poppysox

Our manager at Winston Salem is an under 30 analytics guy named Justin Jirschele. He's our analytics driven manager of the future.

After a bit of time I believe that will be his spot. His attributes are very Nellie Fox like. I actually like Anderson leading off followed by Madrigal, Robert 3rd with Moncada 4th, Eloy 5th and Jose 6th. The speed of the first four would drive teams crazy. Fun to play with various lineups. I know this is considered old fashioned lineup construction but I like speed at the top and my best hitters in the RBI places. We live in a HR era but I love speed coupled with power like this team is going to have.

Cabrera is a poster boy for being very careful with long term contracts.

Goins doesn't have Yoan's arm but he catches everything.

Ricky likes to do the unconventional.

He is adequate wherever he plays but as a super sub he's tremendous.

They both show flashes.

When Anderson gets to second so effortlessly you are reminded why you like him.

Quality start when he doesn't have his good stuff...I'll take it.

Yes...he very well might be Yolmer's replacement.

But no match for Gio.

I try.

Line drive in the box score.

I love to see a pitcher work fast and throw strikes with authority. I like to see a batter approach an at bat with authority. I like an outfielder to catch and throw with authority. In short...AUTHORITY is a good word for a baseball player to think about when doing his job. Be in charge of the situation. Be confident!

His flaws will hide much better in next years lineup.

Had the same reaction.

If that is the price for Cole they should grab him. Cole & Wheeler would be an awesome add to the rotation.

If we can find that left hand right fielder...Garcia is an ideal backup. Until we find that player Garcia is probably the everyday right fielder.

Just for the record...I was a big fan of Sanchez. This year his play has gotten worse and his salary is getting up there for a backup. Just like Jose...Hahn has to watch the money paid to both players. They are not cheap for what they contribute. Might need to test free agency then signup at a discount in both cases.

Getting a good look at Goins isn't a bad idea. He's looked reasonably good. Might be a cheaper and better version of Sanchez for next year.

I have seen clips and can read a stat line. Most professional writers have called him the best hitter in his draft class. It is possible I will think him dog crap after seeing him play every day but I doubt it. Just for the record I take on faith what the professionals say about players and their potential. They make a living evaluating talent. An example might be that Eloy hasn't looked all that good to me other than his bombs. Everyone looks good in a clip of them hitting a bomb. My hope is that Eloy does a Moncada and comes into his own like most professional talent evaluators believe he will. As CaiSox pointed out...I am old fashioned in that I like the 2 hole hitter to take lots of pitches, hit behind the runner, hit for a high average and carry a good OBA. If he doesn't strike out and can bunt that makes him Nellie Fox and those talents made him the league MVP in 1959.

Madrigal is ideally suited to be in the 2 hole.

We have 3 potential TOR guys in Kopech, Cease and Gio. Cole would be nice but is not essential. If the money we didn't spend on Cole got us your type guys and Grandal…. I would take that every time. A great lineup with a good pitcher on the mound is going to win a lot of games.

Everyone wants to be part of a collective bargaining unit until the bargaining unit does something not in their own best interest. The system works fine for average players who are happy to have a job. For the stars...not so much.

Pitching was very good tonight with the exception of Fry. Mostly worked at a good pace and threw strikes. Really helps when you make them hit their way on. Fry did the opposite and got the usual result.