Emilio Bonifacio traded for relief arm Jon Rauch
by Red Reign on Jul 22, 2008 5:30 PM EDT
110 comments
The D'backs just traded Bonifacio to the Nats for P Jon Rauch. I just got the text from KTAR.
Rauch, who took over as the Nats closer when Chad Cordero injured his shoulder in April, was 4-2 with a 2.98 ERA. The 29-year-old covered 17 of his 22 save opportunities. Rauch, who made $1.2 million this year, is set to make $2 million next season and there is a club option for 2010 at $2.9 million.
[Tidied up and promoted to the front page. Here are my thoughts on the deal. Jim]
This looks to me like we just got Qualls v2.0. Before you cringe, let me point out that by this, I mean Rauch is a decent quality [ERA+ of 127, 117 and 144 over the past three years] reliever, who throws a lot of innings and will be under our control for a relatively-long term.
In fact, he has the most innings in the majors of any "pure" reliever [90% or more of appearances in relief] since the start of 2006, and gives Arizona two of the top five:
- Jon Rauch: 227
- Aaron Heilman: 225.1
- Scott Proctor: 220.1
- Chad Qualls: 216.1
- Saul Rivera: 210
The trade also means Randy Johnson is no longer the tallest player on the roster: if you remember the recent Washington series, you'll likely recall Rauch, who is listed at 6'11" and 291 lbs...
Losing Bonifacio does remove one of the major possibilities as far as replacing Hudson goes. If we don't re-sign the O-Dawg, we are going to have either to trade for someone or make a major shift in position for someone currently occupying another spot. But, for the moment, it certainly strengthens our pen, at the cost of someone who was only a fringe player on the current roster.
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Sad to see Bonifacio go,
but happy we’re getting a pretty decent and cheap reliever in return.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 5:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rauch
So does Rauch close or setup? What will the pecking order be?
vr, Xeifrank
by Xeifrank on Jul 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My vote
Is for him closing. Lyon is so much more valuable as a set-up guy. In reality, it probably doesn’t matter which does which.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and if you think about it
we’ve already replaced Lyon for next year now
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lyon is so much more valuable as a set-up guy
How do you work that out? He’ll be a free agent after the year: Saves are one of the categories Elias use to decide what compensation we get when he signs elsewhere. I say, keep him the closer and get two nice draft picks as a result.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saves
Saves aren’t the only way to Type A. Jon Rauch, in fact, was a type A last year. He had 6 career saves to that point.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not the only way
But if you punt saves, you’d better be lights out in all the other categories. Rauch had an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.10 in 2007 – that’s a good bit better than Lyon’s figures this season of 3.86 and 1.29, and without the saves, Lyon was only a Type B last year.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not claiming to be an expert on the Elias scale
But wouldn’t Lyon’s horrid 2005 have lowered his chance at a good rating last year? Scott Linebrink was also a Type A last year and his 2005-2007 seasons aren’t a significant leap beyond Lyon’s 2006-current.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I take that back… Linebrink’s 2005 was insane.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chad Qualls
Also type A, compares a little better.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe
It’s only two seasons of data that’s used – so the end of 2007 rankings would be based on data from 2006 and 2007, excluding 2005. So, at the end of this year, Lyon will lose his 2006 stats, and gain the 2008 ones – so far, they’re almost the same, so I think he needs the boost from saves to become a Type A.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
AFAIK, it’s only 2 seasons.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
In fact, I sorta assumed that this was the idea all along….
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beautiful
Just as I start to lose more faith in Byrnes, he pulls this off.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
was hoping we'd be able to pull off a bit more for
Bonifacio, but still satisfied with the bullpen help
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
More?
We got a closer for a utility guy. That’s a steal for us. What did we get for Green Valley?
by AZSEAfan on Jul 24, 2008 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well everyone seemed to really overvalue Bonifacio
but that was my knee jerk reaction. I’m really really happy with this trade now
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 24, 2008 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will say
Bonifacio really fits the mold of the Nationals organization.
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's strange to think that
this might be the thing to set us up to succeed again. The offense has slowly started to rouse from it’s slumber and if only the bullpen could hold a lead we’d be in damn good shape. thoughts?
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not as optimistic
But I don’t think it’ll hurt. Having Rauch for next season is key to the value of the deal.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus 2010.
Club option.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah..... I'll miss Bonifacio,
but the more I think about it, the more I really like this trade.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This was a relief
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
by hotclaws on Jul 22, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
::rimshot::
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as we sign Hudson, I'm ok.
If not, not ok.
The team that continues to disappoint, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
by srdmad on Jul 22, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hudson isn't the only 2B on the planet
There are going to be others. Mark Ellis, for one.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really worried
that somebody else offers Ellis a big contract that we can’t match. But I would DEFINITELY support us going after him.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'll be a pretty popular FA
especially with Oakland’s recent trades making it pretty unlikely he’ll be re-signed there. And we do have another advantage… quite a few former A’s on our team.
by snakecharmer on Jul 22, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dan Haren, Conor Robertson, and....?
Looks like Ellis’ BA isn’t nearly as good as O-Dawg’s, though.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Byrnes.
Any more?
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couple things
Ellis’ hitting is hurt by his home park. He’s got a .867 road OPS this year vs a .552 home OPS. Road OPS was higher last year too.
Ellis’ glove is way better than Hudson’s at this point.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
I forgot he plays in a football stadium.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, cause Ellis is consistently good right?
I want someone who I know is going to be good.
The team that continues to disappoint, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
by srdmad on Jul 22, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-Dawg is consistently declining.
Have you looked at Ellis’ numbers?
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the past shows
that once a second baseman hits the age 32 his numbers fall off the charts. I struggled to believe it at first but I checked in and it’s true nearly every “quality” 2nd baseman you can think of falls apart. Greats become average, average go away.
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes you have to suck it up,
because good, under-30, free agent second basemen are about as commonplace as Falun Gong temples in Beijing.
Ellis has an .867 road OPS this season, .806 last season and has a legitimate claim to being the best defensive second baseman in the league. I’d rather the team sign great and have it eventually decline to average for them to simply go with average (or below-average as Boni would have been).
by dahlian on Jul 23, 2008 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you link to these numbers?
And are you saying with the bat or with the glove? I can think of 3 2nd basemen in recent history (Kent, Biggio, Bret Boone) that played on through 32 and had at least 2 or 3 (or 10) really good years after it.
Roberto Alomar had one of the best statistical seasons of his career at age 33. Mark DeRosa is 33 and continues to get better. Jerry Hairston Jr. is having a career year at age 32. Jay Bell had career years at age 32 and 33 and was still decent at age 34. Mark Grudzielanek is 38 and has just now started to show reduced range, but continues to produce at a decent rate with the bat.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 23, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mainly with the glove
but the bat does tend to fall off a bit too. I just went through and looked at individual player stats here or there.
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here are articles of interest
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/fielding-aging-curves/
http://camdendepot.blogspot.com/2008/06/age-curves-for-2b-fielding.html
The former is talking about shortstops, but I imagine the conclusion would be very similar for second base. The latter concludes, “Ages 27 to 29 are when fielding ability is greatest for second basemen as their efficiency rises and their range has not been greatly compromised.” I imagine offensively, aging curves for second basemen would be generally the same as overall, around 29, with worse players tending to peak earlier, while better players peak later. Either way, Hudson would seem past his best and not a good candidate for a long-term contract.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mostly correct
There have been some really nice seasons from older 2B men but I feel that you cannot count Bret Boone among them. He was my favorite player for a few years but his stats were heavily tainted.
by AZSEAfan on Jul 24, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you count on the team to throw money at someone?
Emilio was the backup plan, but now since we don’t have him they will have to get a 2nd baseman, meaning left field will still be in doubt next year.
The team that continues to disappoint, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
by srdmad on Jul 23, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Second base
has no bearing on the left field situation. In Jackson, Tracy and Byrnes the team already has the talent on board to have a productive 1B/LF platoon. It’s an issue of apportioning the playing time, not opening up the checkbook.
by dahlian on Jul 24, 2008 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im happy with the deal
especially within the context of our current injury woes :thup:
So...time for another drink then?
by Wimb on Jul 22, 2008 6:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks...
...for tiding it up and promoting it. I rushed the fanpost since I popped my cherry with the newsbreak. Sorry, I’m tearing up here. Big day for me.
by Red Reign on Jul 22, 2008 6:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My pleasure
You got there ahead of me, and I’d just about written my own fanpost before I’d noticed yours! So, made sense to combine them: appreciate your being on the ball!
Also added a poll to the post, just for fun…
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and I took this from the Nats blog...
Bottom Line: I LOVE this deal. Bonafacio is legit. .302/.338/.360 in six minor league seasons. 229 total stolen bases with a 78% success rate. He plays a gold-glove caliber second base. And he’s only 23. He immediately becomes the Nats best hitting prospect not onthe major league roster. Getting this kind of return for a run-of-the-mill set-up guy in Rauch is a coup.Granted, Rauch pitched admirably this season in the closer’s role, but closing is all about opportunity, and he’s still the same guy that would have been settingup Cordero had Cordero not been injured. In fact, it’s the same kind of deal Bowden SHOULD have made for Cordero last season!
Ummm, who wants to break the bad news to them? ;)
So...time for another drink then?
by Wimb on Jul 22, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He plays a gold-glove caliber second base.
Someone link me to that scouting report. The few games I saw of him at 2nd he looked average at best.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 22, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I’d just let them work it out on their own…
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
by kishi on Jul 22, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tehehe
it’s like someone hid the TV remote and we’re sitting there watching them look for it while we know where it’s hidden
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I'm a bit nervous,
simply because as one of the posters at FederalBaseball noted, Mike Rizzo KNOWS our farm system well…. I’m wondering whether he sees something that nobody else does?
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wasn't
boner face a minor league free agent signee before last season? i’m not sure rizzo is the guy that brought him into the system.
by leemellon on Jul 22, 2008 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
He was signed by us out of the Dominican in 2001, IIRC.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(When he was 16)
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another issue
Assuming we send down one of the Tucson bullpen to make way for Rauch, we will have to promote someone to take Bonifacio’s place. D’Antona, maybe? Or do we go with an extra man in the pen for a bit?
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Short Term go with 1 less bat
The bullpen is shot to bits right now so we need the help.
Sadly this seems to mean that Burke will be sticking around for a fair while unless he gets traded or we add another bat, I’d like to give D’Antona a shot :)
So...time for another drink then?
by Wimb on Jul 22, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade Burke
for Alex Rodriguez.
Or Matt Holliday.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't think
anyone will take Burke from us. We will have to send him as part of a package deal
by DiamondbacksWIn on Jul 22, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about we include him as part of a package holiday to Butlins?
Actually no, people still wouldn’t take us up on that offer :(
So...time for another drink then?
by Wimb on Jul 22, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well if we ever take on a big contract
instead of the other team sending cash we can just send them Burke
formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.
by AJforAZ on Jul 22, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good thinking!
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reports
Are that it’s D’Antona getting the call.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to hear it...
and so is Ben, I’m sure.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know
I was just thinking last night, “Our bats are waking up a little. I still think we need one more bat. Our starters have been lights out lately except for Owings. What has really failed us is our bullpen. How many games have they lost for us this year?”
I am overall happy to get another good arm in the pen. If we get on OF bat I think we will still beat out the Dodgers and be a threat in the Post season.
by DiamondbacksWIn on Jul 22, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"The Diamondbacks trade Emilio Bonifacio"
Great trade! Who’d we get?
by dahlian on Jul 22, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Half a bucket of sunflower seeds and the other team agreed to take Chris Burke.
Actually, some people would probably be in favor of that….
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
by kishi on Jul 22, 2008 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But
they have to promise to bat Burke leadoff.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, man
That’d be funny enough that I’d be willing to be negotiated down to an empty bucket.
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
by kishi on Jul 22, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus
everytime he’s at bat, they have to play circus clown music.
Also—an empty bucket? You whore! At LEAST ask for some shells or something….
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mop Squeezings
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on Jul 22, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anytime
you have the chance to get a 6’11, one biscut away from 300 lbs., gold medal winner, with a neck tatoo. Well…..that’s just a move you have to make and its as simple as that.
Looking forward to the Raunch era and I like the move.
by Augie's Army on Jul 22, 2008 7:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The "Raunch" era?
I don’t think that’s Fox Sports AZ you’re watching… might be something else.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you mean he doesn't star in 2 am Movies on Cinemax?
I change my vote then
by Augie's Army on Jul 22, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It also marks another step
In Josh Byrnes secret plan to align the bullpen members with letters of the alphabet:
Pena
Qualls
Rauch
Scherzer
Expect trades for Ron Mahay, Joe Nathan and Hideki Okajima shortly…
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Think we could get
Mike Timlin? I think Ugueth Urbina is unsigned. It’s a damned shame we traded Valverde. Then again, I guess Q is probably more valuable than V.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's sign him!
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t we need to post bail first?
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on Jul 22, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah. Just bribe his jailers.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who needs Okajima when you have Owings.
by Augie's Army on Jul 22, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True dat
Our current pen includes:
Lyon
M
N
Owings
Pena
Qualls
Rauch
On that basis, Petit and Cruz for Mahay and Nathan would seem the wave of the future…
by Jim McLennan on Jul 22, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like this move.
I was never really a big fan of E-Bone, since his offensive skills don’t really add all that much to what we already have. Makes me wonder who’ll be at second base next year though. I don’t want to re-sign a declining O-Dawg. All though that could be the most likely answer. Maybe they’ll give Rusty a shot there next year if they don’t bring someone else in.
Anyway, the bullpen did need some improvement, and this does it. Now if only he was a lefty….
Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.
by Zephon on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think O-Dawg still has
a few good years left in him. I wouldn’t mind keeping him around
by DiamondbacksWIn on Jul 22, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His D is already declining
Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.
by Zephon on Jul 22, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bonifacio is so fast
he casually joined his Nat’s teammates before Josh even put down the phone. We may never see the likes of his singular talent again – without the aid of stop action photography.
by Diamondhacks on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
*claps*
That was great D’hacks
Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.
by Zephon on Jul 22, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's
a pretty witty fellow.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope you don't mind me butting in...
So you guys are ready to drop Lyon in favor of Rauch as the closer?
I wasn’t ready to drop Chad Cordero for Rauch until Cordero’s arm nearly fell off…but Rauch was effective in his time closing the few opportunities he had…(if you consider 17 of 22 effective)....Rauch doesn’t really walk anyone 7 in 48.1 IP, and it’s fun watching a curve drop from 10 feet in the air…
Don’t know much about Bonifacio though…Can anyone share a scouting report? I gather from the comments above that you all are happy with the trade?
Thanks in advance for any responses/reports…
"The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous." - V
by Ed Chigliak on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Scouting report on Barney:
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Julio Lugo
With even less pop, probably a little less natural fielding ability, and more speed. That’s just based on me seeing him in a few games at 2nd. The scouting community seems to be higher on his glove, which I think is because of his speed and the assumption that it leads to more range. He can range, that’s for sure, but he makes a ton of mistakes even when he gets to the ball. I don’t think it was coincidence that he was being asked to play OF in Tucson. Also, you aren’t going to find anyone that likes his bat or plate discipline.
Fire Bob Melvin
by nihil67 on Jul 23, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
he was being asked to play OF because he was more likely to get playing time there, with Byrnes down and O-Dawg started every game at 2B.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
*starting
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Given his offensive limitations (no power and little plate discipline), I dont see him making a meaningful contribution unless he earns a middle infield position, which is a pretty big “if”. Maybe he can shed the happy feet (he’s only 23), but the noodle arm, even at second, is a problem. Kid cant throw.
I do like the way he chops down on the ball though, and laughed out loud when he stretched a routine grounder straight at Juan Pierre into a double last September. Such isolated achievements are likely to satisfy any remaining Nats’ fans.
by Diamondhacks on Jul 23, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS - Any chance we can just throw in Lo Duca? For free?
"The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous." - V
by Ed Chigliak on Jul 22, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How bout
Lo Duca for Chris Burke?
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 22, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats not fair...
How about Lo Duca for Byrnes and Burke? ;)
So...time for another drink then?
by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 3:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we get
Lo Duca and Bonds, and then have a big Sun Devils reunion?
Knock off the hippie crap, strap on a helmet, and start shooting. This is baseball, Diamondbacks, I want you to storm that beach like it's Normandy!
by soco on Jul 23, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PLD is a former Scum Devil?
Hmmm…. didn’t know that.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have to take
Willie Bloomquist as well. Need more scrapiness on this team anyway.
by AZSEAfan on Jul 24, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t add much. Just when I was losing confidence in the FO they pull this off. It’s a great movie, I think. And what is remarkable is that it’s not just a great move for this year, but also for the next couple of years. Well done Byrnes.
"There are only two seasons: winter and baseball"
-- Bill Veeck
by njjohn on Jul 22, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anytime we can add a player who’s taller than I am, I have no complaints.
by Azreous on Jul 23, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Me too.
But of course, that would even include Augie Ojeda.
Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.
by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would include
Spud Webb for me.
by AZSEAfan on Jul 24, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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