Bruntlett vs. AE?

[Mr. Happy]

Bruntlett is quietly hitting .315 and playing solid SS. I think that he's proving that he can play everyday. AE is obviously superior in the field, but Bruntlett plays solid SS and outhits AE (and I think that he always has). Do you give Bruntlett a chance to win the everyday job?

[JackAstro]

Bruntlett is quietly hitting .315 and playing solid SS. I think that he's proving that he can play everyday. AE is obviously superior in the field, but Bruntlett plays solid SS and outhits AE (and I think that he always has). Do you give Bruntlett a chance to win the everyday job?

No, I don't, but they don't pay me for this stuff. Personally, I've been wondering for a while if the club will at some point open 2nd base up to competition, with Bruntlett possibly beating out Burke.

[Fredia]

No, I don't, but they don't pay me for this stuff. Personally, I've been wondering for a while if the club will at some point open 2nd base up to competition, with Bruntlett possibly beating out Burke.

i thought burke was among the untouchables.

[Amy]

I'd like to see Bruntlett get a chance to compete for the job, in part because I think Bruntlett can play more than he's had a chance to so far.  Also, I'm just not sold on Burke.  If Burke is really "the 2B of the future" then he ought to be able to win the damned job.  But unfortunately, I suspect Purp will just hand it to him.

[JimR]

Bruntlett is quietly hitting .315 and playing solid SS. I think that he's proving that he can play everyday. AE is obviously superior in the field, but Bruntlett plays solid SS and outhits AE (and I think that he always has). Do you give Bruntlett a chance to win the everyday job?

no, but solid is a good term for him. he played a very good CF in RR.

[Duder]

While I prefer AE over Bruntlett at SS, I would take Bruntlett over Burke at 2nd seven days a week.

[otterjb]

Hasn't every other major league club passed on Bruntlett, at least once, via waivers?

[coop]

your point?

[otterjb]

your point?

do you really need that to be explained to you?

[Mr. Happy]

Hasn't every other major league club passed on Bruntlett, at least once, via waivers?

While the answer may be yes, it really doesn't matter. A good player sometimes develops later. The other clubs were going by what limited action Bruntlett had seen up to that point.

[otterjb]

While the answer may be yes, it really doesn't matter. A good player sometimes develops later. The other clubs were going by what limited action Bruntlett had seen up to that point.

He cleared waivers, this year. His limited action has an explanation as well.

[coop]

do you really need that to be explained to you?

yes

[Reuben]

He cleared waivers, this year. His limited action has an explanation as well.

Yes, but consider also that he may have gone through waivers at a time when other clubs had just set their rosters for Opening Day. Teams cannot put whoever they want on their roster, they all have 25 spots just like the Astros. If you're trying to say that teams wouldn't love to have a guy who could play solid defense at as many positions as Bruntlett, and not hurt you too much with the bat, I find it difficult to believe you.

[JimR]

While the answer may be yes, it really doesn't matter. A good player sometimes develops later. The other clubs were going by what limited action Bruntlett had seen up to that point.

oh, please. he had several years in MLB, and he has been back from RR for just a few weeks.

[kevinG]

oh, please. he had several years in MLB, and he has been back from RR for just a few weeks.

Agreed. Small sample size. Weird things happen when you only have 50-odd ABs. He's hitting .315, far above his career norm. He's also slugging .333, well below his career norm (only 1 XBH so far). Not that Bruntlett is in there for his slugging, but just pointing out that out-of-the-ordinary things can happen when analyzing small numbers.

It'd also surprise me if a 29-year old shortstop suddenly becomes an awesome contact hitter, but hey, stranger things have happened.

[JimR]

Agreed. Small sample size. Weird things happen when you only have 50-odd ABs. He's hitting .315, far above his career norm. He's also slugging .333, well below his career norm (only 1 XBH so far). Not that Bruntlett is in there for his slugging, but just pointing out that out-of-the-ordinary things can happen when analyzing small numbers.

It'd also surprise me if a 29-year old shortstop suddenly becomes an awesome contact hitter, but hey, stranger things have happened.

what is interesting to me is that he did not play much SS this time in RR. he was an OF. he's just a very good utility player.

[ybbodeus]

Wish he'd become the next Spiers, but he's got too much firepower degree wise.

[Navin R Johnson]

He is much more like the next Casey Candaele then the next Bill Spiers.

[Noe]

Bruntlett is quietly hitting .315 and playing solid SS. I think that he's proving that he can play everyday. AE is obviously superior in the field, but Bruntlett plays solid SS and outhits AE (and I think that he always has). Do you give Bruntlett a chance to win the everyday job?

He's proving he can play every day?

[Navin R Johnson]

He's proving he can play every day?

At the very least he is proving to be a solid bench guy who is capable of helping the team in a variety of different ways.   

[Noe]

At the very least he is proving to be a solid bench guy who is capable of helping the team in a variety of different ways.   

Eggszactly, that is what I thought he was proving more than anything else.

[Duke]

no, but solid is a good term for him. he played a very good CF in RR.

Yeah he did and they had Pence in RF.  Now there both in Houston in different positions.

[Mr. Happy]

Eggszactly, that is what I thought he was proving more than anything else.

I agree with you. However, I think that Brunlett is making a play for at least the starting 2B job, if, and admittedly, it is a big if, he can get through Purp's love affair with Burke.

[Noe]

I agree with you. However, I think that Brunlett is making a play for at least the starting 2B job, if, and admittedly, it is a big if, he can get through Purp's love affair with Burke.

Bruntlett is a fine defensive player, either at short or second and holds more than his own as the defensive player in the outfield as well.  But to be a starter in the majors, one must have a job that he does exceptionally well.  I don't think we can say that about Bruntlett.  That isn't a knock on him either, teams need utility guys who play multiple positions.  Put it this way, if we substituted the name Jose Vizcaino for Eric Bruntlett, would we still have this conversation of being a full time starter?

[Mr. Happy]

Bruntlett is a fine defensive player, either at short or second and holds more than his own as the defensive player in the outfield as well.  But to be a starter in the majors, one must have a job that he does exceptionally well.  I don't think we can say that about Bruntlett.  That isn't a knock on him either, teams need utility guys who play multiple positions.  Put it this way, if we substituted the name Jose Vizcaino for Eric Bruntlett, would we still have this conversation of being a full time starter?

Probably not, but by the time that we obtained Vizcaino, he was about 33. Bruntlett is 29. I think that is enough time to make a difference.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Bruntlett is a fine defensive player, either at short or second and holds more than his own as the defensive player in the outfield as well.  But to be a starter in the majors, one must have a job that he does exceptionally well.  I don't think we can say that about Bruntlett.  That isn't a knock on him either, teams need utility guys who play multiple positions.  Put it this way, if we substituted the name Jose Vizcaino for Eric Bruntlett, would we still have this conversation of being a full time starter?

Not to be a smartass but what does Burke do extremely well to guarantee his shot as the starting 2B?   I can't say Bruntlett will be an All-Star (maybe we should ask Lance his opinion on the subject) but I can see the logic behind asking the question of whether Bruntlett has played himself into the equation for starting 2B.

[JimR]

Not to be a smartass but what does Burke do extremely well to guarantee his shot as the starting 2B?   

he cashed his bonus check.

[Jacksonian]

he cashed his bonus check.

Which, by the way, is still the highest in Astros baseball history (2+ mil.).

[Reuben]

Which, by the way, is still the highest in Astros baseball history (2+ mil.).

I bet that changes next June.

[Noe]

Not to be a smartass but what does Burke do extremely well to guarantee his shot as the starting 2B?   I can't say Bruntlett will be an All-Star (maybe we should ask Lance his opinion on the subject) but I can see the logic behind asking the question of whether Bruntlett has played himself into the equation for starting 2B.

I don't matter, the Astros do and I highly doubt they consider Bruntlett and Burke on the same level.  I may agree with you on Burke coming down a notch or three when it comes to doing some things well, but suffice it to say I doubt you'll get much of an argument from anybody that Bruntlett is seen as anything beyond what he currently is.

Now, if you wanted to say that Bruntlett is the next Palcido Polanco or Miguel Cairo or even the patron saint of all those guys Jose Oquendo, then fine I'll listen.  All those guys, with the exception of maybe Polanco (maybe he'll continue to improve) will be known as jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none guys who help good teams win.  It's no knock on them, it's a compliment.  As far as Burke, I highly doubt he'll be a JOATMON guy.  He's probably starter or bust in terms of a career.  So if Bruntlett is put in a starter, it will be to keep the seat warm for the guy the Astros will eventually place in there to allow Bruntlett to go back to the bench.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I don't matter, the Astros do and I highly doubt they consider Bruntlett and Burke on the same level.  I may agree with you on Burke coming down a notch or three when it comes to doing some things well, but suffice it to say I doubt you'll get much of an argument from anybody that Bruntlett is seen as anything beyond what he currently is.

Now, if you wanted to say that Bruntlett is the next Palcido Polanco or Miguel Cairo or even the patron saint of all those guys Jose Oquendo, then fine I'll listen.  All those guys, with the exception of maybe Polanco (maybe he'll continue to improve) will be known as jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none guys who help good teams win.  It's no knock on them, it's a compliment.  As far as Burke, I highly doubt he'll be a JOATMON guy.  He's probably starter or bust in terms of a career.  So if Bruntlett is put in a starter, it will be to keep the seat warm for the guy the Astros will eventually place in there to allow Bruntlett to go back to the bench.

Oh, I understand he's not going blow the doors off but if he can stay anywhere near his current OBP and avg, he's going to help this team.  More so than Burke.  Agree on Burke as well.  I'm just tired of the hype when all I've seen is some key situations where he delivered, alot more where he forgets what he's supposed to do, and his sloppy - I can make a routine play look spectacular - defense in limited time at 2B. 

[VirtualBob]

Yeah he did and they had Pence in RF.  Now there both in Houston in different positions.

Wrong.  Pence got 16 starts in CF and only 6 in RF.  Bruntlett did start in CF on those occaisions, but only became the regular CF-er after Gunther got called up.  Bruntlett did get 6 starts at SS, 3 at 2B, 2 in LF and 1 at 1B while Pence was with the club.  After Pence's departure he got 1 more start at 1B, 5 more at SS, 6 more in LF and 28 in CF.

[JimR]

Wrong.  Pence got 16 starts in CF and only 6 in RF.  Bruntlett did start in CF on those occaisions, but only became the regular CF-er after Gunther got called up.  Bruntlett did get 6 starts at SS, 3 at 2B, 2 in LF and 1 at 1B while Pence was with the club.  After Pence's departure he got 1 more start at 1B, 5 more at SS, 6 more in LF and 28 in CF.

most of those CF starts must have been on the road. he was in RF a lot the first two home stands. i saw all but one of those games.

[Noe]

Oh, I understand he's not going blow the doors off but if he can stay anywhere near his current OBP and avg, he's going to help this team.

EricBruntlett:

Major League Totals - 4 Season(s)   
BA: .251   OBP: .314   SLG: .398    OPS:. 712
Minor League Totals - 6 Season(s)
BA:.258     OBP: .347   SLG: .338   OPS:.685

I don't see anything in his career to date as a professional that says he's going to maintain or get better.  If anything, this may be his career year we're looking at in a small sample form.  Not enough for me to say he needs to replace somebody (anybody) as a starter.

More so than Burke.  Agree on Burke as well.  I'm just tired of the hype when all I've seen is some key situations where he delivered, alot more where he forgets what he's supposed to do, and his sloppy - I can make a routine play look spectacular - defense in limited time at 2B. 

I have no problems with your assessment of his second base prowess.  It's still a bit lacking.  But last season I saw the good side of Chris Burke and how that could help this club as a leadoff man.  I don't like to hear conversations that involved Burke and Power in the same sentence.  It is annoying to me because I firmly believe, IMHO of course, that is where Burke gets into trouble as an offensive player.  He needs to spray the ball from gap to gap and use his speed more.  I think his potential is much more appealing as a starter than Bruntlett and I just as soon see the Astros give him the chance to prove once and for all if he's the player they need (*or not*).

[VirtualBob]

most of those CF starts must have been on the road. he was in RF a lot the first two home stands. i saw all but one of those games.

You could look it up.  Pence started the first four in CF (Bruntlett started three of those at SS) and Bruntlett the next four.  After that Bruntlett started in CF only on 4/15 and 4/17 before he became the regular on 4/28.  Pence's only six starts in RF were the games above that Bruntlett started in CF.  I don't have the home/road splits.

[Jacksonian]

I bet that changes next June.

If the Astros have one of the top 12 or so picks next year you may be right.

[JimR]

You could look it up.  Pence started the first four in CF (Bruntlett started three of those at SS) and Bruntlett the next four.  After that Bruntlett started in CF only on 4/15 and 4/17 before he became the regular on 4/28.  Pence's only six starts in RF were the games above that Bruntlett started in CF.  I don't have the home/road splits.

check your PM in a bit. got some info for you.

[Reuben]

If the Astros have one of the top 12 or so picks next year you may be right.

Exactly, either through finishing with a poor record, or getting someone else's draft pick as compensation. Although let me state emphatically that I am not hoping the Astros have a crappy record the rest of the way.

[Duder]

Here's an interesting article on how much the Astros are missing Everett's defensive skills.  http://mvn.com/mlb-stats/2007/07/25/do-the-astros-miss-adam-everett/

The article basically says Everett's defense more than makes up for his offensive shortcomings.     

[CrawfordBoxes]

Burke hasn't proven anything quite frankley. I would much rather have Bruntt playing everday. He is a better hitter, he is a more patient hitter and he doesn't make bone headed plays.

[pravata]

Here's an interesting article on how much the Astros are missing Everett's defensive skills.  http://mvn.com/mlb-stats/2007/07/25/do-the-astros-miss-adam-everett/

The article basically says Everett's defense more than makes up for his offensive shortcomings.     

I know it's fancy and all.  And I genuinely appreciate that some people are finally finding a way to understand this on their own terms.  Trusting your eyes and ears doesn't seem to be a statistically sound way to judge these things.  You have to admire this fella who makes the trip all the way to Obviousville, not just with "Zone Ratings", but he's got "Ultimate Zone Ratings".  That'll make your pocket protector stand up and take notice.  But, duh.

[MusicMan]

I know it's fancy and all.  And I genuinely appreciate that some people are finally finding a way to understand this on their own terms.  Trusting your eyes and ears doesn't seem to be a statistically sound way to judge these things.  You have to admire this fella who makes the trip all the way to Obviousville, not just with "Zone Ratings", but he's got "Ultimate Zone Ratings".  That'll make your pocket protector stand up and take notice.  But, duh.

Bill James addressed this point in "Win Shares".  I forget the exact wording, but it was something along the lines of "if you're looking at a new metric, the first thing you should do is check to see if it reflects what you know reality to be."

Anyone with eyes and two synapsess firing can determine that Adam Everett is a far superior shortstop to Derek Jeter.  Which is why BP's "BRAA" or whatever the hell they call it carries no weight.