01-14-2009, 11:31 PM
Blanco is an infinitely better defensive catcher than LoDuca, so unless LoDuca outhits him by a ton, he's a downgrade from Hank. And since when do we need 3 full-time catchers?
Also, LoDuca made $5 Million last year. Obviously he'll get a paycut, but why pay one dollar more than the $380,000 minimum to a guy who might catch 5 games all year? This is exacly why Jim had to trade DeRosa: he signs a bunch of replacement-level players to 2-3 million dollar deals, then wonders where all the money went...so when a legit good player like Bradley comes along, he has to scramble for the $ to sign the guy.
Also, LoDuca made $5 Million last year. Obviously he'll get a paycut, but why pay one dollar more than the $380,000 minimum to a guy who might catch 5 games all year? This is exacly why Jim had to trade DeRosa: he signs a bunch of replacement-level players to 2-3 million dollar deals, then wonders where all the money went...so when a legit good player like Bradley comes along, he has to scramble for the $ to sign the guy.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance