03-06-2009, 07:40 PM
I'm trying to imagine a scenario where Pierre, if he were free (ie, the Dodgers ate all or most of the $28 Million left on his contract) could be useful:
Hmm...he might be a good late-inning guy; pinch-runner, or bunter.
As tom implied, he's one of the best bunters in baseball. So, say your team is down by one run in the top of the 9th, and your leadoff man gets on. Bring in Pierre to bunt him over, and with his speed, there's even a decent chance that it won't be a pure sacrifice...Pierre might wind up safe at first. Then, you'll have the potentially winning run on first, in the form of the very fast Pierre.
Then he'd be a good defensive replacement in the next half-inning, as long as he didn't have to make a throw.
Presto: Pierre as a valuable cog in a championship team's machine.
Hmm...he might be a good late-inning guy; pinch-runner, or bunter.
As tom implied, he's one of the best bunters in baseball. So, say your team is down by one run in the top of the 9th, and your leadoff man gets on. Bring in Pierre to bunt him over, and with his speed, there's even a decent chance that it won't be a pure sacrifice...Pierre might wind up safe at first. Then, you'll have the potentially winning run on first, in the form of the very fast Pierre.
Then he'd be a good defensive replacement in the next half-inning, as long as he didn't have to make a throw.
Presto: Pierre as a valuable cog in a championship team's machine.
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