Poll on what to do with Chris Davis
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 10:46 AM CDT
83 comments
There was some interesting discussion over this last series on what do with LSB's favorite first baseman. We all know the extreme negative stats: he's on pace to shatter the strike out record, leading all MLB players with 77 Ks; he has a sub-200 batting average (4th lowest in baseball) and an OBP at .253 (2nd lowest). He nonetheless has 12 HRs already, giving him a pace for nearly 40 on the season despite not being able to do anything else at the plate. And his defense has not only been better than expected, but actually a big asset to this club right now.
From what I can tell, the arguments are no longer about whether Davis is helping or hurting the team as he is playing now; but really what is best to do with him. It boils down to three questions: 1) Can Davis emerge from this slump on his own at the big league level?; 2) Developmentally, is there any long-term harm in sending him to AAA or keeping him in the big leagues?; 3) Who would replace him at the bag?
I don't want it to seem like I'm beating a dead horse, because I think the arguments from both sides are interesting and convincing (my snide signature aside). So since we have an off day, I thought it'd be a good idea to have a poll and get some heated, but intelligent, discussion going. After you vote, specify in the comments why you voted that way, and if you send Davis down, what your plan is for first base.
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I'd like to send him to A ball
serious
by texasraider on Jun 1, 2009 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
the Halladay/Volquez approach?
honestly may not be the worst idea
by Sherman McCoy on Jun 1, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not the worst idea
Yeah, converting him to a pitcher is probably a worse idea.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jun 1, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was a closer for navarro
my HS baseball coach said he was one of the top 3 arms in his regional tournament — i think he threw in low 90s
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, he was
but turning him into a pitcher would still be a terrible, terrible idea, only one step worse than the Halladay/Volquez approach. If you send him down, it’s to AAA with the advice to not worry at all about his stats for a while, just work on his approach and have good at bats.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jun 1, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no i agree
its dumb to send him all the way down
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why
what is gained from that? you are going to tear down his entire approach and batting style at the plate…because he strikes out a lot?
thats foolish
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
say that he ends up
the same kind of hitter as mark reynolds, but with GG defense
thats a VERY solid, young player to have under team control for the next few years
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say keep him in Arlington playing full-time...
His defense has been great and he’s still got the power. He’s made adjustments at every other level (admittedly this is the big leagues) and I’m confident he can work it out.
I also don’t think it would be horrible to send him down for a couple of weeks just to clear his head…
by BombDiggity on Jun 1, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I voted send to AAA at the All Star Break
if he doesn’t get markedly better by then.
I would probably play Blalock there more after he was demoted, allowing Jones to be full time DH. If the team continues down this current path (strong playoff push despite an up and down offense) I would actually consider a deadline trade for a first baseman with a high OBP and an expiring contract (maybe a Nick Johnson? I think he’s a FA).
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I only put realistic possibilities
which is why I didn’t include a “trade him” option either. But I should have included the DFA just to see how many people are out there who really hate him
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where's
trade him to Japan for Jason Botts, Kam Loe and a Ben Harrison to be named later?
by robert_d_wilfong on Jun 1, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Chris Young/Adrian Gonzalez trade was a mistake.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Chris Davis will be fine. Relax.
by thedirkatron on Jun 1, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
You think more "will Mark Cuban buy the Rangers?" talk is more interesting?
at least this is something that is relevant and people have different opinions on.
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Justin Thompson will be a boon to this rotation
is he pitching yet?
Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."
by LBBRangerFan on Jun 1, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
only off of flat ground
hes hoping to move to the mound at the end of the week
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish we would have hung on to Termel Sledge
by tyd3311 on Jun 1, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
talk about the forgotten man
i think hes playing in the NPB in japan btw
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully he is in the NPB majors
and not the NPB minors like Botts-san
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 2, 2009 5:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When are the Rangers gonna spend some money...
…and bring in some pitching?
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Jun 1, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If only we had gotten
Jason Botts ABs instead of Sammy Sosa.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
voted AAA @ ASB
I actually think maybe he should go to AA instead in a few weeks if he hasn’t shown any signs of coming around. Going to Frisco would allow him to face less advanced pitching. He just needs to get his timing back and has nothing to prove in the minors.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
by RangerMad on Jun 1, 2009 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
AA vs AAA
id rather him go to AA personally
1) closer to rangers (easier to watch)
2) confidence
3) lesser pitching
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted
the All Star break, but hopefully he starts hitting before then. The best situation for the Rangers is having him playing 1B, and giving us 260/320/450 type production.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 11:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Voted ASB
In consensus with Cahill, give him some more time to work things out because he is by far the best 1B we have. If he still can’t help the team offesively by the break, I think the FO is pretty much forced to send him down. Hopefully he would be able to work it out. By the ASB one would think Smoak would be in OKC, so what happens to him if Davis gets sent down? I want Smaok staying in the minors for most of this year so it would be interesting to see how his playing time is affected, if at all.
Derek Holland-2011 AL Cy Young
by Martijn1309 on Jun 1, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
where is
the take him out back, shoot him, and put us out our misery from these discussions option?
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
"you're fuckin out" (Kenny Powers)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Jun 1, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for keeping him where he is
Mainly because I don’t want to see Blalock at 1st. The defense has been superb this year, and Crush is one of the reasons why.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
For the people voting Keep him in the bigs, playing full time (status quo)
I’m curious, how much time do you give him at the majors? The rest of the year? This year and Next?
Is there any deadline you would put on him, or can he go through his whole 6 years of control hitting like this?
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i wish more of his supporters would answer this question
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Jun 1, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only argument I have heard is "he'll eventually start hitting"
Holding out for a guy to “eventually start hitting” isn’t a plan.
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
I find the refusal to face the question somewhat comical.
Some folks will even admit that obviously you can’t sustain a 1B who hits that poorly, but then not say how long they will roll with it.
I guess I just don’t figure CD going to the minors is the end of his career or anything, and some folks seem to think it is.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm for playing him full time until the AS Break at least
Then, you see what kind of progress he’s made with the bat and decide if he is improving or needs to get his playing time cut. I don’t see an option down to AAA (or AA) helping him out any. If he can’t hit for the rest of the season, then a demotion to AAA comes next season.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Jun 1, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see how playing him every couple of days could possibly help either
Send him down, take the pressure off. Get him hitting fastballs again, then build up from there
by tyd3311 on Jun 1, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question i want to as is WHO do you put at 1B to replace him?
Hank is by no means much of a better choice, especially in the field. Smaok needs to stay down all year, at least until September call ups, so what else do you do? What are your options? And by getting rid of CD’s defense and adding .50 of a batting avg and .3 on OBP, what does that really get you?? (those would be the appox difference in CD and Hank’s numbers)
Elvis has "shook up" Arlington!!
by thad728 on Jun 1, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted to keep him up playing everyday
but solely on the fact that I dont see really any other option there, other than a trade, which i dont like that idea really either.
Elvis has "shook up" Arlington!!
by thad728 on Jun 1, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hank is a better 1B now
when you combine offense and defense. Hank’s defensive 1B is also likely to improve if you get him in a few consecutive games. Smoak is likely to be a better option in a couple months.
Why does Smoak have to stay down all year? Smoak has already played in almost as many AA games as CD did, in another month or 2, he could have as many AAA ABs as Davis.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great chance to up whatever trade value he has left
by oc on Jun 1, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who,
CD or Smoak?
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry,
guess you mean blalock.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hank's defense
Isn’t even close to CD’s. And while Hank is more productive offensively, the difference is negligible if you take into account which one of those players is more likely to have a future with the Rangers. Also, Blalock eats puppies.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never says it was.
I said the combination of offense and defense is better.
Currently, according to this Chris Davis is the 2nd least productive 1B in baseball. Even though his Defense is ranked 4th best, his offense is so atrocious it drags him into the muck.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That hurts to look at
And certainly bolsters your argument. But I have a hard time believing that Hank would be much higher on that list, were he the full time starter. Maybe I’d give CD a few weeks down at AAA, just to clear his head. Fuck.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hank is only 0.4 wins above replacement.
Maybe that’s better than Davis, but it would still be still 4th to last among AL first basemen. Is that really such a great improvement?
wORLD sEIRES HERE WE COMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by lonestarJon on Jun 1, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it means
Chris Davis figures it out while in the minors, yes.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 2, 2009 5:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is what some people seem to be missing
It very well may be the case that Chris Davis to the minors is the best thing for Chris Davis.
"He's old school in that he give up his groin like that. It hurt me when he do that" -- Worsh on Chris Davis' stretch at first base to end the game vs. the Angels on 5/16
by tricer on Jun 2, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is that addition on offense
worth the subtraction on defense?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for 2 weeks
I could live with Hack at 1B for 10-12 games. The only problem I see with sending him down is that he may not get his timing back in 2 weeks. Then we are stuck with Hack at 1B longer than I am comfortable with.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
by RangerMad on Jun 1, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is the problem with that
Davis not hitting well is worse than Hank not fielding well.
The status quo (Davis at 1st, Hank at DH) is less valuable than the proposed change (Davis in AAA, Hank at 1st, Jones at DH) when defense and offense contributions are summed up. Yeah, Hank is not good at 1st; but he’s more better than Davis offensively than Davis is better defensively (and Jones bat, which gets into the lineup more, is much better than both of theirs).
Plus, by sending him down, you have the added benefit of likely putting Davis into a position to regain his timing/confidence/whatever is wrong with him.
The one real argument that I can see about not sending him down is that it would be detrimental to Davis to do so. I don’t buy that, but I can understand it. But performance wise, whatever non-Davis lineup you run out there will be significantly better than the status quo.
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
reyarbyw
by sending him down, you have the added benefit of likely putting Davis into a position to regain his timing/confidence/whatever is wrong with him
which I hope he can do in two weeks because
Hank is not good at 1st; but he’s more better than Davis offensively than Davis is better defensively (and Jones bat, which gets into the lineup more, is much better than both of theirs).
Hanks defense will be exposed at 1B with the more time he gets there thus decreasing his overall value. And, I am not optimistic that AJ will keep up his current production with more ABs. AJ’s first 52 ABs: 1.219ops. Next 54 ABs: 768ops. Will the real Andruw Jones please stand up.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
by RangerMad on Jun 1, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would give him the whole year then
in spring training it is a battle between him and Smoak. I just think that as long as the team is winning then keep him in there. I would like to drop in the lineup though. Maybe to 8th or even 9th.
by Michael Cave on Jun 1, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree you drop him in the lineup
and, I think he should stay for now. If he continues to struggle like this for 2 – 3 weeks, I’d send him down. This week is a tough stretch as we’ll be facing a few lefties that are very good in Sabathia, Pettitte, and Lester.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Jun 1, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i voted give him playing time
but i wanted full PT until the ASB
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll fall on that grenade
I’d give him as much time as it takes to get a comparable defensive replacement. I don’t like Hank there, and I certainly don’t think anyone on the major league roster would do near the job as Crush. If Smoak is ready later this year, do it. If there’s someone out there to be had via trade, do it for the right price — though I seriously doubt the Rangers would deal for a 1st baseman with Smoak in the pipeline.
To me, it’s all about run prevention, and Crush is doing his part. I still hope that he can turn things around with the bat, but I’ll settle for the nifty glove work and the occasional long ball. Now dog-pile.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That seems absurd to me.
Chris may be one of the best defensive 1B in baseball, however he has below replacement value due to being one of the worst offensive producers in all of baseball at any position.
I’d gladly replace him with an average defense, above average offense.
Additionally, I don’t view this as a permanent replacement. Eventually Chris is going to get his hitting back on track. My own opinion is that after giving him 3 months at the majors, you might as well try the minors out.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess our disagreement
is rooted in how we value Hank differently. I don’t think Hank is an average defender, and he’s not above average enough offensively to replace CD’s run prevention.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
he’s not above average enough offensively to replace CD’s run prevention
The statistics don’t back you up on this.
I have an irrational hatred of Chris Davis because his Ks are way too ugly and irrational liking of Matt Harrison because he's a lefty - deal with it.
by JBImaknee on Jun 1, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I corrected myself after learning of the stats above.
That's why they call them business sox
by egriffey on Jun 1, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait til Smoak is ready
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
by TxStCa on Jun 1, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
tough call
Although I go back and for on this, I’d lean toward giving him however much time it takes Smoak to get ready. He’s frustrating to watch and something seems to be wrong with him, but I keep thinking he’s going to snap out of it at some point.
"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley
by trza on Jun 1, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AAA
I’m beginning to think the longer he struggles in the big leagues the worse his confidence will be and the harder it will take to get him back on track. So why not send him to the minors, let him work through his struggles and hopefully dominate AAA pitchers for a couple of months? You’ll stop his service clock from ticking and at the same time fix his problems. Win/win situation.
To replace him just slide Blalock to 1B and have Jones as the fulltime DH. Sure defense is important but if you’re batting like Davis right now it doesn’t matter how fantastic your defense is, it’s not counteracting the offensive portion of the game.
by TRanger on Jun 1, 2009 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm not against this idea
but I think you have to give him more time, and if he continues to lack any sort of pitch recognition, plate discipline, and all contact whatsoever, he would have to be sent down.
It seems like he is focusing on staying back on the ball too much, and he is late on everything. Part of that could be his recognition, but Davis is one guy I would like to see be more aggresive and hitting the ball in play rather than end up 0-2 or 1-2. Of course, he’s had trouble making contact so….we’ll see.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Jun 1, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
send him to AAA
…while Smoak is still in AA, so that Davis can get his swing/timing worked out. If he’s not mentally capable of being handling a demotion to work on what he is sucking at (LaPorta, Snider, etc…) then what is his real future here?
"Dear dumb ass folowers of FSMism,
There have been a lot of weird things that i have seen in my life before, but this tops them all. Do you really believe that there is/was such a thing as a flying spaghetti monster? Seriously, how fucking old are you? I know there’s such a thing as freedom of speech and expression, but this kinda shit should be banned. Theres is only one God and one Holy Word. Why dont you people get that? How much sense does it make to say that decreasing numbers of pirates lead to an increase in average global temperature? Is that science or some fifth grader trying to sound smart?"
–Sincerly,
ANONYMOUS
The Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster (http://www.venganza.org/)
by 8legs2fangs on Jun 1, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
few things
laports isnt a good comparison imho — they have a ton of corner OF guys + the glut of OF/1b guys + an albatross @ DH — bad situation for him
neither is snider. snider is a damn good player, but is on a squeeze for PT and has not started off well (multiple people thought he could be the best hitter on that team this year) — had lind been playing how hes played his entire ML career he would probably be still up
but at the end of the day, he brings defense to the table, which is something that neither snider or laporta bring. hes going to be a guy that (this year) gets a good amount of his value from his defense, unlike snider or laporta now, or maybe even in the future
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
Scout to KG: On Sandoval: "Man, that fat [expletive]-er can hit."
by knockoutking on Jun 1, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, I voted to send him down at the ASB...
…but not to AAA.
In my opinion, what you do right now, if only to pressure Chris to find his stroke quickly and test his mettle, is bring Justin Smoak up to AAA.
At the ASB, if Chris still has a ton of problems, send him to AA. I like the idea of him being closer to home for the Rangers to keep an eye on him, as well as to have less talented pitching for him to pound on for a while.
In the meantime, you bring Smoak up to the big leagues, with the hope that he will have matured somewhat in his month+ of facing AAA pitching. If he’s still putting up a good clip there, I see no reason why he can’t face major league pitching until (or even if) Davis corrects his problems at the plate.
At that point, however, what the front office would do is beyond me. The DH/1B platoon between the two is a viable option, with the possibility of trading Blalock to clear up some roster space.
Other than that, I don’t see to much reasoning to do anything other than keeping him where he is with the hope that he pulls himself out of his slump.
"Either we need to re-calibrate our rectangle, or Alfonzo Marquez is not having a good night." - Josh Lewin
by utlonghorn24 on Jun 1, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ride it out...
the rest of the season. I still think he can turn it around and I don’t see him going to OKC helping him much. Plus, for all those that want to send him down now, I’m sure you want Smoak up in AAA or even in the bigs now too right? So what do you do with Smoak?
CD is a bigger part of this teams future than Blalock or Jones. Those other two guys are gone after this year anyway. Even if CD is a bust, I think the Rangers have to find out this year before Smoak is ready next year (or sooner). I know the Rangers have a great shot to win a pennant this year. That makes this choice even tougher as far as how long you stick with a young player who’s struggling. My opinion is that you stick with him though. Get Blalock most of the AB’s at DH against RH pitches and Jones against LH pitching. Jones can also play some LF depending on how often Hamilton will be in the lineup. The Rangers need to deal Blalock at the deadline.
Stick with CD.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Jun 1, 2009 2:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where you send him down to
(AAA, AA, etc.) is irrelevent to me. You would hope he could start adjusting to the lower level of competition pretty quick and get his confidence back. If you think the problems are all in CDs head, and you just need to get him raking consistently, where you send him to is pretty irrelevent.
The only reason I’d send him down if he is still slumping at the ASB is pretty simple. Staying up hasn’t been working.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So what do you do with Smoak?
Leave him at 1B. Davis just needs ABs to fix his swing not reps at 1B.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
by RangerMad on Jun 1, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Team’s winning and I believe he’ll come out of it. If he can’t turn it around we’ll figure that out at the end of the season. CD’s D combined with Blalock/AJ/s splits should make up for it.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
by WyoRanger on Jun 1, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted to trade him for Einar Diaz
Call 1-800-DOCTORB. The B is for bargain!
by Panorama on Jun 1, 2009 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
confidence issue
would he be more rattled by being sent down to the minors or by hitting .175 halfway into the season?
i’d lean towards sending him down but those closer to him would probably have a better idea
by kumizi on Jun 1, 2009 4:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Defensive Metrics Question
Do the defensive metrics for 1B take into account catching of balls from the other infielders? I can’t count how many times Crush has saved Kins, Elvis and MY from throwing errors by making amazing scoops or stretches to turn potential throwing errors into outs.
I don’t see Blalock being quite so slick in that way. You need to take those “intangibles” into account if you want to compare Davis and Blalock at 1B.
by NorCalRangersFan on Jun 1, 2009 4:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe throwing to another 1B
will get Kins, Elvis and MY to step their game up on some pretty sloppy throws.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 1, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but
People voting to keep him up all year are flat out fucking stupid
the poll clearly states “if he continues at his current performance”…that means you are playing a 1b everyday hitting under .200 and striking out every time he even looks at the plate
also, some of you need to pull your eyes away from the fuckin spreadsheet…1b D is not that important
there is a reason basically every team buries a bum there who crushes the ball and plays bad D
the position is easy as shit
CD D does grant him some leeway, but a fucking .200 average…if you think that is ok, you need to seek some fuckin help
btw, id like to see Smoak be given a chance to play, which will also solve some of your defensive bitching
by Horns130 on Jun 2, 2009 3:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In some ways I hope they do
I’d like to see him shatter the all time record for Ks. Passing 204 should be easy for him if he plays all year.
"Guillermo Moscoso despite his stunning game yesterday, is not a legit prospect. He is simply too old, too skinny, too weak, and lacks the fastball to make it at the professional level. ." - crops.mlblogs.com
by DJCahill on Jun 2, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha…ah yes, the coveted strike out record. Many have tried, and many have failed. I think Davis has what it takes. I heard he has a hockey record too…he took off his skate and tried to stab somebody with it. Only guy to ever do that.
by Wreck Em on Jun 2, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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