05-03-2010, 04:23 PM
Pierre is a guy who was born at the wrong time.
Had he played at any time from 1947 to the '90's, he would have been revered as a speedy guy who "will hit .300 every now and then, and can put up 200 hits in his sleep. Plus, he's a gamer...never misses a start."
Nowadays, we look at other things; the large number of hits is a result of playing every game and leading off, and never walking. Thus, he leads the league in OUTS nearly every year he plays. Stolen bases aren't nearly as valuable as once perceived, especially when you're getting caught stealing at a solid clip.
And to have no power (in his case, zero), used to be perfectly acceptable for a leadoff guy ("hey, he's a table-stter"), until it dawned on people that, oh, you mean if the leadoff guy homers, it actually counts? Pierre has zero power.
Did I mention that he's probably the best bunter in the majors? At one time (especially if he played for Don Baylor) this was thought to be a big deal. Now, it's thought to be like having a really good dial-up internet connection.
I actually liked Pierre more than most Cub fans. I loved his effort. I liked the fact that in 162 games in CF, he didn't make a single error. But if you're trying to actually "win ballgames," he isn't the best choice. Thus, I'm glad that kW and Ozzie think he has value.
Had he played at any time from 1947 to the '90's, he would have been revered as a speedy guy who "will hit .300 every now and then, and can put up 200 hits in his sleep. Plus, he's a gamer...never misses a start."
Nowadays, we look at other things; the large number of hits is a result of playing every game and leading off, and never walking. Thus, he leads the league in OUTS nearly every year he plays. Stolen bases aren't nearly as valuable as once perceived, especially when you're getting caught stealing at a solid clip.
And to have no power (in his case, zero), used to be perfectly acceptable for a leadoff guy ("hey, he's a table-stter"), until it dawned on people that, oh, you mean if the leadoff guy homers, it actually counts? Pierre has zero power.
Did I mention that he's probably the best bunter in the majors? At one time (especially if he played for Don Baylor) this was thought to be a big deal. Now, it's thought to be like having a really good dial-up internet connection.
I actually liked Pierre more than most Cub fans. I loved his effort. I liked the fact that in 162 games in CF, he didn't make a single error. But if you're trying to actually "win ballgames," he isn't the best choice. Thus, I'm glad that kW and Ozzie think he has value.
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