That's the thing: his numbers pretty much say he's going to be a slightly above average right fielder.Originally Posted by traderumor
But people get misty-eyed at his power around here and simply refuse to see the buckshot holes in his game.
That's the thing: his numbers pretty much say he's going to be a slightly above average right fielder.Originally Posted by traderumor
But people get misty-eyed at his power around here and simply refuse to see the buckshot holes in his game.
“And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith
Originally Posted by flyer85
My college roommate at Ohio University was a Cubs fan from the Chicago area. (Which was OK back then, because the Reds were in the NL West, and the Cubs were in the NL East. Obviously someone in the Commissioner's Office flunked geography.) He was the impetus behind me getting to go to Game 4 of the 1990 NLCS in Pittsburgh. He says to me at 4:00 that afternoon, "Wanna go to the game?" I said, "The game starts in four hours!" He said, "So?" I said, "We don't have tickets." He said, "No problem. We'll find them when we get there." So I said, "Let go!" I repaid him the following season by getting blue seats near the visiting dugout when the Cubs were in town. It was the first time he had seen the Cubs since leaving Illinois before coming to OU. (He lived in Athens year-round, because he had a part-time job related to his major.)
Anyway, he did a really great Harry Caray imitation, and he taught it to me. It's been a long time since I tried it, but seeing your post reminded me of it. Thanks!
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
"I know a cat named way out Wily"
Wily Mo's game gets better every year. Adam Dunn's crazy productive. Jr. works like a dog and produces whenever he plays. OTOH, Kearns has scuffled in the majors for two seasons.
Austin's got a lot of work to do to get his game back in shape. I don't care if he jiggles if he produces either, but he hasn't produced in a while and I'm doubtful a return to the kind of productivity we should expect is in the cards for this season. Maybe he'll put together a pretty September, though I'm not sure that would be a good thing. I'd prefer his heading into the offseason with a mania to prove himself rather than thinking he's already got his game back in order.
I'm not a system player. I am a system.
Reds Zone Forum ... "I love you man"
Right now, Wily Mo is producing the EXACT OPS from last year...and heading down.Originally Posted by M2
I'm REALLY not sure where the "improvement mythos" vis. Pena is coming from. I see the same player.
“And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith
Eh, anyone who cares enough can just look those splits up on espn.com.Originally Posted by Falls City Beer
Fact is that I've always supported Wily Mo Pena. Never wanted to waive him. I've always felt that his monster tools indicated that he may be a unique case of someone who can go from raw to raging. His speed allows him to supplement his BA and his IsoP allows him to overcome some of his OBP deficiency. At minimum I've always felt that Pena- even if he never realized his tools-based potential- is a valuable resource that teams will overpay to get.
That being said, I've also been very very realistic about what Pena needs to work on. Right now, he's Mr. Swing at Everything. Tonight was a great example of that. Pitchers will continue to throw him multiple "sucker" pitches knowing that he'll get himself out with regularity. The one thing I wanted to see from Pena this year is more of a clue about what not to swing at. Unfortunately, he's actually regressed in this area without any advancement in his Isolated Power or Secondary Average numbers.
In short, he's stuck right now and spiraling fast. He's the kinda guy who can get hot and turn it around, but folks need to understand the indicators and, IMHO, should temper their enthusiasm a bit- at least until he demonstrates some ability (any) to improve his plate discipline because, right now, it's awful.
He's 23 and still might be able to do that, but with his skill set it's going to be dependent on scaring pitchers into helping him out. And they are trying. He just won't let them help.
"The problem with strikeouts isn't that they hurt your team, it's that they hurt your feelings..." --Rob Neyer
"The single most important thing for a hitter is to get a good pitch to hit. A good hitter can hit a pitch that’s over the plate three times better than a great hitter with a ball in a tough spot.”
--Ted Williams
It's coming from years of him improving though you're right his recent slump has taken his numbers back to last year's levels. We'll see if the yo-yo heads back up soon. For my part, I long ago stopped assuming this kid can't step up.Originally Posted by Falls City Beer
I'm not a system player. I am a system.
My "average outfielder" reference was related to defense. I think he will have an above average career at the plate overall, with impressive power numbers.Originally Posted by Falls City Beer
"Rounding 3rd and heading for home, good night everybody"
When his performance matches his Paul Bunyan reputation, I'll tip my cap and chow some crow. It's yet to happen.Originally Posted by traderumor
“And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith
Originally Posted by Falls City Beer
All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |