CarlECreasman
- 221 comments
- 47 likes given
- 135 likes received
Bio not provided
@Mike Petriello I am not trying to make the argument Loney vs Ryan. I am simply saying be consistent. If hitting (or lack of it) is sufficient to override defense at one position, it should also do that at any other position other than pitcher. Sorry, but Ryan's defense does not justify putting an out in the lineup.
@Deuce Deuce, I have not said that Ryan was the centerpiece, I simply asked for an explanation as to why we used hitting, regardless of defense to justify moving Loney but now ignore poor hitting because of good defense to justify getting Ryan. If we feel that Loney's poor hitting is sufficient reason to move him (I am pleased with the trade for A Gon, by the way) then that same argument should also be sufficient reason to not accept Ryan. Ryan's error numbers in 2010 and 2011 are significant and lead to the question "is he starting downhill?" He had 17 errors in 2011 and 15 in 2011 (in 16 fewer games and 72 fewer chances in 2011) Obviously I see defense differently than most on this blog but I do feel that we should be consistent in our positions.
@Mike Petriello I disagree on the "WAY" more importance but I do agree that Rameriz is below average. I am confident that there are many pitchers who who really appreciate a first baseman who can dig the balls out of the dirt which Loney could certainly do. As far as I am concerned, defense at both positions are important so I just have a hard time seeing the difference to the point of ignoring defense at one position to promote moving a weak hitting player and then turn around and take the opposite position on another position. I am not trying to revisit the Loney trade but I do not want to see the Dodgers reverse the situation at Short.
Good post, Mike but I have one point that I just can not understand. All of last year I was slammed constantly because of my support for a first baseman, who many of you do not want me to name, because his hitting had sunk to a very low level yet you are promoting a shortstop with similar stats because of his defense. If my memory serves me well (it does) that unnamed first baseman - Loney was and is one of the best defensive first basemen in the Major Leagues. Can you please explain to me what the difference is? Reviewing Ryan's fielding state shows me that he is not that much better than Gordon when you consider that Gordon is in his 2nd year and only 24 while Ryan is 30 and in his 6th season. I am confident that by the time Gordan is in his 6th season and has reached 30 he will not only be as good defensively but will also a better offensive presence than Ryan. I am not especially pleased with the prospects of an Eithier trade but I sure do not want to trade him for the likes of Ryan.
@Tycho Blue I basicly agree but think that this lineup give the security needed to allow Dee to grow into the position. In my opinion, Dee is a much better SS even now that Rameriz is. I realize he does not hit well yet but we need to develop him.
@Mike Petriello I agree that there will be more deals but I still do not see any sense in this one. I guess time will tell.
I thought that everyone agreed we needed a right handed batter. This is what everyone replied when I asked why we were looking for someone else when we have Gwynn. Schumaker is obviously a better hitter against right handed pitchers but this still does not meet the need for a right handed back-up outfielder or a back-up first baseman.
@LA Woman Thanks. It does not bother me in the least for someone to disagree but really burns me to be treated like an idiot. And then we have some on here who delight in using language that they know I don't like just because I have made an issue of it. I try to respect the other posters but guess that it is too much to ask for respect in return.
It is so rewarding to see that so many of you are excited to see me back. I guess to really be accepted I need to cuss and call everyone stupid or at least talk as if their comments are stupid. Sorry I misspelled his name and am glad someone noted that. I do realize that a righty would be better but still am not convinced that we have so many more attractive options. I do appreciate the serious responses even thought they were few in number. Capnsparrow, thanks for your kind words.
Mike, it has been a while since I have commented although I have read with great interest all of your reviews and comments since the season has completed. I am very excited about the players added and, like everyone else watching to see what other changes may be coming. Like you, I am not excited about Ramirez at short and also have similar concerns about Cruz so I really do not want to trade Gordon since I feel he will develop into an exceptional SS. The other elements of your trade sound ok but I would not let Gordon go in that speculation. I would bundle Pederson, Withrow, Uribe and perhaps another lesser prospect in that deal to see if it can get done.
Now, I have a question. You have said multiple times that we need a capable outfielder, one who can cover center which I agree with but I never see any mention of Guinn. I understand that it would be better to have a right handed batter but I do not see an overabundance of possibilities out there who are that much better at the plate than Guinn, so why is he not being considered for this position? Am I missing something? Is he a cancer in the clubhouse of something? Please give us your thoughts other than the obvious that this individual should be a righty. Assume for a moment that there is not a right handed option that provides any better, or as good, offensive stats than Guinn and discuss the pros and cons of that choice option. thanks.
@Deuce Thanks for the info, Duece but it simply confirms my opinion. I don't really question Hanley's effort as much as the range which you correctly point out is in Dee's favor. I do not even consider Dee's offense vs Hanleys or Cruz because I propose replacing M Ellis. In my opinion the contract issue does not matter here although you are probably correct. Ellis could be a utility player and put Hanley at 3rd, Dee or Cruz at short and the other at 2nd. I believe that Dee will eventually be a top notch short stop of all star caliber. I am not sure if Cruz will produce long term but think we should give him a try. I suspect that the run differential between Dee and Hanley lies in the improved offense after Hanley came o board vs what we had when Dee was the starter.
BTW, I love these type discussions when we can talk about the merits of the individual players.
@Deuce Well with Ramirez you don't have to hold your breath, you already know that it will be an infield single. I would rather hold my breath and see a fantastic play turned in every once in a while and sure outs made as well as double plays. I do not see that in Ramirez. I realize that Dee is not a top notch SS yet but I believe that, given the chance he will develop into one but Ramariz will never be one.
@Deuce in my opinion, most of Dee's errors were from rushing too much which is usually from youth and he also had some errors due to range - he was trying for balls that Rameriz would not even get close to.
@Deuce @EephusBlue @capnsparrow @Mike Petriello Sorry, Deuce but I do not agree that he is a whole lot better than Dee. I have been impressed with Cruze and believe that he deserves a full shot but I think he would fit better at 2nd. I absolutely would not put Rameriz at SS.
@Mike Petriello Good point on the missed time and confidence. Guess I would reserve opinion until I saw how he does in spring training.
@Mike Petriello Mike I think we may be more in tune than you might have thought. I have the same concerns about Cruz and certainly do not feel that Rameriz can cover short. Not sure I agree with sending Dee back to minors now but do agree that they jumped on him too quickly when Furcal got hurt 2 years ago. I think Cruz was a breath of fresh air but am unsure if he is a full time player. I feel that Dee's bigest problem will be in his hitting for a while but with the personnel we now have, that should not be too bit an issue.
Opinion question for all of you. Mike I would especially appreciate your opinion on this issue. (No it is not religion LOL) I think that we have a fairly set lineup in the outfield when Crawford and Kemp return and 1st is set with AGon but I feel that 2nd 3rd and short are still somewhat in limbo. I appreciate what Ellis did this year but considering his age, I think we should make a move here. It is my opinion that, Ned not withstanding, Rameriz is not a quality ss and we need to either give Dee (who most baseball people feel will be a very good shortstop with age and maturity) another shot or put Cruz there and move Rameriz back to 3rd. This leaves 2nd to be dealt with and I am suggesting that we put Cruz at 2nd and put Dee at short. The alternative would be Dee at 2nd and Cruz at short. I would like some meaningful discussion on this issue. I understand in advance that some do not think Dee is a ML quality SS but I don't agree with this and it appears that many others do not either. Let's talk about it.
@el serracho @VietnamDodger I'll take the cheese if it is good cheddar!
@el serracho Actually I do come up with some good points when people listen and don't let other issues cloud the points made.
@Deuce @CarlECreasman I am sure you are correct but he is the one person who returned the stolen base to baseball. I can't understand why baseball does not recognize this and give him his rightful place in the hall.