2014 Offseason Plans Thread

[Hambombs]

Cruz has never been shy about saying how much playing defense means to him. I know many of you would say it doesn't show but he puts in a lot more work on his defense than he does on his offense… he has said that himself.

Yeah but is he commanding a full time job in the outfield with the team he signs with?

 

[jta4437]

Yeah but is he commanding a full time job in the outfield with the team he signs with?

Based on his salary demands...yes

 

[Justinkm83]

I keep reading that signing Cruz leaves us without a leadoff hitter (which is true), but signing Choo leaves us without anyone protecting Beltre. Don't give me Rios because that doesn't hold water. We are 2 bats away from a good line-up. The problem is JD sounds content.

 

[Justinkm83]

Did Cruz say he wants a full time outfield job?

I have a different opinion than most on this. I do think Cruz wants to play in the field, but I can see him being ok with some OF AB's, and the rest at DH. I don't think it's a secret that Cruz wants to be back here. If JD goes to 3 years for him I believe Cruz would ok a platoon situation. Obviously, I would want most of his AB's at DH.


If Choo also signed then you could rest Choo some against lefties with Cruz in RF/LF with Choice DHing.

 

[jta4437]

I keep reading that signing Cruz leaves us without a leadoff hitter (which is true), but signing Choo leaves us without anyone protecting Beltre. Don't give me Rios because that doesn't hold water. We are 2 bats away from a good line-up. The problem is JD sounds content.

The need for a leadoff hitter >>>>>>>>>> the need for a #5 hitter

 

[jta4437]

I have a different opinion than most on this. I do think Cruz wants to play in the field, but I can see him being ok with some OF AB's, and the rest at DH. I don't think it's a secret that Cruz wants to be back here. If JD goes to 3 years for him I believe Cruz would ok a platoon situation. Obviously, I would want most of his AB's at DH.


If Choo also signed then you could rest Choo some against lefties with Cruz in RF/LF with Choice DHing.

Why would you DH Choice to play Cruz in the OF? seems foolish

 

[Justinkm83]

Why would you DH Choice to play Cruz in the OF? seems foolish

To get Cruz his PT in the OF that he needs to come here. It's not foolish if JD has to make some kind of promise to him.

 

[Justinkm83]

The need for a leadoff hitter >>>>>>>>>> the need for a #5 hitter

That's not an easy comparison. You would probably rethink that when Beltre gets nothing to hit. Rios in the 5 hole is as big of a problem as Martin in the leadoff spot. Neither are capable of doing the job required from that spot.

 

[Justinkm83]

Why would you DH Choice to play Cruz in the OF? seems foolish

You could also DH Moreland with Cruz in the OF. Plenty of options. Cruz would just have to ok the idea of having most of his AB's at DH. I thikn Choice will get time in the OF no matter who we sign.

 

[jta4437]

That's not an easy comparison. You would probably rethink that when Beltre gets nothing to hit. Rios in the 5 hole is as big of a problem as Martin in the leadoff spot. Neither are capable of doing the job required from that spot.

Just put it this way, I don't agree, we can just leave it at that

 

[jta4437]

You could also DH Moreland with Cruz in the OF. Plenty of options. Cruz would just have to ok the idea of having most of his AB's at DH. I thikn Choice will get time in the OF no matter who we sign.

That's why you don't promise substandard defenders time in the field to get them to sign, thats bad business

 

[jamesx122]

That's not an easy comparison. You would probably rethink that when Beltre gets nothing to hit. Rios in the 5 hole is as big of a problem as Martin in the leadoff spot. Neither are capable of doing the job required from that spot.

Lineup protection isn't that much of an issue though, it's mostly proven to either be a myth or have a very small impact on how the "protected" batter does. If anything it's more important to bat with guys on base because the pitcher might be pitching from the stretch

What Would Lineup Protection Look Like? | FanGraphs Baseball

 

[romeo212000]

Lineup protection isn't that much of an issue though, it's mostly proven to either be a myth or have a very small impact on how the "protected" batter does. If anything it's more important to bat with guys on base because the pitcher might be pitching from the stretch

What Would Lineup Protection Look Like? | FanGraphs Baseball

Exactly, you can't drive a guy in if they're not on base.

 

[Justinkm83]

That's why you don't promise substandard defenders time in the field to get them to sign, thats bad business

You do if you want to contend. This line-up is average.

 

[Justinkm83]

Lineup protection isn't that much of an issue though, it's mostly proven to either be a myth or have a very small impact on how the "protected" batter does. If anything it's more important to bat with guys on base because the pitcher might be pitching from the stretch

What Would Lineup Protection Look Like? | FanGraphs Baseball

Line-up protection is a myth? That's a new one. Ask Cabrera after this year whether he thinks it's a myth.

 

[romeo212000]

You do if you want to contend. This line-up is average.

How long does he really improve the lineup, and how much really? Baseball is a game played on both sides of the diamond. We need men on base before worrying about a 5 hole hitter to drive people in who won't even be there.

 

[Justinkm83]

How long does he really improve the lineup, and how much really? Baseball is a game played on both sides of the diamond. We need men on base before worrying about a 5 hole hitter to drive people in who won't even be there.

Why wouldn't Elvis, Fielder, and Beltre be on base? I think my comment is being mis-construed a little. I think both spots are important, and I don't like Martin in the lead-off spot or Rios in the 5 hole. If Rios is your 5 hole hitter you have a weak line-up. Beltre won't get as many chances to knock someone in w/ Rios behind him.

 

[romeo212000]

Why wouldn't Elvis, Fielder, and Beltre be on base? I think my comment is being mis-construed a little. I think both spots are important, and I don't like Martin in the lead-off spot or Rios in the 5 hole. If Rios is your 5 hole hitter you have a weak line-up. Beltre won't get as many chances to knock someone in w/ Rios behind him.

Beltre did fine with nobody worth a damn behind him last year. Aj protects nobody. Your leadoff guy is far more important than your fifth hitter. I can't believe we're even having this discussion.

 

[lainey12]

And it's so near my one restaurant recommendation to you

Seriously it's total food p.o.r.n.

that's not exactly how I described it to my family
lol
She already mentioned it was close, so hopefully we go and I can we can chat about the food p.o.r.n.

 

[lainey12]

I have to agree with the sentiments that obtaining Choo is far more important than worrying about Beltre's protection.

Not that I wouldn't love Cruz behind Beltre, but I really like Rios in RF.
If only money wasn't an issue we could tell Cruz, "look, this is a gross overpay buddy, you're DHing...take it or leave it"