Noe, did you save your prediction post? let's discuss it from time to time.
Here you go Coach:
http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=105437.0the one downer so far in the Grand Plan is the absence of any significant contribution from Cheito. Erstad really is good, and the other bench players have chipped in too. Cruz Jr. may need some extended PT to get going, but how do you do that?
I feared what Cheito showed during spring training as a hitter was a product of playing consistently and the mark of a bench player is to be able to sit for long stretches and then come in and produce when called. There is no doubt in my mind that Cheito is trying to mold his game to being a bench player instead of a part-time starter. Hopefully he'll have a turnaround because if not, he'll be out of a job on Memorial Day. Erstad, on the other hand, has had a much better time of it, as has Blum. Both have the opportunity to play because of Wiggington and Bourn's injuries and Cooper's well managed approach to sitting starters on occasion to give them rest for the long haul season.
it is fun to speculate/think about realistic/possible ways for this team to get better. i'd like to know what WadeSmith has in mind, if anything. when Wiggy returns, who goes back? i think Byrdak stays as long as he does well so, to me, that means Perez.
man, was everyone--including me--wrong about Tejada! he makes the other players better with his fire, and he can play a little too.
I thought the move of Tejada to the three slot (and the return of Matsui) has really paid huge dividends. Something about the three spot and leadership that just energizes a team. It's Bagwellian. I love Lance Berkman's game, but he is better as a player if he's allowed to be a goof, bat cleanup and be the guy he loves to be. Carlos Lee may not like hitting #5, but that position has been critical in the past with Alou and then Kent providing really great results. Lee is now the man, even though he may not think it critical now, he will in due time. And Pence hitting 6 or 7 may not be to the liking of radio pundits around town, but it is the best slot for his game and allow him to be the Spaz we all like. The free swinging hair on fire nutjob that will prolong rallies or start rallies down in the lineup. Very nice.
My thinking is that quietly Shawn Chacon has placed himself as the best option as the #2 guy who will eat innings. Oswalt/Chacon (if he keeps this up) will look nice after the ASB. Then Backe and Wandy can relax and pitch. I like Chacon's mental makeup so far, he does not wilt under pressure and even though he does not have a win (or loss) yet, he has provided 5 quality starts and that is tied for the best amongst starters in the entire majors.
Overall, you and the rest of us saw a good team gelling during early April but having hiccups along the way. Inconsistency is the name of a team put together like this one was over the offseason. I'm surprised that they've seemed to come together this quick and won't be surprised if they slump again at some point. But overall, there is no question in my mind that this is a *good* team, definitely a team that could compete for the division title and/or stay in the wild card race for a good long while. You can see "good team" written all over this club, adjustments had to be made to position them into functioning as well as they are.
But overall, this is now becoming Miguel's team and right now I doubt anybody has problems with that.
