The Newest Royal: Juan Cruz
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 4:51 PM EST
322 comments
About 11 months ago, I happily welcomed Ramon Ramirez to the Kansas City Royals. Now the Royals have acquired another good righty reliever in Juan Cruz. The contract is reportedly for two years and $5.5 million with a club option for a third year at $4 million. While the Royals and Diamondbacks discussed a sign-and-trade deal in which the Royals would give up prospect(s) instead of their second round draft pick (compensation because Cruz is a Type A free agent), in the end the Royals decided to just sign Cruz and give up the draft pick.
Dayton Moore has added one dominant pitcher to his bullpen for each of his seasons with the Royals.
2007 Joakim Soria
2008 Ramon Ramirez
2009 Juan Cruz???
Will Cruz really be the next dominant reliever for the Royals? And who is this mercurial flame thrower?
via nyyinsider.info
The Stuff
Cruz relies heavily on two pitches: a 94-95 mph fastball (topping out in the high 90's) and a much slower 81 mph slider. As you would expect from such a slow slider, it has a good deal of break. He occasionally but rarely mixes in a changeup or a curveball. The Pitch f/x data shows that Cruz's control problems come from his fastball, as he has average control over his slider and change. Cruz usually throws his fastball over-the-top, but his slider and change are usually released from a slightly lower arm slot. He uses his slider more against righties and uses his changeup almost exclusively against lefties. You can find a more detailed breakdown of his Pitch f/x data here.
The Stats
Pitching
Year
Team
G
GS
W
L
SV
CG
SHO
IP
H
R
ER
HR
BB
K
ERA
FIP
tRA
2001
CHC
8
8
3
1
0
0
0
44.2
40
16
16
4
17
39
3.22
3.74
2002
CHC
45
9
3
11
1
0
0
97.1
84
56
43
11
59
81
3.98
4.83
2003
CHC
25
6
2
7
0
0
0
61.0
66
44
41
7
28
65
6.05
4.11
4.85
2004
ATL
50
0
6
2
0
0
0
72.0
59
24
22
7
30
70
2.75
3.70
3.75
2005
OAK
28
0
0
3
0
0
0
32.2
38
33
27
5
22
34
7.44
5.32
5.49
2006
ARI
31
15
5
6
0
0
0
94.2
80
45
44
7
47
88
4.18
4.09
4.33
2007
ARI
53
0
6
1
0
0
0
61.0
45
28
21
7
32
87
3.10
3.70
3.35
2008
ARI
57
0
4
0
0
0
0
51.2
34
17
15
5
31
71
2.61
3.62
3.24
Career
297
38
29
31
1
0
0
515.0
446
263
229
53
266
535
4.00
4.13
What we see here is a struggling starting pitcher who came into his own when he was moved to the bullpen. There have been some ups and downs but there have always been a lot of strikeouts, a significant number of walks and not too many HR's. That's why his defense independent stats metrics (like FIP and tRA) have usually been good.
Some interesting things have changed in the last two years. Before 2007, Cruz's fastball usually sat at 92-93 mph. In the last two years it's usually been in the 94-95 mph range. Part of that has to do with pitching in the bullpen full-time. His approach has changed somewhat as well. In the last two years, he's been throwing his change and curve less and using his slider considerably more. Also, in the last two years his usually very good strikeout rate of about 9 K/9 has shot up to over 12 K/9. And in the last two years his GB% has gone down, while his FB% has increased significantly. It would appear that his increased velocity and new approach gets him more strikeouts but also more flyballs. The strikeouts are great, and while more flyballs are dangerous, that plays better at Kauffman Stadium than at Chase Field.
via baby-bombers.com
The History
Juan Cruz was signed as an undrafted international free agent out of Bonao, Dominican Republic in 1997 by the Chicago Cubs. After struggling in his first two professional seasons, Cruz had a breakthrough minor league season in 2000 at age 21, splitting the year between low-A and high-A. He made his major league debut the next year and pitched well for the Cubs, making eight start (3.22 ERA in 44.2 IP). He spent all of 2002 season in the majors, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen, with largely positive results (3.98 ERA in 97.1 IP). The next two seasons found Cruz in the minors more than in the majors and in 2004 he was traded to the Braves (former Brave!). He stayed with the Braves for one very good major league season (2.75 ERA, 72 IP) before being sent to Oakland as part of the Tim Hudson trade. Cruz split the 2005 season between the majors and minors with poor results and then was traded to the Diamondbacks for Brad Halsey. Since joining the Diamondbacks, Cruz has been a major asset to their bullpen, usually used as a setup man and never as a closer. His professional Saves total is 1.
So, why has such a talented player as Cruz been shipped around so much? First, while he has a live arm, he's always had control problems. Second, he has a reputation of being a million dollar arm with a ten cent head. Third, it's the nature of modern baseball that even good players get traded, and this is doubly true of relief pitchers.
Cruz has had some nagging injury problems over the years, but nothing major. The Injury Tool at fantasypitchfx.com (which is very useful) shows that over the last three years, he has been on the disabled list three times for a total of 74 days for shoulder soreness, a tricep strain and an oblique strain. Thankfully none of these involve significant structural issues (knock wood).
The Bottom Line
So who is this guy? In a lot of ways he's like Robinson Tejeda. More accurately, I'd say that Robinson Tejeda is Juan Cruz-lite. They are both largely failed starters who have succeeded in the bullpen. They both have 2-3 pitches, relying primarily on fastball, slider and changeup. They both have legitimate mid-90's power arms which get them a lot of strikeouts, but they also have control issues and give up a lot of walks. The good news is that Robinson Tejeda is (or at least was) a diamond in the rough and Cruz is a diamond that's already been polished and is sitting in a nice platinum setting. Ok, that might be a little over the top, but if I were 15 years younger, I'd say that Juan Cruz is, quite simply, the balls.
The projection systems, in varying degrees, like or love Juan Cruz.
ZiPS - 67 ip, 3.36 ERA, 11.0 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9
CHONE - 68 ip, 3.31 ERA, 11.5 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9 (3.20 FIP)
PECOTA - 57 ip, 4.33 ERA, 9.4 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9
In short, the Royals now have a dominant righty setup man if they are smart enough to use him that way and not have him pitch the seventh inning and then give the ball up to Farnsworth.
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Juan Cruz gets a 2/6 deal
Makes that Farnsworth deal look smarter and smarter…
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping to avoid too much Farnsworth contract bashing in my article
How horrible that contract was and is remains very obvious…and kind of beaten to death.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
obvious and yet...
i mean, it happened, and was done by a professional
it almost can’t be mentioned enough
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The mindnumbing...
…repetition of this complaint has almost made Royals Review (the site) unbearable. GET OVER IT. – TL
by timlacy on Feb 28, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I wonder what you would say if someone said this about a really bad teacher or president?
yes, sports aren’t as important, but it’s something we care about. That’s what this site is about — sports.
Unless you are prepared to not make any claims about Moore being a good or bad GM, you’re going to have to live with this — it all goes into his permanent record.
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This site is about being a fan of the royals
Not about being a negator.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what is a "negator?"
can I still be a fan of a team if I get mad that, say, a pitcher gave up a home run? Or is that being a “negator?”
Are loyalty oaths and non-disclosure of frustration agreements now required?
Why dont you ask RR what the site is about?
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A negator
is what Kevin Spacey and Samuel Jackson do on TNT every other Saturday, right?
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A negator is a Kevin Ketzman word
It basically means a fan who finds something wrong with EVERYTHING the team does. For example, my alma mater won their conference tonight in basketball. Awesome. A negator goes, I like the win, BUT they didn’t do a good enough job subbing or calling timeouts. I wish coach would sub better. Even though this is a 25 point victory. And then continues from there to pick apart the team and the accomplishment that has just been done. If you find yourself saying a lot of, “they should have” statements, you might be a negator.
Now, I’m not saying that you should never second guess, I’m just saying that when it becomes habitual, you should check yourself and learn to relish the positive moments when they come.
We just signed an awesome pitcher for a small amount of money. This is a key piece to our team. Let’s be exited instead of throwing out nothing but criticism.
(and I’m not familiar with TNT saturday night TV…. elaborate)
(And I would like to hear RR’s opinion. I bet he says this site is for comments about the Royals)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
*excited
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
TNT shows
“The Negotiator” quite often, it features Spacey and Jackson.
Why am I not shocked that Kietzman has a name for what he does? Talk about fucking worthless.
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
-1
For using a Kevin Kietzman word. That guy knows as much about baseball as I do about nuclear physics.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Mar 1, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know why Cruz got less guaranteed than the pr0F3550R?
Moore looked at 2005
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Hey, it worked for Jose Guillen
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus Christ
I don’t think we’ve brought up every mistake Moore has ever made in this thread yet. J.P. Howell-for-Gathright!!!!!!
My god, Moore is a completely moron. I’m going to pretend this signing didn’t even happen. It doesn’t count.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
it was another 2005 joke
I guess we can’t make those anymore, either. GobbleforCyYoung is now on the NYRoyals safe list.
Don’t worry, though, I’m sure you’re just protecting people who liked the Guillen signing, despite having yourself been right about it from the start.
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sheesh
The Guillen signing was bad. Shall we bring it up every time Moore does something good? I think you should list all of Moore’s bad moves every time he does something good. “Don’t get the wrong idea folks, Moore is a complete idiot. Ignore the positive moves. They don’t really help build a complete picture of Moore’s work.”
[Trouble in paradise! Drama is exciting]
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are misconstruing the criticism
he has a track record of trading relivers… its like, by all accounts, what he does
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't trade relievers that he's signed to multi-year multi-million dollar contracts
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
okay, let's backtrack
Top Ramen makes a joke referencing the recent “2005 fever” in some quarters of RR re: Farnsworth
devil_fingers adds on to the joke, noting that Jose Guillen should be added to the list of 2005 alumni
NYRoyals furiously responds to the jokes as if they were detailed and mean-spirited criticisms, despite himself having joked about 2005 in an earlier
d_f, instead of just letting it go like a smart person, gets irritated at the humorlessness, and responds with snark
NYRoyal, still smarting over Dayton Moore’s fall from grace, paints with the typical broad strokes because he’s the only one with a detailed, nuanced picture of what’s really going on.. despite the fact that this is like a politician responding to a comedian’s jokes at his expense with a detailed study.
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Can we just have some makeup scissoring?
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that's what she said
"Things could always be worse." - Buddy Bell
by buddyball on Feb 28, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Did
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Mar 1, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the importance of 2005!
sounds good to me lol
by GobbleforCyoung on Mar 1, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you NYRoyal
(I’m not being sarcastic or anything either!! :)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Moore is Brilliant
Moore is a completely moron? Completely???? Really? Should check the spelling before you insult someone on their intelligence. I love this deal and all of the off-season moves by the Royals. You have got to be crazy not to see that the bullpen will be a huge strength of the team.
by Rewbee on Mar 1, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is this a joke
or the sound of something flying over someone’s head
by DCRoyals on Mar 1, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes context will help your sarcasm detection.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beaten and beaten...
…and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten and beaten … – TL
by timlacy on Feb 28, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny hearing this from a Molly Ivins fan
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Molly's Dead
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Mar 1, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so... in ten months Juan Cruz will be...
I’m trying to think of a sub-replacement level, over priced position player…
somebody help me
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow
No praise for a good signing? It appears that when Moore does something bad, you bash him. And then when he does something good, you spin that into how he’s going to eventually screw up this good move by turning it into something bad.
“Joakim Soria will soon be traded for (fill in the blank).”
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well Hitler did some good stuff
he still sucked as human being.
To take the point to its ridiculously overblown extent. It’s a very good move. The bad ones didnt go away because of it.
The Allard Baird of incisive internet discourse.
by kcbottom9th on Feb 28, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well Hitler did some good stuff
sincerely,
Marge Schott
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
wow......
Great signing by GMDM.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GMDM signed Marge Schott?
Is Schottzie the canine-to-be-named-later?
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
let's leave hitler references to the venezuelan president, ahmadinejad and other commie-facist hypocrits
by royalstern05 on Feb 28, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HE MADE THE
TRAINS RUN ON TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111111111111111111
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Mar 1, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
I was mildy drunk when i posted that. It was pretty tasteless.
Sorry folks.
The Allard Baird of incisive internet discourse.
by kcbottom9th on Mar 1, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the signing
But have mixed feelings about giving up the draft pick, especially since I think Grudz will not be signed.
Waiting for April.
by DC Royal on Feb 28, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's certainly fair
The loss of a second round draft pick is a real negative here. As far as Grudz goes, I haven’t read any rumors about him retiring. So the only question is if he’s willing to take 500K-1M with some incentives to play in 2009.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A sign-and-trade would've been kind of cool
just because it almost never happens in baseball
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it is kind of like an American League manager doing a double switch
during an interleague game
"Things could always be worse." - Buddy Bell
by buddyball on Feb 28, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One other point regarding draft pick compensation
The Royals could end up getting back the equivalent of a 2nd round draft pick or better by:
1. Trading him at the deadline in 2009, 2010 or 2011.
2. Letting him go to free agency. If he’s a Type B FA, the Royals get a sandwich pick.
Not that either of those are a lock to happen, but they are factors to consider.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you
But I’d rather not wait for either potential scenario to happen and see someone sign Grudz now. That would really ease my mind.
Waiting for April.
by DC Royal on Feb 28, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't like our history
of players being injured at the deadline. Sanders, Mahay, Grudz…
i don’t think compensation for this signing is any sort of thing a person can assume.
by 9il on Feb 28, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Grudz is regretting not reneging on the 5M turndown deal with Moore this fall?
Gee, was that unclear enough syntax? duh.
by Steve Hovley on Feb 28, 2009 5:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty Damn Nearly
Enough, surely.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Mar 1, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he's pretty clearly established that he signs these guys to trade them
and the trades have been spotty
it seems like a relevant point to make
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason I'm drawing a blank beyond Nunez and Ramirez
has he traded the guys he’s signed for more than one year, or just young guys who are pre-FA
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dotel, and about 10 other minor guys
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dotel was a one-year deal (with player option)
His contract was expiring and Dotel wasn’t going to exercise his option.
How many guys has Moore signed to a multi-year deal and traded in the first year of the deal? Any?
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is the multi-year disctition really such a bright-line difference
or just a coincidental thing?
i mean, he had years of cheap control left with Nunez and ram-ram, which seems basically the same to me
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it is basically the same thing to Dayton Moore
I think he signs guys to multi-year deals when he wants to keep them for multiple years.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There was one he tried to trade..
Jose Guillen
Go Royals!
by BabyBlues on Feb 28, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did he sign Mahay to trade him?
Riske?
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its not like it still can't happen
building a bullpen with FAs isn’t exactly genius…
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Anything can happen
But Moore’s track record does not support the contention that this is what he’s going to do (sign and then trade at the deadline).
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but we shouldn’t have to call a person out before we get some thoughtful and interesting analysis. I get it, cracking a joke is easy. Thinking is hard. And if you wait to think you might not get omgFirstp0st! at the top of the thread.
Do you guys like baseball and the royals or do you just like making smart ass comments on the internet?
by sfeldkamp on Feb 28, 2009 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We like both
And we like them both a lot.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll Have To
Get back to you on that one…………..
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Mar 1, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I personally only come to a Royals website to make jokes.
I actually hate baseball.
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
by mazoboom on Feb 28, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just like Adam Dunn
Marriage is a great institution, for those that like being in institutions.
by fats on Mar 1, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We can think and make smart ass comments? Who knew.....
(clearly not me)
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish you were right
because then he could’ve traded Mahay at the break last year and saved the Royals from the foot problem.
DAMN YOU GMDM Mahay+Buck = Donald
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that would have been cool
although he would be blocking the Tugger
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was the trade I was calling for at the break.
I don’t think Conte had done much for the Phils at that point last year and their catching roster was looking pretty weak. Plus it was Buck Pre-2nd half cliff so KC probably could’ve gotten more than just Donald.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hate this guy
I remember you were bashing the Greinke signing by saying he got too much money in his last two years….give me a friggen break
Can you say anything positive about the Royals (watch it be about Gordon – who has sucked so far in Spring Training)
by GobbleforCyoung on Mar 1, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How can you hate Royalsreview?
It just isn’t possible.
He helped us get through 2005, 2006 & 2007. We owe him a debt that can never be fully repaid.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
by James Quinn on Mar 1, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
being positive about Gordon is bad?
Can you say anything positive about the Royals (watch it be about Gordon – who has sucked so far in Spring Training)
by royalsreview on Mar 1, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With that kind of spring training performance, how could anyone say anything positive about Gordon?
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Now I'm in a conumdrum
what is a better predictor of future performance: 2009 Spring Training or 2005 regular season?
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by devil_fingers on Mar 1, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Two or three games in spring training really tell you all you need to know
(especially if they are 2005 ST games)
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really, really like this deal
I’m not thrilled about the loss of the second round pick, but if Grudzielanek would hurry up and get signed by someone, the sandwich pick would mitigate the loss.
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
i wouldn't worry about the draft pick too much
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I won't worry about the pick. :)
It’s like an educated risk.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
2nd rounders under Moore
2007—Sam Runion: he may come around, but he’s behind the curve, and 3rd rounder Duffy looks like the far better deal.
2008—Johnny G.: I think he tops out as the Ross Gload of middle infielders if he makes it—a capable backup who might get too many ABs because of his grit and hustle. 3rd rounder Sample has far more upside.
If Juan Cruz gets us a guy who can nail down the 8th inning, we can skip the overreaching 2nd round pick this year. That sounds like win-win to me (but not necessarily win-win-win).
Sometimes you just gotta roll the potato.
by CentralChamps2009 on Feb 28, 2009 9:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Obligatory -1
For hating on my Johnny G.
Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.
by doublestix on Mar 1, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
Ross Gload has fans too…somewhere, just not here.
Sometimes you just gotta roll the potato.
by CentralChamps2009 on Mar 3, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Love the deal
Certainly makes our bullpen so much better. knowing that Farnsy probably wont be our setup guy is just amazing
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
by focs on Feb 28, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good Post BTW
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
by focs on Feb 28, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I sure hope that's true
Hard to say how Hillman sees it. The only thing to like about Farnsworth was his power arm, right? And Cruz has that, so would there be any reason to make Farnsy the 8th inning guy?
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully it'll be the same situation as HoRam
he might start in that role, but there’s almost no chance of him keeping it very long
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we all know that its a flexible situation
anything is possible
either guy could have 8 bad innings and end up losing the setup role
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Numbers in the bullpen are going to be interesting
The wild-card is HoRam, who will definitely be in the pen if he doesn’t make the rotation. Here’s how I see it breaking down
Locks – Soria, Farnsworth, Cruz, Mahay
Will likely make the roster – Waechter, Gobble, Bale, Tejeda
Long-shots – Peralta, Rosa
Waiting for April.
by DC Royal on Feb 28, 2009 5:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't be surprised to see Bale start on the 15-day DL
with the thyroid surgery coming up. He might not be ready arm-strength wise at the start of the season
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And this probably seals Peralta's fate
He’ll need some help packing his bags to head to Omaha
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
does he have options left?
it seems like he’s gone back and forth like 500 times
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Last year all of the reports said that 2008 was his third and final option year
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really think he and Waechter are fighting for a spot
I don’t see any reason to assume Moore loves Waechter and dislikes Peralta. He threw similar amounts of money at both of them.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea, I guess so
i would give the edge to Dw just based on the fact that they made an effort to bring him, which seems to suggest they like something about him (and no, I’m not saying this is wrong or a bad thing)
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But also, the Royals could have non-tendered Peralta
They chose to keep him just as they chose to bring in Waechter. I don’t know which Moore likes better. I don’t know that he knows for sure at this point.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet bale doesn't even have a thyroid
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That problem should have been picked up last year......
its common medical knowledge that one of the first signs of thyroid problems is involuntary fist thrusts into doors.
by Steve Hovley on Feb 28, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Did you know that hypothyroidism is very rare in cats?
Just one of those life lessons I’ve picked up on the way.
We return you now to the Juan Cruz thread already in progress.
by 2X2L on Feb 28, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
laughing in public
The first thing I know about someone in a KC hat is that they're loyal.
by grantfunk on Mar 2, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
by that i mean
your post was so funny i’m…
The first thing I know about someone in a KC hat is that they're loyal.
by grantfunk on Mar 2, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why is Waechter likely?
I think he’s as “on the bubble” as anybody.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
another long shot
if bale isnt able to go : DiNardo
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
by focs on Feb 28, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think DiNardo is all but guaranteed to start the season in Omaha
Don’t see him making the club straight out of ST
Waiting for April.
by DC Royal on Feb 28, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
whatever one thinks of the pick-up,
this is an excellent write up, NYR.
does giving up draft picks mean we’ve arrived…?
maybe guillen will hit a double and homer every game of the regular season, and that’s his way of getting us to like him. a very good way.
by Sean O Se on Feb 28, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
an especially good signing
since he can apparently make the ball hover in front of his face just using his mind.
at least that’s what the picture above looks like.
by Sean O Se on Feb 28, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That ball hovering talent
should be worth almost as much as grit.
Sarcasm . . . keeping Royals fans sane since 1986.
by Chico Lind with pants on on Feb 28, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HOME RUN!
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
by focs on Feb 28, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Woops wrong thread hahaha
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
by focs on Feb 28, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So, is this a sign that Moore thinks the Royals have a decent shot at the division?
We were supposedly already over budget, but just added ~1M* to the payroll.
* Cruz’s 2.25 M – German’s 1.2 M (assuming he can be traded, 1.0 if not)
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Depending on how the 2B "battle" goes
I wouldn’t be surprised if Grudz comes back on a 1 yr / 1.5M deal if they’re serious about trying to take the division.
by Top Ramen on Feb 28, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When's the last time an 81 win team won a division?
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that would be last year, NL West.
Go Royals!
by BabyBlues on Feb 28, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
heh... good point
anyway Dayton can trade the Royals to the NL West for the Dodgers?
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but he has to agree to take Odalis Perez
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the signing
but then again I’m not a Royal Review writer. Back to the scissoring
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I like the signing, too
actually. But I’m not an RR writer, either.
The frustration I have is thinking about this in context. But you can read about that in the FanShot thread. I’m not going to emote further here.
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It is certainly true that this signing does not save the offseason for the Royals
It doesn’t even turn it from an awful season to a merely bad season. It was still awful. It’s just a little less awful now than it was 4 hours ago.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Stathead, Zack Greinke fan, and Rock Band 2 singer extraordinaire.
by NHZ on Mar 1, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know....
Petro is very excited with this offseason.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Mar 1, 2009 1:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And....
The weak division and the progress of some of the young veterans is what gives the Royals a shot this year, NOT the FA signings.
Stathead, Zack Greinke fan, and Rock Band 2 singer extraordinaire.
by NHZ on Mar 1, 2009 1:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess we'll find out
But I tend to disagree. A lot. :)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Mar 1, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is a surprisingly very good contract for the Royals
by happydrifter on Feb 28, 2009 6:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
FWIW, Dayton Moore has made more positive moves with regard to bullpen construction during his tenure as GM than negative ones
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
started off very strong...
i’m just worried what the trend is now…
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
quit worrying, start believing!
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Most of the recent data isn't so good
But just as you shouldn’t evaluate any player solely on one season of play, you can’t evaluate a GM based solely on one offseason. So far his overall track record on bullpens is good.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Which is why it’s so tough to figure out the Farnsworth deal. This is a much more what I’d expect from Moore when it comes to constructing a bullpen.
Stathead, Zack Greinke fan, and Rock Band 2 singer extraordinaire.
by NHZ on Mar 1, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is what you'd expect from any decent GM who doesn't mind losing a 2nd round pick
It’s a good move, but it’s not like this is out of nowhere — “hey, did you know Juan Cruz was valuable.” It’s like the Greinke deal, a very good deal, but it’s not like DMGM just figured out Greinke was good or that it is smart to lock up young talent.
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by devil_fingers on Mar 1, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And yet Moore was the GM that actually signed Cruz.
No it is not an earth shattering deal involving a pitcher who is secretly good, but no one else knew it. But he’s a genuinely very good reliever that Moore actually landed, and for a good price/years/option combo.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 1:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if he had done this earlier in the offseason
we may have given him a pass on Farns
by marbotty on Mar 1, 2009 5:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you mean
“most of the recent moves don’t appear so good”; seeing as how no data actually exists yet relating to this offseason. I think pre-judging the results of an offseason is just as bad a mistake as using a limited sample size to define a player/GM.
by benfunke on Mar 2, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This argument again
Do you think that no one should evaluate any player during an offseason? I said that the moves “don’t appear good.” Right now they don’t. Farnsworth looks like a shitty pitcher making a lot of money. Could he magically become good in 2009? I suppose, but it is very unlikely.
You can evaluate players based on past performance. I’m not saying that I know exactly how all of these players are going to perform in 2009. But we can look at the available data (and there’s a lot of data) to evaluate these moves.
If Moore had given Greg Norton a 4-year, $40M contract, would you say that we can’t say if that was a good or bad move until he actually played a season or two of that contract? Is past performance irrelevant to player evaluation? Is every player a clean slate all offseason? I guess we really don’t know if Pujols will be any good in 2009 because we don’t have any 2009 data yet.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, a cool nickname is worth a lot
“Anti-Virus.” A nice combination of originality and immediate recognition.
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by devil_fingers on Mar 2, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NYR, maybe i misinterpreted what you meant my “recent data”, but you can’t say ’it’s okay to use rely on recent data to evaluate offseason moves’ on one hand and ‘it isn’t okay to use only one season of data to evaluate a player’ on the other.
The point I’m trying to make is that it’s too soon to draw CONCLUSIONS about offseason moves, good or bad. I’m of course totally on board with making INFERENCES based on existing data, but I get irked when it’s presented as if we KNOW exactly what is going to happen (or we KNOW exactly how the data translates to the newly-formed set of variables under which the season will be played).
I heard Greg Norton’s been working privately with Seitzer (with side-session tutorials on grit) and is former Mariner/Brave, so I don’t see how we could afford not to.
by benfunke on Mar 2, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NYR, maybe i misinterpreted what you meant my "recent data", but you can’t say ’it’s okay to use rely on recent data to evaluate offseason moves’ on one hand and ‘it isn’t okay to use only one season of data to evaluate a player’ on the other.
What that comment was talking about was Dayton Moore. I was referring to the “recent data” of his moves as a GM. Recent data would be acquisitions he made this offseason. And I cautioned that using “recent data” alone to evaluate a GM is not a good idea. Nor is it a good idea to evaluate players (including recent Moore acquisitions) solely by recent data (like one season’s statistics).
The point I’m trying to make is that it’s too soon to draw CONCLUSIONS about offseason moves, good or bad. I’m of course totally on board with making INFERENCES based on existing data, but I get irked when it’s presented as if we KNOW exactly what is going to happen (or we KNOW exactly how the data translates to the newly-formed set of variables under which the season will be played).
No one has said that we know what is going to happen. But we can evaluate these moves and these players right now based on all of the available information. Is this a final evaluation? No. Might they surprise us in 2009? Certainly.
So I think one can fairly say that Farnsworth is a poor pitcher and that his contract was a bad one for the Royals. Is this definite? No. It’s an opinion based on available facts. Will 2009 and 2010 performance data affect the evaluation of that contract? Definitely. But I think it is fair to evaluate and give opinions now. I don’t think one should get too picky over the semantics of someone saying “Farnsworth’s contract sucks” or “Moore had an awful offseason.” I think those are fair opinions to give based on available information. Yes there is an implied caveat that this opinion is based on how things look right now and that the future is uncertain.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 2, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ok, i understand what you were saying a little better now (maybe i don’t tend to think of GM actions as data points, but maybe we should (is www.baseballGMprospectus.com registered yet?)). it’s also hard to convey via blog comment that i’m not calling you or anyone else out, i’m just voicing a concern (maybe a semantic pet peeve) about referring to unknowns as if they have been resolved. i’m sure the semantics i’m griping about was more of an offhand remark than a calculated statement, but stating that
Most of the recent data isn’t so good
is saying that we know what is going to happen. Hence, i suggested a term such as “appears” to convey that we’re looking at an estimation (and looking at it from the outside) rather than “is”.
We’ve certainly made too much out of this already, but as i said, it’s a semantic difference that i find important.
by benfunke on Mar 2, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nor is it a good idea to evaluate players (including recent Moore acquisitions) solely by recent data (like one season’s statistics).
Unless of course NY is trying to trash Kyle Farnsworth, then it is perfectly acceptable to only use the last season of data to establish that he is a Peice of shit because it fits with his argument. Preceeding data doesn’t fit with his argument, so it is of course non-applicable. Using recent data to evaluate Peralta however is just retarded. That should never be done because past data shows that he was effective, so any hicup must be a stastical anomoly.
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 2, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Am I only referencing one season of statistics for Farnsworth?
No. His last two seasons have been very bad. Most analysts think it makes the most sense to look at the past three seasons, weighting them on a sliding scale (like 3-4-5). Evaluating Farnsworth in that manner, he looks pretty damn bad. Sorry.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 2, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't get this criticism
of course things might turn out better or worse than we think, but peoplp emake judgements all the time before they see the results. How do we vote for politicians? How do policy makers decide which way to go?
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by devil_fingers on Mar 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I also like Cruz.
Sure makes for an expensive bullpen though: Farns 4.5, Yabuta 3.0, Mahay 4.0, Cruz 2.25, HoRam 1.8+, Goobs 1.35, Bale 1.2, Soria 1.0, Waechter .64, Tejeda .4. Dollars aside, I see some real production out of this group (with some notable exceptions.)
by Steve Hovley on Feb 28, 2009 6:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thankfully Mahay and Yabuta come off the books after this season
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Mahay
but I’m glad his numbers come off next year. Yabuta was just bad scouting on the part of Trey IMO. Good to get your hat in the ring of the Japanese market even if it didn’t workout. Wrongly I’ll chock that up as a decent PR move and a bad personnel move.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In retrospect, I think it is dangerous to sing a Japanese pitcher who relies heavily on a splitter/forkball
The Japanese baseball is smaller, so it is easier for a person with an average sized hand to get his index finger and middle finger on either side of it. Unless you’ve got a big hand, it’s harder with an American baseball. I think for some Japanese pitcher, it’s hard to get a good grip and the right feel for the pitch with an American baseball.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely
I heard the string on the ball in Japan is higher allowing for a better grip too. If the Japanese guys don’t have gas don’t sign them because I think we’ve been shown their control isnt going to be the same.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The dollars/production ratios of that group are all screwed up
Mahay, Yabuta, and Farns the top three earners, HoRam 5th… Maybe Bale just said “screw it, if those losers are getting paid more than me, I’m going to punch this wall with my thyroid.”
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good post, but two problems:
what does this have to do with A-ROID or Manny’s contract situation?
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by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm
I can make Cruz’s signing fit. First, Cruz mysteriously adds velocity at age 28. Probably some PED they can’t yet test for. ARod probably gave them to him. Second, Boras probably engineered this to get as many FA’s signed to push the Dodgers to sign Manny.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Cruz might have a cousin that doesn't exist also
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's simply Juan being Juan...ny
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This here internet shit is somethin' else.
As soon as I hear we make a trade, I go to my favorite site and there’s already a bio piece on the new guy and scintillating discourse on the relative merits……thank you, my friends.
by Steve Hovley on Feb 28, 2009 6:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I like wikipedia too
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Feb 28, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No sarcasm intended. I really do appreciate this site!!!!!
by Steve Hovley on Feb 28, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I'm happy to do my small part
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT ABOUT MANNY'S CONTRACT?
HAS HE SIGNED YET???? I’M WAITING ON PINS AND NEEDLES HERE!!!
"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae
by Sweep_the_Leg on Feb 28, 2009 7:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I've already got a "The Newest Royal: Manny Ramirez" written and ready to post as soon as he signs
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm saying Rosa now has no shot to make the club out of spring
Unless there are some injuries of course. This is a good thing for the Royals as he’ll season a little more down there and be completely ready by next year. This also gives him one more year of starting in AAA. He’ll learn more about getting good hitters out and how to use his pitches effectively. This ensures that he’ll be COMPLETELY ready when he comes up. And probably be up for good.
We didn’t want the “Pez Machine” Peralta (reference to Albie Lopez for you who forgot) to be up here giving up bomb after bomb. I think Peralta’s motion/mechanics are to blame for his spotty control. I don’t know if it’s been talked about, but I doubt he wanted to change anything for our pitching coach guru.
As far as Bale is concerned, he’ll be DL and maybe gone. Who knows. But he’s a guy who is easily replaceable.
Gobble? Maybe more LOOGY matchups this year? That’ll be his best chance after the disaster we call last year. He’s a guy who will bust his butt for you and I think the club is respecting that.
Mahay may bounce back after that foot injury, but he definitely was a different pitcher after the injury last year. Before he was freaking awesome. Nails.
Yabuta… AAA and may come up here and there. A September call up for sure. Waechter, a good chance to do some good things….
What about our boy Jamey Wright?
Anyway, I think Cruz becomes the setup guy for Soria. Farnsworth is now a 7th inning guy. HoRam will be a long guy, Tejeda will be a long guy, Gobble the LOOGY and Mahay splits with Farnsie. That’s 7 for the pen. A starting rotation of Meche, Grienke, Davies (who will “break out”), Hochevar, and Bannister. That gives us 12 pitchers…. do we carry 13?
Go Royals! It’s almost here. Our season to compete! :)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I doubt Mahay is going to pitch much at all this season from what I've heard
realistically speaking
by slayor on Feb 28, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That is kind of what I was wondering.
And I forgot about DiNardo. I think he’ll make the pen as well!
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=430837
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
plantar fasciitis
When Greg Schaum was in Surprise, he said word in camp behind the scenes was that there was serious doubt about what level Mahay would be able to contribute on this year.
realistically speaking
by slayor on Feb 28, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if that's the case, they're keeping a wicked tight lid on it
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Dayton brought Pioli and Haley in...
and they threatened to pull out the fingernails of anyone in the organization that was responsible for any leaks.
Jose said, “Bring it on.”
"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae
by Sweep_the_Leg on Feb 28, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the royals have seemingly had really bad luck with not trading guys
then having them get hurt
by royalsreview on Feb 28, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I never said that
"our deepest fears are not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fears is that we are powerful beyong measure."
by gashousegang on Mar 26, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i said
they did not think he would ever be at 100% again…but they wanted to see what degree of pain or discomfort it gave him…when i was there …no one thought he looked right yet
"our deepest fears are not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fears is that we are powerful beyong measure."
by gashousegang on Mar 26, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That will work
Let Rosa start AAA games until he is needed to start in the show.
by wetleg on Feb 28, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Talk about a signing out of left field.
But, it gives us 4 guys who should strike out at least a batter an innng:
Cruz
Soria
Farnsworth
Tejeda
That’s a pretty vicious foursome, K wise at least. Yikes.
realistically speaking
by slayor on Feb 28, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
It makes us LOTS better!
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bale could also
as could Rosa if he gets innings
Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.
by doublestix on Feb 28, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
a couple of things:
I like the signing—I liked Cruz as the beginning of the offseason but after signing farns, I thought we wouldn’t bother with him. of course, this signing rekindles deep feelings that I thought I had gotten over—why did we sign farns?! what was the point? who else made an offer remotely close to ours? ok, i feel better now.
both franchises in KC lose their 2nd round pick today—wonder who will get the most value for that?
obviously, if Grudz signs, it would make the loss of a 2nd round pick much more palatable— But, with the way guys drop for signability reasons and international free agents—2nd round picks are not a huge deal.
by nwroyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmmm
A franchise QB for a 2nd round pick and a cornerstone of the Bullpen for a 2nd round pick.
This bears watching!!
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
actually
Cassell AND Vrabel for the 2nd round pick.
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Feb 28, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good catch. :)
Forgot about Vrabel
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So where does Grudz sign so we get our sandwich pick?
And what happens if he signs AFTER the draft, do we get a sandwich for the next year?
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 7:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Mmmmm.....sandwich
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cruz usually throws his fastball over-the-top, but his slider and change are usually released from a slightly lower arm slot.
Is this not something that’s easily detectable by hitters?
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
by mazoboom on Feb 28, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
career 9.35 K/9 would make it seem otherwise
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's why I was wondering.
It seems like that’s something they might be able to pick up on. But this is the one part of baseball I have no clue about.
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
by mazoboom on Feb 28, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not a wildly different arm slot
It’s not like one is over the top and the other is 3/4ths. It’s the kind of thing that you can easily see in the Pitch f/x data, but isn’t so easy when you’re the batter facing him. I think the release point is only different by a few inches.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh, okay
thanks, I guess that makes more sense
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
by mazoboom on Feb 28, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, I assume that it isn’t easy for batters to pick up the different releases because he’s been so effective.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The real question, how does German get DFA'd and not TPJ?
What the F?
realistically speaking
by slayor on Feb 28, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
You get 10 days to make a trade with DFA, maybe German can be of value to someone
it would take 10 decades for someone to take TPJ. Besides, GMDM might be able to score a Paulo Orlando or low-A level arm by dealing Steve German. Or something.
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so what happens to guys like this?
Can he stay in camp and work out but just not play for those 10 days? Or is he banished to the hinterlands?
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Feb 28, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's off the 40-man roster immediately
But I think he can still practice with the team and probably play in ST games. You don’t have to be on the 40-man roster to play in a ST game.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure somebody will want him.
There has to be a national league team that could use him. You can’t tell me the Pirates couldn’t find a spot on their roster for Esteban
realistically speaking
by slayor on Feb 28, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
His on base skills should get him a gig somewhere
his aversion to leather may relegate him to career utility-dom.
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In this market, his price tag will hurt him
Usually teams wouldn’t mind spending $1M on a utility IFer, but in this market he’s overpriced. It would help if the Royals toss in a little cash.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
the “in this market” phrase has to be maddening to players/agents.
Maybe someone can mock up a post with the prospective 2010 free agent class and a couple of macroeconomic models to determine if next year the phrase will be “in this $%^&* market”.
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the 2010 FA class
But I’m going to pass on the macroeconomic models. I’m betting salaries go up next offseason, but I have no idea how much.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 8:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, and trends show that salaries usually increase
but year-over-year figures show growth is slowing. Will be interesting to see how the next release of data, with or without outliers like Sabathia and Texiera, affects the slope of the trendline.
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I just think that after the market contracted this offseason, it will expand again. I think the economy will be slowly ticking upwards and owners will be planning for a better 2010 economy. I think they will spend more, but cautiously.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
more optimistic than
I am on our national economy.
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think most economists believe the economy will hit bottom in 2009
But of course no one knows.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so, we're picking up crisp's option i take it?
i’m sure it will depend on how he plays this year, but there really are no other viable options for the royals in 2010 from within the organization or through free agency.
by 9il on Feb 28, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We have no idea
There aren’t particularly good FA options in CF. But DDJ is an option CF. And there are always trade possibilities. And then there’s the possibility of letting Crisp go and then re-signing him. Or they could even sign him to a multi-year deal for less than the option amount. Lots of possibilities.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
but this offseason, at least, there were a fair amount of league minimum/minor league deal guys who probably aren’t as good as Crisp, but could have made very good platoon guys/4th outfielders/stopgap CFs for next to nothing (and without giving up as much talent).
None of these guys are great, and most (but not all) of them share the same profile: terrible bat, good glove. As Dave Cameron suggests in the article linked above, these guys are average being around half a win below league average, or about 0.5-1 win worse than Crisp in 2009. That might be an area of the market people are still missing out on next year, too. Another example of why teams shouldn’t pay out for bench players.
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary since sometime in 2008.
by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
although
it would be silly to waste time in games on him unless it would lift his market value somehow – not a certain thing. Better to just play the guys that are staying around.
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Feb 28, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That would be the reason to play him
To showcase him to other teams who would send a scout to Royals games to see how he looks. I’m not saying he should definitely get a lot of playing time, but there would at least be one good reason to do so.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A Banner Day For KC
The Chiefs get Cassel, and the Royals get Cruz. …Is it Christmas? – TL
by timlacy on Feb 28, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Christmas comes tomorrow
in the form of revenge at the Fieldhouse
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You're talking to...
…a Mizzou fan here. It’s about time for a Big Time road win for the Tigers. – TL
by timlacy on Feb 28, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why they play the games
well, that, and the chance to see dejected Tigger fans
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MY GOD!
Have you paid attention to the Missouri baseball team these last two weeks! Normally Missouri waits until April to choke and collapse. What was the rush this year?
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
by James Quinn on Feb 28, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's better than Christmas
It’s February 28th! (And we got 6 inches of snow)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and my vehicle
did a 360 today on the highway. I hate snow.
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol. HS baseball practice starts Monday in Missouri....
I hate being indoors.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kansas as well.
I think.
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad you are safe and at home blogging. :)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
me too.
Definitely a “holy shit” moment once I was on the shoulder.
I just got back from your mom's basement.
by Warden11 on Feb 28, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did that once-
360’d on I-35. Totaled my car just north of the 75th st exit. scary stuff man.
The Snozberries taste like Snozberries
by labbadabba on Feb 28, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cruz also appears to be a graduate of the Julian Tavarez School of Ugly
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
that's really insensitive
and politically incorrect. I’m going to cancel my subscription.
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Feb 28, 2009 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right, it was politically incorrect
I shouldn’t have called him a graduate.
Jayhawk baseball - a tradition since Steve Jeltz
by JayhawkTom on Feb 28, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think his max effort face is pretty ugly. It’s the pitcher’s version of the Oh-face. Pretty much every pitcher looks ugly in that instant. Other than that he looks pretty normal.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, they are almost all funny, but some cross over into UGH
Dan Duffy, iirc, has a pretty funny one, almost like he’s trying not to make a face.
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary since sometime in 2008.
by devil_fingers on Feb 28, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Greinke's is horrific
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
thank you, that's better
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Mar 1, 2009 1:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At least one team in KC didn't make me cry this offseason.
Guess which?
by belt on Feb 28, 2009 8:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Uh...the Wizards?
The Snozberries taste like Snozberries
by labbadabba on Feb 28, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just got back from the game
I actually spoke to Mr. Moore today. There weren’t that many people there, and he spent several innings just sitting in the stands down the left field line (the stands in front of the Royals offices). I shook his hand, and we chatted briefly about the upcoming season (the following isn’t exact – I didn’t have a tape recorder on me, and I wasn’t taking notes).
Me: I think we’re going in the right direction, and I’m hoping for 84 wins this year.
DM: Thanks! I’m hoping for more.
Me: Well, I hope you’re right!
DM: (smiling) Me too.
He went on to ask me where I was from, and we talked a little bit about the K. Then this:
DM: Did you hear that we signed Juan Cruz today? (Note that he brought this up!)
Me: Actually, I did. My brother sent me a text message about 20 minutes ago. What can you tell me about him?
DM: Well, he was with the Diamondbacks last year. He’s a swing-and-miss type pitcher. I believe that only Brad Lidge had more swings-and-misses last year.
Me: I like the sound of that!
He pretty much gave the same info to Dick Kaegel (saw DM on the phone before I spoke to him – possibly talking to DK?). I don’t know if the “more swings-and-misses” is percentage type comparison or a 1 to 1 comparison. Anybody know if this is true?
Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals! Except the weasel! - Homer Simpson
by aHorseWithNoName on Feb 28, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Awesome
I love that he was so excited about Juan Cruz that he brought it up himself.
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
by mazoboom on Feb 28, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love it. :)
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love - repeat, LOVE - this move!
NYRoyal – I’m with you bro – this was a fantastic move that deserves our recognizing Moore’s skills for pulling off. Remember – part of what makes this move impressive is that it again demonstrates that Moore has a fantastic ability to get the Glasses to loosen the purse strings. Success is sure to follow this formula.
by royalstern05 on Feb 28, 2009 9:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Cruz is very good, but the move isn't fantastic
The fact that the Royals are losing a second round draft pick makes the move less sparkling. But I really think Cruz has a good chance to be a dominant setup man for the Royals.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Feb 28, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's amazing.
2nd rounder… meh…. it’s like the 66th pick or something.
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Feb 28, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about you...
but I think I would have given up a 2nd round pick for Cruz straight up. We get a good, proven pitcher that we don’t have to hope works out for a pick that we probably won’t make an impact with…
Seems like a good deal to me.
"I DARE you to make less sense."
by dejackso on Mar 1, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get the lament for the #55 overall pick
Seriously? We are going to (in all likelihood) get THREE Way Above Average bullpen seasons out of Cruz, which is a HELL of a lot more than we get out of most 2nd round picks.
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great and unexpected news.
I have nothing bad to say about this signing at all. It is all good.
I am mildly unhappy to learn German was DFAed. But that is a small lose compared to what the Royals added today.
This is the first off-season move by Dayton Moore this year that I think actually improves both the 2009 and 2010 rosters.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
by James Quinn on Feb 28, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Best day of German's life:
Getting traded to the Royals for our 2006 Rule V pick so that he could be the Royals starting 2B
Worst day in German’s life:
Grudz gets signed as a free agent the next day.
I hope he winds up someplace he gets a chance to play. Being Willie Bloomquist’s backup would have had to be unnerving.
Sometimes you just gotta roll the potato.
by CentralChamps2009 on Feb 28, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
I would have LOVED to see Moore DFA Pena today, and hold on to German. If Callaspo or Aviles is hurt this means the Royals will carry Pena as the back-up infielder. I’d much rather it be German.
But the German/Pena chopping order is small potatoes compared to the acquisition of Cruz. This guy should really help the club.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
by James Quinn on Feb 28, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think DM
feels that German was capable of defensivly backing up Aviles. I think we see Pena and Teahen and possibly Gload as our utility players. Of course that means we carry 14 position players… don’t know if that will happen
The Snozberries taste like Snozberries
by labbadabba on Feb 28, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've seen German play enough to know that the only positions he can handle at all
are 1B and 2B. I think that is what has caused him to have such a limited career. If he could play short or third to even an acceptable level he would be much more valuable.
Of course I would rather have Jose Guillen play SS than Tony Pena. Pena just has such a poor bat that there is no way his defense could ever be good enough to merit him receiving playing time or a roster spot.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
by James Quinn on Mar 1, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think TPJ should be done
but he was a decent player last year 1.6 WAR. NOt average, but a decent stopgap. If he could keep that up, I’d rather have h im and Aviles manning the middle infield than just about anyone else other than Callaspo out of the current group (Teahen should be playing RF). But he can’t, so…
So much for the Royals version of Adam Everett
Going the same way as their version of Endy Chavez (Gathright)
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary since sometime in 2008.
by devil_fingers on Mar 1, 2009 1:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By "last year" you mean 2007, right?
by Top Ramen on Mar 1, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes
thanks for the clarification
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary since sometime in 2008.
by devil_fingers on Mar 1, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But TP can come in and pitch xtra innings too!
Let's Go Blues!
by powderbluesfor08 on Mar 1, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wow, great signing
Too bad about Steve Deutsch, though.
by marbotty on Mar 1, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
BTW, shouldn't the title of this post be
“The Newest Royal: Former Brave Juan Cruz”?
by marbotty on Mar 1, 2009 5:22 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I'm happier than a pig in shit.
I identified Cruz as a potential target way back in September of last year. I can’t believe that it took that little to sign him.
And for those lamenting the draft pick loss. Look, I like draft picks too, but a 2nd round pick and a way below market value contract fur a proven guy like Cruz is an absolute Steal IMO.
And for those of you that are still on the Soria to the Rotation bandwagon; My original reasoning for going after a guy like Cruz was to give GMDM another option of a guy that COULD close if that was the direction the Royals wanted to go…
A++++++++++++++ move by the Royals
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 11:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
k-rod: 3/$37M
cruz: 3/$9.5M.
not that i wouldn’t like k-rod. but i we’re better off with cruz and saving $9M a season.
by 9il on Mar 1, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Stat Corner
Cruz wa a good as F-Rod last year, anyway.
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary since sometime in 2008.
by devil_fingers on Mar 1, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the Boom Roasted sig. Lol.
Still makes me laugh.
Andy, Cornell called, they said you suck. Lol… i’m still laughing at that one. Boom! Roasted!
That's why we play the season on paper.
by 306008 on Mar 3, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still happy
And I keep thinking of more reasons why..
I’ve been pretty quiet about the Farnsworth signing this offseason. My reason for that was because I was pretty torn on it. I think Farnsy can be an effective reliever, but I really didn’t like him as an 8th inning guy.
With this signing, you are looking at having the potential to shorten games to SIX innings for the opposing offense IMO. Farnsy – 7, Cruz – 8, Mexicutioner – 9.
Now, Farnsy isn’t lock down like the 8th & 9th guys are, but as already posted, having Him & Tejada both are BOTH guys taht can come in & get a K. Toss a CORRECTLY used LOOGY like Gobble, and the potential for a dominant bullpen is there again.
If we could have finagled $3 M more out of Glasses coffers last week & signed O-Dog, we’d be in the drivers seat in ’09!
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
See, this is why you shouldn't have been torn about the Farnsworth signing
By your estimation, he might be an acceptable guy to share 7th inning duty with Tejeda. You don’t waste $4.5M per year over two years on basically just another middle reliever.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And
whether it’s 7th or 8th, I’m still nervous to trot Farnsy out there. He will be shaky, unreliable, and likely to give up homers. Is a homer in the 7th less damaging? Yes, perhaps, but only very slightly.
Fourth to First
by kabrink on Mar 1, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Farnsworth might be the 5th best RHP in the bullpen
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Farnsy >>>>>Peralta, Fulchino, Yabuta
And most others that we’ve had plugged into that 7th inning role
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you seen Peralta's statistics from years other than 2008?
Is 2008 all that counts? If so, Farnsy is one of the worst pitchers in baseball.
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Im not having this argument with you again either
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Some truths are very inconvenient
The immoderate moderator
by NYRoyal on Mar 1, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you seen video tape of last year?
It wasn’t a “Statistical Anomoly”. The guy SUCKED. His breaking ball was shit. His fastball was straight.
If he comes out this Spring & is lights out, fine, I’ll re-evaluate it, but, oops, he’s ALREADY GIVEN UP ONE HOME RUN.
BOOM! ROASTED!
by GoBabies!! on Mar 1, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs