Comments on: Alderson’s Plan

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 11:37:56 +0000

I think Anthony pretty well highlighted what the “traditional” ideas of what a #2 hitter should be like, at least from a fan’s perspective. I’m not sure how that correlates with what Big League types think #2 hitter’s should be like, but I don’t think they are the skills one should necessarily be looking for in today’s game. As Anthony pointed out, “Are they really the best skills for a #2 hitter anyway?” I’d say no.

With a leadoff guy who can steal a lot of bags anyway, not so important to hit and run, which reduces the importance of two of the three criteria. I think most everyone who is aware of the analysis done on the importance of conserving outs is aware that the sacrifice bunt is something to be avoided like the plague, particularly at the top of the order.

So what do y’all think should be the criteria for a #2 nowadays? Personally, I’d like a good OBP more than anything, and then good extra base power, much like any other hitter.

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By: Nick G.

Nick G. — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:53:44 +0000

Nice fluff article about Brian Sikorski. 93-95 mph fastball with an “OK” breaking ball according to Alderson.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/.....p;c_id=mlb

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By: Nick G.

Nick G. — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:48:12 +0000

Anyone see the Cameron article in the Union Tribune. He’s one of my favorite players — I can’t wait to see the guy in a Pads uniform. You’ve got to love a guy that mentions Paul Blair, Gary Pettis & Devon White when talking about great outfielders.
I know he’s 33, but it’d be nice to have him for a few years.

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By: Peter Friberg

Peter Friberg — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:59:55 +0000

Wow Iced, others mentioned it as well, but did you even read the article Geoff linked before posting yourself? Pizzia and Castilla are both interesting cheap pieces that allow us to move forward, competitively, this year, without blocking guys who could help us long-term (Headley and Kottaras). I love how things are shaping up under Alderson.

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By: Geoff Young

Geoff Young — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 14:40:44 +0000

Anyone ever listen to Trip Shakespeare?

http://www.tt.net/clean/hp89180.html

They had a song called “Toolmaster of Brainerd”:

http://fullbleed.net/ex-lionta.....01739.html

Maybe we could rework the lyrics a little so that it’s “Pickmaster of Petco”?

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By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:13:13 +0000

I’m hoping we’ll see some Pickmaster signs at Petco this year.

Seriously, I hope Klesko comes back strong now that he doesn’t have to play the outfield. He sounds happy to be back at first and it should be less of an injury risk, if only because he won’t have to worry about taking a fly ball off his noggin.

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By: Nick G.

Nick G. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:57:58 +0000

Good post,Anthony

Saw that story earlier this morning and had to read RK’s quotes a couple of times. Especially the thing about him having more range than Joyner.

Klesko’s always good for some unintentional comedy.

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By: Geoff Young

Geoff Young — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:22:35 +0000

“Pick Master”? Oh, my. As for Klesko’s range, I actually wish he had less. Part of his problem in the past has been extreme overaggressiveness on balls hit between first and second base.

Range at 1B isn’t all that important. I’m much more interested in footwork and ability to receive throws from a variety of angles.

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By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:04:40 +0000

Can we agree on the criteria for a good #2 hitter?
Tradition says:
1. The ability to hit behind the runner. Everyone seems to agree this is what Loretta excelled at.
2. Good bunter. Gotta move that runner over.
3. Doesn’t strike out much. For all those hit and run plays.

Do we have anyone with those skills? Are they really the best skills for a #2 hitter anyway?

I’d be in favor of Cameron at #2. As stated above, he won’t kill you with double plays. Plus he’s fast so if he gets on after Roberts makes an out you still have a good chance to score. If they both get on you can do things like a double steal.

At least our worries about first base are over:

PEORIA, Ariz. � Ryan Klesko is confident his return to first base will be as smooth as Wally Joyner’s shaved head.

�My defense at first base is good,� Klesko said after reporting to the team’s training complex yesterday. �I’m not like the typical first baseman who doesn’t move well over there. Why do you think I get called the Pick Master?�

�They haven’t had anybody with the range I have there in a long time,� Klesko said. �Obviously Wally was a great first baseman. He could pick it. But he did not have the range I did.�

Note: this is from the UT, not The Onion.

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By: Geoff Young

Geoff Young — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 11:43:04 +0000

Good discussion on strikeouts and double plays. This may be worthy of its own post. The real problem with the Padres offense is that basically you've got Giles and a boatload of #6 hitters. One thing I think we can all agree on is that under no circumstances should Castilla or Piazza bat #2.

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