Now that pitchers have reported and started their workouts, many are calling for big years from certain players. According to Richard Griffin, Mike Mussina not only looks better than he did last Spring, but he is also working with young pitchers Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes. He went on to talk about Kei Igawa, who has been working to improve on his stuff for next season. I doubt that he will make the rotation, and I think it wiill be a struggle for him to make the bullpen. In the AL West, Ervin Santana has reportedly been working hard so far and looks a lot better. Personally, I think Santana would be a solid pickup if you are doing Fantasy Baseball this year. I wouldn't gamble on Mussina just yet, but Santana and Hughes would be solid late round pickups. Another solid pick up in the late rounds would be B.J. Ryan, who is looking very good since being cleared to throw after surgery.Jay Payton likely to be traded?: Jay Payton is the odd man out in the Orioles outfield, and they have yet to find a suitor for the thirty-five year old making five million dollars. Not only
that, but his numbers in 2007 leave the Orioles in no position to make demands.
Willie Randolph on hot seat?: Bob Klapisch belives that Willie Randolph's job is on the line if he fails to make it to the playoffs. I can't say I disagree. Randolph was helpless towards the end of the last season and did hardly anything to turrn it around. However, the players love him and if they rally for him, he might stay.
Trevor Hoffman still caught on Rockies game: Hoffman has said before that he still thinks about the Rockies game. This spring he has been working from the windup, moving away from his trademark stretch. Why would he move away from the stretch? It has only been his style that has gotten him 524 saves, the most all time.
Cubs plan to make more trades?: Matt Murton has no place in the Cubs outfield despite his ability to hit for power. He is pretty good off the bench, but if he can"t get 400 at bats, I think they should trade him. Another name is Sean Marshall, who is very similar to Ted Lilly and Rich Hill. I think he has the potential to be very good, but it is obvious that the Cubs do not want him behind Hill or Lilly.
8 comments:
For the love of god, Matt Murton DOES NOT HAVE POWER. ***Bangs head through monitor***
I don't think Marshall is going anywhere, unless specifically asked for in a trade. The cubs have some time with him. I think they're likely to park him in AAA this year. If he can put up 180 innings this year, and possibly learn the cut FB, his value (to the cubs and others) will be much higher next year.
As for Murt, I think it is time for him to go (though I'll hate to see it). He's a legitimate big league hitter, and deserves the chance to show it every day. It won't be long until you see him pick up 100+ RBI somewhere in the major leagues. Hopefully Hendry can find the right deal that returns his value, 'cause I think he's a can't-miss.
I've always heard that the Mets players couldn't STAND Willie Randolf.
Murton DOES have power and showed it during the 2nd half of the '07 season. He probably won't hit 50 HR, but .300 with 25 HR and average defense is definitely possible if he plays regularly - which he doesn't get a chance to do with the Cubs.
Marshall is effectively identical to Hill and Lilly. Three leftys with the same type stuff makes it easier for hitters to figure out. If Murton and Marshall can be bundled with a prospect to bring a leadoff hitter or a RH starter with some heat, Hendry should jump on it.
I think the Cubs should sign Kenny Lofton to a l year deal and ofer Murton in the Roberts deal and see if that deal will actually happen. But if it doesnt the Cubs could probably trade Murton at the trade deadline for mabye a couple young prospects.
He does not have power good lord
"Good Lord" try reading some stats instead of pulling your comments out of your rear. He hit 7 home runs in Aug / Sept last year. Not A-Rod stuff, but still good enough to make comments like "He does not have power" laughable.
I think issue is being taken with the phrase 'despite his ability to hit for power', as if his power at the plate has defined his abilities over the last few years. I think he's likely to hit 20-25 home runs this year, given 500 at-bats or so (not likely with the cubs). I would choose the phrase 'despite his demonstrated, solid OBP/OPS'. I wouldn't say anybody has the ability to hit for power unless and until he demonstrates it over the course of an entire major league season. Something Murton has yet to do.
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