Innuresting..........

[Jose Cruz III]

Whitey claims we are a dark horse for a bat.

 Mash to see Whitey column

Excerpt:    
4. Whither Nomar Garciaparra?
The Padres nearly signed him as a second baseman Thursday, until they were deterred by people who understand that his arm action does not translate well to second base. Toronto, Pittsburgh and five other teams want him. A sleeper is Houston, where he would play left. Nomar might come back and hit .320 with 25 homers and 50 doubles.

[jasonact]

I'm not exactly a baseball insider, but I doubt that happens. He's never played an outfield position in the majors, and I can't see the Astros putting him there full-time with absolutely no experience and no other place to put him if it didn't work out. Plus, there's little reason to believe that he will return to the kind of player he was in Boston. If the Astros had an opening at SS, 3B, or even 2B, I might see the logic in it, but at this point, I don't.

[Fredia]

i know sometimes it seems that you management whatever can get hung up on a name. in total agreement he may have seen his best years. sometimes i think sports writers wake up throw a dart and what team it hits becomes part of the lastest and greatest rumor.

[jaklewein]

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I'm not exactly a baseball insider, but I doubt that happens. He's never played an outfield position in the majors, and I can't see the Astros putting him there full-time with absolutely no experience and no other place to put him if it didn't work out. Plus, there's little reason to believe that he will return to the kind of player he was in Boston. If the Astros had an opening at SS, 3B, or even 2B, I might see the logic in it, but at this point, I don't.

What's the difference between this situation and the situation of Biggio going to CF after signing Kent?

[jaklewein]

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i know sometimes it seems that you management whatever can get hung up on a name. in total agreement he may have seen his best years. sometimes i think sports writers wake up throw a dart and what team it hits becomes part of the lastest and greatest rumor.

Well now wait a sec....I read something a few days ago where I think the Pirates had offered him a 1 year $4M deal.  Sure there's risk, but I think the upside might be worth that risk, especially if you could limit it to one year.

[jasonact]

IMO, the difference is that Biggio was a known commodity by the Astros. They knew what to expect from him offensively, and they knew his abilities as an athelete. My guess is that they figured he would be at least adequate in CF based on how good of an athelete he is. Plus, he had played a  little bit in the OF in 1990, so he wasn't completely inexperienced.

That's a good comparison, but I think the Astros ultimately had a better idea of what to expect from from Biggio in 2003 than they do from Nomar in 2006.

[jaklewein]

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IMO, the difference is that Biggio was a known commodity by the Astros. They knew what to expect from him offensively, and they knew his abilities as an athelete. My guess is that they figured he would be at least adequate in CF based on how good of an athelete he is. Plus, he had played a  little bit in the OF in 1990, so he wasn't completely inexperienced.

That's a good comparison, but I think the Astros ultimately had a better idea of what to expect from from Biggio in 2003 than they do from Nomar in 2006.

Fair enough, I'm just thinking that he'd be a decent option in LF should the trade market dry up.  Not my first choice, but I choice I could live with.

[jasonact]

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IMO, the difference is that Biggio was a known commodity by the Astros. They knew what to expect from him offensively, and they knew his abilities as an athelete. My guess is that they figured he would be at least adequate in CF based on how good of an athelete he is. Plus, he had played a  little bit in the OF in 1990, so he wasn't completely inexperienced.

That's a good comparison, but I think the Astros ultimately had a better idea of what to expect from from Biggio in 2003 than they do from Nomar in 2006.

Fair enough, I'm just thinking that he'd be a decent option in LF should the trade market dry up.  Not my first choice, but I choice I could live with.

Okay, I'll give you that it's a  possible option, but I can think of many better and more likely options than Nomar playing LF next year.

[jaklewein]

Well, here's the 2nd rumor The Link

[Froback]

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Well, here's the 2nd rumor The Link

Has Ken ever had an original thought in his life?   Or sources that only give information to him?

The story is interesting, but not new and I doubt based on new info.

[pravata]

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Well, here's the 2nd rumor The Link

Has Ken ever had an original thought in his life?   Or sources that only give information to him?

The story is interesting, but not new and I doubt based on new info.

Nope, not at all new,

"The Rangers, for example, are interested in Astros right-handed starter Brandon Backe and closer Brad Lidge. But the Astros are reluctant to trade Backe, knowing they might lose Roger Clemens, and place even greater value on Lidge."

[chuck]

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Well, here's the 2nd rumor The Link

I think it's actually a romur.

[jaklewein]

No longer a rumor.  Garciaparra a possibility.  The Link

[jwhudson]

So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

[jaklewein]

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So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

I don't care as long as we come away with one of them.  Rondell should be solid offensively and defensively, and judging by his last deal, should make less than $3M if signed.

Nomar on the other hand, provides more upside offensively and more downside defensively.  I've read about him turning down two offers of 1 year at $4M.  I've also read that he's received offers as high as $5M (most likely from the Yanks).

So based on that which one would you rather have?  Again, I like them both, but I'm inclined to take the upside of Garciaparra at $5-6M if he can be had for that.

[OldBlevins]

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So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

I don't care as long as we come away with one of them.  Rondell should be solid offensively and defensively, and judging by his last deal, should make less than $3M if signed.

Nomar on the other hand, provides more upside offensively and more downside defensively.  I've read about him turning down two offers of 1 year at $4M.  I've also read that he's received offers as high as $5M (most likely from the Yanks).

So based on that which one would you rather have?  Again, I like them both, but I'm inclined to take the upside of Garciaparra at $5-6M if he can be had for that.

I've read that Rondell is terrible defensively, at least his arm is terrible.  But you would know what you were getting and he would be cheaper.

[pravata]

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So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

I don't care as long as we come away with one of them.  Rondell should be solid offensively and defensively, and judging by his last deal, should make less than $3M if signed.

Nomar on the other hand, provides more upside offensively and more downside defensively.  I've read about him turning down two offers of 1 year at $4M.  I've also read that he's received offers as high as $5M (most likely from the Yanks).

So based on that which one would you rather have?  Again, I like them both, but I'm inclined to take the upside of Garciaparra at $5-6M if he can be had for that.

I've read that Rondell is terrible defensively, at least his arm is terrible.  But you would know what you were getting and he would be cheaper.

The other thing you're getting with White is a good clubhouse guy (don't you roll your eyes at me...) Garciaparra is a big ol me monkey.

[OldBlevins]

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So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

I don't care as long as we come away with one of them.  Rondell should be solid offensively and defensively, and judging by his last deal, should make less than $3M if signed.

Nomar on the other hand, provides more upside offensively and more downside defensively.  I've read about him turning down two offers of 1 year at $4M.  I've also read that he's received offers as high as $5M (most likely from the Yanks).

So based on that which one would you rather have?  Again, I like them both, but I'm inclined to take the upside of Garciaparra at $5-6M if he can be had for that.

I've read that Rondell is terrible defensively, at least his arm is terrible.  But you would know what you were getting and he would be cheaper.

The other thing you're getting with White is a good clubhouse guy (don't you roll your eyes at me...) Garciaparra is a big ol me monkey.

I think it's important to have good clubhouse guys.  Not crucial, maybe, but important.  If Bagwell comes back, White would probably be cooler about sitting on the bench some.  Of course, either one of them might just be sitting on the disabled list, too.

[pravata]

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So which guy would we rather have?  Nomar or Rondell?  Either one could wind up on the DL before the season ends/starts.  I think I have to go with Nomar, no statistical reason, just a feeling.

I don't care as long as we come away with one of them.  Rondell should be solid offensively and defensively, and judging by his last deal, should make less than $3M if signed.

Nomar on the other hand, provides more upside offensively and more downside defensively.  I've read about him turning down two offers of 1 year at $4M.  I've also read that he's received offers as high as $5M (most likely from the Yanks).

So based on that which one would you rather have?  Again, I like them both, but I'm inclined to take the upside of Garciaparra at $5-6M if he can be had for that.

I've read that Rondell is terrible defensively, at least his arm is terrible.  But you would know what you were getting and he would be cheaper.

The other thing you're getting with White is a good clubhouse guy (don't you roll your eyes at me...) Garciaparra is a big ol me monkey.

I think it's important to have good clubhouse guys.  Not crucial, maybe, but important.  If Bagwell comes back, White would probably be cooler about sitting on the bench some.  Of course, either one of them might just be sitting on the disabled list, too.

Whatever we might think of "chemistry" the way the Astros operate suggests they value it.  The point about Bagwell is a good one.  So much so that it might be an indication of how the organization is measuring Bagwell's progress by which one of these guys they sign.

[MusicMan]

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The other thing you're getting with White is a good clubhouse guy (don't you roll your eyes at me...) Garciaparra is a big ol me monkey.

I grant your point on Nomar, but if C4 and Bluebonnet could fall in line, I bet Mr. Hamm could too.

[ASTROCREEP]

I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

[pravata]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

[Jacksonian]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

Yes.

[jasonact]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

Yes.

What makes this forum stand out is that it often attempts to give equal weight to defense and offense, whereas the majority of baseball forums give 75% or more attention to offense. In that regard, it does stand out as defensive-oriented forum, but in a good way. I don't think, however, that it is a "defense first forum".

[astro pete]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

Yes.

What makes this forum stand out is that it often attempts to give equal weight to defense and offense, whereas the majority of baseball forums give 75% or more attention to offense. In that regard, it does stand out as defensive-oriented forum, but in a good way. I don't think, however, that it is a "defense first forum".

It doesn't give equal weight to defense and offense.  There are "defense-first" positions and "offense-first" positions.  This forum stands out because most recognize the difference.

[jasonact]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

Yes.

What makes this forum stand out is that it often attempts to give equal weight to defense and offense, whereas the majority of baseball forums give 75% or more attention to offense. In that regard, it does stand out as defensive-oriented forum, but in a good way. I don't think, however, that it is a "defense first forum".

It doesn't give equal weight to defense and offense.  There are "defense-first" positions and "offense-first" positions.  This forum stands out because most recognize the difference.

That's what I mean by equal weight: recognizing the defensive necessity catcher while also acknowledging the offensive necessity of 1B, for example.

[pravata]

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I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

He had left shoulder surgery, throws right.  I think you've mischaracterized this forum.  Defense is an integral part of baseball, does mentioning that in the context of the ultimate strategy of baseball, score more runs than your opponent, makes us stand out?

Yes.

What makes this forum stand out is that it often attempts to give equal weight to defense and offense, whereas the majority of baseball forums give 75% or more attention to offense. In that regard, it does stand out as defensive-oriented forum, but in a good way. I don't think, however, that it is a "defense first forum".

It doesn't give equal weight to defense and offense.  There are "defense-first" positions and "offense-first" positions.  This forum stands out because most recognize the difference.

The Astros, for the past few years, have considered left a spot where they can sacrifice defense.  They stuck an injured DWard out there, Biggio, who couldn't judge a fly ball hit to left, and Berkman, who considered posing as a statue sufficient to field the position.

[strosrays]

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The Astros, for the past few years, have considered left a spot where they can sacrifice defense.  They stuck an injured DWard out there, Biggio, who couldn't judge a fly ball hit to left, and Berkman, who considered posing as a statue sufficient to field the position.

And, of course, wherever Mike Lamb was playing that day.

[pravata]

Garciaparra is openly telling teams he's seeking only a one-year deal for approximately $8 million, in order to rebuild his market value and become a free agent again after the 2006 season.

The Link

Mclane has allowed that he's interested in Garciaparra (Footer is not 100% plugged in) But others that have been "courting" Garciaparra,

"Given that Garciaparra is being courted by the Dodgers (as a full-time third baseman), the Indians (to play right field) and the Blue Jays, ..."

The Dodgers just signed Mueller, so that option is out.  The Jays are out; "We're done with him - he has more money on the table some place else," Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Monday. The Link

The 2b plan in San Diego fell through, if the offer on the table discouraged Riccardi, then Nomar's a Yankee.  If not it's down to right field in Cleveland or left in Houston.

[Arky Vaughan]

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If not it's down to right field in Cleveland or left in Houston.

He might be valuable as a kind of super-utility man, able to plug into the outfield and infield as needed.  If an incentives-based contract could be negotiated, I think he could be an extremely valuable addition, especially to this team given its particular need for players who can shift around.

[Arky Vaughan]

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The 2b plan in San Diego fell through, if the offer on the table discouraged Riccardi, then Nomar's a Yankee.

Eight years ago an infield of Nomar, Jeter and A-Rod would've sounded preposterous.

[MusicMan]

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The 2b plan in San Diego fell through, if the offer on the table discouraged Riccardi, then Nomar's a Yankee.

Eight years ago an infield of Nomar, Jeter and A-Rod would've sounded preposterous.

Cashman's just rying to complete his set - if he turns them in this turn, he gets 25 armies and can try to run the table.

[pravata]

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If not it's down to right field in Cleveland or left in Houston.

He might be valuable as a kind of super-utility man, able to plug into the outfield and infield as needed.  If an incentives-based contract could be negotiated, I think he could be an extremely valuable addition, especially to this team given its particular need for players who can shift around.

I don't know if he'd be all that super.  The Cubs prefered someone else at short, the Padres didn't want him at 2d and the Dodgers had other ideas for 3d.  Any other position he has no experience.  He has flexibility because he has no real position.

[JaneDoe]

And he is starting from Kamchatka.

[Arky Vaughan]

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If not it's down to right field in Cleveland or left in Houston.

He might be valuable as a kind of super-utility man, able to plug into the outfield and infield as needed.  If an incentives-based contract could be negotiated, I think he could be an extremely valuable addition, especially to this team given its particular need for players who can shift around.

I don't know if he'd be all that super.  The Cubs prefered someone else at short, the Padres didn't want him at 2d and the Dodgers had other ideas for 3d.  Any other position he has no experience.  He has flexibility because he has no real position.

In which case I maybe should have referred to him as the Super Lamb.

[Froback]

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The 2b plan in San Diego fell through, if the offer on the table discouraged Riccardi, then Nomar's a Yankee.

Eight years ago an infield of Nomar, Jeter and A-Rod would've sounded preposterous.

I was thinking the EXACT same thing.

[OldBlevins]

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The 2b plan in San Diego fell through, if the offer on the table discouraged Riccardi, then Nomar's a Yankee.

Eight years ago an infield of Nomar, Jeter and A-Rod would've sounded preposterous.

I was thinking the EXACT same thing.

Maybe the Yankees can pick up Tejada and move him to second.

[DVauthrin]

If the Yankees interest is in him as a platoon 1B/sub, I have to admit I like the team's chances.   The Cleveland interest has been there since the winter meetings, and he still is on the market.