2006 leadoff hitter.....Hairston or Furcal?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I'm by no means throwing an opinion out there re: Pie. The hype/chatter that has been circulating around Felix is becoming hard to ignore, and I do believe Hendry was looking to infuse a little youthful ambition and energy via a Pie, Murton call-up.

 

While I would hope that the Cubs be circumspect in how they handle Felix it's unfair to hang a "potential bust" sign on him because his situation parallels Corey's as a young player. By all accounts Pie appears to be a bit smarter/more mature of a ballplayer than Corey, i.e., more aware at the plate, considerate of the situation/runners on base, ... able to vary his swing.

 

Pie can hit for power but also slaps the ball and carries a good OBP. While it may be true that they don't convert him to a leader there's a definite possibility, if not a likelihood. I could see him batting #2 with Walker leading off. I don't think Hairston will be around. The Cubs are reportedly disappointed in his baseball IQ, and it's been reported that he's missed signs, evidenced poor decision-making, etc. I doubt his future's in the outfield, as well. He seems to have a poor read on the distance balls carry out there.

 

Sorry to snip just a part of your post. Felix's OBP is revolved around a high BA. He has a lesser understanding of the strike zone and pitch recognition than Corey did when he was rushed up from AA. Thus, I don't think his OBP is sustainable if he's promoted to the big leagues now (since his BA is likely to drop). Felix Pie is not ready. Sadly, I agree with you - the hype/chatter in regards to Felix makes it seem like he would have been called up if he hadn't hurt himself.

[Hacking Out Machine]

I'm by no means throwing an opinion out there re: Pie. The hype/chatter that has been circulating around Felix is becoming hard to ignore, and I do believe Hendry was looking to infuse a little youthful ambition and energy via a Pie, Murton call-up.

 

While I would hope that the Cubs be circumspect in how they handle Felix it's unfair to hang a "potential bust" sign on him because his situation parallels Corey's as a young player. By all accounts Pie appears to be a bit smarter/more mature of a ballplayer than Corey, i.e., more aware at the plate, considerate of the situation/runners on base, ... able to vary his swing.

 

Pie can hit for power but also slaps the ball and carries a good OBP. While it may be true that they don't convert him to a leader there's a definite possibility, if not a likelihood. I could see him batting #2 with Walker leading off. I don't think Hairston will be around. The Cubs are reportedly disappointed in his baseball IQ, and it's been reported that he's missed signs, evidenced poor decision-making, etc. I doubt his future's in the outfield, as well. He seems to have a poor read on the distance balls carry out there.

 

Sorry to snip just a part of your post. Felix's OBP is revolved around a high BA. He has a lesser understanding of the strike zone and pitch recognition than Corey did when he was rushed up from AA. Thus, I don't think his OBP is sustainable if he's promoted to the big leagues now (since his BA is likely to drop). Felix Pie is not ready. Sadly, I agree with you - the hype/chatter in regards to Felix makes it seem like he would have been called up if he hadn't hurt himself.

 

Agreed. Although Pie showed a lot of improvement in the first couple of months in his number of BBs, walking is definitely not his M.O. That being the case, it's almost impossible to expect him to walk with any kind of regularity up in the majors. We'd most likely be looking at a Corey-like OBP in the .280's and that isn't good for anybody. Another factor is his lack of success in stealing bases. The last thing I'd want to see is him get thrown out trying to steal in the rare times he does reach base. If he leads off, the Cubs better be ready to see a decline in the offense compared to if Hairston led off. If they make that move while still expecting to contend, they'd be kidding themselves. If they make it knowing they're done for the year, it's palatable. At least then Felix can get his intial phase of struggles out of the way now.

[jjgman21]

 

While I would hope that the Cubs be circumspect in how they handle Felix it's unfair to hang a "potential bust" sign on him because his situation parallels Corey's as a young player.

 

as others have implied, the concern is not potential for the player being a bust. the concern is failing to develop a player properly and rushing him to the major leagues. that's exactly what the Cubs did with Corey. and to bring the comparison a little further, not only will he be brought to the majors too early, the manager will make the mistake of not putting him out there every single day, stunting his development even further.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

hey brasky, haven't you heard? on this site, we pronounce brasky "bel-tran".

 

Talk to me when Drew gets off the DL. :wink:

[nilodnayr]

I doubt Hairston will be excited about coming back unless he's guaranteed playing time like Walker and Hollandworth were. He has also said he prefers 2B to the outfield.

 

Actually he said he prefers 2B to being a utility man. He regretted accepting the role of filling in in the outfield in Baltimore because it allows him to become a supersub, rather than a starter, which is what he should be. Additionally, he errantly is labeled as a part time player, only because he has suffered injuries over the past few years that have prohibited him from playing for a full year, not because he was used as a platoon or part time. I think if we said, you are the starting CF, he'd have no problems.