Phillips, AGon, Arroyo
for
Martin, Jones, Hu
I think that's fairly even and a great idea by jojo.
As to highlife's greed, I think a deal like:
Ethier, Jones, Martin, Hu
for
Harang/ Arroyo (likely Harang), Phillips, AGon, Thompson
would work
Phillips, AGon, Arroyo
for
Martin, Jones, Hu
I think that's fairly even and a great idea by jojo.
As to highlife's greed, I think a deal like:
Ethier, Jones, Martin, Hu
for
Harang/ Arroyo (likely Harang), Phillips, AGon, Thompson
would work
Here's an issue I have with a Dodgers trade though. I don't want to give up Phillips' defense. Hu would most likely be an offensive compromise for really, really good defense. Phillips is one of the better defenders at his position too. Add Martin to the middle mix and it's the foundations of a very solid defensive middle. Crossing your fingers with Stubbs by 2010 and the Reds could be an outstanding defensive club at the most premium defensive positions.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
2B defense is, IMO, the most overrated in baseball. 3B and RF are, to me, much more important than is a solid keystone glove. Both corner spots take away doubles and good arms keep innings from being extended often.
A good defensive 2B can turn a double play effectively.
Jeff Keppinger, IMO, is an above average 2B. He's well below average at SS.
I strongly disagree with that, and the part about second base defense being overrated. I remember watching Kepp play second base in a couple games this season and I come away far from impressed. He has no range whatsoever at any position. Keppinger lacks the important first step quickness that good fielders have. If you watch him in person, the ball is usually on the ground before he even moves. Keppinger, IMO, shouldn't even be a lock to make the team out of spring training. He'll need to prove in ST that his bat is back to where it was in 2007/early 2008 just to make the team as a backup.
Last edited by OnBaseMachine; 10-21-2008 at 12:45 PM.
Keppinger > Jeff Kent, circa 2002 > average defense
I disagree with that. Pokey Reese, IMO, was a big part of that 1999 team, solely due to his defense. If you take him away from second and put an average to below average defender next to Barry Larkin in 99, it greatly reduces the strength of that team in the middle of the field, and probably results in less wins, IMO.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
Sorry scrap. The quality of defense at 2B takes away or allows hits up the middle and short pop flies to fall in or be caught, in addition to making the pivot on the double play. While its true that the occassional double or play that takes away a double is more spectacular, lack of range up the middle is a silent killer. Hits, Baserunners and extra pitches pile up and most people blame the pitcher when its the defense that should get a lot of the blame. Give me Phillips at 2B with a SS who has plus range over Keppinger and his perceived bat or even Kent and his actual bat.
Since you brought him up, I do think Kent might be a decent cheap option as a stopgap 1B while Votto plays LF and Alonso puts in his time. He'd probbaly retire before agreeing to play in cincy though.
I agree with OBM that Keppinger should be on the bubble as far as a roster spot goes. He offers no defensive value and his contact skills don't compensate for lack of power or on base skills.
All my posts are my opinion - just like yours are. If I forget to state it and you're too dense to see the obvious, look here!
The more I think about it the more Martin makes sense for us. Obviously he would for anyone but even moreso us. If we stick a big bat in LF and Gonzo stays (which at this point is more likely than not) we don't have an ideal #2 hitter or anyone remotely close other than maybe Votto. This is assuming of course worst case scenario Dickerson/Hairston play CF. Martin would be an excellent #2 hitter behind those guys and ahead of Votto and say a Holliday type.
Dickerson/Hairston CF
Martin C
Votto 1B
???
Bruce RF
EE 3B
BP 2B
Gonzo SS
That makes us a pretty solid lineup with power all around, discipline in more spots than not and no real slowpokes either. But I just can't see them trading Martin and if they do people will be out in force with top prospects for a top of the line catcher. I guess I might as well forget this pipe dream.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
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