright enough to make that leap right away. |
| 60. By: rjfrik on 11-19-2010 12:33:28 Shawnuel. Sorry bro. Yes. I meant Alonso, Yonder Alonso. He would be perfect as a young DH/1b. Could just rotate with Smoak. Nothing wrong with having two studs like that. |
| 61. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-19-2010 12:39:48 Here we go with people suggesting Crawford again. I'm sorry but people who suggest Crawford are clueless. For all the reasons that the Ichiro contract turned out as an albatross you would be doubling down by paying Crawford even more. Crawford is going to get close to what Holliday got last year and some morons really want the M's to sign him. Well guess what? You might have the best defensive outfield in baseball but they will also combine to hit about 35 homeruns. The Mariners need a LFer who can hit 35 homeruns by his self. Crawford is not a run producer and that is what the Mariners need. I can't believe you Crawford people. You really want the Mariners to field a team with Ichiro, Crawford, Figgins, Ackley, Gutierrez, no hit SS and no hit C. That leaves Smoak and player X as DH as the only run producers. Well player X DH better be Babe Ruth, Ted Williams or Barry Bonds because that is the only way that team will even sniff an average scoring offense. Carl F-ing Crawford! What a joke. |
| 62. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-19-2010 12:52:02 And for those talking about aquiring Upton and or Drew. I guarantee Upton takes Pineda + Ackley + some more pitching pieces to get done. I guarantee Drew takes Pineda + Franklin + more pitching pieces, but less than it takes to get Upton, to get done. I guarantee the only way for the Mariners to get Upton and Drew is Pineda + Ackley + Smoak + more pitching pieces to get done. Now if that is the case you may as well throw in Franklin + even more pitching pieces and make sure Mark Reynolds + Kelly Johnson are coming back as well and since that leaves Upton and Reynolds as the MOTO power bats the free agent DH better be able to hit left handed and well. Maybe you could end up with this in a dream; 1. RF Ichiro 2. 3B Figgins 3. LF Upton 4. DH Berkman 5. 1B Reynolds 6. SS Drew 7. 2B Johnson 8. C Moore 9. CF Gutierrez |
| 63. By: aerichner on 11-19-2010 13:12:26 Bad day? If you're gonna be so bitter, why post? Assuming you're referring to comment 58 I believe he/she simply said he/she PREFERRED signing Crawford to blowing up the farm system for Upton. You see, because one costs us a 2nd round pick and the other costs us 5 prospects. Makes sense in a way. I just dont understand you blowing up because of that comment, take a chill pill. |
| 64. By: jkcmason on 11-19-2010 14:09:34 Whoa Mo, slow down and relax. Point number 1- The Mariners are very unlikely to sign Crawford, so you can pretty muchjust ignore people who suggest it. We don't have enough money in the budget and he likely won't have any desire to come to a team that just lost over 100 games. Point number 2- Crawford has been a 6 WAR player for the past 2 years. He was deemed to have a more valuable season than any Mariner last year including our Cy Young award winner and both of our gold glovers. Hemay not hit35 homeruns, but he also had a beter yearat the plate than any Mariner last year. How about we see what kind of a contract the guy signs before You lay into him. The Mariners aren't going to get him, but they would be extremely lucky to have him. Point Number 3- A lineup of: 1- Ichiro 2- Figgins 3- Crawford 4- Paul Konerko... 5- Smoak 6- Ackley 7- Gutierrez 8- No hit SS Jack Wilson 9- No Hit C Adam Moore is probably a league average lineup. I am not suggesting that we do it, but aside from Dunn,I don'tknow of many Point Number 4- Guaranteeing anything as far as trade possibilities is ridiculous. You have no idea what values GMs place on players, and who will be dealt for what. Last year you likely would have guaranteed that Cliff Lee wouldn't be dealt for Aumont, Gillies,and Ramirez. Point Number 5- You do realize that there were only 6 players in all of baseball to hit 35 homeruns last year. Two are free agents in Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn. Neither of those guys are likely headed to Seattle either. |
| 65. By: StandinPat on 11-19-2010 19:12:49 If wanting to sign Carl Crawford is moronic, what would that make saying he isn't a run producer because he doesn't hit 35 homeruns? |
| 66. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-20-2010 17:28:46 #64 That lineup would finish in the bottom third in runs scored every year. To score runs in baseball you have to have more than guys who primarily hit singles and take walks. No team can take seven of nine lineup spots and say we expect below average slugging and expect to score runs. Offenses that rely on stringing ssix or seven singles together to have a big inning are destined to fail. Crawford is a good player, he would be the worst possible elite outfielder for the M's to aquire. When talking about aquisitions you need to take into account the players the Mariners already have, particularly in the outfield. |
| 67. By: studentofthegame on 11-20-2010 20:44:59 Thanks 63 you are right. I was merely opining that I would rather see the M's blow up the budget than the future of the club by trading top prospects. I think that setting the club back by trading away the top players would be extremely damaging. I know that Crawford is not coming to Seattle. Neither is Upton. In the future I will screen my thoughts before sharing them because they seem to be offensive and ill prepared. |
| 68. By: StandinPat on 11-21-2010 16:01:27 "#64 That lineup would finish in the bottom third in runs scored every year." 1) You have no idea what Smoak and Ackley could become, so how can you even pretend to know that they'd wind up in the bottom third? Have you even taken a look at the teams in the bottom third? I bet each and every one of them would trade their lineup for that one. "To score runs in baseball you have to have more than guys who primarily hit singles and take walks" 2) People need to get over this old-school, bs type thinking. Baseball is a severely random game, meaning that you can't control when specific hits might come. The best offenses get on base at a high rate, which increases their chances of having men on, or in scoring position when those hits take place, thus scoring more runs. Did you see how many of Branyans HRs were of the solo variety in 2009? Without getting guys on base you ability to score runs is significantly diminished. |
| 69. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-21-2010 16:18:58 And it is almost impossible for an offense to consistently have big innings without at least a few guys who are legit XBH threats. |
| 70. By: StandinPat on 11-22-2010 01:12:31 "at least a few guys who are legit XBH " What would you qualify Crawford, Konerko, Smoak and Ackley as? And how do you have "big innings" without base runners? Power is only part of the equation and getting too focused on "pop" is an easy way to over-look quality players. |
| 71. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 11-22-2010 11:18:38 Ichiro and Figgins were on base last year. The problem was no one hitting them in. |
| 72. By: StandinPat on 11-22-2010 13:37:33 The Mariners team OBP was .298, 30th in the league. The problem was EVERYTHING. |
| 73. By: Boise M on 11-26-2010 17:27:33 "The problem was EVERYTHING." So true. I got to say, Figgins' 200 foot fly balls were brutal to watch and certainly not what you want to see out of your #2 hitter. He did nothing last season to endear himself to me. I think there are teams that would gladly take Figgins...just not the salary. |
Haven't created a Prospect Insider account yet? Sign up!
|
|
 |
|
|
| Copyright 2010 Prospect Insider | Created by AQ Central Prospect Insider is optimized for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome |