Huff

[Taras Bulba]

The term "professional hitter" kept coming to mind last night when watching Huff.  As in, "that's what a professional hitter will do with a pitch left over the plate."  Whatever his limitations, he appears to be able to drop the hammer quite nicely when given an opportunity.

[JimR]

i hope he signs with Houston.

[Navin R Johnson]

The line drive double he hit to clear the bases, was hit about as hard as one can humanly hit a baseball.    If there was any loft on that ball, it goes as far as if not further than pujols NLCS homer.

That thing was no higher than 20 ft and it reached the Hill on the fly.    I cant recall seeing a ball get past a CF faster than that ball did.

[HPFRic]

he's been absolutely crushing the base ball for a week or so, but not finding any holes. last night, he found holes. i think he's about to go a gigantic run. like a... beltran, 2004 playoffs kind of run.

[Arky Vaughan]

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The line drive double he hit to clear the bases, was hit about as hard as one can humanly hit a baseball.    If there was any loft on that ball, it goes as far as if not further than pujols NLCS homer.

That thing was no higher than 20 ft and it reached the Hill on the fly.    I cant recall seeing a ball get past a CF faster than that ball did.

I was doing something else when he was batting, then I heard the "CRACK!" and looked at the TV when he hit that double. It sounded like the branch of a huge tree snapping off.

[ybbodeus]

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he's been absolutely crushing the base ball for a week or so, but not finding any holes. last night, he found holes. i think he's about to go a gigantic run. like a... beltran, 2004 playoffs kind of run.

Everything I read here is that "thinking" and "baseball" shold not be done together, except perhaps with your manager.

[juliogotay]

me too. I think he will. Native Texan. I think he'd be happy in Houston. Love those guys that spray line drives around. WOuld like to have 2-3 more. Is this somewhat the type of hitter House is?

[Navin R Johnson]

Seems like a good guy who can really hit the ball and play multiple positions.  

Any idea what his price tag might look like?   4 years 30 million?

That would be a lot of money tied up into Lance, Roy (hopefully) and Huff.    Then they would still need to sign MoBerg, Lidge, Wheeler, Qualls, Everett, Lamb, Backe... Not to mention Roger for his farewell season #9.

[HPFRic]

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Then they would still need to sign MoBerg

i have absolutely nothing to go on other than my own dumbassocity, but i have a feeling from the gut area that unless he goes on an absolute tear, ensberg isn't in their future plans.

if he was really and truly in the thick of deadline discussions, while on the disabled list, my hunch is that there's some frustration with him beyond the stripes.

[pravata]

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Then they would still need to sign MoBerg

i have absolutely nothing to go on other than my own dumbassocity, but i have a feeling from the gut area that unless he goes on an absolute tear, ensberg isn't in their future plans.

if he was really and truly in the thick of deadline discussions, while on the disabled list, my hunch is that there's some frustration with him beyond the stripes.

There is some lingering talk about the Padres making a bid for him for next season.

[HPFRic]

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There is some lingering talk about the Padres making a bid for him for next season.

he's done, contract-wise, after this year, right? i think huff is more valuable given his ability to play multiple positions.

[MusicMan]

I believe he has one arb season left.

[juliogotay]

sign Huff, trade Ensberg and let Huff play 3rd. He may not be quite as good as Ensberg defensively but he didn't look bad to me. Right now, Huff and Lamb are sorta the same guy. Maybe Ensberg would bring a corner outfielder.

[MusicMan]

Lamb can only dream of playing defense as well as Huff.  Did you not see Lamb in the OF last year???

[littlevisigoth]

i love Lamb.  i love the Brick Tamlin-esque expression that his name offers.  i love the silent B angle.  more importantly, i love his bat.  but seriously, if we can sign Huff, Lamb is instantly expendable.

[Golden Sombrero]

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i love Lamb.  i love the Brick Tamlin-esque expression that his name offers.  i love the silent B angle.  more importantly, i love his bat.  but seriously, if we can sign Huff, Lamb is instantly expendable.

A left-handed bat with power off the bench is always good for a team.  I'd like to keep Lamb around for what he brings to Garner in key situations as a pinch-hitter.

[JimR]

absolutely 1000% wrong.

[littlevisigoth]

only if you're assuming Ensberg is no longer starting at 3B.  Lamb is a bench player and the only two positions he can play are 1B and 3B.  unless we can unload OP, we're already stuck with one lefty the does nothing but PH.  if all you're looking for is left-handed power, which presumably we'd already have in Berkman and Huff, why not a much cheaper Scott (unless you think he's a fluke).  even if you're already assuming Ensberg's at 3rd, Huff and Luke are corner OF's, and wanting to say that then Lamb is your bench lefty power... okay, i buy that, but he's starting to get expensive for a dedicated pinch hitter (of which you're already locked into one with OP), and even then, i'm not saying he's worthless or we should get rid of him, i'm saying he's EXPENDABLE.

[drew corleone]

He's not a "lefty the does nothing but PH." He can give you a start when you want to rest a regular, and he's insurance for when someone goes down with an injury. In what way has he ever shown he's not a valuable member of this club?

[D.WARD]

U FOO!

[chuck]

Lamb is what, the second or third best hitter on the team? And he's expendable?

OK.

[D.WARD]

I wouldn't mind seeing Huff play 1st and Berkman in right when he's 100%. Lamb would be nice to give Morgan and Berkman a rest (Huff moves to right), and have a power bat off the bench. But, it will be interesting this offseason, as Huff seems to want to play 3rd base. I would like to see us keep him.

[HPFRic]

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I wouldn't mind seeing Huff play 1st and Berkman in right when he's 100%.

if berkman ever so much as shags flies the rest of his career, that manager should be fired on the spot. he's your first baseman; go from there.

[Lefty]

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if berkman ever so much as shags flies the rest of his career, that manager should be fired on the spot. he's your first baseman; go from there.

Why?

[ybbodeus]

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if berkman ever so much as shags flies the rest of his career, that manager should be fired on the spot. he's your first baseman; go from there.

Why?

I would guess a mobility issue, plus the gradual physical drain of playing a position that requires as much movement as the outfield position, even the corners, when compared to a first baseman's expected range.  God bless him, but the next time he doesn't look slightly clumsy running somewhere will be the first time.

[JimR]

ridiculous

[littlevisigoth]

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Lamb is what, the second or third best hitter on the team? And he's expendable?

OK.

you're missing my point, which is merely that Huff is everything Lamb is and more.  without Huff, Lamb is essential to this team.  with him, not as much.  if you want Berkman at 1st and Ensberg at 3rd (arguable assumption, apparently), then Huff can do all the spot starting at those positions as necessary, and Lamb is reduced to a bat off the bench, albeit a very good one and still valuable, but not essential.  he's having a career year and will certainly be due a raise.  how much do you want to pay a pinch hitter?

[pravata]

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Lamb is what, the second or third best hitter on the team? And he's expendable?

OK.

you're missing my point, which is merely that Huff is everything Lamb is and more.  without Huff, Lamb is essential to this team.  with him, not as much.  if you want Berkman at 1st and Ensberg at 3rd (arguable assumption, apparently), then Huff can do all the spot starting at those positions as necessary, and Lamb is reduced to a bat off the bench, albeit a very good one and still valuable, but not essential.  he's having a career year and will certainly be due a raise.  how much do you want to pay a pinch hitter?

Since when do we care that Mclane is spending his own money?  Lamb and Huff arent the same player.  Huff is a starter, Lamb is a bench player.

[Lefty]

Well, considering that he's hurt himself this year everywhere BUT the OF (knee - stretching at 1B; knee - swinging; groin - running the bases), and that he's said he doesn't see any problems going back to RF once he's 100% (expected shortly), I really don't see the problem running him out there.

He's also the best RF on the roster (not counting Lane).  Huff hasn't looked all that great in the field so far.


He's said if he knew he'd be playing the OF as much as he has this season (out of necessity) he would have prepared differently during his offseason workouts...I don't see why he couldn't be the opening day RF next season, if they choose to build the team that way, with House, Lamb, Huff, PlayerX at 1B.

[JimR]

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[mihoba]

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you're missing my point, which is merely that Huff is everything Lamb is and more.  without Huff, Lamb is essential to this team.  with him, not as much.  if you want Berkman at 1st and Ensberg at 3rd (arguable assumption, apparently), then Huff can do all the spot starting at those positions as necessary, and Lamb is reduced to a bat off the bench, albeit a very good one and still valuable, but not essential.  he's having a career year and will certainly be due a raise.  how much do you want to pay a pinch hitter?

CYA. Injuries happen, and Lamb is a relatively inexpensive insurance policy and a damn good bat off the bench. I hope he signs next year, with or without Huff.

[Lefty]

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he's having a career year and will certainly be due a raise.  how much do you want to pay a pinch hitter?

He makes 1.7M, who gives a shit if that goes up to 2.5 or whatever...it's chump change in the grand scheme of things.

[BUWebguy]

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He's also the best RF on the roster (not counting Lane).  Huff hasn't looked all that great in the field so far.

Asking as one who is stuck with listening to the Astros online... How is Scott as an OF? Assuming the bat was there, could be an everyday RF, or is he pretty much stuck in LF?

[pravata]

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He's also the best RF on the roster (not counting Lane).  Huff hasn't looked all that great in the field so far.

Asking as one who is stuck with listening to the Astros online... How is Scott as an OF? Assuming the bat was there, could be an everyday RF, or is he pretty much stuck in LF?

Marginal.  Arm is ok, not rightfield quality though. He has trouble judging the flight of the ball.  Keeping him in one spot might help.

[JGrave]

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He's also the best RF on the roster (not counting Lane).  Huff hasn't looked all that great in the field so far.

Asking as one who is stuck with listening to the Astros online... How is Scott as an OF? Assuming the bat was there, could be an everyday RF, or is he pretty much stuck in LF?

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but does Garner put the guy who is more athletic in LF because it is a tougher position at MMPUS and consider arm-strength in RF secondary?  I thought Huff's throw home looked like a third sacker throwing the ball and he didn't seem to position himself under it properly for the throw.  Maybe he keeps Scott and Wilson in LF because it's more demanding with the scoreboard and the foul territory etc.  That also keeps the stronger arm in LF keeping balls off the scoreboard from being doubles.

[austro]

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Asking as one who is stuck with listening to the Astros online... How is Scott as an OF? Assuming the bat was there, could be an everyday RF, or is he pretty much stuck in LF?

I'd rate him as average.  He does most of the things he should, but he surprises me sometimes with poor reads.  (For example, on the Wilson double last night, it looked like he got a late jump on the ball.  It was far from a routine play, but it was catchable with the right jump.)  He's been playing the outfield forever, so it's not like he's learning the position, but he might still be getting accustomed to the backgrounds.  I don't think his arm scares anybody.

[D.WARD]

Why don't we go to Drayton and tell him that you would make a much better manager than Phil. You have it all figured out. Hell, we could even make you the GM too.

[D.WARD]

One more question. Has Lamb ever hit 30 homers and drove in 100 runs? Lamb is not an everyday player, Huff is and is a proven major league hitter. We will not sign Huff to be Mike Lamb. He will be an everyday player. Lamb will not.

[Fredia]

is this a new DWard or a return of the old one ?

[D.WARD]

I'm the same and very one who posted at the old kev and scott's tz, may it rest in peace.

[HudsonHawk]

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Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but does Garner put the guy who is more athletic in LF because it is a tougher position at MMPUS and consider arm-strength in RF secondary?  I thought Huff's throw home looked like a third sacker throwing the ball and he didn't seem to position himself under it properly for the throw.  Maybe he keeps Scott and Wilson in LF because it's more demanding with the scoreboard and the foul territory etc.  That also keeps the stronger arm in LF keeping balls off the scoreboard from being doubles.

I dont' know if that's Garner's philosophy, but I agree that Huff's throw last night was horrible.  I never knew he had such a noodle arm.  And the ball was shallow enought that there should have been a play.  Instead, it bounced 14 times.

[Ron Brand]

Huff is a 3b with enough athletic ability to run around in the  OF if necessary.  Not sure what we could get for MoBerg in a walk year - maybe the next six weeks will tell - but I don't think we could expect much.  Signing Huff would probably mean fewer sparkly plays at 3b but you wouldn't lose anything at the plate at all.  I like the thought a lot.

[CJM]

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Huff is a 3b with enough athletic ability to run around in the  OF if necessary. Not sure what we could get for MoBerg in a walk year   - maybe the next six weeks will tell - but I don't think we could expect much.  Signing Huff would probably mean fewer sparkly plays at 3b but you wouldn't lose anything at the plate at all.  I like the thought a lot.

I thought Ensberg has one more arbitration year left.

[pravata]

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Huff is a 3b with enough athletic ability to run around in the  OF if necessary. Not sure what we could get for MoBerg in a walk year   - maybe the next six weeks will tell - but I don't think we could expect much.  Signing Huff would probably mean fewer sparkly plays at 3b but you wouldn't lose anything at the plate at all.  I like the thought a lot.

I thought Ensberg has one more arbitration year left.

He does. That's why it will be his walk year and not his keep on walkin year.  Dont say walk around Mo.

[ybbodeus]

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I'll work to follow that advice, too.  Lefty's post pretty much opened my eyes to the folly of thinking RUNNING was at the core of LB's recurring injuries.

Only remaining question for me is Lamb as an everyday, given the gradual decline in his .ba after what was a terrific start.  

Saying "walk" around Morgan?  VERY funny.

Thanks, as always.

[Ron Brand]

What if it were his walk-off year?

[pravata]

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What if it were his walk-off year?

Then it would be his 4 years plus a team option year.

[Ron Brand]

Ugh.  I'll pass.  Unless it's a Game Seven walk-off.

[Arky Vaughan]

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Huff is a 3b with enough athletic ability to run around in the  OF if necessary. Not sure what we could get for MoBerg in a walk year   - maybe the next six weeks will tell - but I don't think we could expect much.  Signing Huff would probably mean fewer sparkly plays at 3b but you wouldn't lose anything at the plate at all.  I like the thought a lot.

I thought Ensberg has one more arbitration year left.

He does. That's why it will be his walk year and not his keep on walkin year.  Dont say walk around Mo.

Could we call it a stand around blinking year?