SB Nation Blog: vinniefromjersey

Indefensible defense

vinniefromjersey — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:08:37 -0000

I think it was in the 50's or early 60's when the Cards put four first basemen in the starting lineup; an aging Musial in left, Joe Cunningham in center, Bill White in right and George Crowe at first. The current outfield is second only to that lineup in defensive futility. Duncan just can't play the field. The first hit of last night's game would have been caught (pop fly to medium left by Rollins) by a near-average left fielder. Because he can't go back on anything, Duncan positions himself about fifteen feet from the wall no matter what the situation is. Later in the game another similar fly ball fell in. Both were opposite field fly balls by left handers. Phillies' color man (and former left fielder) Gary Matthews Sr. flatly stated that both of those balls should have been caught. Yes, he made a nice play on a ball at the wall, but every defensive play he makes is shaky. Let's face facts: he's a DH in a non-DH league.
If the organization is going to insist on a "pitch to contact" philosophy, then it needs a major upgrade defensively, because Duncan is not alone in his defensive shortcomings. Our best defenders are on the infield corners and we are very weak up the middle. Eckstein and Miles have limited range, and Kennedy looks like he's in his 40's, not 30's. Even when Edmonds was playing he wasn't covering what he used to, and So gave away a game last week (and we haven't seen him since).
Finally, there's Yadi, who I would call a work in progress. To date, he's no Mike Metheny. He has too many lapses in concentration. He has the spectacular arm, but must develop better fundamentals. I'm not down on him (his first error last night should have been given to Miles): he's one of our few plus defenders.
I hope the powers that be decide to be sellers and address needs on defense and with speed. I'd like to see Duncan and Kennedy sent to the Yankees for Cano if that is doable.This is not just frustration from the last few weeks: I've been harping on defense since last year.

Reyes gone?

vinniefromjersey — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:56:51 -0000

Everything I read in regard to their comments about Reyes indicates to me he is being shopped. Living in the New Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia, the Phillies would seem a good destination. They just started three AA pitchers in a four game series with the Mets. I'd like to see a trade for Victorino or Bourne. Both are fast outfielders who are plus defenders (wouldn't that be nice for a change?) who could lead off, dropping Eck to #2. Also, both are still cheap, allowing DeWitt's wallet to remain closed.

Reyes a symptom of infighting?

vinniefromjersey — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:30:39 -0000

I was shocked at the demotion of Anthony Reyes. It appeared to me he was the second (or at least third) best starter in terms of actual pitching performance, and some of the data posted here recently seems to bear that out. My question is whether his demotion is a symptom of some sort of power struggle between factions (DeWitt/Luhnow-home grown cheaper talent vs. Jocketty/LaRussa/Duncan-you need bigleague experience).

Along the same lines, I wonder whether Jocketty was prohibitted from signing experienced free-agent to be pitchers (Morris, Suppan,etc.) unless they had no where else to go in free agency and were therefor bargains.

Any thoughts?

It's the shirt

vinniefromjersey — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:43:53 -0000

Just before the final weekend of the regular season the VEB red shirt I ordered came in the mail. I began wearing it during all Cards games, and subsequently the Cards won their division, the NLDS, the NLCS, and the World Series. Scientific proof the shirt has magical powers. Needless to say I refused to wash it during this win streak, but I plan to give it a refreshing bath and put it away for next season.

On another note, I would like some opinions on this proposed deal: Anthony Reyes and Chris Duncan to Tampa Bay for Carl Crawford. I believe Crawford is Lou Brock waiting to happen and would solve a multitude of offensive and defensive shortcomings. Wouldn't it be nice to have a left fielder who is plus defender?