2007 Spring Training: The Thread

[Vern Gagne 0]

I thought it certain that Papelbon would remain in the starting rotation.

 

It's a stress reaction in Mauer's leg.

[Guest Queen Leelee]

But regardless, Juan Pierre will be batting leadoff. That's my main concern.

Indeed.

 

Those other kids are nice, but none of them bat well. Except maybe Betemit who has some power, but I believe the Dodgers' organization hates him.

 

Furcal is a legitimate stud at SS now. Losing him on an already weak lineup with the only other respectable bats being very old and injury prone is not good. Not good at all.

[The Man in Blak 0]

Looking over Howard's intentional walks through late August, 15 of 21 came with two outs. Except for that Cincy game, Howard mostly walked with first base open, situations where it made strategic sense to walk a hitter of his caliber. Might he get walked less with a better hitter behind him? Of course. But how often can you add a superstar of that caliber? But if the guy behind the hitter is a tougher out, then Howard is no longer the superstar we're discussing.

 

I think the problem that they have with Burrell hitting after Howard revolves around the perception that Burrell Does Nothing But Strike Out A Bunch. There's "nothing more demoralizing" than to walk the best hitter on the team to get to an "easy" strikeout. I agree that they're not going to be able to add Ted Williams to protect Ryan Howard, but they may be looking for a hitter that makes more contact with the ball and puts the extra baserunner to use.

 

I grant that concept of protection. What I debate is whether or not Bonds would have a better season depending on whether it was Jeff Kent or Edgardo Alfonzo hitting behind him.

 

Whether Bonds has a better overall year of production isn't the concern, though. The issue is that the Phillies want to maximize their possible return on Howard's production - Howard's going to produce one way or another, but opposing teams may be able to limit the damage more times than not by pitching around him. To put your Bonds example in a statistical context, Bonds' overall HR and OPS numbers may not be significantly impacted, but he'll lose out on opportunites to improve his WPA and ultimately help the team win the game.

[Guest Queen Leelee]

Furcal's X-ray was negative. And he only has a "moderate" sprain. Good.

 

Damn you MLB.com for making it sound a lot worse than it was.

[sfaJack 0]

As an aside, it is all but announced that Jon Papelbon is the Red Sox' closer again.

Perfect. Now we're going to get an obscene amount of 'Clemens to Boston' chatter.

[2GOLD 0]

As an aside, it is all but announced that Jon Papelbon is the Red Sox' closer again.

 

So who exactly is stepping into the starter role now? And does this move have to do mostly with Timlin going down?

[Guest Queen Leelee]

Well, Boston can go with 4 starters, Schilling/Beckett/Wakefield/DICE-K GYROBALL OMGWTFBBQ for the 1st month of the season.

 

Then, go with Lester as the 5th starter, I guess.

[vivalaultra 0]

I think they should put Jooooooolian Tavarez back in the rotation. I mean, he was 3-0 last season in the games he started. And besides, relievers are the new starters.

[Guest]

But regardless, Juan Pierre will be batting leadoff. That's my main concern.

Indeed.

 

Those other kids are nice, but none of them bat well. Except maybe Betemit who has some power, but I believe the Dodgers' organization hates him.

I think the organization likes Betemit, but they want to get LaRoche playing now. I think Betemit can hit 25 HR's, given a full slate of playing time. Fact is, we have a lot of kids that the Dodgers want to get in the lineup. If they can't get in the lineup now, it's time to package them together and make some moves. This team's built to win this year or next.

 

I find it hard to believe that an organization that's in limbo would not take a package of our youngin's for a star.

[KingPK 0]

I think they should put Jooooooolian Tavarez back in the rotation. I mean, he was 3-0 last season in the games he started. And besides, relievers are the new starters.

 

They are. It's the fifth starter, so we'll probably see a revolving door of guys like Tavarez, Lester, Kason Gabbard, etc.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

And don't forget Kyle Snyder. Credit to Alkeiper on this, but Kason Gabbard and Kyle Snyder are the only two Red Sox pitchers to start in Spring Training besides the usual suspects.

[vivalaultra 0]

So, was there a specific reason that they decided to move Papelbon back to closing? Was it just because they didn't have any other attractive options or was it something to do with his shoulder? Because if it's just because they didn't wanna go with Piniero or somebody closing games, I don't really see how much of an advantage they get overall having Papelbon as the closer and a rotating cast of rookies and middle relievers starting games. I know this was already discussed over the past few days, but I would think it would be more of a benefit to the Sox of having Papelbon as the #5 starter with Piniero or Tavarez or some closer by committe situation than the other way around.

[Guest]

Francona said that was the way that he wanted it to be, per the ESPN guys. They didn't really go into much detail.

 

They also said that he was sorta worried about Papelbon's shoulder, which also concerns me. If that's the case, you don't just ride the guy out there like that.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I think the organization likes Betemit, but they want to get LaRoche playing now. I think Betemit can hit 25 HR's, given a full slate of playing time. Fact is, we have a lot of kids that the Dodgers want to get in the lineup. If they can't get in the lineup now, it's time to package them together and make some moves. This team's built to win this year or next.

 

I don't think it's a "win now" type of team. The Dodgers have a few prospects ticketed, and they're employing a strategy of using veterans as stopgaps until they are ready. They have James Loney, Matt Kemp and Andy Laroche for the lineup, and Chad Billingsley and Scott Elbert coming for the rotation. Clayton Kershaw looks promising but he's years away yet. The Dodgers don't need to rush.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Francona said that was the way that he wanted it to be, per the ESPN guys. They didn't really go into much detail.

 

They also said that he was sorta worried about Papelbon's shoulder, which also concerns me. If that's the case, you don't just ride the guy out there like that.

 

I'm really disappointed in this move for several reasons, and it's not all tied to my perspective that closers aren't that important in the grand scheme of team building. I'm more concerned at the reactionary nature of the move. In the past, I've been quick to defend the front office for moves that turned out poor because I always felt that they were justifiable as part of the long term plan. When they get burned is when they make quick moves to cover-up mistakes (e.g. Bard/Cla for Mirabelli). Moving Papelbon to closer reeks of desperation.

 

What this move signifies is that none of the seemingly dozens of reliever choices they brought in could be trusted with a ninth, which is scary given the concerns of an already shakey bullpen. What does this mean about Papelbon's shoulder? Are they forgoing their own medical team for short-term gains, or did they deceive the fans in the first place by generating a story that would allow them to move him back into the rotation without opposition? Either way, it reflects poorly on the front office decision making.

 

As for how this plays out on the field? In the short run, they will use the off days in April to use a four man rotation with occassional spot starts by Julian Tavarez. Hopefully Lester is ready by June to take the fifth spot. Papelbon will be used as closer, but in a much more rigid pattern. No multiple inning shots or 4 appearance in 5 days. Hopefully his shoulder takes to the new program, or one of the young flamethrowers grabs the closer's spot by mid-season.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Curt Schilling has a blog about the Papelbon closing situation.

 

Paps wanted to close because that’s where he felt he helped the team best, but he had no issues or problems being a starter either. He was going to do whatever role they asked of him.

 

This wasn't done because we have "too much starting pitching", or because anyone was panicked about who would do what in the pen, it was done because John has worked his ass off to be where he needs to be, to close in the big leagues again. His shoulder feels great, which is priority number one, and him closing for us makes this staff look entirely different for the long haul. Whoever ends up in the 5th spot will be just fine. Julian can do it, Kyle can certainly do it and Johnny is not far from being ready to do it, so there are many options, even though you hope you don't have to exhaust them all to find the right fit (which I don't think will be the case).

[Guest]

I think the organization likes Betemit, but they want to get LaRoche playing now. I think Betemit can hit 25 HR's, given a full slate of playing time. Fact is, we have a lot of kids that the Dodgers want to get in the lineup. If they can't get in the lineup now, it's time to package them together and make some moves. This team's built to win this year or next.

 

I don't think it's a "win now" type of team. The Dodgers have a few prospects ticketed, and they're employing a strategy of using veterans as stopgaps until they are ready. They have James Loney, Matt Kemp and Andy Laroche for the lineup, and Chad Billingsley and Scott Elbert coming for the rotation. Clayton Kershaw looks promising but he's years away yet. The Dodgers don't need to rush.

I agree, I'm just very impatient, and a little worried that some of those guys won't pan out. LA crowds need titles, and we haven't been fed one for a while.

 

They need to at least get out of the first round.

[Annabelle 0]

i think the dodgers could win this year. but they are actually loaded for the future. and loaded at nearly every position, too. except second base, maybe? they are in enviable situation right now. better than most.

 

i keep thinking pierre should lead off with furcal batting second. it just makes more sense to me.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

i think the dodgers could win this year. but they are actually loaded for the future. and loaded at nearly every position, too. except second base, maybe? they are in enviable situation right now. better than most.

 

i keep thinking pierre should lead off with furcal batting second. it just makes more sense to me.

For any reason besides that Pierre steals a lot of bases? His OBP the last two seasons leaves much to be desired as a leadoff hitter. Dodgers' broadcaster Charlie Steiner reported the reason Furcal leads off is that Pierre's smallball tendencies play better in the two spot. That makes sense. Pierre rarely strikes out and grounds into few double plays.

[vivalaultra 0]

Chien-Ming Wang is going to start the season on the DL and miss at least 3 weeks with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Between this, Papelbon moving back to the 'pen, and the fact that Wandy Rodriguez is penciled into the Astros' rotation, Clemens is gonna get a frickin' king's ransom to bail one of these teams out.

[Annabelle 0]

i think the dodgers could win this year. but they are actually loaded for the future. and loaded at nearly every position, too. except second base, maybe? they are in enviable situation right now. better than most.

 

i keep thinking pierre should lead off with furcal batting second. it just makes more sense to me.

For any reason besides that Pierre steals a lot of bases? His OBP the last two seasons leaves much to be desired as a leadoff hitter. Dodgers' broadcaster Charlie Steiner reported the reason Furcal leads off is that Pierre's smallball tendencies play better in the two spot. That makes sense. Pierre rarely strikes out and grounds into few double plays.

 

his obp is low, but he hits well. i thought furcal would be a great guy to have batting with pierre on base. especially if pierre steals second or leads off with a double, which is what he is known for.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

In 303 plate appearances leading off last year, Pierre hit 14 doubles. I don't think either is a bad choice. The reasoning is just that Furcal is the guy you want when you turned over the lineup.

 

A couple of pieces of news. The Royals traded for Tony Pena Jr., I assume he'll take the shortstop job from Angel Berroa. Pena can't hit but at least he is a superb gloveman. The Rockies sent Clint Barmes to AAA, making Troy Tulowitski the starting shortstop.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Royals need to get German's bat in the lineup.

 

Carlos Silva can't be in the starting rotation.

[vivalaultra 0]

I am sad. Today the 'Stros released Richard Hidalgo after his ill-fated comeback attempt including a batting average of .135 w/ only 1 HR and 9 RBI. I can't imagine any other team taking a shot on him after being out of baseball a couple years and his dismal spring, so I guess it's off to Japan or Mexico for him. And I was so hoping he'd come back and hit .300 with 44 HRs again.

[Precious Roy 0]

So, with Wang out the talk is that Carl Pavano might start the season opener....

 

This fascinates me. If he pitches a gem or even pitches well enough for the Yankees to win, something like 6 innings w/ 2 runs allowed and a jam or two pitched out of he goes a long way in getting the monkey off his back and buys himself some time with the Stadium crowd. The fans will gladly get behind him if he performs, but they will boo him off the mound if he struggles, especially if he struggles early. They'd really be throwing him to the wolves, and I'm not confident enough in the guy's mental toughness and resolve to think that he'll respond positively....

[Broward83 0]

MLB steals Craig's sunshine

 

 

After 20 years of wearing his yellow pin to show his support for the Sunshine Kids the MLB has ordered Craig Biggio to leave his pin in his locker before taking the field.

 

What a fuckin load of bullshit. In twenty fuckin years... the MLB hasn't once noticed this shit until now?

[vivalaultra 0]

Seriously, that has to rank as one of the most Grinch-like moves the commisioner's office has ever pulled. The Sunshine Kids, of which Craig has been the sponsor ever since he's been in Houston, is an organization that does so much for children with cancer and their families. And it's not like he's ever worn it during a game. He only wears it during BP and before Spring games because that's when they take the baseball card pictures and Craig says that the kids like to see him wearing the pin.

 

And to change directions slightly, Wandy Rodriguez is still 'earmarked' for a spot in the Astros' rotation if only because he's left-handed. There was slight hope when he left his start today after 3 innings with an apparent ankle injury, but it wasn't serious. Not that I'd wish injury on anyone, but I read a quote today that amused me concerning the situation, something along the lines of, "If Chris Sampson decided to take up pitching with his left hand today, he'd probably outpitch Wandy Rodriguez." The good news is that Fernando Nieve pitched 4 perfect innings against the Metropolitans today. The bad news is that Brad Lidge is even giving up runs to AA players this spring. I know spring stats are meaningless, supposedly, but the Lidge Machine looks to be falling off the rails and quick.

[devo 0]

Apparently Mike Pelfrey officially made the Mets' starting rotation. Oliver Perez looks like a lock as well. At the same time, Chan Ho Park is likely to make the team but in a bullpen spot, which he's not happy about. I don't mind Heilman's complaining about his position since he's at least talented, but it's laughable coming from Park.

 

Admittedly, the Mets are taking a significant risk coming into the season with Maine, Perez, and Pelfrey taking up spots in the rotation, but I'm becoming increasingly confident in their abilities as training winds down. I can't wait to see each of their first starts this season, particularly Pelfrey's.

[TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0]

Yankees opening day starter might be....(wait for it)....Carl Pavano.

 

[mike546 0]

Pettite had a bullpen session today and I'm watching Torre's interview now and it seems like Pettite got through it pain free. So Hopefully Pavano doesn't have to pitch opening day.

 

Or nevermind Torre just implied either Igawa or Pavano will pitch opening day.