vance_the_cubs_fan

I see Williamson like I view Walker. Unless the team is improved, you don't move him...certainly not for prospects.

Hooray. Nonononono, you don't need any speedy hitters at all. It's a luxury and you are overrating it's value. WAY down the list of things you look at when determining batting order. Thing is, Walker is a superior hitter to Cedeno in every aspect of the game. Again, we want Walker getting on base and hitting for extra bases, not taking hittable pitches so Pierre can risk an out with his less than amazing stealing prowess, not bunting or grounding out on purpose to advance runners. You don't need any speedy hitters at all? So you think the Pierre/Castillo combo was crap? (I just showed how silly your point of view looks) Common people, what I'm trying to say is that a speedy WITH good OBP 2-hitter is better than a slow one. I think it had more to do with Castillo's 381 OBP in the second spot than his speed.

That's not the point. The point is he is not fundamentally sound. If you can't remember all the mental mistakes he made, then I don't know what else to say. For those of us who don't remember them, please list by date and opponent. I'm calling BS on this. Walker may not be the best defensively and he lacks range there, but he doesn't make mental mistakes. You've provided no evidence to the contrary.

The Cubs definitely will be in the market for a pitcher next offseason. They'll still have Prior and Zambrano, but with the 12 million or so to Wood and the 9 million to Maddux coming off the books, I could see a run at Mulder or Zito or maybe even Schmidt happening.

Considering Walker saw more pitches per PA, I think that's how I can say it. You're basing your whole assessment on what you "think" you've seen when the actual facts don't back that up. And no that isn't a fact. It's your unsubstantiated opinion. No amount of posturing and grabage spewing by you will make it fact.

Walker had a 350 OBP. That's a whole lot better than Neifi or Cpatt. In fact it's a lot better than most of the guys on the team. Furthermore, Walker saw 3.6 pitches per PA which was better than both Cedeno and Murton. Walker is about as patient of a hitter we had on the team.

You Louisana guys sure do stick together, don't you ? :wink: Louisiana or not, there's not one scintila of evidence to back up such a ludicrous statement.

And that would be a bummer because with Walker batting second, the notion of small ball goes out the window. Having just one speedy leadoff hitter is not enough. Pierre needs a fast 2-hitter behind him to be more effective. Furthermore, I don't think Walker lays as good a bunt as Cedeno. Walker will square off to bunt, Cedeno doesn't. That keeps the other team guessing. Cedeno can hit to both sides, Walker is a dead pull hitter. When Walker struggles (and he struggles for a long time), he hits too many ground balls. I just see a lot of wasted SB opportunities with Pierre because Walker does not know how to play small ball. He's too dumb and makes too many mental mistakes. My issues with Walker don't end with just his lack of fundamentals, but his less than impressive defense. How many times did we see him and Neifi hack away on the first pitch to hit a pop up when we had a runner trying to steal second?? I'd rather have a number two hitter with the ability to double Pierre home from first than have a hitter that would give up an out to get him to second or third. It's just me, but the outs are important. Furthermore, Walker is usually a patient hitter. If Pierre wanted to steal, Walker's patience would give him time to do so. Cedeno is a much more agressive hitter. Also, I'm not sure Ronny is up to the pressure of hitting in the second spot. And I don't see how anyone can say Walker is a "dumb" player. That's about as baseless of a comment as I've seen.

This would be my line-up: CF Pierre 2b Walker/Hairson 1b Lee 3b Ramirez C Barrett RF Jones LF Murton SS Cedeno/Perez

My feeling is that Pie could develop into a solid hitting centerfielder but would be average or slightly below average on an outfield corner - unless his power really develops (and that is a possibility). Do you think Abreu's cost will go down at the deadline? I can't see giving up Prior for him at that point (or at any point actually). If the Phillies are in contention, then it's likely Abreu would come off the market. On the other hand, if the Phillies feel they are out of the race, then Abreu may could be had for players with upside but that aren't major league stars. That's the only thing I could see changing in regards to Abreu. so Pie instead of Prior? That's a possibility. Of course by the time the deadline is rolling around, we'll know more about what Guzman may bring. If he pitches a half season like he was throwing before being shut down in 2003 and is healthy in July, he could be someone teams in need of pitching are asking for. Rich Hill will have had an opportunity to prove himself either in AAA or in the majors by then. Williams stock may have risen by then as well. Of course, all of those may have seen their stock drop too. So, while a basic prognostication indicates Pie, I could see a deal centered around Guzman, Hill, or some other prospect that establishes himself with a great half a season.

My feeling is that Pie could develop into a solid hitting centerfielder but would be average or slightly below average on an outfield corner - unless his power really develops (and that is a possibility). Do you think Abreu's cost will go down at the deadline? I can't see giving up Prior for him at that point (or at any point actually). If the Phillies are in contention, then it's likely Abreu would come off the market. On the other hand, if the Phillies feel they are out of the race, then Abreu may could be had for players with upside but that aren't major league stars. That's the only thing I could see changing in regards to Abreu.

More on Bagwell's quandry from Buster Olney's blog. Here's some interesting thoughts that have been said here and other places: So, it's unlikely a settlement that allows Bagwell to play will exist. And the Astros can't release him either... And a note on this silly policy... So, would the Astros physically prevent Bagwell from showing up in Kissimee? Either way, it looks like there's going to be lots of distractions for the Astros this spring. This kind of makes the Sosa distractions look petty.

Good move by Piazza and the Padres. If used appropriately, Piazza can still hit. He's not a great catcher anymore, but he is still a good hitter. That contract isn't too cost prohibitive. I'm still surprised he didn't end up in the AL. Now, this begs the question: Will Bengie Molina find a job anywhere this offseason?

In a keeper league, I'd be really tempted to take Cabrera because of his age and potential. Santana would be a great choice. If it's keeper, David Wright might be worth a look as well.

Bonds will attract a lot of attention if he's healthy in 2006 and indicates he'll play again in 2007. An AL team in need of a DH will give him a long look. How couldn't you? What's most notable on that list is that many of those guys are in the age where you'd be wary of giving them more than a one year deal. I doubt Maddux pitches past this season, but if he does it will be on a one year deal. Contreras might get a big contract, but he'll have to repeat last year's performance. There's some question he could be older than 36 in 2007 and he has been less than stellar coming into last season. He could get a 3-year deal, but I'd be wary. Marquis, Mulder, and Zito are the three that look to really cash in. They are just under or just at thirty. A strong performance by those this year could help them cash in not only in dollars but in terms of a 5-6 year deal. Schmidt, if healthy this year, will get a nice deal for his efforts, but it won't be longer than three years. I don't think Soriano will get the deal everyone expects. Pierre's deal will be interesting to watch. My guess is he'll be looking for four to five years. For a player whose game is based on speed, that would be a bad idea.

I don't think anyone can overlook Cal Ripken's streak and the way he handled himself that season following the streak. Ripken's march toward the consecutive games record was a "feel-good" story that drew many people toward the game. In addition, Ripken would make a point to sign autographs for hundreds of people at nearly every park that season as he marched toward history. I'm sure we'll hear a lot about it when Ripken is inducted into Cooperstown. I'm in no way saying it is "the" thing that brought people back to the game, but it is worthy of being mentioned in the discussion.

Is this a keeper league? If Pujols or Arod is there at 6, you have to take one of them. Manny wouldn't be a bad pick. Don't overlook Vlad either. And Miguel Cabrera would be a good pick at that spot as well.

I thought this was going to be a thread about the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical... :x

This article in the Cincinnati Post lists the main candidates for the Reds' GM position. Others mentioned by the article are Frank Wren, Dan Jennings, Michael Hill, Kim NG, and Logan White. The article does not mention Gary Hughes as a candidate.

The claim has been filed. Link

Ask him if he'll come online and do a Q&A for us.

While the Cubs and Braves may have a similar draft philosophy, it appears either the Braves have better scouts and have a better clue in recognzing talent or the Braves have better player development people who help players realize that talent. The Braves have had better success infusing young talent into the game. The list of all-star or solid players who broke into the major leagues through the Braves system litter rosters throughout the major leagues. The Cubs can't make that claim. I do think that Hendry has tried to emulate the Braves way. But the way he fills in the pieces leaves a whole lot to be desired.

Yeah...it will be May or June before I make it around to this one. I still have The Book on the Book, Twice Around the Bases, and a couple others that I got for Christmas to complete before I buy anything new. Considering I'll also pick up BA's handbook and Sickel's book should arrive next month, my reading list is packed right now.

Since I'm on record as saying the Braves have the best run front office in baseball, I'm looking forawrd to this book. I'm also looking forward to reading Sherholtz (sp?) when it comes out.

It appears that the new owner of the Devil Rays is also going to bring a new name to the team. Link