Joe Randa's skill set - RedsZone.com - Cincinnati Reds Fans' Home for Baseball Discussion

RedlegNation · 03-23-2005, 09:51 AM

I blogged about this at http://redlegnation.com/archives/200...ox-game-thread, but I really enjoyed this snippet of conversation between George Grande and Chris Welsh (who I enjoy as an announcer, btw):

George: “What does he bring to this club, Chris?”
Chris: “Well, he brings great hands…He doesn’t cover a lot of ground, he’s not a home run hitter, he’s not going to hit a lot of doubles, or steal bases, but he’s just kind of an everyday Joe that plays hard.”

Indeed. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, huh?

RFS62 · 03-23-2005, 09:56 AM

He left out "He's not Brandon Larson"

BadFundamentals · 03-23-2005, 10:07 AM

He's also short. Thus the era of short Reds 3b guys continues. You might think not a big deal but in just a few games I've seen this spring I saw two doubles hit down the line on Randa and one over a leaping Randa. Over the course of a season makes you wonder how much difference a few inches really does make at the hot corner?

________________
Q:Is a "soft walk" better than a strikeout?
A: yes

lollipopcurve · 03-23-2005, 10:09 AM

George Grande is going to worship Joe Randa.

Disclaimer: I intend to enjoy Randa to a certain extent, but Grande may make it difficult. Above all, Randa better play well. Because I am convinced EdE is ready now. No one has articulated a position to convince me otherwise -- even Steel, who made a good effort.

Dom Heffner · 03-23-2005, 10:09 AM

This is just a terrible signing. But hey, he's a great family guy, so we should sign him long-term because he's great in the clubhouse (too bad the game is played on the field, eh?).

Puffy · 03-23-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dom Heffner

This is just a terrible signing.

I loathe the Joe Randa signing.

Can I copyright that?

Dom Heffner · 03-23-2005, 10:20 AM

Puffy- Yes, you can copyright that. And I would do it now because there will be a ton of people wanting to do it in about three weeks.

princeton · 03-23-2005, 10:50 AM

funny stuff, RedlegNation

RedlegNation · 03-23-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFS62

He left out "He's not Brandon Larson"

Yeah, that's actually a big point in his favor.

TRF · 03-23-2005, 11:35 AM

I also loathe the Randa signing.

never said it, but i think people get that i loathe the Randa signing. but it's only because i loathe the Randa signing.

Puffy · 03-23-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRF

I also loathe the Randa signing.

never said it, but i think people get that i loathe the Randa signing. but it's only because i loathe the Randa signing.

I expect a commission each time you use that. Kinda like Pat Riley and his threepeat copyright.

And I take payment in beer.

Just sayin'

dougflynn23 · 03-23-2005, 12:30 PM

I have always believed that in building a roster and/or lineup, you need to have at least 2-3 players in that lineup who you can pencil in a certain level of performance. With EE ideally a season away (I would have had no problem with his being the 3B this year however), the insertion of an above average defensive 3B who will in all probability hit 12-15 HR, drive in 70-75 RBI, hit around .275-.280, play 140-150 games, strike out less than anyone else in the lineup, can situationally hit, and has a reputation as a positive teammate seems like a wise move to me.

The way I see it, the Dodgers signed Jose Valentin, the Nationals Vinny Castilla to fill their 3B needs in free agency. I'd rather have Randa than either of those two. If the Reds disappoint in 2005, it won't be due to Randa. He could, however, be instrumental in why they might be good due to his consistency and skill set.

medford · 03-23-2005, 12:32 PM

I don't understand why everyone loathes the Randa signing. How many people would have bet their life, or even their car that EE would have been ready at the start of the season? Certainly EE has tremendous upside, but few were certain that he'd be ready to play in the majors at the start of the season. Randa was a 1 year stop gap. A proven major leaguer that brought a bit of stability to the position.

The only other option was Freel. I like Freel, and I hope to see him opening day commanding 2nd base & the leadoff spot, but he rarely leaves me w/ that warm fuzzy feeling when a ball is slapped towards 3rd base.

I believe at the time, Randa was a solid signing, for a 1 year stop gap. Perhaps by midseason, he'll be an excellant bench player, backing up a future star, EE.

Crash Davis · 03-23-2005, 01:03 PM

Is that Joe Randa's skill set? Or is that what Chris Welsh sees as Joe Randa's skill set?

Puffy · 03-23-2005, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medford

I don't understand why everyone loathes the Randa signing. How many people would have bet their life, or even their car that EE would have been ready at the start of the season? Certainly EE has tremendous upside, but few were certain that he'd be ready to play in the majors at the start of the season. Randa was a 1 year stop gap. A proven major leaguer that brought a bit of stability to the position.

The only other option was Freel. I like Freel, and I hope to see him opening day commanding 2nd base & the leadoff spot, but he rarely leaves me w/ that warm fuzzy feeling when a ball is slapped towards 3rd base.

I believe at the time, Randa was a solid signing, for a 1 year stop gap. Perhaps by midseason, he'll be an excellant bench player, backing up a future star, EE.

You wanna know why - ask yourself this: If Joe Randa played on another team would you ever be scared of seeing him in the lineup? If Joe Randa played for another team would you go out of the way to say to yourself - man, that guy is great.

If Joe Randa played for the Pirates and came up to bat in the 9th and beat Graves would you be yelling to yourself, "Dammit Danny, how can you get beat by Joe Freakin Randa??""

Thats why I loathe the Joe Randa signing. I never cared much for him when he was on other people's team so why would I care for him now that he plays for my team.

An average player is still an average player. And like I've always said, if I'm wrong I will admit it. If he plays better than a .800 OPS I will start a Joe Randa fan club. I mean literally - I'll call it Puffy's Joe Randa Fan Club, Free Admission.