09-03-2009, 06:24 PM
Bradley may be hitting .270, but his OBP is nearly .400, and that's a <i>significantly</i> more important stat.
It's tough to blame the Cubs' performance on Milt, even if he hasn't played as well as he did last season. He's played well. Soriano has <b>sucked.</b>
Vitamin B, I'm curious as to who you wanted Jim to sign last winter? You really can't go wrong with whoever you say: everyone knew Dunn would hit a ton, and of course he's 3rd in the league in OPS (behind Pujols and Fielder, ahead of Hanley Ramirez and Chase Utley). And both Ibanez and Abreu have had outstanding/surprising seasons, and have been a big part of helping their respective teams into 1st place.
My order would have been:
Dunn
Bradley
Ibanez
Abreu
and I admit that Bradley has probably played 4th best of that group. But over the length of the 3-year deal, I still believe that he'll outperform Ibanez and Abreu. (and, btw, as of today, Bradley's OPS+ is 111, and Abreu's is 113. Considering that Milt is a much better baserunner, and a much better fielder (because Abreu is terrible), I think it's arguable that's he's been better than Abreu even <i>this</i> year.)
It's tough to blame the Cubs' performance on Milt, even if he hasn't played as well as he did last season. He's played well. Soriano has <b>sucked.</b>
Vitamin B, I'm curious as to who you wanted Jim to sign last winter? You really can't go wrong with whoever you say: everyone knew Dunn would hit a ton, and of course he's 3rd in the league in OPS (behind Pujols and Fielder, ahead of Hanley Ramirez and Chase Utley). And both Ibanez and Abreu have had outstanding/surprising seasons, and have been a big part of helping their respective teams into 1st place.
My order would have been:
Dunn
Bradley
Ibanez
Abreu
and I admit that Bradley has probably played 4th best of that group. But over the length of the 3-year deal, I still believe that he'll outperform Ibanez and Abreu. (and, btw, as of today, Bradley's OPS+ is 111, and Abreu's is 113. Considering that Milt is a much better baserunner, and a much better fielder (because Abreu is terrible), I think it's arguable that's he's been better than Abreu even <i>this</i> year.)
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