Delgado
- Thread starter Bush League
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I think Boston should pursue Beltran just so the Yankees cant get him though I believe thats where he'll ultimately end up. It will be an interesting off season for Boston, thats for sure. Lowe, Varitek, and Pedro's contracts expire. They shouldnt sign Lowe, they definitely need to sign Varitek, I am unsure about Pedro...but back to Beltran and Boston. Let's pretend money isnt an issue and Boston could offer him X amount of dollars. Boston should then get Ortiz to learn to play 1B. Move Manny to DH. Then shift Damon to left and have Beltran play center. Easier said than done but thats what I would do but I have no power so who cares, haha
Kudos E on wanting to resign Veritek. Not very many switch hitting catchers, that have some pop, decent average, and can throw out baserunners.
I think the guy is under rated.
I think the guy is under rated.
Varitek. Rhymes with blech.
Okay, maybe he's not quite that bad, but ...
- he'll be 33 next year - catchers, on average, have distinctly shorter careers, so watch out - he's already had health problems
- sure, he's got some pop and overall decent offensive numbers - the most attractive of which, frankly, aren't the dingers but the walks - but, look at his home/road split and tell me he doesn't benefit from playing in Fenway:
home - .336 / .431 / .528
road - .256 / .348 / .436
Not convinced? How about 2003?:
home - .305 / .384 / .555
road - .242 / .318 / .472
- his defensive numbers are not very good - he CAN'T throw out baserunners, for one thing - he's one of the ten worst over the last three years - this year, he rated dead last in terms of caught stealing percentage while allowing the second most stolen bases in the AL - last year, third-worst percentage, fifth-most allowed - 2002, worst percentage, second-most allowed - he hasn't *ever* been able to shut down a running game
- he's coming off a terrible, 2001-era $15 million, three-year contract - unless he's willing to accept a HUGE pay cut, he's simply not worth it
Anyone interested in a 33 year old, .250 hitting catcher, who can't throw anyone out?
I didn't think so.
He's of more value in Fenway, where he can actually hit a little, but then again so is almost everyone.
Don't get me wrong - he's a useful player, but he's past the age where he's going to get better, he's already had health problems, and his defensive game is shoddy. I know the AL is thin in catching at this point in history, but they have young options they should investigate.
Okay, maybe he's not quite that bad, but ...
- he'll be 33 next year - catchers, on average, have distinctly shorter careers, so watch out - he's already had health problems
- sure, he's got some pop and overall decent offensive numbers - the most attractive of which, frankly, aren't the dingers but the walks - but, look at his home/road split and tell me he doesn't benefit from playing in Fenway:
home - .336 / .431 / .528
road - .256 / .348 / .436
Not convinced? How about 2003?:
home - .305 / .384 / .555
road - .242 / .318 / .472
- his defensive numbers are not very good - he CAN'T throw out baserunners, for one thing - he's one of the ten worst over the last three years - this year, he rated dead last in terms of caught stealing percentage while allowing the second most stolen bases in the AL - last year, third-worst percentage, fifth-most allowed - 2002, worst percentage, second-most allowed - he hasn't *ever* been able to shut down a running game
- he's coming off a terrible, 2001-era $15 million, three-year contract - unless he's willing to accept a HUGE pay cut, he's simply not worth it
Anyone interested in a 33 year old, .250 hitting catcher, who can't throw anyone out?
I didn't think so.
He's of more value in Fenway, where he can actually hit a little, but then again so is almost everyone.
Don't get me wrong - he's a useful player, but he's past the age where he's going to get better, he's already had health problems, and his defensive game is shoddy. I know the AL is thin in catching at this point in history, but they have young options they should investigate.
Kelly Shoppach, their heir apparent behind the plate, had a reasonable year at Pawtucket, and should start the year as the backup - to someone. He's among the best young catchers in the game - with Joe Mauer, Victor Martinez (of course), and Dioner Navarro.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sox resign Varitek, but it shouldn't be for more than two years, and it shouldn't be for as much as he made the last time around.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sox resign Varitek, but it shouldn't be for more than two years, and it shouldn't be for as much as he made the last time around.
I would hardly say Veritek's skills are already in decline. His average has gone up steadily in each of his last 4 years. His power numbers dipped a little this year, and yes his home numbers are considerably better than his road numbers, although he hit for more power on the road, but with the spacious outfield, and the Greenmonster to shoot for, that park is ideal for a switch hitter that can put a bat on the ball, and hit for some power. His numbers should be better at home.
.290 AVG. 20 HR, 75-85 RBI, .998 F%, hit anywhere from 2nd to 9th in the line up, .872 OPS (only Posada and Rodriguez were better for catchers).
I say sign him Epstein.
If you're listening.
LOL
.290 AVG. 20 HR, 75-85 RBI, .998 F%, hit anywhere from 2nd to 9th in the line up, .872 OPS (only Posada and Rodriguez were better for catchers).
I say sign him Epstein.
If you're listening.
LOL
I didn't say his numbers were already in decline. I said he's already had health problems. Which should be a big red flag if you're looking to sign a 33 year-old catcher. His numbers have gone up for the last couple of years as he recuperates from his elbow injury.
Care to bet on an improvement next year? .... That's the point.
He didn't hit for more power on the road - he slugged about eighty points worse in both of the last two years. THAT'S power, not homeruns.
No doubt, his numbers should be better at home. Unfortunately, so should (and are) everyone else's. I'll grant that his improvement hitting in Fenway is larger than most - which is why I said he's more valuable there than to other teams. If he switches cities, watch his numbers drop.
Again, comparing him with catchers, you've got to adjust for park effects. He wasn't the third-best hitting catcher by OPS once you do this. I'll also grant, however, that he doesn't drop many spots - this is mostly due to the dearth of good hitting catchers around the AL these days. But, you could drop in half a dozen guys who would *easily* duplicate his numbers in Fenway. And if he ain't that much better than the rest offensively, what's he playing for? It sure ain't his defense. That .998 Fielding Percentage you quoted is about as useful in determining a catcher's defensive value as how many times he was hit by a pitch determines his power. He's a poor defender. Really.
And, if Jason Varitek's hitting "anywhere from 2 to 9" - well, let's just say that if he's hitting third or fourth, your team has big problems. LOL
Epstein will probably sign him, as I indicated. For two years, eight million dollars - which is more than he's worth.
Anyway, the guy CAN'T throw.
Care to bet on an improvement next year? .... That's the point.
He didn't hit for more power on the road - he slugged about eighty points worse in both of the last two years. THAT'S power, not homeruns.
No doubt, his numbers should be better at home. Unfortunately, so should (and are) everyone else's. I'll grant that his improvement hitting in Fenway is larger than most - which is why I said he's more valuable there than to other teams. If he switches cities, watch his numbers drop.
Again, comparing him with catchers, you've got to adjust for park effects. He wasn't the third-best hitting catcher by OPS once you do this. I'll also grant, however, that he doesn't drop many spots - this is mostly due to the dearth of good hitting catchers around the AL these days. But, you could drop in half a dozen guys who would *easily* duplicate his numbers in Fenway. And if he ain't that much better than the rest offensively, what's he playing for? It sure ain't his defense. That .998 Fielding Percentage you quoted is about as useful in determining a catcher's defensive value as how many times he was hit by a pitch determines his power. He's a poor defender. Really.
And, if Jason Varitek's hitting "anywhere from 2 to 9" - well, let's just say that if he's hitting third or fourth, your team has big problems. LOL
Epstein will probably sign him, as I indicated. For two years, eight million dollars - which is more than he's worth.
Anyway, the guy CAN'T throw.
chemistry 101
Man I can't believe how fast Yankee fans are writing off Giambi. Varitek's #'s may not be the best, but I think recent history has told us the importance of chemistry. Looking at them on paper, how in the hell do Pistons beat the Lakers? How do the Patriots win 19 straight with that line up? How didn't the Yankees out score everyone by 20 runs? How did the US Olympic team get beat so badly? I believe the Yankees may think twice before running out and paying any price for a big name ex-MVP mercenary to fix their problems. I would also love to see Beltran or Delgado say "I'm going to play where I want to play, instead of taking the highest offer." I know, wishful thinking.
One other thought. Anyone else wonder why with the success of Wakefield there aren't more knuckleballers around. Is it that difficult to master this art? Regarding Lowe, would you rather have a guy who wins during the regular season, but crumbles during the playoffs, or a guy who may have some troubles during the season, but is clutch at pressure time? Depending on the #'s, I think they might keep Lowe.
Man I can't believe how fast Yankee fans are writing off Giambi. Varitek's #'s may not be the best, but I think recent history has told us the importance of chemistry. Looking at them on paper, how in the hell do Pistons beat the Lakers? How do the Patriots win 19 straight with that line up? How didn't the Yankees out score everyone by 20 runs? How did the US Olympic team get beat so badly? I believe the Yankees may think twice before running out and paying any price for a big name ex-MVP mercenary to fix their problems. I would also love to see Beltran or Delgado say "I'm going to play where I want to play, instead of taking the highest offer." I know, wishful thinking.
One other thought. Anyone else wonder why with the success of Wakefield there aren't more knuckleballers around. Is it that difficult to master this art? Regarding Lowe, would you rather have a guy who wins during the regular season, but crumbles during the playoffs, or a guy who may have some troubles during the season, but is clutch at pressure time? Depending on the #'s, I think they might keep Lowe.
There is a possibility that Delgado could be back in Toronto next year, His agent is having talks directly with Paul Godfrey. His agent Dave sloan was called up by Bob McCowan on Prime Time sports yesterday, although he didn't go on the air he did confirm that they are haveing talks and they are very optimistic that somthing can be worked out. Now the question is, why is Paul Godfrey having discussions with Delgados agent and not J.P.......Could there be difference of opinion amongst the two on the value of Delgado. Or could J.P be losing his power. Stay tuned.
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the yanks will not sign delgado. everyone seems to be forgetting jason giambi. and, if the yanks do add another bat, it will be the bat of free agent to be, outfielder carlos beltran. yanks will be going after pitching!!!
delgado goes to one of three places. likeliest is he stays here in TO. second likeliest, is baltimore. third, the dodgers. the only team that coud step in and muddy the whole situation, is the white sox.
Plyrs99
delgado goes to one of three places. likeliest is he stays here in TO. second likeliest, is baltimore. third, the dodgers. the only team that coud step in and muddy the whole situation, is the white sox.
Plyrs99
Nobody's forgetting Giambi. Well, *I'm* not, anyway. I said several posts ago I thought there was a decent chance they'd just give him away and move on to the next best bet at first - something they've done before.
They could go after pitching, Delgado, AND Beltran. What's to stop them? Payroll concerns?!
*falls over laughing*
1 - Toronto; 2 - LA; 3 - Baltimore; 4 - NYY
They could go after pitching, Delgado, AND Beltran. What's to stop them? Payroll concerns?!
*falls over laughing*
1 - Toronto; 2 - LA; 3 - Baltimore; 4 - NYY
I paid Ted Rogers just under $3200 last year when I figure my cellular phone, my cable t.v and internet.
Message to Ted Rogers:
You should be ashamed of yourself. Use the same balls that made you what you are today and compete against Steinbrenner instead of walking around with the once proud Blue Jays hat in hand asking for charity. SPEND SOME MONEY AND BUILD A CONTENDING TEAM YOU CHEAP BASTARD!!
Message to Ted Rogers:
You should be ashamed of yourself. Use the same balls that made you what you are today and compete against Steinbrenner instead of walking around with the once proud Blue Jays hat in hand asking for charity. SPEND SOME MONEY AND BUILD A CONTENDING TEAM YOU CHEAP BASTARD!!
Why aren't there more knuckleballers?
Yeah Wakefield is streaky, and he usually pitches around .500 ball.
But a 12-12 season is still good enough for 6 or 7 mil a year.
I gotta learn to toss the knuckler!!!!
Yeah Wakefield is streaky, and he usually pitches around .500 ball.
But a 12-12 season is still good enough for 6 or 7 mil a year.
I gotta learn to toss the knuckler!!!!
I think knuckleballers are sort of a self-limiting class - if there are too many of them at one time, guys will learn how to hit them better.
That having been said, there's probably room for more, but baseball minds are some of the most conservative in all of sports.
That having been said, there's probably room for more, but baseball minds are some of the most conservative in all of sports.
Its not an easy pitch to throw for strikes and most teams won't spend the time or money to develop a knucleball pitcher unless he has outstanding stats. Wakefield's rookie year with the Pirates was unbelievable thus when he fell on hard times the Sox gave him a shot at recapturing his old self. Had he been a mediocre knuckleballer he never would have gotten the shot. But since then the Sox have put the time and money to helping him when he faulters (they bring in Phil Niekro & Charlie Hough on occasion to work with Wake). Wakefield eats innings and is a solid 3 or 4 guy in the rotation...ScottyJop said:
