I think Mike has it right. The Cardinals were smarter than to expect much from Furcal this season. His loss doesn't really change their projections for this year. If I were a Cardinal fan, I'd be more worried about their pitching.
Hoping to change my username to 75769024
I'm not really worried about the pitching because I think the bullpen is significantly better. Rosenthal will be there all year long and there is depth there. Besides, the Cards can still out slug most teams so the pitching staff doesn't have to be 90's Braves good.
A local media guy, Bernie Miklasz did some research on the SS position in the NL and it's almost historically bad. I forgot what the average batting average and power numbers of SS's in the NL but it was something around .240 with a low OPS. If Kozma can give the Cardinals .260 BA, .750 OPS with adequate defense, I'll be happy.
That was $14 million flushed down the toilet by the Cards (counting last season too).
He had 2 defensive runs saved and a 2.7 UZR in limited time last year. He's not as bad on defense at SS as you may think. He was bad in the playoffs but I think that was nerves. Plus it doesn't help perception when Hunter Pence hits one of the goofiest balls I've ever seen and he couldn't get to it.
I'd be shocked if he even touched that within .75 points.
2700 Minor League ABs say this - .236/.308/.344/.652
For those who remember Calvin Reese he had roughly the same number of ab's in the minors
.242/.304/.359/.663
In 2000 AB's with the Reds (in the BIGGEST HITTING ERA EVER IN THE GAMES HISTORY) had this line - .250/.308/.363/.671
OnBaseMachine (03-08-2013)
OnBaseMachine (03-08-2013)
I've seen Taveras for either Andrus or Profar discussed in a few online chats or articles and haven't heard one 'expert' say Texas would do either deal. Why? because both Andrus & Profar can hit and play good defense at SS whereas Taveras is a corner outfielder. It does seem a natural fit but I'm not sure what the Cards would have to add to make the deal work for Texas.
.
(Referring to Jack Hannahan signing with a Korean team)
Since there are no teams on the moon, I guess South Korea's far enough from Cincinnati to satisfy me.
-RichRed
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