SB Nation - Brian Giles

NL West in Review: Right Fielders

Poseidon's Fist — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:18 -0000

The NL West boasted three very strong offensive right-fielders last season. Justin Upton and Brad Hawpe each made All-Star appearances, while Andre Ethier took home a Silver Slugger. What you might not realize is just how close those three were in offensive production last season.

With the fearsome trio eating up at least 580 PA each in right field, they represented the resounding majority of PA for their teams. Brad Hawpe and the Rockies led the way with a park-adjusted .367 wOBA, followed by J-Up and the Snakes at .366, followed by Ethier and the Dodgers at .365.

Naturally, what separates the three teams in overall value then is defense, which proves to be quite the unequalizer.


Teams	Players	Avg	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG	wOBA*	WAR
1. Arizona	5	.294	26	96	.359	.498	.366	4.85
2. Los Angeles	6	.266	34	120	.344	.504	.365	2.56
3. San Francisco	5	.262	8	57	.316	.380	.312	1.76
4. Colorado	6	.270	25	98	.370	.486	.367	1.68
5. San Diego	8	.212	21	76	.280	.366	.298	-0.39

Hawpe was so statistically weak defensively that the Giants actually passed the Rockies on the list, while Will Venable and Randy Winn each passed Hawpe for overall value.

To compare the teams visually (note the blue batting bars for Arizona, Colorado and Los Angeles):

For the full player rankings, click here.

For the raw data and calculations, check this Google Docs link. For team capsules, take the jump

Arizona

2009 in Review

I think we can officially say that the Diamondbacks' 51-111 2004 campaign was worth it for Arizona fans. The pitiful finish assured Arizona with the top pick in the 2005 draft. Their choice just finished his second season as the primary starter, appearing in the All-Star game at just 21. Of the three predominant offensive RF in the division last year, he was the only one to avoid being a black hole defensively. Indeed, he was quite an asset with the arm and range he displayed. Alex Romero posted a near league average wOBA as Upton's primary backup, while Gerardo Parra hit .400 in 28 PA as a RFer.

Justin Upton

#10 / Right Field / Arizona Diamondbacks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Aug 25, 1987

2010 in Preview

Upton's salary was just $412,000 last year, but he also received $1.3million as part of his then-record setting signing bonus. Upton is neither arbitration eligible or a Super Two, so he will make chump change again next season, though his final $2mil installment of his signing bonus will come his way. Obviously, he'll be in right field at Chase Field until finances dictate otherwise.

Colorado

2009 in Review

Despite having the best overall OBP and wOBA in the division, the Rockies fell to fourth in the division due to Brad Hawpe's poor defense. In fact, according to UZR, he cost the Rockies more defensively than any player in the major leagues this season, the second consecutive year he managed that feat (Ryan Braun and Ken Griffey Jr. were worse in 2007). Over the last three years, Hawpe's UZR is 33% worse than any player in MLB. Unbelievably, Carlos Gonzalez actually had a worse UZR/150 in RF than Hawpe, though that's certainly a combination of unfamiliarity and sample size. Hawpe certainly did plenty of damage with the bat overall, earning a spot in the All-Star Game and peaking with a .353 batting average on June 3, the final game before the Rockies reeled off "The Streak."

Brad Hawpe

#11 / Right Field / Colorado Rockies

Height: 6-3

Weight: 205

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Jun 22, 1979

2010 in Preview

This has been much discussed here. After making $5.75mil last season, Hawpe is due $7.5mil in 2010 in the last year of the 3-year extension he signed after Rocktober07. With Colorado's very notable outfield depth, Hawpe is most valuable as a trade chip. Dan O'Dowd and Jim Tracy continuously act as if trading Hawpe is the last thing on their minds, which of course means nothing. If Hawpe is moved, Carlos Gonzalez will be in right. However, I'm getting a strong feeling the FO will side with loyalty, holding onto a GenR slugger when a cheaper and talented replacement gets pushed to the bench. Sound familiar?

Los Angeles

2009 in Review

Andre Ethier made a habit of clubbing clutch (5th in MLB in WPA) home runs and getting big hits that helped Los Angeles push forth to a division title. He was rewarded with a Silver Slugger, making Manny Ramirez the only Dodger OF without the honor in 2009. Notice Ethier did not also earn a Gold Glove with Matt Kemp, and that's certainly no mistake. Though Hawpe was the worst NL OF via UZR, Ethier was second.

Andre Ethier

#16 / Right Field / Los Angeles Dodgers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 210

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Apr 10, 1982

2010 in Preview

Ethier will be starter, with his salary due to be decided at an arbitration hearing, unless the team can reach an agreement beforehand. Last season, the Dodgers compromised before the hearing and offered a $3.1mil salary. It will be interesting to see how Ned Colletti plays it with the possibly cash-strapped franchise. The club has Ethier, Kemp, Hong-Chih Kuo, Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, Russell Martin and George Sherrill all eligible for arbitration this offseason. If they choose not to negotiate a compromise, Colletti could save some money if he wins a sufficient number of arbitration cases. Of course, he could get burned and see a player like Kemp or Ethier be awarded a much higher salary.

San Diego

2009 in Review

Brian Giles was supposed to be a reliable veteran for Bud Black in the lineup. However, Giles hit under the Mendoza line, played poor defense and showed little power in 249 PA before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury. Will Venable played superb defense while showing promise with the bat over nearly the same amount of playing time, while Kyle Blanks (a converted first baseman) posted a .400 wOBA in 83 PA.

Will Venable

#25 / Right Field / San Diego Padres

Height: 6-2

Weight: 210

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Oct 29, 1982

2010 in Preview

Giles was declined arbitration, so he is out of the picture. If the club indeed trades Kevin Kouzmanoff, Chase Headley can move to third, with Venable and Blanks taking the corners. If this doesn't happen, it will be either Venable or Blanks in right. My money is on Venable, who can handle the outfield without a problem defensively. However, Bill James projected Blanks for well over a 100 more PA. Both are under complete team control

San Francisco

2009 in Review

The Giants continue to have sneaky good showing due to defense. Randy Winn's best days offensively are clearly behind him, but he still posted the best UZR in the division, good enough to place him third in the player rankings. I would also like to point out his veterany thriftiness on the bases, successfully stealing in 14 of his 16 attempts.

Randy Winn

#2 / Left Field / San Francisco Giants

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Bats: B

Throws: R

Born: Jun 09, 1974

2010 in Preview

San Francisco declined arbitration on Winn, effectively opening up a free-for-all for AB's in right field. Nate Schierholtz has the strongest claim, as his superior defense and potentially solid bat make him an intriguing option. Bill James optimistically projects a .338 wOBA from him in 2010. Brian Sabean really ought to be looking elsewhere for an upgrade or at least insurance, because that .338 is probably a bit optimistic. John Bowker, Eugenio Velez and Andres Torres are other underwhelming internal options.

Brian Giles gets the traditional Padres farewell

Dex — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:42:41 -0000

Unless something crazy happens, Brian Giles is done as a Padre. I know this got mentioned last week, but it never really seemed to get discussed. That could also be me just not reading the comments every day. Still, Brian Giles was, to me, the last member left of the first era of Petco Park.

By all accounts, he was a successful Padre and he was a member of successful Padres teams, but in the end, I think he'll go down, like most of the guys who introduced us to Petco Park, as a Padre that people will dislike because he was either weird or they'll feel gypped by him.

Is it strange that Padres fans dislike so many of those guys that opened up Petco for us? Ryan Klesko and Phil Nevin left with much of San Diego thinking of them as whiners (though Nevin's got himself a good talk show host thing going). Khalil Greene left as the guy who was fun to watch in the field, but ultimately, the weirdo who never really got around to hitting. Sean Burroughs, with his awkward running style and Golden League power, left even more expectations unfulfilled than any of those other guys. I even remember being excited when we got Ramon Hernandez and then thinking, "Oh. Is that it?"

I look at that '04 team and even though I have fond memories, I also have memories of bad breakups and disappointing exits. Maybe it's my heart's way of protecting me from too many tears already shed.

Maybe, when we say things like, "We should've kept Jason Bay", or "Good riddance, jerk" or "You can go beat women on your own time now", what we're really saying is, "We'll keep you in our hearts", "Travel well, sweet prince" and "I'll miss seeing you hit".

In any case, we have shed our skin of the last bits that remained from when Petco was new and waiting for its history to be written. That part of the history is written now and rather than look back on the weird and whiney with irritation. I will look back with fondness for the eccentricities and passion that those players had.

Good riddance, sweet, princely, jerks.

Pirates to pursue mid-tier free agents?

Eli Greenspan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:52:42 -0000

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP

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The Hot Stove Blog is reporting that the Pirates will look into signing some of the available mid-level free agents this offseason. The Pirates addressed their hole at second baseman, and are expected to be players in the relief and corner outfield markets.

"We're not just going to go sign free agents because we have the money or because we want to make our fans or ourselves feel better," Huntington said. "We're going to sign the guys that we feel can help us and that we believe won't fall into that trap [of being washed up], but also for the right dollars and the right length and right fit.

With that said, let's take a look at some corner outfielders who could fit into the Pirates' price range:

Rick Ankiel, Cardinals: Next season will be Ankiel's third full season as an outfielder, but the veteran is a good clubhouse presence and should come at reduced price after hitting .231 last season.

Jermaine Dye, White Sox: It is dependent on the market, but if Dye's price falls to 8-10 million dollars, the Pirates could make a splash, at least in Pittsburgh.

Brian Giles, Padres: After hitting just .191 in 61 games this season, Giles could be had a reduced price. The career .291 hitter with a .400 on-base percentage spent five seasons in Pittsburgh between 1999-2003.

And some relievers:

Kevin Gregg, Cubs: Gregg struggled mightily in Chicago but that should take nothing away his numbers in 2007-2008, when he posted back-to-back sub-4.00 ERA.

Chad Cordero, Mariners: Cordero hasn't pitched since 2008, but his first two seasons in the big leagues were filled with promise. He certainly can be had at a reduced price.

Scott Eyre, Phillies: Eyre is a good clubhouse guy who can be pretty effective versus lefties. In 42 games in 2009, Eyre held lefties to a .210 average with a 1.13 WHIP.

It is a little early to start predicting where players will fall on the open market, but the Pirates would be smart to start keeping tabs on some of these guys.

San Diego Padres Predictions from the Bill James Handbook 2010

Dex — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:41:12 -0000

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

"I was looking at the Mayan calendar, and 2010 is our year. 2012, not so much." (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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I've got a sneak peak at the new Bill James Handbook 2010 and I want to go through and check out what we can look forward to next season. Bill James has been putting these handbooks together forevs and I always look at them with an eye towards who might do what, but also an eye towards pretending that I have an even better predictive model using the guts of a chicken splayed out over a burning Ouija board.

Let's check it...

	Age	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	RC	RC27	BB	SO	SB	CS	SB%	Avg	OBP	Slg	OPS
Alfonzo,Eliezer	31	64	189	49	10	0	7	19	25	23	4.27	6	48	1	0	1	0.259	0.286	0.423	0.709
Blanco,Henry	38	82	228	51	11	0	6	22	23	23	3.38	20	52	0	0	0	0.224	0.286	0.351	0.637
Blanks,Kyle	23	142	524	145	23	3	25	79	93	89	6.07	66	140	3	2	0.6	0.277	0.362	0.475	0.837
Cabrera,Everth	23	145	545	146	29	11	3	90	44	74	4.68	67	117	37	12	0.76	0.268	0.353	0.378	0.731
Eckstein,David	35	128	444	120	21	1	3	57	35	49	3.91	34	40	4	2	0.67	0.27	0.337	0.342	0.68
Giles,Brian	39	92	292	77	17	1	7	40	36	43	5.18	47	36	2	1	0.67	0.264	0.371	0.401	0.772
Gonzalez,Adrian	28	161	614	171	37	2	35	97	106	117	6.87	87	127	1	0	1	0.279	0.372	0.516	0.888
Gonzalez,Edgar	32	63	112	30	6	0	3	13	13	15	4.7	11	22	1	1	0.5	0.268	0.344	0.402	0.746
Gwynn,Tony	27	88	212	56	8	2	1	29	14	24	3.9	22	32	10	4	0.71	0.264	0.336	0.335	0.671
Headley,Chase	26	149	528	150	36	3	17	72	72	87	5.94	63	129	8	3	0.73	0.284	0.365	0.455	0.819
Hundley,Nick	26	84	264	60	14	1	10	30	38	31	3.93	25	64	3	1	0.75	0.227	0.297	0.402	0.698
Kouzmanoff,Kevin	28	144	512	141	32	2	20	59	84	74	5.17	29	95	1	1	0.5	0.275	0.327	0.463	0.79
Rodriguez,Luis	30	95	244	62	13	1	2	27	20	27	3.84	28	21	1	1	0.5	0.254	0.331	0.34	0.671
Salazar,Oscar	32	88	246	72	16	1	9	31	40	40	5.94	18	33	1	1	0.5	0.293	0.341	0.476	0.817
Venable,Will	27	120	395	99	18	2	13	53	48	50	4.36	34	95	7	2	0.78	0.251	0.313	0.405	0.718

OK. So what does all of this mean? I'll tell you. It means we're effed.

I mean, maybe we aren't effed-effed, but still. Didn't this team feel faster in August and September? Didn't it feel more powerful? Was that just an illusion?

If this is the projection for our hitters, what does our starting lineup looking like at this point?

Is that really it? Doesn't it look weird to look at?

Bright Spots:

Everth Cabrera and Kyle Blanks both are predicted to up their production and both are young dudes. Everth is especially exciting for his speed and Kyle is exciting for the power. It's like Mantle and Maris! Blanks will probably end up protecting Adrian before the year is out, but probably not to start the season.
Adrian Gonzalez, while not predicted to put 40 over the fence next year, is still slated for another 100+ RBI season with close to 100 runs. Also, the doubles total bodes well for producing runs, but not so well for the needy children, dependent on these sadistic charities who will only donate money when Adrian puts a home run charge in the ball.

Mehs:

Kevin Kouzmanoff's numbers look kinda nice and I'm sure he'll total pretty close, but (sorry Kouz fans) I'm also thinking that a lot of the numbers will be put up in garbagy, unclutchy ways.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a catcher?
Something about Tony Gwynn's line looks really depressing.
Brian Giles is still on the team? How is he predicted to have so many ABs? Am I reading this right?

Tomorrow, let's look at pitchers. That should be scary fun.

In the meantime, the handbook is available for preorder. It would be rad of you to purchase the book through us. Maybe let's take some time right now to make really super bold predictions and then rub them in Bill James's face when ours turn out terrific.

Chicago Cubs Pound Washington Nationals' Bullpen, Ruin Livan Hernandez's Return. 9-4 Final.

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:45:49 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

3 months ago: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Livan Hernandez, right, reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Chicago Cubs' Milton Bradley, left, during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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The Cubs Have Their Revenge...

• In his last start as a Washington National before last night's game against the Chicago Cubs, on August 6, 2006, a then-31-year-old Livan Hernandez threw 120 pitches over 7.0 innings pitched in 3-2 loss on the road against the San Diego Padres in which he allowed just 2 ER on a two-out HR by Brian Giles in the bottom of the eighth inning of what was then a 2-2 ballgame. One hundred and twenty-eight starts later, and now 34, Livan Hernandez once again pitched under the curly-W, this time in Wrigley Field one night after the Nationals had lit the Cubs up for 15 runs, but it was the Chicago batters who took over tonight, putting together a 6-run eighth to break up a 2-2 tie in which Livan Hernandez had gone 6.0 innings, throwing 117 pitches and allowing 5 hits and 2 ER on a two-run HR by Milton Bradley...

• The Nationals' beleaguered bullpen showed it's fatigue tonight, and those September call-ups can't come soon enough. After Livan Hernandez it was Jason Bergmann, who entered a game that was tied at 2-2 after six and left one inning later having allowed 2 hits and the go-ahead run. Bergmann's followed by DC left-hander Ron Villone in the eighth, who gives up a leadoff single to the lefty he was brought on to face and is replaced by Jorge Sosa who throws 35 pitches and records just one out, surrendering 4 hits, 2 BB and 5 ER. Saul Rivera's forced to pitch again, recording two outs to end the eighth after having thrown 2.0 innings last night.

Cubs win, 9-4.

Miss The Game? The DC Faithfull Were Watching...

Check Out The SB Nation's Chicago Cubs Blog: Bleed Cubbie Blue Game Thread.

BACKPAGE:

• E: 113.

• Early Returns On The Return...

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 45-82.

BACKPAGE: (Under Construction)...

• E: 113.

One out in the third, one batter after Milton Bradley hits a two-out two-run HR off Livan Hernandez to break a 2-2 tie, the Cubs' slugger Derrek Lee flies to right and Elijah Dukes gets there...and drops it...Dukes drops it. The Nationals' right fielder and his manager argue that Dukes dropped it on the transfer from glove to hand, but with two outs that didn't make much sense even if true. OUTCOME: Aramis Ramirez flies to right in the next AB, Dukes catches it charging in and almost knocks Alberto Gonzalez down as the second baseman runs back into right calling for it, because Dukes wants to let the Ump know that he'd made the previous catch as he heads to the dugout.

• Early Returns On The Return...

• Nationals let game get away late | nationals.com: News - MLB.com's Bill Ladson

"Right-hander Livan Hernandez, making his second go-round with the Nationals, did what he was supposed to do. He went deep into the game, pitching six innings and giving up two runs."

• Washington Times - Chatter - "Thoughts from Livo" - Mark Zuckerman

"On returning to Washington: 'I love the city. I loved playing there. Always I'm asking every year to bring me back over there. Inside it's very emotional. Everyone is my family.'"

• Washington Post - Nationals Journal - "Vintage Livan. Vintage Bullpen." - Chico Harlan

"If the baseball Gods were sentimentalists, the Nationals would have won Wednesday night, and the storyline would have been simple: See Livo, swinging through the old saloon doors. See Livo, gutting out six innings, throwing 116 pitches, K'ing Derek Lee with absurd 65 mph curveballs. See Livo, winning his first game back with the Nats."

GAME REPORT:

Washington Nationals At Chicago Cubs. Game 127 Of 162.

Cubs’ right-hander Rich Harden gives up a line drive single to right to Willie Harris in the game’s first at bat. Cristian Guzman gets hit in the leg, and there are two on with Ryan Zimmerman coming up. Zimmerman works the count full and fouls off a few before walking to load the bases. Adam Dunn’s at a full count too, but he K’s swinging with the bases juic...loaded. Josh Willingham brings Willie Harris home with a sac fly to center. 1-0 DC. Elijah Dukes hits a hard grounder to short that Ryan Theriot handles...2-2 curve to Ryan Theriot and Livan Hernandez has his first K of the game. 2-2 fastball up and out and it’s two K’s for Mr. National Himself. Derrek Lee flies to center and it’s 1-0 Nationals after the first.

Alberto Gonzalez pops out to second. Wil Nieves grounds to second and Livan K’s swinging as Harden settles in...Livan Hernandez gets Aramis Ramirez to ground back to the mound, and then walks Kosuke Fukudome in front of Alfonso Soriano. Soriano flies out to Harris in center. Jeff Baker takes strike three on a curve inside and doesn’t believe the Ump called it.

WIllie Harris grounds out to short. Cristian Guzman slaps the second out to first for D. Lee. Ryan Zimmerman hits a two-out single over second to bring Dunn up. Adam Dunn K’s looking at fastball high and outside...Koyie Hill splits the right-center gap with a leadoff single to start the Cubs’ third. Rich Harden bunts back to the mound and Livan Hernandez fields and throws to second to take out the lead runner. Ryan Theriot flies out to Elijah Dukes. Milton Bradley sends a high fly ball to right and...GONE! Two-run HR, 2-1 Chicago. Derrek Lee takes a two-out fastball to right into Dukes’ glove, but he drops it after the catch and it’s called an error. Aramis Ramirez flies to right and Dukes charges in to make the inning-ending grab, and show the ump how he'd dropped that fly on the transfer...

Josh Willingham sends a soft liner to short for the first out of the fourth. Elijah Dukes reaches out and lines to center for a single. Alberto Gonzalez grounds to Aramis Ramirez, Ramirez to Baker at second and D. Lee at first, double play...Kosuke Fukudome drives a double to right and off the ivy. Alfonso Soriano flies out to Josh WIlingham in left center. A 1-2 curve from Livan gets Jeff Baker swinging. Koyie Hill gets the intentionals, and Harden gets popped up, 2-1 Cubs after four.

Wil Nieves goes back up the middle with a leadoff single in the fifth. Livan Hernandez gets the sac bunt down, even with two strikes. Willie Harris can’t hold up on a sinking two-strike pitch from Harden. Two down. Cristian Guzman waves Wil Nieves over to second on a ball in the dirt that Koyie Hill misses. Guzman lines to center, Nieves scores to tie it at 2-2. Ryan Zimmerman gets fooled by a two-strike slider, and he K’s to end the Nationals’ half...Livan Hernandez gets weak fly to center from Ryan Theriot. Milton Bradley gets a two-strike fastball inside that breaks in for strike three. Big D. Lee gets the two-strike bender and K’s swinging way ahead of strike three.

Adam Dunn skies the first out of the sixth to Fukudome in center. Josh Willingham takes a one-out walk in front of Dukes. Dukes grounds to short, Theriot to Baker to D. Lee, double play...Aramis Ramirez singles up the middle to leadoff the Cubs’ sixth. Fukudome gets as far as the track with a fly ball to Josh Willingham. Alfonso Soriano takes an 0-2 curve to left for a single. Jeff Baker grounds to short, Guzman to Alberto Gonzalez to Dunn, double play, Livan’s through the sixth with a tie.

Angel Guzman takes over for Rich Harden to start the seventh. Alberto Gonzalez K’s chasing a full-count fastball upstairs. Wil Nieves grounds out to short. Pinch hitter Mike Morse takes strike three to end the top of the frame...Koyie Hill drills a single through second off Jason Bergmann. Aaron Miles bunts to first, Dunn makes the play. Hill moves up. Ryan Theriot lifts a low fastball to center, Hill takes third. Milton Bradley grounds weakly to third, Zimmerman charges and throws home, but offline and wide, 3-2 Cubs as Hill slides in safe. Still first and third. Jason Bergmann throws a high two-strike fastball by D. Lee. Aramis Ramirez flies to center, Willie Harris has it.

Willie Harris vs John Grabow. Harris skies one to right for the first out of the eighth. Cristian Guzman flies out to Fukudome in center. Ryan Zimmerman pushes a single to right, but Adam Dunn flies out to left to end the DC eighth...Ron Villone gives up a broken bat single to center to Fukudome. Alfonso Soriano’s up against Jorge Sosa. Soriano K’s swinging through a 2-2 pitch. Jeff Baker grounds to first, Dunn makes the play, but Sosa’s not covering. Koyie Hill’s up. Jorge Sosa throws a wild pitch by Nieves at home. Hill doubles to right, and two runs score, 5-2 Cubs. Mike Fontenot lines to right and over Elijah Dukes’ head. 6-2 Cubs. Ryan Theriot walks to put two more runners on. Sosa walks Milton Bradley. Sosa hangs an 0-2 bender to D. Lee, who doubles off the ivy in left, 8-2 Cubbies. Saul Rivera’s on to face Aramis Ramirez. Single through short, 9-2 Cubbies. Dunn starts the double play on a grounder by Fukudome.

Carlos Marmol walks Josh Willingham to start the ninth. Elijah Dukes walks. Marmol walks Alberto Gonzalez to load the bases. Wil Nieves grounds into a force at third. Willingham scores. 9-3 Cubs. Ronnie Belliard goes down swinging. Willie Harris doubles off the ivy, one run scores, 9-4. Cristian Guzman K’s swinging to end the game. 9-4 final.

Nationals now 45-82.

A Simple Request

Sam Page — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:00:16 -0000

Don't allow Carlos Beltran or David Wright to play any more baseball this year. Will Carroll wrote that Beltran could miss all of 2010 recovering from microfracture surgery. What many people didn't realize is that Carroll meant he would miss 2010 IF he played on his bad knee this season, while it still hasn't completely healed. Some people replied to that particular "Under The Knife" article by pointing out Brian Giles' successful recovery after the 2007 season and subsequent career-year in 2008. I tended to agree with that challenge, but that's totally beside the point, because there is literally 0 reason to even risk it. The Mets playoff odds (first time I've checked in a few months) are .189%, if anyone is interested. The knee specialist and Brian Giles himself have both advised Beltran to rest. With every report he is working out on it I get angrier with the total mismanagement of this team.

Mets fans know what a rushed concussion looks like, too. Seriously, let's see a Ike Davis/Daniel Murphy/Nick Evans corner infield rotation. It gives the Mets a look at the future and prevents another embarrassing mismanaged injury.

P.S. Livan Hernandez is still in our starting rotation. You might want to look into that.

You can bid on a Light Saber Baseball Bat Signed by Padres and Star Wars Cast Members

jbox — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:24:00 -0000

The Padres are auctioning a signed David Eckstein model bat that is painted green like a light saber.

David Eckstein's wife voices the Star Wars:Clone Wars character: Ahsoka Tano (aka Snips). Is that reason enough to create such an item? Maybe yes.

Who do you think this appeals to? Jocks inherently don't get along with Nerds (and vice-versa), but maybe this piece of memorabilia can bring them together. Or maybe it appeals to the very rare self loathing "Jock-Nerd hybrid" demographic, I'm not sure.

I'd like to see someone take this onto Antiques Roadshow in 50 years. The appraiser would tell you that if it was just signed by Star Wars cast members it would be worth something but since it was signed by the 2009 San Diego Padres, who went on to lose 50 straight games to end their season, that it's worthless.

Bidding starts at $500

via akamai.edeal.com

Item Description
San Diego Padres and Star Wars: The Clone Wars Bringing the Force to home plate, this Louisville Slugger David Eckstein signature bat has been painted and designed to look just like the lightsaber that Ahsoka Tano uses to battle droids and bounty hunters alongside Anakin Skywalker in Cartoon Network's hit animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The bat boasts signatures from six members of the 2009 San Diego Padres and former All-Stars including: Heath Bell, David Eckstein, Brian Giles, Adrian Gonzalez, Jake Peavy and Chris Young. The bat will be signed by several cast members of Star Wars: The Clone Wars including Ashley Eckstein. All proceeds from the sale of this MLB-authenticated, jedi-influenced bat will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.

2009 Trade Deadline Preview: San Diego Padres

Brendan Scolari — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:18:40 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

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Buyers or sellers?

The Padres are in the cellar of the NL West, 24 games behind the first place Dodgers. At 37-58, they are obviously sellers. The problem for the Padres is that some of their most tradeable players are hurt, making them difficult if not impossible to deal. But the Padres are trying to add prospects in the hopes that they can build a contender some time in the next few years.

Short-term need

Hmm, where to start... The Padres have needs all over the diamond. With the trade of Scott Hairston and collapse of Brian Giles, Adrian Gonzalez is the only player who needs to stay on the field. Tony Gwynn Jr. has done a fine job too but whether he can keep that up remains to be seen. The same goes for the pitching staff, where only Jake Peavy and Heath Bell are good contributers. Peavy has about a 50-50 chance of not pitching again this year so he won't be included in any trades. Chris Young hasn't been able to stay healthy either of the last two years, and wasn't any good this year even when he was. Basically, the Padres just need more good players anywhere they can get them.

Long-term need

For the long term the Padres are in nearly the same position as they are in the short term. They've got a young bat in Kyle Blanks testing the water in the big leagues, but they still need better players at nearly every position other than first base. The Padres have quite a few young outfielders and they should eventually be able to piece together a decent outfield. But the infield leaves something to be desired and the Padres still don't have any pitching depth at all. When Kevin Correia is your third best starter you know you're in trouble. Adding more upside arms should eventually help the Padres pitching-wise and the offense will eventually get better provided some of the young players develop.

Big leaguers on the market?

Injuries to Peavy and Young should keep them in San Diego for at least the rest of the year. The team has already traded away Cla Meridith and Scott Hairston in seperate deals, so they don't have a lot of role players left ot trade. Moving Hairston at least got the Padres some nice young players from the A's. There have been rumors about an Adrian Gonzalez trade, but don't expect that to happen unless the Padres are absolutely blown away by an offer. Gonzalez is under contract through 2011 for very cheap and is the face of the franchise so the Padres have little reason to trade him. The only other player who would bring back a hefty return is Heath Bell, but the Padres have sounded reluctant to trade him as well.

Minor league strength

The minor league system has been rather thin for years now, and that (coupled with the payroll) has really been the downfall of the organization. The outfielders has quite a few prospects (especially if Blanks has to move there); guys like Jaff Decker, Cedric Hunter, and Kellen Kulbacki could be starters there in a few years. Coupled with Tony Gwynn Jr. and Chase Headley, they have lots of depth there.

They also have some pitching depth in the minors, but the problem is that most of them aren't going to be impact arms. Guys like Will Inman and Wade Leblanc are supposed to fill out the back of a major league rotation, not be some of your best pitching prospects. One player who could make a difference is Mat Latos, who was dominating in the minor leagues this season, going 8-1 with a 1.37 ERA in 72.1 innings across two levels.

The good news for Padres fans is that the team has begun committing more to drafting and signing high-quality amateur players. They drafted Donovan Tate with their first pick in 2009, considered by many to be the best high-schooler in the country. They also showed that they have become more committed to spending money on more expensive talent in the last year. Previously they were very frugal in this department, so this new committment could be a ray of hope that the organization is finally focusing on developing it's own players. Given the team's payroll, there may not be any other way.

Take on short-term money to win?

The Padres have the second lowest payroll in the majors (ahead of only the Marlins), they laugh at the idea of taking on payroll. They will be looking to shed expensive contracts wherever possible.

For more coverage of the Padres, check out Gaslamp Ball.

MLB Trade Rumors: Free Agent Power Hitters Will Avoid Signing With The Mets

raygu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:45:08 -0000

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

5 months ago: New York Mets' David Wright flips his bat after striking out in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, July 5, 2009, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 2-0 sweeping the three game series. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Browse more photos »

After reading the article by the Bergen Record's Ian O'Connor about how Citifield is the wrong field for David Wright, I was thinking that the Mets will have problems signing free agent power hitters in the future similar to the situation that the San Diego Padres are experiencing in their new ballpark.

Here are a few quotes from Wright:

"When you hit it good here," Wright would say later, "you’ve got to put your head down and run."

"It’s a big park," Wright said.

O'Connor goes on to say:

Teams are supposed to match ballparks to stars, and stars to ballparks. Ryan Howard in Citizens Bank Park. Babe Ruth in the Bronx.
Citi Field can’t stand David Wright, and David Wright can’t stand it back. He’d never say that for public consumption, of course, because Wright is the closest thing to Derek Jeter the Mets have ever had.

And that’s why he was standing at second base in the first, shaking his head and crunching his eyes into a pained squint. He was betraying the very Citi Field angst Chipper Jones sensed in him in May.Jones would say on Sirius XM radio that "every time there was a long flyout or a double that hit off the wall or something, David Wright would run by me and go, ‘Nice park.’ He’s a little frustrated with it."

Wright denied harboring those feelings, and said the exchange was just "me and Chipper having a good time."

A better time than Wright’s going to have in this ballpark for the balance of his prime.

Citifield is reducing David Wright to a doubles hitter who has to start stealing bases to add value to the Mets lineup, and for roto owners. Prior to this year, he hit 130 HRs in 4.5 seasons, while driving in 489 runs. Wright was well on his way to a possible Hall of Fame career. But then the beautiful Citifield opened and Wright has had trouble reaching the seats. This season he has 5 HRs, 44 RBI and 20 SBs. The steals are nice, but he is on pace to hit 10 HRs this season. Not what you want from your best player and power hitter.

Unless the Mets management decide to move in the fences, and maybe shorten the outfield walls, the Mets are going to turn into the Padres, a team that can't score runs with the longball and have to rely on good pitching and defense to win ballgames. Should the Mets decide not to move in the fences, they will struggle to entice any power hitter from playing at Citifield. Remember how frustrated Ryan Klesko and Brian Giles were after seeing what would be homers land in an outfielders gloves a few years back.

That's David Wright in 2009.

Poll

Will the Mets have problems signing big name free agent power hitters to play at Citifield.

Yes! What were they thinking?

193 votes

No, Wilpon will entice the power hitters with big contracts.

63 votes

256 votes | Poll has closed

Gaslamp Ball Interview: Harry the Heckler

jbox — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:48:45 -0000

Harry the Heckler has heckled just about everything that walks or crawled at one time or another. He's been sitting in the left field of Padres ballparks since the beginning of time and he was kind enough to answer some questions for us.

Gaslamp Ball: What are the top 3 things that go into a good heckle?

Harry: Wait for the crowd noise and stadium music to die down. Yell very loudly. KEEP IT CLEAN.

Gaslamp Ball: What's your "Heckling Manifesto"?

Harry: Keep it Clean. Never curse or use four letter words. Don’t talk about the players mother or his wife and kids or his girlfriend. Saying something funny is a lot more effective, especially if you can get the crowd laughing at the player. I don’t drink beer at the game because I don’t want to become known as a drunk heckler or say something inappropriate.

Never heckle your own players.

Gaslamp Ball: When your heckles are not living up to your expectations, what keeps you going?

Harry: Other fans often encourage me to get after a player during the game. Sometimes other fans will give me info on a player. I’ve even had players give me info on players.

Gaslamp Ball: What's the most interesting thing a player's bribed you with to not heckle him?

Harry: Opposition players have given me dozens of game used autographed bats over the years in exchange for me laying off for the series. My best are the ones Brian Giles has given me, both when he was a Pirate and after he came here. Another of my favorites is the second one given me by Lance Berkman of the Astros on which he inscribed "to the best heckler in the league, well, the loudest anyway."

Gaslamp Ball: Have other San Diego fans ever tried to get you to sit down and be quiet?

Harry: Many fans have complained about me over the years. They get moved.

Gaslamp Ball: Do the Padres tend to approve of what you do?

Harry: I believe they do. The Padres players have given me many dozens of autographed bats, balls and lots of other stuff over the years, they show me on TV all the time and talk about me positively. The outfielders quite often throw me a warm up ball during the game so I can give it to a little kid.

Gaslamp Ball: Have you ever been heckled? Is it a bitter pill to swallow?

Harry: Sure, it’s all part of the game. I tend to work with it and turn it back on the person heckling me or my boys on the field.

Gaslamp Ball: Do you root as well as heckle? Do you cheer for the boys or do you save your voice for heckling the opposition?

Harry: Of course, I’m up high fiving up and down the aisle with everybody when we play good. And yelling encouragement to my boys if they miss the play.

I always cheer for my boys, and I yell at everybody; opponents, umpires, who ever should incur my ire and wrath.

Gaslamp Ball: In general, do you feel Padres fans are active enough or are they complacent and rely too much on scoreboard cheers?

Harry: The Padres fans do a great job, but I think the wave is over.

Gaslamp Ball: Do you reprimand hecklers who are "crossing the line"?

Harry: I’ll ask a fan to watch their language. If they continue or other fans complain about them, I’ll go get security. I have had fans removed from the park before.

Gaslamp Ball: Do you believe that one of your heckles has affected the outcome of a game?

Harry: The fact that so many players have bribed me to be quiet, and the left fielders who have asked to be moved to play right field (Moises Alou) when they come here; I’d say yes, I have affected the game.

Gaslamp Ball: Have you ever taken threats from players seriously? Bonds threatened to kill you right?

Harry: No, most of the time it’s just them cursing at me or flipping me off and telling me what they would like to do to me.

Back around ‘01 or so, Bonds pulled his inner groin muscle on his right thigh on his first at bat running to first base. He was down below me in left field messaging his thigh with his hand when I yelled very loudly "Barry, you’re not hurt. You’re just using that as an excuse to play with yourself in public". His next at bat while running to first base he pulled the muscle completely and had to be helped into the clubhouse. Where, according to a clubhouse guy I know, he went ballistic throwing stuff around and cursing. The next night He came up to me and told me if he ever caught me away from the park he’d beat me to death.

Gaslamp Ball: What advice could you give an aspiring heckler?

Harry: Go to a LOT of games. The more the players see you and hear you, the more effect you’ll have on them. Do your research on players, their stats, what’s happened to them in media, the internet. Pay attention to what the player is doing on the field, at bat. Watch what he does and work with what you see. Use good judgment in what you say, it’s a FAMILY environment. If you do drink, keep it to a minimum otherwise people won’t respect you and you lose your effectiveness.

Poll

Do you enjoy fans heckling the opposition?

Yes, heckling is entertaining

118 votes

No, I'd prefer peace and quiet

33 votes

151 votes | Poll has closed