Looking for RH Power off the Bench

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think one need the Cubs have is for a right-handed hitting outfielder who may provide a source of power off the bench. This hitter could get at bats as a RH pinch hitter or as a substitute for Jones.

 

I've looked at six players who could fit the bill. All have warts, some very large warts. Most are old (which should endear them to Dusty.), and some might even be had on minor league contracts. None had stellar production in 2005.

 

Here's the list along with 2005 stats (BA/OBP/SLG), career, 03-05 numbers and 03-05 vs LH.

 

1. Juan Gonzalez

05: 1 AB 000/000/000

C: 295/343/561

03-05: 288/328/534

03-05 v L: 279/329/478

 

Gonzalez is a huge injury risk, but there's no doubt he's a powerful bat when healthy. His splits are not dramatic, so he could be used as a pinch hitter against righties as well as lefties. His injuries and decline could be attributed to steroids. Might be a decent player to have on a minor league deal if you can get him.

 

2. Richard Hidalgo

05: 221/289/416

c: 269/345/490

05-05: 262/331/486

03-05 v LH: 245/330/473

 

He's younger (31) than most of the options on the list. A very good defender, his numbers have fallen off a cliff in 04-05. If he returned to his 2003 form, he could push Murton or Jones to the bench. If he could be signed on a minor league deal, he's worth the risk. May even be worth a major league contract for 1.5 million or less. His splits make him look better against righties, so a platoon player is likely not his best role, however.

 

3. Brian Jordan

05: 247/295/338

C: 283/334/457

03-05: 256/315/373

03-05 vs LH: 297/371/498

 

Too old in my opinion, but his splits against lefties over the last three years could make him a good option for a RH hitter off the bench. Injuries are a huge risk with Jordan.

 

4. Eli Marrero

05: 181/239/413

C: 245/302/410

03-05: 261/313/455

03-05 vs LH: 326/376/597

 

Marrerro is the perfect RH power bat, but he should in no way ever get an at bat vs a RH pitcher. He would likely make a good addition. A contract of 1.5 million or less to him would be a good idea.

 

5. Kevin Millar

05: 272/355/399

C: 289/365/477

03-05: 282/362/451

03-05 vs LH:279/361/416

 

Millar wouldn't be a bad option, but I doubt he accepts a platoon role.

 

6. Sammy Sosa

05: 221/295/376

c: 274/345/537

03-05: 254/332/492

03-05 vs LH: 293/402/497

 

Yeah, yeah...I know it will NEVER happen, but if Sosa were willing to accept a role as pinch hitter and spot starter vs lefties, he might actually excell in the role. His 3yr splits against lefites are phenomenal and even last season, as bad as it was, Sosa hit 288/370/471 vs LH. I doubt the Cubs or Sosa could ever patch things up, nor do I think Sosa swallows enough pride to return without the whole "My house" shananigans...but wow...what an interesting option. A Jacque Jones- Sammy platoon could be very productive.

[goonys evil twin]

Matt Murton would be a very good 4th OF.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Matt Murton would be a very good 4th OF.

 

Who's the starter in left then?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Matt Murton would be a very good 4th OF.

 

Too bad he's our 1st.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Juan Gone would be wonderful IF he was 100% healthy. Steroids or not, he could flat-out hit not too long ago. Marrero wouldn't be bad if he was used exclusively vs. lefties, but I fear Dusty would get overly excited about his perceived versatility. Same with Millar, only I wouldn't be nearly as upset if he were forced to face righties on occasion.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Juan Gone would be wonderful IF he was 100% healthy. Steroids or not, he could flat-out hit not too long ago. Marrero wouldn't be bad if he was used exclusively vs. lefties, but I fear Dusty would get overly excited about his perceived versatility. Same with Millar, only I wouldn't be nearly as upset if he were forced to face righties on occasion.

 

Millar seems to hit righties about as well as he does lefites, so Millar getting starts against righthanders wouldn't be bad....neither would Gonzalez getting those starts if he were healthy.

 

Cleveland took a bad gamble on Juan last season and it failed. I'm not certain he's worth it again, but if he'll sign a minor league deal that pays him 1 million if he's on the major league roster, I don't see it as a bad gamble.

[UK1679666180]

Either one of the M's would be fine out of that group. Marrero is better defensively, probably cheaper, and is more versatile than Millar. Millar will likely provide more production offensively, good clubhouse guy, but might command more and be less willing to accept a back-up/platoon role. Edited January 3, 2006 by UK

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Juan Gone would be wonderful IF he was 100% healthy. Steroids or not, he could flat-out hit not too long ago. Marrero wouldn't be bad if he was used exclusively vs. lefties, but I fear Dusty would get overly excited about his perceived versatility. Same with Millar, only I wouldn't be nearly as upset if he were forced to face righties on occasion.

 

Millar seems to hit righties about as well as he does lefites, so Millar getting starts against righthanders wouldn't be bad....neither would Gonzalez getting those starts if he were healthy.

 

Cleveland took a bad gamble on Juan last season and it failed. I'm not certain he's worth it again, but if he'll sign a minor league deal that pays him 1 million if he's on the major league roster, I don't see it as a bad gamble.

 

Correct -- I intended to expand on that and forgot before I submitted. The part I don't like about Millar is his "versatility". He is not a very good defensive outfielder.

[oldcubsfan]

I'd rather have Frank Thomas or Piazza than Juan Gonzales.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd rather have Frank Thomas or Piazza than Juan Gonzales.

 

Neither of those guys play the OF, so they would only have value as a pinch hitter. Thomas isn't going to play over Lee, so at best he'd get one AB a game.

[Mark_R]

Why not Craig Wilson?

 

Or is this just FA's?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Why not Craig Wilson?

 

Or is this just FA's?

 

It was just FA's. These are all guys we could simply sign if we want them badly enough.

[BigbadB]

I'd probably list Mondesi as an option before I'd list Jordan. I think Jordan's done. Jordan's been bad the last 2 years. Mondesi has been bad too, but he's much younger. I'm not advocating either, but Jordan shouldn't even be on this list due to his age and decline.

[rawaction]

Why not Craig Wilson?

 

Or is this just FA's?

 

Or because Wilson would be the most productive OF on the roster. I like Marrero. Cheap, and can play catcher if needed.

[Ram1380]

Why not Craig Wilson?

 

Or is this just FA's?

 

Or because Wilson would be the most productive OF on the roster. I like Marrero. Cheap, and can play catcher if needed.

 

 

Agreed. Amazingly enough he is actually pretty fast as well.

[Tim]

Why not Craig Wilson?

 

Or is this just FA's?

 

Or because Wilson would be the most productive OF on the roster. I like Marrero. Cheap, and can play catcher if needed.

I've been advocating him for a while, so I'm on board.