05-22-2009, 06:51 PM
<!--quoteo(post=39488:date=May 22 2009, 05:12 PM:name=Clapp)-->QUOTE (Clapp @ May 22 2009, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=39482:date=May 22 2009, 03:08 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ May 22 2009, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Small sample size, I know. But this year, Freel's OPS+ is.................five.
(5)
3 singles for 2009
Will he "turn it around" at age 33? How does this man have a job? How does he have a career? He's basically a much worse Aaron Miles, yet he's made nearly $8 million dollars in his career.
(I don't know that much about him, but I assume that he must be an Ozzie Smith-caliber fielder, correct? That would be the only plausible explanation for his continued employment.)<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Freel's been one of the best utility men in baseball for years. He can play a bunch of positions adequately, he plays harder than anybody on the team, has some very good speed, and is a .270+ hitter when he's right. He's useful. You need to throw away OPS+ for some players in baseball, that's not a fair way to measure a player like Freel.
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1. "He plays hard."
Completely irrelevant. If we're basing playing time on style points, let's bring Will Clark and his gorgeous swing out of retirement. If Freel can't hit, his hustle doesn't matter.
2. "OPS+ is a bad way to judge how a player hits."
(obviously I'm not quoting you exactly) Do you have a better way? I'm all for hearing it. Batting average has not been a serious way to judge offensive contribution since the '90's.
3. "He's been one of the best utility guys for years."
Totally, completely irrelevant. Pedro Martinez was a #1 ace for years. The question is,
How can they help the 2009 Cubs?
If we just wanted a guy who could "play a bunch of positions adequately," and not hit, Cedeno can do that. Aaron Miles.
Fuck these lousy "utility" guys who can't hit their way out of a paper bag. What is Jim's fetish for this shit?!
Anyway, I applaud your spirit Clappie, but I disagree with you on this one.
(5)
3 singles for 2009
Will he "turn it around" at age 33? How does this man have a job? How does he have a career? He's basically a much worse Aaron Miles, yet he's made nearly $8 million dollars in his career.
(I don't know that much about him, but I assume that he must be an Ozzie Smith-caliber fielder, correct? That would be the only plausible explanation for his continued employment.)<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Freel's been one of the best utility men in baseball for years. He can play a bunch of positions adequately, he plays harder than anybody on the team, has some very good speed, and is a .270+ hitter when he's right. He's useful. You need to throw away OPS+ for some players in baseball, that's not a fair way to measure a player like Freel.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
1. "He plays hard."
Completely irrelevant. If we're basing playing time on style points, let's bring Will Clark and his gorgeous swing out of retirement. If Freel can't hit, his hustle doesn't matter.
2. "OPS+ is a bad way to judge how a player hits."
(obviously I'm not quoting you exactly) Do you have a better way? I'm all for hearing it. Batting average has not been a serious way to judge offensive contribution since the '90's.
3. "He's been one of the best utility guys for years."
Totally, completely irrelevant. Pedro Martinez was a #1 ace for years. The question is,
How can they help the 2009 Cubs?
If we just wanted a guy who could "play a bunch of positions adequately," and not hit, Cedeno can do that. Aaron Miles.
Fuck these lousy "utility" guys who can't hit their way out of a paper bag. What is Jim's fetish for this shit?!
Anyway, I applaud your spirit Clappie, but I disagree with you on this one.
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