SouthSideRyan

Yes, it sucks to have 22 year olds that put up a .859 OPS in AAA. If that was an accomplishment it would be a meaningful statement. But an 859 in the PCL is not an accomplishment, especially by a guy who can't hack 3B. It's not like we're comparing him to people who have racked up accomplishments at this point. His competition in this run-off is a guy whose accomplishments are: 1) 11 innings in short-season ball 2) Being picked at No. 43 overall (a spot in the draft order that has produced just three players in 47 years with a career bWAR of 5 or higher.) Here is the full list of players who were in the PCL at 22 or younger who posted an .800 OPS or better last season (min. 143 ABs because that's what BR has it set at for some reason): Wil Myers Anthony Rizzo Josh Vitters everybody knows AAA is not stacked with prospects. The age doesn't really matter as much as seeing a 21 year old do something interesting in AA. Vitters has done very little in his 6 seasons of professional ball. He looks like garbage at first and then looks to hold his own. Then people give him a boost for being young while holding his own. I'm not interested in prospects who eventually learn to hold their own in the minor leagues. Well there were 4 21 year olds with better AA OPSes than Vitters in '11. Nobody's saying he's an elite prospect, we're saying he's better than a guy with arm troubles who's thrown 11 professional innings.

Even if that wasn't the case, a run-off can still make sense.

Unfortunate for that team that they didn't win 12-11 when he hit the home runs, and 2-1 when he didn't

It ranks a gentleman's sixth in Sagarin's ratings. The most interesting thing that will happen is if Self wins Coach of the Year over Groce. Can we not talk about this now.

Vitters is less than 2 years older than Johnson, and Johnson has thrown 11 professional innings.

I've been voting for him since #5, but I think this has a lot more to do with his major league struggles

You also can't just take the starters ops and roll with it

Ok he'll throw in Jimmy butler

They're being coached by Jason sudeikis in a fat suit

That's about right.

What an embarrassing press conference. Our #1 priority isn't to win a super bowl, it's to beat Green Bay. I [expletive] hate Bears fans.

Hahaha, what a tremendously stupid call

I think it's safe to go to a Vitters/Johnson run-off for 10/11

Not encouraged that we were discussing thinking about signing him? there is no difference between you and backtobanks in this thread That's crossing the line

I'm seeing some pretty realistic paths to 9-9 and I would think that would put them in should they beat a ranked team along the way. I'm getting a little giddy. Wow your schedule is very favorable. UM, OSU, MSU, and IL as your 1 gamers. And you get the 2 lesser teams of that group at home.

73

Actually sign him? So you would have signed Sanchez for 5/90? what about 6/96? At some point the contract no longer makes sense no matter how much people want their new toy right now. At some point you have to stop finishing in 2nd place and pay more (in prospects or cash) than you want to.

Didn't realize it at the time, but why was Zeller sitting on the bench at the end of the game??

Ugh, Tim Brando you are awful.

I am very happy.

Feel even a little bit dirty about the way this was gift wrapped? Yeah a little. Not over yet though. Haha, you're a better man than I am. Yeah I wouldn't feel bad. Lol. I wouldn't see any bias. ETA: And would probably tell you to STFU

Feel even a little bit dirty about the way this was gift wrapped? Yeah a little. Not over yet though. Haha, you're a better man than I am.

Violation, trying to guard an Indiana player

I swear Butler's never seen pressure defense before.

Who is the ghoulish Pat Riley clone on Indiana's bench and what recruit did he coach in AAU ball?