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Patrick Bateman · 08-12-2008, 01:29 AM

Whitesell interests me quite a bit.

He's a late bloomer (I think he was recently claimed off waivers by the Nats before the year, wasn't in their top 30 at the beginning of the year), but the guy has a clue what he's doing at the plate.

His numbers are great this year, partially because of the PCL, but I think the breakout is for real. He's 26 and ready made. The entire package almost reminds me to Votto as a hitter. More walks, but also more Ks as the trade off. 25 homer type of power ceiling. I think he'll hit.

The problem I see is where to play these guys. I really believe in Votto's defense at first, and all things equal I'd like to see him stick there (and from all reports Votto's defense in AAA LF was nothing short of awful last season). Is there any thought that Whitesell could transition to LF? His defense at first looks a tad suspect, but LF is about as easy a position to play as it gets. His bat should play, so if he could make the switch, I'd be pretty happy to add a bat like that to the lineup.

08-12-2008, 01:29 AM	#966
Patrick Bateman One and a half men Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 5,455	Re: Dunn traded to DBacks Whitesell interests me quite a bit. He's a late bloomer (I think he was recently claimed off waivers by the Nats before the year, wasn't in their top 30 at the beginning of the year), but the guy has a clue what he's doing at the plate. His numbers are great this year, partially because of the PCL, but I think the breakout is for real. He's 26 and ready made. The entire package almost reminds me to Votto as a hitter. More walks, but also more Ks as the trade off. 25 homer type of power ceiling. I think he'll hit. The problem I see is where to play these guys. I really believe in Votto's defense at first, and all things equal I'd like to see him stick there (and from all reports Votto's defense in AAA LF was nothing short of awful last season). Is there any thought that Whitesell could transition to LF? His defense at first looks a tad suspect, but LF is about as easy a position to play as it gets. His bat should play, so if he could make the switch, I'd be pretty happy to add a bat like that to the lineup.