12-18-2008, 08:56 PM
<!--quoteo(post=5867:date=Dec 18 2008, 06:51 PM:name=Runnys)-->QUOTE (Runnys @ Dec 18 2008, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=5863:date=Dec 18 2008, 06:47 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Dec 18 2008, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->It's tough for me to imagine how you can compare a 29 year-old guy coming off a year in which he placed 3rd in the MVP vote, and had a 143 OPS+,
to a 35 year-old with a 120 OPS+.
Plus, Youk won a Gold Glove <i>after switching positions</i>, which would seem to indicate that he could make the switch to full-time RF easily (a position he's played before).<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I see how it works now...we just compare SINGLE seasons instead of CAREER numbers....now I understand [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]
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Runnys, when you're dealing with a declining 35 year-old (in the post-steroids era), I think you have to focus on how that player has played in the last couple seasons. Abreu has virtually zero chance to get better, and a high chance of getting worse, whereas Dunn and Youkilis are likely to play similarly to how they've played in the past couple seasons for at least 2-3 more years.
I know that Abreu has had a great career, and like you, I've always liked him. But when projecting how he'll play over the next 2-3 seasons, I don't believe his exploits in the late-90's on the Phillies have any relevance.
to a 35 year-old with a 120 OPS+.
Plus, Youk won a Gold Glove <i>after switching positions</i>, which would seem to indicate that he could make the switch to full-time RF easily (a position he's played before).<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I see how it works now...we just compare SINGLE seasons instead of CAREER numbers....now I understand [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Runnys, when you're dealing with a declining 35 year-old (in the post-steroids era), I think you have to focus on how that player has played in the last couple seasons. Abreu has virtually zero chance to get better, and a high chance of getting worse, whereas Dunn and Youkilis are likely to play similarly to how they've played in the past couple seasons for at least 2-3 more years.
I know that Abreu has had a great career, and like you, I've always liked him. But when projecting how he'll play over the next 2-3 seasons, I don't believe his exploits in the late-90's on the Phillies have any relevance.
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