QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 13, 2009 -> 09:52 AM)
Look, I should say, it is POSSIBLE that Dewayne Wise has suddenly "figured it out", at age 31 with 6 years bouncing between AAA and the majors. But using that logic, how is it that we are dismissing that possibility entirely for a 27 year old Owens with a lot less time in? Or for that matter, with David Cook, who I think is 26?
Because, quite simply, look at the trend lines. In 2005 at AAA, Wise put up a .639 OPS. In 2006 at AAA, after some time at AA tearing it up, he put up a .796 OPS. In 2007 he put up a .757, in somewhat limited playing time (was he hurt?). In 2007 at AAA he put up a .967 OPS at AAA and a .757 OPS in the big leagues.
His numbers are at least going the right way. Owens's #'s are going the wrong way.
I will choose not to comment on Cook because I'm going to wind up agreeing with you.