Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Camp Chatter/Infield Preview
“Biddle is the Guy”…for now
There. Frank said it. I typed it. Robinson told Florida Today on the eve of their first workout that Biddle is the closer. “He’s earned it.” Of course, read what follows and also consider that this is, after all, the first day of full-squad workouts. Becuase in a recent interview on MLB.com, Robinson also said that he hoped both Luis Ayala and Chad Cordero would be able to help Biddle out come save time. Although this seems to place Biddle at the top of the closer hierarchy (which, for the record, I said last week), the fact that there is a hierarchy is probably making those of you who drafted him early maybe wish you hadn't. I’ll keep you posted on this lovely story.
As far as strategy issues, Robinson has announced that because the Expos lack a big bat like Guerrero in the lineup this year, they will become more aggressive in their playing style. This means more running. Who does that effect? Probably just Cabrera and Wilkerson. It makes Wilkerson slightly more attractive (but not much) and Cabrera…well, it might put him in the top five SS. In the rotation, Livan Hernandez has been given the nod to start Opening Day on April 6th in Florida against the World Champion Marlins. This will be his 4th Opening Day start and his 1st for the Expos. Here’s a tidbit—Livan is one of only five pitchers who have started 30+ games the last five years. The others? Mike Hampton, Greg Maddux, Bartolo Colon, and Tom Glavine.
The infield—Nick Johnson, 1B
First things first. Let’s look at first. Who’s on first? Nick Johnson, who’s getting his first opportunity to play first full time this year (hey, what’d you expect—I’m talking about the first basemen). Seriously, I’m excited about Nick at first. How excited will completely depend on his health as Spring Training goes along, but I think this could be the beginning of something sweet. Nick’s not got great power, and playing everyday in my mind won’t really change that too much, but the guy can flat out hit. He doesn’t swing at bad pitches too often, he walks like crazy (last year almost 1 of every 5 ABs), and he’s going to be hitting in the middle of the order for once. That probably means he’ll have to swing a little more but if his wrists hold out this year, he’d be a superb pick for your 1B/3B slot. Outstanding pick.
Jose Vidro, 2B
At second, Jose Vidro is a solid option. He’s a solid option every year. He’s been doin’ this for five years now and yet perennially people overlook him. Why? I don’t know. Okay, so he does play in Montreal, but he’s the 4th best 2B in the bigs. Don’t give me Castillo, he’s only got more speed and even that is becoming less of a glaring difference between them. Yeah, Vidro won’t run, but he’s absolutely solid everywhere else. He’s hit .300+ five straight years, his OBP has increased the last three years (.393 in ’03), and he’s walking and hitting more ground balls than ever before. Sure, he may not increase that HR number (expect at least 12-15 though), but if he hits .335 this year, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Here’s a guy that looks just about ready to ripen. But Cabrera is a player who would likely also be overlooked if he wasn’t playing short. This year, with the Expos supposed more aggressive strategy, he’ll certainly run more (I’m thinking at least 30 SB) and he may join Vidro above .300. Cabrera had career highs in AVG, HR, OBP, SLG, and OPS last year. He’s proven he can be consistent over the course of a season, and the last five years, he’s struck out in no more than 10% of his ABs each year (for the uninitiated, that’s outstanding). He’s definitely good enough and young enough that this could be the year he’s been building toward. Put it like this, by October it would not surprise me if the only SS who had better stats were A-Rod and Nomar.
Tony Batista, 3B
I just took a deep breath here at the keyboard. This is the part of the infield I really don’t wanna talk about. I said last week that the Expos would have a feisty group of infielders that was fun to watch—with one exception. Meet Tony Batista. Now, I see you with you draft sheets out going, “But the dude’s swatted at least 25 big flies the last five years!” Well, zippa-dee-doo-dah, so did six other 3B, none of whom batted under .272, and none of whom had a OBP under .324. Batista hit .235 with a .270 OBP. Five of those six other 3B slugged over .500 (A. Ramirez only .465). Batista? A crowd-pleasing .393. See what I’m gettin’ at here? Of the twenty 3B who qualified for the batting title (502 PA), Batista was 19th in AVG and 18th in SLG. Want one more stat to prove you should avoid him? How about 28 BB vs. 102 K. Yeesh.
On Deck
We’ve done pitchers, catchers, and now the infield. Who’s left? The boys that shag the flies, that man the wall, that roam the alleys—that’s right, the outfielders. The ‘Spos basically have five guys fighting for three starting positions right now. We’ll see who’s goin’ where and all that jazz next week before we take the field against Detroit on March 4th. Shoot me an e-mail at exposflb@insightbb.com if you have any questions. Again, be sure to check out the updated “Draft Quick Hits” at the archive site (http://exposflb.blog-city.com). So far camp is going well, but it’s pretty ho-hum. I’ve got an idea—the Royals invited Garth Brooks to camp. Should we see if Shania Twain is available? She is Canadian. Just a thought. Reporting for the Expos, this is Matt Allen—ESPN.
There. Frank said it. I typed it. Robinson told Florida Today on the eve of their first workout that Biddle is the closer. “He’s earned it.” Of course, read what follows and also consider that this is, after all, the first day of full-squad workouts. Becuase in a recent interview on MLB.com, Robinson also said that he hoped both Luis Ayala and Chad Cordero would be able to help Biddle out come save time. Although this seems to place Biddle at the top of the closer hierarchy (which, for the record, I said last week), the fact that there is a hierarchy is probably making those of you who drafted him early maybe wish you hadn't. I’ll keep you posted on this lovely story.
As far as strategy issues, Robinson has announced that because the Expos lack a big bat like Guerrero in the lineup this year, they will become more aggressive in their playing style. This means more running. Who does that effect? Probably just Cabrera and Wilkerson. It makes Wilkerson slightly more attractive (but not much) and Cabrera…well, it might put him in the top five SS. In the rotation, Livan Hernandez has been given the nod to start Opening Day on April 6th in Florida against the World Champion Marlins. This will be his 4th Opening Day start and his 1st for the Expos. Here’s a tidbit—Livan is one of only five pitchers who have started 30+ games the last five years. The others? Mike Hampton, Greg Maddux, Bartolo Colon, and Tom Glavine.
The infield—Nick Johnson, 1B
First things first. Let’s look at first. Who’s on first? Nick Johnson, who’s getting his first opportunity to play first full time this year (hey, what’d you expect—I’m talking about the first basemen). Seriously, I’m excited about Nick at first. How excited will completely depend on his health as Spring Training goes along, but I think this could be the beginning of something sweet. Nick’s not got great power, and playing everyday in my mind won’t really change that too much, but the guy can flat out hit. He doesn’t swing at bad pitches too often, he walks like crazy (last year almost 1 of every 5 ABs), and he’s going to be hitting in the middle of the order for once. That probably means he’ll have to swing a little more but if his wrists hold out this year, he’d be a superb pick for your 1B/3B slot. Outstanding pick.
Jose Vidro, 2B
At second, Jose Vidro is a solid option. He’s a solid option every year. He’s been doin’ this for five years now and yet perennially people overlook him. Why? I don’t know. Okay, so he does play in Montreal, but he’s the 4th best 2B in the bigs. Don’t give me Castillo, he’s only got more speed and even that is becoming less of a glaring difference between them. Yeah, Vidro won’t run, but he’s absolutely solid everywhere else. He’s hit .300+ five straight years, his OBP has increased the last three years (.393 in ’03), and he’s walking and hitting more ground balls than ever before. Sure, he may not increase that HR number (expect at least 12-15 though), but if he hits .335 this year, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Here’s a guy that looks just about ready to ripen. But Cabrera is a player who would likely also be overlooked if he wasn’t playing short. This year, with the Expos supposed more aggressive strategy, he’ll certainly run more (I’m thinking at least 30 SB) and he may join Vidro above .300. Cabrera had career highs in AVG, HR, OBP, SLG, and OPS last year. He’s proven he can be consistent over the course of a season, and the last five years, he’s struck out in no more than 10% of his ABs each year (for the uninitiated, that’s outstanding). He’s definitely good enough and young enough that this could be the year he’s been building toward. Put it like this, by October it would not surprise me if the only SS who had better stats were A-Rod and Nomar.
Tony Batista, 3B
I just took a deep breath here at the keyboard. This is the part of the infield I really don’t wanna talk about. I said last week that the Expos would have a feisty group of infielders that was fun to watch—with one exception. Meet Tony Batista. Now, I see you with you draft sheets out going, “But the dude’s swatted at least 25 big flies the last five years!” Well, zippa-dee-doo-dah, so did six other 3B, none of whom batted under .272, and none of whom had a OBP under .324. Batista hit .235 with a .270 OBP. Five of those six other 3B slugged over .500 (A. Ramirez only .465). Batista? A crowd-pleasing .393. See what I’m gettin’ at here? Of the twenty 3B who qualified for the batting title (502 PA), Batista was 19th in AVG and 18th in SLG. Want one more stat to prove you should avoid him? How about 28 BB vs. 102 K. Yeesh.
On Deck
We’ve done pitchers, catchers, and now the infield. Who’s left? The boys that shag the flies, that man the wall, that roam the alleys—that’s right, the outfielders. The ‘Spos basically have five guys fighting for three starting positions right now. We’ll see who’s goin’ where and all that jazz next week before we take the field against Detroit on March 4th. Shoot me an e-mail at exposflb@insightbb.com if you have any questions. Again, be sure to check out the updated “Draft Quick Hits” at the archive site (http://exposflb.blog-city.com). So far camp is going well, but it’s pretty ho-hum. I’ve got an idea—the Royals invited Garth Brooks to camp. Should we see if Shania Twain is available? She is Canadian. Just a thought. Reporting for the Expos, this is Matt Allen—ESPN.
