Drew Stubbs for CF in '10?

[Kc61]

I think Chris Dickerson can play league average CF in 2010, if healthy, and I think with the numbers Stubbs put up, he could be the centerpiece of a deal that gets the Reds a real 4-5 win player, being it a SP, SS or LF, which is something that the Reds could really use.


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Dickerson is not the full time Reds CF. He has not stayed healthy. His offense is primarily against righty hitters. I think his defense is good in CF, but the Reds seem more interested in Dickerson for corner positions.

Stubbs is the Reds CF for now and the future, perhaps splitting time with Dickerson or someone else next year.

Keep Dickerson as your primary CF next year, trade away Stubbs, and you'll be seeing backups out there a great deal. Guys like Willy Taveras. Or maybe Nix. Heisey, maybe, if he does better at AAA next season and deserves a promotion.

[edabbs44]

Gomes/Stubbs/Bruce across the OF next season with Dickerson spelling Gomes/Stubbs occasionally vs RHPs and being used as a PH off the bench and defensive replacement for Gomes.

[HokieRed]

I'd give him every at-bat next season until he shows he can't do the job--and I don't say that expecting him to fail. I think he's the real deal; there's no reason to trade him. Let him play.

[jojo]

Here's the way I view Stubbs. His defense is exceptional and because of that, he's the leading candidate for centerfield.

Assuming he's a +15 defender over a full season, that means his bat only needs to be capable of a wOBA=.300 (-15 runs; OPS roughly .690-.700ish) to be a league average player. There is probably a good chance he can do that.

[Falls City Beer]

Of the concerns I have for 2010, CF ranks dead last.

[nate]

Here's the way I view Stubbs. His defense is exceptional and because of that, he's the leading candidate for centerfield.

Assuming he's a +15 defender over a full season, that means his bat only needs to be capable of a wOBA=.300 (-15 runs; OPS roughly .690-.700ish) to be a league average player. There is probably a good chance he can do that.

Yes.

What would his value be if, say, he split the difference between above and what he did this year? Say, .730-ish OPS with the same D.

[PuffyPig]

I'm a little confused why many want to dump Stubbs. He's an exceptionally high up side guy becuase of his GG playing defense and exceptional speed, neither of which slumps.

If he can hit even a little bit, he's an above average CF. The only knock on him in the minors was his slow developing power, and that seems to be improving since he hit the majors. He's always show the ability to take a walk and, after a slow start, he's regained that ability in the majors.

If he can OBA .320 and slug .380 he's a viable player in CF, likely one we aren't going to improve upon without giving up way too much.

[Caveat Emperor]

Of the concerns I have for 2010, CF ranks dead last.

Agreed.

The Reds are a fair bet to get league-average or better CF (factoring in defense and offense) play from Stubbs at league-minimum salary. With the financial limits of the market, the Reds are better off investing their resources in areas that desperately need improvement (starting pitching, left field, catcher and short stop) as opposed to the places where they're already in the black.

[RedEye]

Projecting forward, are his skills good enough where you say, "CF is not an area we should be looking to upgrade?" IMO, neither Dickerson nor Stubbs are guys that we can just essentially set it and forget it in the lineup. Surrounded by better talent, sure, then Dickerson and Stubbs are ok shorter term solutions that would have the luxury of getting a longer term look. Only if either one of them consistently get their OBP closer to and or over .400, then they'll give us no reason for concern. Unfortunately these two are the best we've currently got, so we'll have to just go with them for now. Obviously if we're able to upgrade and it makes sense when considering all areas of the them, then you have to do it.

I think that's setting the bar a little high. How many players in MLB even get their OBP over .400? Not every player is an All-Star, but that doesn't mean teams like the Reds should look to replace solid contributors.

[Raisor]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, until he's off the roster Willy T is your starting CF next year.

He'll have a good Spring and Dusty will fall in love all over again.

[Falls City Beer]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, until he's off the roster Willy T is your starting CF next year.

He'll have a good Spring and Dusty will fall in love all over again.

Only if Stubbs is traded. Wily didn't get a lot of love upon returning from the DL.

[Raisor]

Only if Stubbs is traded. Wily didn't get a lot of love upon returning from the DL.

Time heals all wounds.

Willy T will come into camp all determined and everything and will hit 320. Jamie Quirk will tinker. Dusty will remember why he loved him in the first place and he'll get the starting job.

[RedEye]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, until he's off the roster Willy T is your starting CF next year.

He'll have a good Spring and Dusty will fall in love all over again.

Didn't Dusty make some sort of Wally Pipp comment about Willy a few weeks ago?

[OnBaseMachine]

Stubbs is one of the best defensive center fielders I have seen in a long time. He finished with a UZR of +6.8 in only 42 games (368.2 innings) and UZR/150 of +23.9. With his defense, if Stubbs can OPS .700 next season I would be happy.

I'd cut Taveras and keep Dickerson around as a backup outfielder...

[Raisor]

Didn't Dusty make some sort of Wally Pipp comment about Willy a few weeks ago?

Tough Love