Blum back in Mud and Blood?

[toddthebod]

So says he.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20071114-9999-1s14padres.html

That would be a nice signing.  He always seems to get big hits.

[Noe]

So says he.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20071114-9999-1s14padres.html

That would be a nice signing.  He always seems to get big hits.

Makes sense since he's a great replacement for Mike Lamb (and can play many more positions than Lamb - second, first, third and emergency shortstop at times).  And a very good left handed bat off the bench.

[Jacksonian]

Makes sense since he's a great replacement for Mike Lamb (and can play many more positions than Lamb - second, first, third and emergency shortstop at times).  And a very good left handed bat off the bench.

My thoughts too.  He'd be a nice pick up.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I guess this answers the question from earlier this week about who the LH bat off the bench will be. 

Pinwheel mentioned him as a utility guy with the ability to play 2B; did he ever play there in his first stint with the team?

[Noe]

I guess this answers the question from earlier this week about who the LH bat off the bench will be. 

Pinwheel mentioned him as a utility guy with the ability to play 2B; did he ever play there in his first stint with the team?

Platooned at third and played a bunch of games at second when Kent was dealing with some nagging injuries.

[Bob Sakamano]

I guess this answers the question from earlier this week about who the LH bat off the bench will be. 

Pinwheel mentioned him as a utility guy with the ability to play 2B; did he ever play there in his first stint with the team?

He played a lot of 2B this season, too, when Marcus Giles went into the tank.

[Rebel Jew]

Makes sense since he's a great replacement for Mike Lamb (and can play many more positions than Lamb - second, first, third and emergency shortstop at times).  And a very good left handed bat off the bench.

doesn't he live in houston?

[Dobro]

Man, I hope this is true...would love to have Blum back.

[Noe]

doesn't he live in houston?

California.

[Taras Bulba]

California.

He has a chinchilla ranch there.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

He has a chinchilla ranch there.

God, I remember my grandfather telling such great stories about his years as a chinchilla wrangler.  All the dust and glory of the Big Chinchilla Drive of 1917, the desparate years of the Dust Bowl, when a chinchilla was used for food, shelter, and transportation.  It's good to see Blummy carrying on such a fine tradition.

[Ty in Tampa]

I gots them chinchilla bugs in my lawn.

[strosrays]

I gots them chinchilla bugs in my lawn.

Ted Nugent hunts them in a loincloth.  You might ring him up.

[mihoba]

Oh joy, the return of Blum's Blondes.

Actually I like it also, he is a solid bench player.

[Noe]

He has a chinchilla ranch there.

Chinchilla?  Is that what grows underneath Scott Spezio bottom lip?

[jaklewein]

Oh joy, the return of Blum's Blondes.

Actually I like it also, he is a solid bench player.

When I think of Blum, I always think of the Incredibles skit from game 4 of the World Series.  Astros entertainment crew pegged him as the villian which was spot on based on his likeness and his homerun/dagger-in-the-heart from the night before.

[Andyzipp]

Chinchilla?  Is that what grows underneath Scott Spezio bottom lip?

No.  That would be a Chinwarma.

[Fredia]

God, I remember my grandfather telling such great stories about his years as a chinchilla wrangler.  All the dust and glory of the Big Chinchilla Drive of 1917, the desparate years of the Dust Bowl, when a chinchilla was used for food, shelter, and transportation.  It's good to see Blummy carrying on such a fine tradition.

have to do something with the little critters.i remember the day when fir coats where the top of the line thing you hoped to achieve in life

[JackAstro]

Chinchilla?  Is that what grows underneath Scott Spezio bottom lip?

No.  That would be a Chinwarma.

*ba dum ching!*

[JimR]

have to do something with the little critters.i remember the day when fir coats where the top of the line thing you hoped to achieve in life

i think you're barking up the wrong tree.

[Arky Vaughan]

And a very good left handed bat off the bench.

As LHB vs. RHP

2007    .256  .324  .384
2006    .267  .305  .388
2005    .236  .311  .351

3-Year  .253  .313  .375

[Phil_in_CS]

Ted Nugent hunts them in a loincloth.  You might ring him up.

I would not consider Ted Nugent in a loin cloth on my lawn a good thing.

[Noe]

As LHB vs. RHP

2007    .256  .324  .384
2006    .267  .305  .388
2005    .236  .311  .351

3-Year  .253  .313  .375

Put you down as a "no" then?

[HudsonHawk]

Put you down as a "no" then?

Put me down as a "yes".  I'll take those numbers from a bench player, particularly one who hits lefthanded and can play all four infield positions.

[mihoba]

Put me down as a "yes".  I'll take those numbers from a bench player, particularly one who hits lefthanded and can play all four infield positions.

And not included in those numbers, a very big extra-inning left handed hit in 2005 at MMP.

[Froback]

Blum was a fan-favorite, more so than Lamb.  And Blum seemed to have a knack for big hits at big moments.  Lamb seemed to be a bigger threat, but not sure I would say he had MORE big hits than Blum.

Blum is more reliable with the glove, so I figure it is about a wash among the two, depending on what your need is.

If Blum is Lamb's replacement color me happy.  You could do a whole lot worse.  And keep in mind Scott could still be the lefty power threat.  Although he has not shown to be very consistent off the bench, it is a learned skill (pinch-hitting) and one he might need to grow into.

[Desperado]

That home run still stings, but he would definitely be a good pickup.

[Arky Vaughan]

And not included in those numbers, a very big extra-inning left handed hit in 2005 at MMP.

When the Astros are in need of a home run in the 14th inning of a World Series game, they should absolutely send Blum up there.

[Arky Vaughan]

Put you down as a "no" then?

Not necessarily, because it's not as if utility infielders who hit much better than that grow on trees. He won't hit like Lamb, but then he won't field like Lamb either.

[Jacksonian]

Not necessarily, because it's not as if utility infielders who hit much better than that grow on trees. He won't hit like Lamb, but then he won't field like Lamb either.

Do you have his versus righties close and late over the last 3 years stats handy?

[Noe]

Not necessarily, because it's not as if utility infielders who hit much better than that grow on trees. He won't hit like Lamb, but then he won't field like Lamb either.

I know you were reacting to my statement of "And a very good left handed bat off the bench."  You have the right to hone in on the "very good" part because I stated it as fact.  So be it.

I think he's good off the bench and the sort of player who helps a *team* win ballgames.  More than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that.  Less than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that either.  I just think Blum is a good left handed bat to come off the bench for this team.

[DVauthrin]

I know you were reacting to my statement of "And a very good left handed bat off the bench."  You have the right to hone in on the "very good" part because I stated it as fact.  So be it.

I think he's good off the bench and the sort of player who helps a *team* win ballgames.  More than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that.  Less than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that either.  I just think Blum is a good left handed bat to come off the bench for this team.

Plus, blum has the added advantage of never having to be called back to the dugout do to matchups as a pinch hitter since he switch hits.

[Arky Vaughan]

Blum was a fan-favorite, more so than Lamb.  And Blum seemed to have a knack for big hits at big moments.  Lamb seemed to be a bigger threat, but not sure I would say he had MORE big hits than Blum.

Runners in Scoring Position

Lamb with Astros  .277  .380  .486
Blum with Astros  .280  .360  .455

Close and Late

Lamb with Astros  .251  .336  .382
Blum with Astros  .227  .283  .328

[Noe]

Plus, blum has the added advantage of never having to be called back to the dugout do to matchups as a pinch hitter since he switch hits.

I was never slamming Lamb by pronouncing Blum a "very good left handed bat off the bench".  I like Lamb and wish he would return.  But I also think Blum is good for the team and does give them some amount of flexibility as a switch hitter as you mentioned.

I think it's a good fit.  Shoot me for thinking otherwise.

[Arky Vaughan]

I know you were reacting to my statement of "And a very good left handed bat off the bench."  You have the right to hone in on the "very good" part because I stated it as fact.  So be it.

I think he's good off the bench and the sort of player who helps a *team* win ballgames.  More than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that.  Less than Lamb?  I'm not sure I'm saying that either.  I just think Blum is a good left handed bat to come off the bench for this team.

I think he may be more help for the team because he can be used in more ways than Lamb. Lamb is a good hitter, but his placement in the field is a problem. Blum is an adequate hitter but can play several positions reasonably well.

I think of Blum as more of a replacement for what Bruntlett (and Loretta) brought to the table in some ways than a replacement of Lamb. I guess he replaces elements of all three.

[Arky Vaughan]

Do you have his versus righties close and late over the last 3 years stats handy?

Unfortunately, I don't.

[Arky Vaughan]

By the way, is there anything other than that quote to substantiate that Blum may be back?

[Noe]

I think he may be more help for the team because he can be used in more ways than Lamb. Lamb is a good hitter, but his placement in the field is a problem. Blum is an adequate hitter but can play several positions reasonably well.

I think of Blum as more of a replacement for what Bruntlett (and Loretta) brought to the table in some ways than a replacement of Lamb. I guess he replaces elements of all three.

Cool.  I'll be careful what I say the next time.  Oh heck, who am I kidding.  Shoot away!

[Arky Vaughan]

Cool.  I'll be careful what I say the next time.  Oh heck, who am I kidding.  Shoot away!

My post was partially prompted by flashbacks of Jimy Williams starting him regularly. For a full-time third baseman, he's not such a great hitter. For a utility infielder, he's not all that shabby.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

By the way, is there anything other than that quote to substantiate that Blum may be back?

Nothing on the official site yet.  Just the SD paper and Pinwheel to credit for now.

[Noe]

My post was partially prompted by flashbacks of Jimy Williams starting him regularly. For a full-time third baseman, he's not such a great hitter. For a utility infielder, he's not all that shabby.

Ty Wiggington, unless they plan to sign a free agent 3rd baseman starter from somewhere, is the starter.  Blum is backup at third and can give them some leeway to make late inning moves at other positions, plus given the ability to save switches late in game because he is a switch hitter.

What I probably should've said much more clearly is this:

Ty Wiggington replaces Mike Lamb/Morgan Ensberg platoon at third.  So the comparison should be Wiggington as opposed to Lamb/Ensberg platoon numbers.

Mike Lamb no longer saw himself as a late inning left handed power bat off the bench and if Luke Scott doesn't want the job, then there is a need to find one.  Enter Geoff Blum, ergo...

Geoff Blum replaces whoever was supposed to be the left handed bat off the bench.  And I see Blum as a very good left handed bat off the bench.  Who was the left handed power bat off the bench late in games last year?  Well, truth be told, Lamb was busy as a platoon player (and really more of a starter since Ensberg spit the bit) and Scott was the same... platoon or injury table.  So I don't really know who was the left handed pinch hitter off the bench other than Orlando Palmiero.  And he has no power.

[DVauthrin]

I was never slamming Lamb by pronouncing Blum a "very good left handed bat off the bench".  I like Lamb and wish he would return.  But I also think Blum is good for the team and does give them some amount of flexibility as a switch hitter as you mentioned.

I think it's a good fit.  Shoot me for thinking otherwise.

you don't need to tell me, I like the idea of a switch hitter/utility guy like blum on the bench.   I too like lamb but he wants a starting gig.

[Noe]

you don't need to tell me, I like the idea of a switch hitter/utility guy like blum on the bench.   I too like lamb but he wants a starting gig.

He had a semi-starting gig here, but when Houston traded for Wiggington, that ended.  Lamb can't go backwards and become the left handed power late inning bat for Houston and it's okay to go ahead and look for work elsewhere if you have the chance to continue either semi-starting or starting for a baseball club.

BTW - who is the right handed power bat off the bench for Houston right now?  Last year, it turned out to be Mo Ensberg late in the season (until he was traded) or Jason Lane (until he was released).  So who fits that bill now?  Loretta?  I don't think so.  They'll need to find someone.  Abercrombie?

[DVauthrin]

based on the list of free agents i'm looking at these are some of the righty bats that should be bench players available:

aaron boone
pedro feliz(might get a starting gig somewhere else)
bobby kielty
rondell white
reggie sanders
craig wilson
jose cruz jr

I think cheo jr might be a realistic possibility though for both parties.   

[Noe]

based on the list of free agents i'm looking at these are some of the righty bats that should be bench players available:

aaron boone
pedro feliz(might get a starting gig somewhere else)
bobby kielty
rondell white
reggie sanders
craig wilson
jose cruz jr

I think cheo jr might be a realistic possibility though for both parties.   

If they trade Burke and give the job to Ransom, you get some pop off the bench but not enough.  Abercrombie has pop in his bat, but he's not shown any consistency yet.  I wonder if guys like Saccammano will be given a chance to win a spot based on the need.  Usually you want a veteran to man that sort of job though, so you're correct on your list.

Kielty?  That looks like a good fit for such a job.

Bench:

Blum = maybe left handed bat off the bench, backup at first, third, second.
Anderson, Abercrombie and Palmeiro = candidates for a fifth outfielder job.
Brad Ausmus = backup catcher.
Luke Scott = fourth outfielder, spot starter.
Burke = ubber utility.

If Coop carries 12 pitchers, that is the bench makeup if they sign Blum.  If Coop carries 11 pitchers, then he one more opening.  If Scott and Burke get traded, then Ransom is in the mix and maybe Keilty, with Abercrombie or Anderson moving up to fourth outfielder status (my bet is Abercrombie gets that job if Scott moves on).

Palmiero may be out of a job.

Good bench?  Power, contact, speed, defense.  All there, but will it mesh?

[strosrays]

If they trade Burke and give the job to Ransom, you get some pop off the bench but not enough.  Abercrombie has pop in his bat, but he's not shown any consistency yet.  I wonder if guys like Saccammano will be given a chance to win a spot based on the need.  Usually you want a veteran to man that sort of job though, so you're correct on your list.

Kielty?  That looks like a good fit for such a job.

Bench:

Blum = maybe left handed bat off the bench, backup at first, third, second.
Anderson, Abercrombie and Palmeiro = candidates for a fifth outfielder job.
Brad Ausmus = backup catcher.
Luke Scott = fourth outfielder, spot starter.
Burke = ubber utility.

If Coop carries 12 pitchers, that is the bench makeup if they sign Blum.  If Coop carries 11 pitchers, then he one more opening.  If Scott and Burke get traded, then Ransom is in the mix and maybe Keilty, with Abercrombie or Anderson moving up to fourth outfielder status (my bet is Abercrombie gets that job if Scott moves on).

Palmiero may be out of a job.

Good bench?  Power, contact, speed, defense.  All there, but will it mesh?

At any rate, Kielty and Cruz, Jr. swing both ways, no?  NTTAWWT.

And both are much better hitters left-handed than right.

Kielty might have skills more attuned to a backup/bench role.  He had an off year in 2007, but he has bounced back from those before.  Cruz, Jr., you still get pretty much what you always did - some speed, some pop, lotta walks, lotta strikeouts.  I see him as more a platoon starter now (against RHPs) than a true bench player, but that is just an impression.

FWIW, Kielty is the better pinch-hitter, lifetime (.261/.321/.411 vs. .214/.313/.452 for Cheito.)  Cruz has more power, but Kielty has a better average and gets on more often, which is preferable for a pinch-hitter, I am assuming.

[DVauthrin]

At any rate, Kielty and Cruz, Jr. swing both ways, no?  NTTAWWT.

And both are much better hitters left-handed than right.

Kielty might have skills more attuned to a backup/bench role.  He had an off year in 2007, but he has bounced back from those before.  Cruz, Jr., you still get pretty much what you always did - some speed, some pop, lotta walks, lotta strikeouts.  I see him as more a platoon starter now (against RHPs) than a true bench player, but that is just an impression.

FWIW, Kielty is the better pinch-hitter, lifetime (.261/.321/.411 vs. .214/.313/.452 for Cheito.)  Cruz has more power, but Kielty has a better average and gets on more often, which is preferable for a pinch-hitter, I am assuming.

Cruz and Kielty actually hit lefties way better than righties.   Cheito's 3 yr splits vs RHP from 05-07:  .283   .387   .468   in 233 ab's.   He struggled vs both this yr, and hit .221 .323 .372 vs RHP
2006:  .313   .420   .522   .942 
2005:  .325   .426   .525   .951 
 2004:  .267   .366   .461   .827   
03:  .301   .403   .515   .918   

I only mentioned him as a possibility because he's not going to be in great demand, and we have Cheo as our first base coach.

Kielty the last few yrs vs LHP from 07 to 03(top to bottom)

.260   .333   .300   .633
.325   .358   .607   .965
.322   .398   .469   .867
.259   .338   .491   .829
.300   .417   .550   .967

Both do switch hit as well.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Hey, Milton Bradley's available and would come cheap.  *ducks*

[cougar]

God, I remember my grandfather telling such great stories about his years as a chinchilla wrangler.  All the dust and glory of the Big Chinchilla Drive of 1917, the desparate years of the Dust Bowl, when a chinchilla was used for food, shelter, and transportation.  It's good to see Blummy carrying on such a fine tradition.

Don't forget those nights that got so cold you had to cut one of the bigger chinchillas open with a butter knife and burrow into it's entrails for warmth.  It stank, but by God it would save your life.

[strosrays]

Don't forget those nights that got so cold you had to cut one of the bigger chinchillas open with a butter knife and burrow into it's entrails for warmth.  It stank, but by God it would save your life.

I used to go out drinking occasionally with a couple of chinchillas, and the smelly entrails thing is definitely true.

Here's another thing.  They can't hold their liquor, either.

[Outlawscotty]

and the smelly entrails thing is definitely true.

So stay away from their fir burgers.

[Froback]

Wow!  What an offseason.

I am sitting here thinking about all the previous offseason when the Astros name was never mentioned in any offseason rumors, FA or Trade.

This year we have seen them make 1 trade already, and be mentioned in association with the following names for sure:

Cordero
Iguchi
Castillo
Blum
Loretta
Wolf
Garland (off-hand speculation based on references to Astros-WhiteSox rumors)

I am sure this list isn't even all of them either.  And then throw in some what realistic thoughts about Rolen. Pretty cool if you ask me.

[Arky Vaughan]

And then throw in some what realistic thoughts about Rolen. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Do suggestions on the TZ of sending Wandy or Burke and Scott to the Cardinals constitute "somewhat realistic thoughts about Rolen?" That sounds more like fantasies.

[Andyzipp]

Do suggestions on the TZ of sending Wandy or Burke and Scott to the Cardinals constitute "somewhat realistic thoughts about Rolen?" That sounds more like fantasies.

I think the use of "realisitic" is becoming like the use of the word "literally".  That is completely opposite of it's actual meaning.

[Bench]

Do suggestions on the TZ of sending Wandy or Burke and Scott to the Cardinals constitute "somewhat realistic thoughts about Rolen?" That sounds more like fantasies.

Of course. Just like how "offhand speculation" regarding Garland legitimizes including him in a group with whom the Astros have an "association with the following names for sure."

[jaklewein]

Wow!  What an offseason.

I am sitting here thinking about all the previous offseason when the Astros name was never mentioned in any offseason rumors, FA or Trade.

This year we have seen them make 1 trade already, and be mentioned in association with the following names for sure:

Cordero
Iguchi
Castillo
Blum
Loretta
Wolf
Garland (off-hand speculation based on references to Astros-WhiteSox rumors)

I am sure this list isn't even all of them either.  And then throw in some what realistic thoughts about Rolen. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Very cool.  This offseason is going to be entertaining at the very least.  I think the same can be said for the actual '08 season as well.  If we started the season today I'd still be excited to see how guys like Pence, Bourn, Towles, Wandy and Ransom perform.  Not to mention, you'd still have the veteran players to watch as well with Backe and Everett (health-wise), plus the other young'ns like Paulino and Patton.

I expect the team to fill one more hole before the season begins.  Anything beyond that will be iceing on the cake.  I'm ready to back my bags for ST right now!  One way or another, 2008 is gonna be a fun year to watch Astros baseball.

[MikeyBoy]

I think the use of "realisitic" is becoming like the use of the word "literally".  That is completely opposite of it's actual meaning.

Are you saying my realistic shot at JLH is actually unreasonably idealistic? That's horseshit.

[HudsonHawk]

I think the use of "realisitic" is becoming like the use of the word "literally".  That is completely opposite of it's actual meaning.

Isn't it ironic, don'tcha think?

[pravata]

Wow!  What an offseason.

I am sitting here thinking about all the previous offseason when the Astros name was never mentioned in any offseason rumors, FA or Trade.

This year we have seen them make 1 trade already, and be mentioned in association with the following names for sure:

Cordero
Iguchi
Castillo
Blum
Loretta
Wolf
Garland (off-hand speculation based on references to Astros-WhiteSox rumors)

I am sure this list isn't even all of them either.  And then throw in some what realistic thoughts about Rolen. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Here's the complete list, compiled from news articles citing Wade as having contacted these players and not just, "the Astros should..."

Luis Castillo
Randy Wolf
Scott Linebrink.
Tadahito Iguchi
Kaz Matsui
Jon Lieber
Tom Glavine
Jeremy Affeldt
Francisco Cordero
Troy Percival.
Curt Schilling
Torii Hunter
Aaron Rowand
Dontrelle Willis
Geoff Blum

If you're thinking that's a lot of names to be out in public, you're right, if you think that's more than a GM would usually contact in an offseason, you're probably wrong.  If you think someone is blowing smoke, you're on to something.

[Andyzipp]

If you're thinking that's a lot of names to be out in public, you're right, if you think that's more than a GM would usually contact in an offseason, you're probably wrong.  If you think someone is blowing smoke, you're on to something.

The only difference in this off-season and any other is that WadeSmith wants you to know he's working, whereas Purpura preferred to, well, let's just say distance himself from the media in regards to his activities.

[Noe]

Here's the complete list, compiled from news articles citing Wade as having contacted these players and not just, "the Astros should..."

Luis Castillo
Randy Wolf
Scott Linebrink.
Tadahito Iguchi
Kaz Matsui
Jon Lieber
Tom Glavine
Jeremy Affeldt
Francisco Cordero
Troy Percival.
Curt Schilling
Torii Hunter
Aaron Rowand
Dontrelle Willis
Geoff Blum

If you're thinking that's a lot of names to be out in public, you're right, if you think that's more than a GM would usually contact in an offseason, you're probably wrong.  If you think someone is blowing smoke, you're on to something.

You can add Ryan Sweeney to the list.  WhiteSox and Astros talked about a trade: Qualls for Sweeney, Houston turned it down.  Also Houston had some talks about Jon Garland's availability, but nothing serious.

[Noe]

The only difference in this off-season and any other is that WadeSmith wants you to know he's working, whereas Purpura preferred to, well, let's just say distance himself from the media in regards to his activities.

Purpura was also looked at as a shaky interview because of his inability to control his slight stutter and sweat glands.  Okay, the last part is mine, but it reminded me of the old Martin Short skit about an cigarette industry CEO that gets interviewed on 60 minutes.  The nervousness in his voice, the slight sweat coming down his forehead, the constant staring away while giving answers were the way Short portrayed a man who was less than truthful with his answers.

Not that Purpura was less than truthful with what he told the media (even though they often accused him of such after Purpura was off the air or off camera), it just that Timah was a bad interview and somewhat unsure of himself at those moments.  Made him look like the Martin Short character unintentionally.

[strosrays]

Purpura was also looked at as a shaky interview because of his inability to control his slight stutter and sweat glands.  Okay, the last part is mine, but it reminded me of the old Martin Short skit about an cigarette industry CEO that gets interviewed on 60 minutes.  The nervousness in his voice, the slight sweat coming down his forehead, the constant staring away while giving answers were the way Short portrayed a man who was less than truthful with his answers.

Not that Purpura was less than truthful with what he told the media (even though they often accused him of such after Purpura was off the air or off camera), it just that Timah was a bad interview and somewhat unsure of himself at those moments.  Made him look like the Martin Short character unintentionally.

Nathan Thurm defends global warming