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Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:36 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: You are Milwaukee Management, what do you do with Rickie Weeks? Milwaukee Management? No thanks. However, since I've got the job, I give Weeks yet another year to prove what he's got. I am paying him $2.8 million, so I've made a financial investment. I've given him four years, and while his defense has been awful, he has shown flashes at the plate. His OBP is respectable, as he can draw a walk. He's shown enough to demonstrate that given a full year, he'd hit 20 HR. His average is low, but he did hit .279 just two years ago. There's no questioning his talent.

I've gone this long, I'm giving him one more year. [/QUOTE]Agreed. I guess they let Ray Durham go as a vote of confidence, at least for awhile in 2009.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:37 am

Dump Weeks. Sign Orlando Hudson.

Just sayin.

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:38 am

Originally posted by Sack:

Creative Sports:

I've been a fan of some of your past Spring Training reports. Will you offer a similiar product this season? How is most of the information for these past reports gathered, is it a group of reporters on scene or is the informaton gained via word of mouth with contacts within the game? Thanks.

Ken M Great question. We are still trying to decide if we are doing Spring Training Reports this year. The industry is moving more and more toward a model where most all content is free, because that is what you all expect. The cost and time of doing the ST Reports vs. the gain is the open question.

Would anyone here pay five or ten bucks for a series of four weekly reports?

On the second part of the question, most of us are either resident in spring training hot spots or go there every spring. Several of us also have media credentials, which sets us apart from writers and sites that have never set foot in a clubhouse and spoke with players and coaches directly.

For example, Lawr Michaels and Buster are in California, Mark Meltzer is in Florida and I have not missed a spring training for at least the last 20 years. The reports are a combination of what we see as well as what we learn in talking with others.

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:40 am

Rank Garza, Slowey, Baker, Danks Baker

Slowey

Danks

Garza

But, it's close on the last three

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:40 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

Dump Weeks. Sign Orlando Hudson.

Just sayin. Is he worth giving up that first-round draft pick, Tom? Being a Type A free agent is the only reason Hudson remains unsigned, IMHO.

The Cardinals need Hudson far worse than the Brewers, anyway!

[ February 17, 2009, 01:42 PM: Message edited by: Brian Walton ]

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:42 am

Carlos Gomez Juan Pierre Michael Bourne Co Co Crisp Anyone but Bourn.

Actually, Pierre, Crisp, Gomez and then Bourn. If Manny signs, drop Pierre behind Gomez.

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:44 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Rank Garza, Slowey, Baker, Danks Baker

Slowey

Danks

Garza

But, it's close on the last three [/QUOTE]Danks

Slowey

Garza

Baker

BEF · Post by **BEF** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:46 am

I like some Royals to come in under the radar as real sleepers: Meche, Soria, Crisp, Aviles, Jacobs...all double digit rounds except Soria. Am I wrong on these guys?

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:47 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Carlos Gomez Juan Pierre Michael Bourne Co Co Crisp Anyone but Bourn.

Actually, Pierre, Crisp, Gomez and then Bourn. If Manny signs, drop Pierre behind Gomez. [/QUOTE]Gomez (like his upside this season)

Pierre (Manny will be back)

Crisp

Bourn

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:49 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Who has more rbi this year, Nelson Cruz or Chris Davis? In the base stats in our draft kit (not tweaked for league format), we have Cruz down for .271/24/77 and Davis at .278/32/103. Like I said earlier, I like Davis a lot. I know Cruz is a trendy pick, but did I mention I like Davis a lot?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:50 am

Originally posted by Brian Walton:

quote:Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

Dump Weeks. Sign Orlando Hudson.

Just sayin. Is he worth giving up that first-round draft pick, Tom? Being a Type A free agent is the only reason Hudson remains unsigned, IMHO.

The Cardinals need Hudson far worse than the Brewers, anyway! [/QUOTE]I agree with this and I agree the draft pick is an issue. But it's time for the Brewers to cut bait with Weeks in my opinion. He's not progressing and they've wasted enough time waiting for him to live up to his potential.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:52 am

I LOVE the confidence, Buster...love it!

~Lance

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:53 am

Originally posted by Crazy Like a Fox:

Was Derek Jeter's 2008 just another year on a downward trend or can it be more attributed to injuries? We have Jeter down for a season comparable to 2008. .301/13/74.

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:54 am

I like some Royals to come in under the radar as real sleepers: Meche, Soria, Crisp, Aviles, Jacobs...all double digit rounds except Soria. Am I wrong on these guys? The Royals are, surprisingly, becoming trendy. Who'd have thunk that?

Soria's no sleeper. He'll go among the top seven closers. Crisp is an average outfielder who will get a chance to play, but he's still average. Meche is a whole lot better than most think. Aviles was old for a rookie, and I don't see any room for improvement. Jacobs could become a poor man's Jason Giambi.

NorCalAtlFan · Post by **NorCalAtlFan** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:54 am

Devine

F Francisco

M Gonzalez

Lindstrom

over/under 30 saves

Thanks again.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:55 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Why THIS year, as opposed to others? His ADP has dropped a bit, but why will we see more performance? Crawford, at 6-2, 210 or so, has the size and strength to hit for power. He showed some of it in 2006, but failed to repeat in 2007. His 2008 was derailed by injury. With added lineup protection, Crawford now fully developed at age 27 (28 in August), and with free agency looming after next season, I believe that now is the time for his power to reappear. [/QUOTE]I am just getting caught up on the thread, but what is breaking out to you? He hits nearly 50% of his batted balls on the ground, which limits his power upside, wouldn't you think?

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:57 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Which order whould you put these pitcher's in. They all get plenty of k's and if they can put it altogether it's great value this late. Wandy Rodriquez Manny Parra Oliver Perez Jonathan Sanchez 1. Wandy

2. Perez

3. Sanchez

4. Parra

Rodriguez showed signs of truly breaking out on occasion last year. Perez has the potential, the team behind him, and now a bullpen. Sanchez has talent and a good home park (and a great schedule in the NL West). Parra's my least favorite, by far. [/QUOTE]I agree on Parra at the bottom, though I put Sanchez on top. Maybe this is the year for Perez with a better supporting cast, but I have never been particularly high on Wandy.

[ February 17, 2009, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: Brian Walton ]

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:00 am

Devine F Francisco M Gonzalez Lindstrom over/under 30 saves It's safe to assume all under 30, as none of their jobs are secure as of February 17. Of the four, Gonzalez poses the biggest issues, as he just can't stay healthy. Lindstrom has never done it before, with just five saves in his major league career. Yet, the Marlins are giving him the job, with only Nunez behind him. Devine's got to deal with Ziegler, who isn't going to be a threat. Francisco's the safest of the four, but throws in Arlington.

As of today, here's where I have them ranked:

19 J. Devine

21 F. Francisco

22 M. Lindstrom

28 M. Gonzalez

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:05 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Devine F Francisco M Gonzalez Lindstrom over/under 30 saves It's safe to assume all under 30, as none of their jobs are secure as of February 17. Of the four, Gonzalez poses the biggest issues, as he just can't stay healthy. Lindstrom has never done it before, with just five saves in his major league career. Yet, the Marlins are giving him the job, with only Nunez behind him. Devine's got to deal with Ziegler, who isn't going to be a threat. Francisco's the safest of the four, but throws in Arlington.

As of today, here's where I have them ranked:

19 J. Devine

21 F. Francisco

22 M. Lindstrom

28 M. Gonzalez [/QUOTE]Agreed. The only way I'd take the over is if they were totaled. I like Ziegler and would definitely handcuff him if I took Devine.

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:07 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: I like some Royals to come in under the radar as real sleepers: Meche, Soria, Crisp, Aviles, Jacobs...all double digit rounds except Soria. Am I wrong on these guys? The Royals are, surprisingly, becoming trendy. Who'd have thunk that?

Soria's no sleeper. He'll go among the top seven closers. Crisp is an average outfielder who will get a chance to play, but he's still average. Meche is a whole lot better than most think. Aviles was old for a rookie, and I don't see any room for improvement. Jacobs could become a poor man's Jason Giambi. [/QUOTE]Jacobs could also become a rich man's Jeremy Giambi!

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:15 am

Originally posted by Buster:

quote: Over/Unders: Ryan Howard BA .275 Ian Kinsler 135 Games played Tim Lincecum 220 K's K-rod 45 saves Matt Holliday 32 homers Howard-- Over

Kinsler-- Over

Lincecum-- Over

K-Rod-- Under

Holliday-- Under [/QUOTE]Howard under (barely)

Kinsler over

Lincecum under (barely)

K-Rod under

Holliday under

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:15 am

Why THIS year, as opposed to others? His ADP has dropped a bit, but why will we see more performance? Crawford, at 6-2, 210 or so, has the size and strength to hit for power. He showed some of it in 2006, but failed to repeat in 2007. His 2008 was derailed by injury. With added lineup protection, Crawford now fully developed at age 27 (28 in August), and with free agency looming after next season, I believe that now is the time for his power to reappear. I am just getting caught up on the thread, but what is breaking out to you? He hits nearly 50% of his batted balls on the ground, which limits his power upside, wouldn't you think? 650 at bats, 325 balls not on the ground, 20+ home runs.

Brian Walton · Post by **Brian Walton** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:17 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Would you trust a 4th round pick on Furcal? If not, when or would you pull the trigger? Today, I wouldn't go before the fifth, meaning someone else would probably get him. On the other hand, if he looks good in ST games, then yes, I would move him up.

BEF · Post by **BEF** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:20 am

What's a fair round for Wily Tavares? And does it make sense that Ellsbury goes in the 5th/6th while Wily goes 6 to 7 rounds later?

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:23 am

What's a fair round for Wily Tavares? And does it make sense that Ellsbury goes in the 5th/6th while Wily goes 6 to 7 rounds later? Great question. Ellsbury does so much more than Tavaras. Check out the runs, RBI and HR stats from last season (Els 98/47/9, Tav 64/26/1). It's not just about stolen bases. Elsbury isn't losing his job. Taveras may.