Closing in on Perez

[bigbird]

Read into this as little or as much as you want. I was told it appears we're close to signing Eduardo Perez. We're also trying to deal Williams for an outfielder. It should be an interesting next few days.

Hold on for the ride:D

[Sports Guy]

Can Eduardo Perez play in the OF?

[Will]

I was told it appears we're close to signing Eduardo Perez.

Why?

Just... why?

[33rdst]

Why?

Just... why?

Perez mashes left handed pitching.

[Sports Guy]

Why?

Just... why?

No need to go after him if we were smart and went with Knott, who is likely better than this guy is.

However, Perez kills lefties and is much better for us than someone like Bynum.

[Leitch]

:HUGE EYEROLL:

Did Jon Knott like flirt with Perlozzo's wife or something?

[bluedog]

Well on the downside, Eduardo is 37 years old.

On the upside, he had an .834 OPS vs. Lefties last year and has consistently hit well against lefties during his career.

He would seem to be a strong left handed 1B / DH candidate and a PH for critical late game situations where one of our guys that can't hit lefties is up against the likes of a BJ Ryan.

Can't say I'd argue against this move if we're simply not willing to give Knott / Dubois a shot in this role.

[Sports Guy]

:HUGE EYEROLL:

Did Jon Knott like flirt with Perlozzo's wife or something?

It really is amazing that they would want Perez over Knott.

[ChipTait]

Vs. lefties over the last year: .275/.331/.503/.834 in 150 AB


Last three years: .260/.345/.498/.843 in 315 AB


Who's gonna tell Millar?

[Art Wing]

Read into this as little or as much as you want. I was told it appears we're close to signing Eduardo Perez. We're also trying to deal Williams for an outfielder. It should be an interesting next few days.

Hold on for the ride:D

Outfielder on the Mets, no?

I wonder who.

Perez is better the Bynum but old enough to be in the Birdwatcher's Club. At least he can get discounted tickets for his friends and family at the Yards.

[Sports Guy]

I don't think he can really play the OF. So, how is he really going to fit in??

[Will]

However, Perez kills lefties and is much better for us than someone like Bynum.

That's a given.

But he's 37. His career OPS vs. lefties is .863 and last year it was .834.

That's nice and all but unless they abandon the 13 pitchers idea it's going to be pretty hard to get people some adequate off-time.

[weams]

Why?

Just... why?

Because he is exactly what our bench needs. Because he KILLS lefthanders.

Because he knows his role.

Because he does not require playing time.

Because he turns on a fastball like Gary Sheffield.

Because he adds power from the bench.

Because he takes a walk.

vs. Lefthanded Pitcher

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG TB SF SH HBP IBB GDP
67 153 16 42 8 0 9 28 13 26 0 1 .331 .503 .275 77 2 0 1 1 7



Because this is my 2000th post.

[TonySoprano]

Perez had an OPS last season of .834 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=2936) against lefties, that does not, IMHO, fit the definition of "mashing" or "killing them," unless you consider, for example Chris Gomez (http://www.orioleshangout.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=847697) in that category who had the same success against them last year. The difference being Gomez is actually two years younger than Perez. Perez has primarily been a first basemen, which we have. I don't see the fit.

[33rdst]

Well on the downside, Eduardo is 37 years old.

On the upside, he had an .834 OPS vs. Lefties last year and has consistently hit well against lefties during his career.

He would seem to be a strong left handed 1B / DH candidate and a PH for critical late game situations where one of our guys that can't hit lefties is up against the likes of a BJ Ryan.

Can't say I'd argue against this move if we're simply not willing to give Knott / Dubois a shot in this role.

He has played 1b, 3b, dh, rf, lf. He has about 100 games in the outfield so at least he is not a stranger there. I don't know how effective he's been out there.

[TonySoprano]

He has played 1b, 3b, dh, rf, lf. He has about 100 games in the outfield so at least he is not a stranger to it. I don't know how effective he's been out there.
Ninety three of his 145 career games in the outfield came in 2002-2003, with only 12 games there in the last three seasons. Get out the rustoleum in industrial strength if they want to put him back out there.

[JTrea81]

You got to wonder if we are going after Perez, if we've even made a call to Bernie Williams, who is a natural outfielder and can mash lefties.

[Fairfax Bird]

Todd Williams for Ben Johnson? He provides versatility in the OF. He can play all three OF spots I believe. Would he be a fit?

They have Green, Alou, Beltran, Chavez ... they could certainly give him up.

Just checking stats, we may need to add more to the deal ... Johnson had a huge AAA year at age 24 while playing in the San Diego system (952 OPS).

UPON FURTHER REVIEW THIS WAS 33rd ST's idea!

[HoodGuy007]

Todd Williams for Ben Johnson? He provides versatility in the OF. He can play all three OF spots I believe. Would he be a fit?

They have Green, Alou, Beltran, Chavez ... they could certainly give him up.

Just checking stats, we may need to add more to the deal ... Johnson had a huge AAA year at age 24 while playing in the San Diego system (952 OPS).
Don't forget about that guy Milledge... Wait a second, nevermind. I forgot we needed the veteran presence.

[Sports Guy]

Todd Williams for Ben Johnson? He provides versatility in the OF. He can play all three OF spots I believe. Would he be a fit?

They have Green, Alou, Beltran, Chavez ... they could certainly give him up.

Just checking stats, we may need to add more to the deal ... Johnson had a huge AAA year at age 24 while playing in the San Diego system (952 OPS).

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/J/Ben-Johnson.shtml

Looks like he can take a walk and has some power..Looks like he could be a solid bench guy if he can play defense. Probably has average or slightly above average speed.

Williams for Johnson would be a good move for us IMO.

But since we didn't give Knott a chance, why would we think we would give this guy a chance? Because he can play all 3 OF positions?

[Fan4Life]

You guys disappoint me.... there is so much baseball intellect here and yet all of you clearly missed the primary positive attribute or a guy like Perez..... he is a Latin player allowing us too add yet another spanish speaking player to our family... hey Knott.... se hablas espanol?

[Fairfax Bird]

Don't forget about that guy Milledge... Wait a second, nevermind. I forgot we needed the veteran presence.

Milledge would take too much. Johnson seems ready to be a contributor and doesn't seem to have a chance in NY. There is an opportunity here.

[Fairfax Bird]

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/J/Ben-Johnson.shtml

But since we didn't give Knott a chance, why would we think we would give this guy a chance? Because he can play all 3 OF positions?

That is my guess, he has the "versatility" to play all around the OF. I don't know if Williams is enough to land him though.

[Art Wing]

That is my guess, he has the "versatility" to play all around the OF. I don't know if Williams is enough to land him though.

That's what I was thinking- we would have to add more. Birkins too?

[erb8472]

That is my guess, he has the "versatility" to play all around the OF. I don't know if Williams is enough to land him though.

The Mets are pretty desperate for some relief pitchers.

[Sports Guy]

That's what I was thinking- we would have to add more. Birkins too?

I don't think we would have to add more. He hasn't accomplished much and he will be 26 in August. I am not sure if he has much value.

He is a guy alot of organizations have. They have a need and desire to acquire Williams...The deal does make sense but i think the Orioles would prefer a guy like Sanders more. They just won't go with the unknown right now.

[Sports Guy]

Johnson only hit 241 this spring with a 698 OPS. That is obviously too poor for the Orioles, unless of course he can play the IF as well and has great speed..In that case, he has hit like Ted Williams this spring.

[BaltimoreTerp]

The advantage a guy like Perez or Sanders would have over a guy like Knott is being proven at this level.

Now, before somebody knee-jerks a comment about, "Well, they're proven to be BAD," they both are bench players that can play a couple positions (Sanders likely more then Perez) and hit lefties very well. That is what we all want, just they are looking at those guys while the majority (at least of the vocal fans) would like to see Knott or Dubois there.

Also, I wonder if the reason they see a guy like Knott as AAA material isn't as much because of "veteran presence", but because they want him getting steady at-bats in preparation for an injury, not rotting on the bench.

(Hopefully they don't see that as an excuse to use for another reason :p)

[bgtimber75]

Did I read it right? Some one said he was 37? Huh?

[ccbird]

Im not one for the pilling on of the FO which occurs to often on here but the aquisition of Perez pretty much acknowledges the goof they made exposing Phelps in the Rule 5 draft.

[Sports Guy]

The advantage a guy like Perez or Sanders would have over a guy like Knott is being proven at this level.

Now, before somebody knee-jerks a comment about, "Well, they're proven to be BAD," they both are bench players that can play a couple positions (Sanders likely more then Perez) and hit lefties very well. That is what we all want, just they are looking at those guys while the majority (at least of the vocal fans) would like to see Knott or Dubois there.

Also, I wonder if the reason they see a guy like Knott as AAA material isn't as much because of "veteran presence", but because they want him getting steady at-bats in preparation for an injury, not rotting on the bench.

(Hopefully they don't see that as an excuse to use for another reason :p)

(BTerp, this is not meant as a shot at you)

All i am reading here is blah blah blah.

We have the depth because of the (good) job we did signing the MiL FAs this year.

The Orioles just don't trust the unproven alot of the time.

It is amazing they went with Markakis last year if you really think about it.

[BillySmith]

Well on the downside, Eduardo is 37 years old.

On the upside, he had an .834 OPS vs. Lefties last year and has consistently hit well against lefties during his career.

He would seem to be a strong left handed 1B / DH candidate and a PH for critical late game situations where one of our guys that can't hit lefties is up against the likes of a BJ Ryan.

Can't say I'd argue against this move if we're simply not willing to give Knott / Dubois a shot in this role.


Yes. This is what Earl's O's would have done. Give me a bat who can deliver in a pinch. He's better than a youngster with little or no experience.

[TonySoprano]

It is amazing they went with Markakis last year if you really think about it.Would they have if Gibbons didn't get hurt?

[BaltimoreTerp]

(BTerp, this is not meant as a shot at you)

All i am reading here is blah blah blah.

We have the depth because of the (good) job we did signing the MiL FAs this year.

The Orioles just don't trust the unproven alot of the time.

It is amazing they went with Markakis last year if you really think about it.

At least you are reading it :p

Seriously though, what about the other part: wanting the depth in AAA instead of rotting on the bench?

Markakis was a completely different issue, because of him actually winning the job in spring training last year. Knott definitely hasn't done that, although he deserved more of a chance then he got.

[Boston Dave]

We're also trying to deal Williams for an outfielder.

Apparently this is my lonely crusade, but considering we won't get anything of ML value for Williams, why not move him for a decent low level prospect?

[Sports Guy]

Seriously though, what about the other part: wanting the depth in AAA instead of rotting on the bench?I honestly can't give the credit to the Orioles for thinking this way and even if they are thinking this way, there is plenty of depth down there. They were only going to go with, at most, 1 of Knott, House or Dubois. So, 2 of them could have been in Norfolk waiting. That doesn't include a possible quick rise from Reimold. And it doesn't include Fio, Tiffee or Val. So, in other words, we have plenty of depth, whether one of those guys were here or not.

Knott definitely hasn't done that, although he deserved more of a chance then he got.
Knott has a 870 OPS this spring...That is nothing to sneeze at.

[Malike]

Can't say I love Perez, but he's a huge upgrade over Bynum. I think when BB posted a while ago saying we were trying to get a "proven" bat, that is the keyword.

Perez has proven he can come off the bench cold and do good things with the stick. I can only assume that the FO doesn't have that same confidence with any of the young guns in AAA right now. Coming off the bench cold and producing isnt something that every player is comfortable, or even capable doing.

I'd rather see Knott for example, get a full season with us to see what he is capable of with regular use in the Majors. I know thats far fetched with our current configuration but I'd still like to see that more then him coming off the bench.

[RZNJ]

Can Eduardo Perez play in the OF?

Who cares? lol

[weams]

I Split G GS PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO HBP SH SF ROE GDP SB CS BA OBP SLG OPS


vs LHP 443 982 850 225 49 1 50 152 119 6 159 11 0 2 10 30 .265 .362 .501 .863

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=perezed01

Love those park adjusted splits.

[Art Wing]

I'd rather see Knott for example, get a full season with us to see what he is capable of with regular use in the Majors. I know thats far fetched with our current configuration but I'd still like to see that more then him coming off the bench.

No it's not. Knott should be starting in LF against all LHP with Payton moving to center.

[Sports Guy]

Who cares? lol

LOL..True.

But we would have Millar, Payton(when healthy), Huff, Gibbons and Perez for 3 spots.

Huff is likely the everyday first baseman. Gibbons will split time in LF and DH it looks like, playing pretty much everyday.

So, that leaves Perez and Millar doing the same thing, 1b and DH.

At least if you got a guy who could play the OF as well, you have more versatility and that player can be used alot more.

[olehippi]

I think the FO's insatiable desire for over-the-hill players borders on obsessive compulsive behavior.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I honestly can't give the credit to the Orioles for thinking this way and even if they are thinking this way, there is plenty of depth down there. They were only going to go with, at most, 1 of Knott, House or Dubois. So, 2 of them could have been in Norfolk waiting. That doesn't include a possible quick rise from Reimold. And it doesn't include Fio, Tiffee or Val. So, in other words, we have plenty of depth, whether one of those guys were here or not.

Knott has a 870 OPS this spring...That is nothing to sneeze at.

Interesting. Earlier this week, in seven or so fewer at-bats, he was only at a .600 or so OPS.

Big jump in that time, so I apologize for not being up-to-date :)

However, the rest still doesn't disagree with my point. All the guys you have listed will get a lot of quality at-bats at Norfolk, and in the case of House, might even show they can play other positions.

I have no doubt that Knott will be up here at some point in the season, and maybe House as well. Hell, Dubois probably makes the team now anyway because of Payton's injury.

[Malike]

No it's not. Knott should be starting in LF against all LHP with Payton moving to center.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you really think its not far fetched then you havent been paying attention. It is my belief that they lack the confidence to do that, and I guess you can say its sort of being supported by the fact that they have under-used him all ST.

[Will]

I think the FO's insatiable desire for over-the-hill players borders on obsessive compulsive behavior.

They're cheap and available.

Of course there's a reason for that. :rolleyes:

[Malike]

Interesting. Earlier this week, in seven or so fewer at-bats, he was only at a .600 or so OPS.
Big jump in that time, so I apologize for not being up-to-date :)

However, the rest still doesn't disagree with my point. All the guys you have listed will get a lot of quality at-bats at Norfolk, and in the case of House, might even show they can play other positions.

I have no doubt that Knott will be up here at some point in the season, and maybe House as well. Hell, Dubois probably makes the team now anyway because of Payton's injury.

ST stats are useless ;)

Seriously though, in such limited AB's its very easy to have one or two good games and make your line for the spring look a hell of alot better then it should, the opposite is also true, a few bad games and an .950 OPS goes down to .750 or so.

[meatface]

Honest question here. Wasn't Knott cut by the Padres even though he had minor league options left? Are the Padres so deep in great young hitters that they had no need for another? Or did they come to the same "stupid" conclusion that the O's have-that he isn't ready for prime time. I guess in the Padres case, they felt he never would be. Tell me where I'm off here.
Thanks

[Art Wing]

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you really think its not far fetched then you havent been paying attention. It is my belief that they lack the confidence to do that, and I guess you can say its sort of being supported by the fact that they have under-used him all ST.

You said, "with our current configuration".

Sorry if I took it out of context. I agree that it is highly unlikely.

[wildcard]

Perez and Johnson. One who have to go when Payton came back. Or someone else would need to be traded.

Johnson is out of options. His spring would not normally win him a spot in the majors. 241/328/370/698.

However, Johnson's problem last year at AAA and in the majors was that he did not hit righthanded pitching. He hit lefties pretty well - 926 OPS and AAA and a 854 OPS for the Padres.

He is a better fielder than Knott or DuBois according to reports.

[Sports Guy]

Honest question here. Wasn't Knott cut by the Padres even though he had minor league options left? Are the Padres so deep in great young hitters that they had no need for another? Or did they come to the same "stupid" conclusion that the O's have-that he isn't ready for prime time. I guess in the Padres case, they felt he never would be. Tell me where I'm off here.
Thanks

They are deep in the positions Knott plays.

[clapdiddy]

Im not one for the pilling on of the FO which occurs to often on here but the aquisition of Perez pretty much acknowledges the goof they made exposing Phelps in the Rule 5 draft.
No truer words have been spoken in this thread.

Phelps is young enough that he could have stuck around here for a few years as well.

The way Phelps was handled just leads me to believe the front office still doesn't know what its doing.

[RZNJ]

LOL..True.

But we would have Millar, Payton(when healthy), Huff, Gibbons and Perez for 3 spots.

Huff is likely the everyday first baseman. Gibbons will split time in LF and DH it looks like, playing pretty much everyday.

So, that leaves Perez and Millar doing the same thing, 1b and DH.

At least if you got a guy who could play the OF as well, you have more versatility and that player can be used alot more.


At the very, very least, they might even use Perez to PH for Gibbons or CPat against a LHP. When Payton is healthy, you'd hope that he'd play CF against LHP. If not, he's in LF. Gibbons or Huff can play LF with Millar & Perez at 1B & DH. Only one of Gibbons or Huff should be in the lineup vs. a LHP, IMO, but there's no need to have Perez or Millar in LF. Gibbons & Huff should both be adequate out there. They both have extensive experience in RF.

[Sports Guy]

At the very, very least, they might even use Perez to PH for Gibbons or CPat against a LHP. When Payton is healthy, you'd hope that he'd play CF against LHP. If not, he's in LF. Gibbons or Huff can play LF with Millar & Perez at 1B & DH. Only one of Gibbons or Huff should be in the lineup vs. a LHP, IMO, but there's no need to have Perez or Millar in LF. Gibbons & Huff should both be adequate out there. They both have extensive experience in RF.

I know to you can't assume 500+ ab's from our regulars, especially Jay, but let's assume it right now.

Sammy has made it known that he wants CPat and Gibbons in there everyday except against the real tough lefties.

So, with that being the case, the lineup will have this going on most of the time:

1st- Huff
LF- Payton
DH- Gibbons
CF- CPat

That will happen most of the time.

So, when does Millar and Perez get in? Against those "real tough" lefties?

[BaltimOrioles]

The outfielder has to be Endy Chavez...especially since the O's wanted him as the starting centerfielder before they acquired Corey Patterson.

[JTrea81]

No truer words have been spoken in this thread.

Phelps is young enough that he could have stuck around here for a few years as well.

The way Phelps was handled just leads me to believe the front office still doesn't know what its doing.


Phelps still has to stick the entire season or be offered back. If the Yankees have some injuries he could still be low man on the totem pole. Granted I'm sure the Yankees would fake an injury to stash him on the DL or trade him for someone else to play "keep away" with the Orioles. Just when you thought they couldn't get any worse with roster management after the Chris Gomez debacle...

[RZNJ]

I know to you can't assume 500+ ab's from our regulars, especially Jay, but let's assume it right now.

Sammy has made it known that he wants CPat and Gibbons in there everyday except against the real tough lefties.

So, with that being the case, the lineup will have this going on most of the time:

1st- Huff
LF- Payton
DH- Gibbons
CF- CPat

That will happen most of the time.

So, when does Millar and Perez get in? Against those "real tough" lefties?


If Perlozzo has Perez on the bench and doesn't start him against LHP's then we know that he's clueless. Chances are that Jay Gibbons will be the DH (assuming Payton returns) on those occasions and there's no reason not to replace him with Perez. As I said, while Payton is out, you could put Huff in LF and put Perez at DH and Millar at 1B or vice versa. Millar is really a different case as we're not even sure he's any better vs. LHP than Huff. If Gibbons and Patterson get over 500 AB's then Millar & Perez are probably glorified pinch hitters and Millar is whining a lot.

[RZNJ]

The outfielder has to be Endy Chavez...especially since the O's wanted him as the starting centerfielder before they acquired Corey Patterson.

A LH hitting reserve OF makes little sense. That doesn't mean they don't want Chavez though.

[JTrea81]

A LH hitting reserve OF makes little sense. That doesn't mean they don't want Chavez though.

They might be looking at him as Corey Patterson's replacement. Though I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Adam Stern in that role in 2008.

[Malike]

They might be looking at him as Corey Patterson's replacement. Though I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Adam Stern in that role in 2008.

If Adam Stern ever makes it as a full time position player in the ML, I think I'd have a coronary.

[BaltimOrioles]

A LH hitting reserve OF makes little sense. That doesn't mean they don't want Chavez though.

True, but the front office is like Daniel Snyder at times, they will have some platoon type player in mind and will try to acquire him even though it makes little sense. Also, if the Orioles do get Eduardo Perez like bigbird suggested, they better acquire an outfielder that has options...

[inmiggywetrust]

The outfielder has to be Endy Chavez...especially since the O's wanted him as the starting centerfielder before they acquired Corey Patterson.

Yes Chavez hits lefty, but he really is the perfect backup outfielder. Just like Perez and Gomez, Chavez can sit for extended periods of time and still hit well when called upon. He is also great for pinch running and an excellent defender. I would love to pick him up if the price is just Williams. Do you think Williams is enough for Chavez?

[El Gordo]

Vs. lefties over the last year: .275/.331/.503/.834 in 150 AB


Last three years: .260/.345/.498/.843 in 315 AB


Who's gonna tell Millar?

C'mon they couldn't be smart enough to platoon him with Millar, they're probably going after him to pinch hit when Bynum's not available because he's pinch running.

[El Gordo]

Knott has a 870 OPS this spring...That is nothing to sneeze at.

ST numbers are meaning less....aha ah...ah choooo! sorry.

[BaltimOrioles]

With the pitchers going on the disabled list, that leaves the Royals one player over the 25-man limit. Kansas City is carrying an extra outfielder. The Royals could trade Reggie Sanders or Emil Brown, which would open up a spot for Joey Gathright, who is hitting .370 but has an option left.

Forget Eduardo Perez, forget Reggie Sanders, and go get Emil Brown. Brown is 32-years old, but still is five years younger than Perez and seven years younger than Sanders. He also has a .848 OPS vs. left-handed pitching the last two seasons, which is better than both Perez and Sanders. Burres needs to be on a flight to Kansas City as soon as possible...

[El Gordo]

Forget Eduardo Perez, forget Reggie Sanders, and go get Emil Brown. Brown is 32-years old, but still is five years younger than Perez and seven years younger than Sanders. He also has a .848 OPS vs. left-handed pitching the last two seasons, which is better than both Perez and Sanders. Burres needs to be on a flight to Kansas City as soon as possible...The good thing about this is it indicates that the O's moight recognize the need for a RH bat and are not happy with Bynum as a solution to their need for a speedy defensive OF. Perez would be used as a platoon at DH and 1B. So they may realize that Gibbons and Millar are not effective against LHP. In addition it indicates that a 13 man pitching staff is not necessarily a priority to these other needs. The bad thing is it might mean they might not be as stupid as some people want them to be.

[mweb]

Perez, like Sanders is a good hitter against lefties, and can fill an important role on the team. However, I tend to doubt Sam would use them in the proper role, and we already have a younger, cheaper player in Knott who can likely fill the role just as well if not better.

[Ruzious]

Also, I wonder if the reason they see a guy like Knott as AAA material isn't as much because of "veteran presence", but because they want him getting steady at-bats in preparation for an injury, not rotting on the bench.

That's the only explanation that makes some sense to me.

[Hank Scorpio]

They are deep in the positions Knott plays.

So why not trade him? What kind of prospect was Knott in his heyday, you know when he wasn't a geriatric 27 (:rolleyes: )?

[rolliefingers]

I don't see how this makes sense. Does Perez even PLAY the OF?

:rolleyes:

[bobmc]

I don't see how this makes sense. Does Perez even PLAY the OF?

:rolleyes:

As a "stallion", you must have heard of horse sense - right? ;) btw - how many women believe your b/s? ;) :rolleyes: :)

American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source
horse sense

Sound practical sense, as in She's got too much horse sense to believe his story. The exact allusion in this term, which dates from the mid-1800s, is disputed, since some regard horses as rather stupid. However, they tended to be viewed more positively in the American West, where the term originated

[bgfield]

So the guy can hit lefties well. Can't Knott do the same? Why are we bothering with this guy? Seems like we just grab who we can grab so the FO can say "HEY at least we're doing something!"

I see this organization as an impatient child with a jigsaw puzzle, grabbing pieces at random and trying to force them together without actually looking at them and seeing if they'll fit.

[bigbird]

I don't see how this makes sense. Does Perez even PLAY the OF?

:rolleyes:

Maybe they would rather have Perez at DH and Gibbons in the OF? There is room for both a bat and outfielder of they don't carry a 13th pitcher.

[Sports Guy]

So why not trade him? What kind of prospect was Knott in his heyday, you know when he wasn't a geriatric 27 (:rolleyes: )?

There are alot of Jon Knotts out there...Most organizations have guys like this in their system, so why trade for him?

[DrungoHazewood]

I don't see how this makes sense. Does Perez even PLAY the OF?

:rolleyes:

Sure he does, in the same way that Fernando Tatis, Fahey, Ed Rogers, and Jerry Hairston do.

He began life as a third baseman, then moved to first. In St. Louis Tony Larussa moved him to the outfield most of the time as part of his experiments that would later influence Sam Perlozzo - he wanted to keep 13 or more pitchers on the roster, but to do that he'd need a very short bench made up of players willing to play everywhere. He converted Perez into a 1B/3B/LF/RFer and Eli Marrero into a C/1B/3B/LF/CF/RFer, and that about covered everything.

Since leaving St. Louis he's played only a few more MLB games in the outfield than Jon Knott, and Knott has appeared in 12 MLB games, total.

[Frobby]

We need to focus on the big picture. The issue is not whether Perez is a better option than Knott, Dubois, House or Sanders. The issue is not whether Perez can play the OF or not.

The issue is whether we will have SOMEONE on our bench who hits LHP well. If the answer to that is "yes, we have Eduardo Perez," I am fine with it. It's a better answer than "no, we thought it was better to have a 13th pitcher and defensive replacements."

By the way, Perez has had a nice spring in limited action: .500 BA with 3 HR and 9 RBI in 22 AB.

[rolliefingers]

Sure he does, in the same way that Fernando Tatis, Fahey, Ed Rogers, and Jerry Hairston do.

He began life as a third baseman, then moved to first. In St. Louis Tony Larussa moved him to the outfield most of the time as part of his experiments that would later influence Sam Perlozzo - he wanted to keep 13 or more pitchers on the roster, but to do that he'd need a very short bench made up of players willing to play everywhere. He converted Perez into a 1B/3B/LF/RFer and Eli Marrero into a C/1B/3B/LF/CF/RFer, and that about covered everything.

Since leaving St. Louis he's played only a few more MLB games in the outfield than Jon Knott, and Knott has appeared in 12 MLB games, total.OK, my mistake, I guess he does play OF. He's still redundant when we already have Knott, et al., but whatever. I'm done trying to make sense of this FO.

In unrelated news, BobMC, you're freaking me out a little bit (http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/images_movie/fatalattract.JPG). I gotta be honest with you. ;)

[rolliefingers]

The issue is whether we will have SOMEONE on our bench who hits LHP well.Good point....

[erb8472]

We need to focus on the big picture. The issue is not whether Perez is a better option than Knott, Dubois, House or Sanders. The issue is not whether Perez can play the OF or not.

The issue is whether we will have SOMEONE on our bench who hits LHP well. If the answer to that is "yes, we have Eduardo Perez," I am fine with it. It's a better answer than "no, we thought it was better to have a 13th pitcher and defensive replacements."

By the way, Perez has had a nice spring in limited action: .500 BA with 3 HR and 9 RBI in 22 AB.

Agree.

They've already decided against Knott, right or wrong.

It would be Perez instead of Stern or Bynum, which I'm perfectly fine with.

[Sports Guy]

Agree.

They've already decided against Knott, right or wrong.

It would be Perez instead of Stern or Bynum, which I'm perfectly fine with.
Actually, it is probably Perez and not Dubois.

Bynum will be here, unless we go with the 13th pitcher.

[erb8472]

We need an outfielder. Dubois could still stay.

I'd be happy with a bench of Dubois, Perez, Bako and Gomez.

[mskrulz]

A Tiger maybe?

[Sports Guy]

We need an outfielder. Dubois could still stay.
I'd be happy with a bench of Dubois, Perez, Bako and Gomez.

No, we need another CFer...I know you can say Markakis is the answer there but it is doubtful Sammy wants to move him at all.

[erb8472]

No, we need another CFer...I know you can say Markakis is the answer there but it is doubtful Sammy wants to move him at all.

He did play CF yesterday, and how does Bynum fit the build of a CF? I thought he was a middle infielder. If they want a CF backup then it would be Stern.

[Tony-OH]

No, we need another CFer...I know you can say Markakis is the answer there but it is doubtful Sammy wants to move him at all.
With Payton down, I think he has to consider putting Markakis in center against tough lefties with Gibbons in left and Dubois in right or vice versa. I'm hoping Perlozzo will at least think this way while PAyton is down, but I don't have a lot of confidence.

[Hank Scorpio]

He did play CF yesterday, and how does Bynum fit the build of a CF? I thought he was a middle infielder. If they want a CF backup then it would be Stern.

Bynum is so versatile that he can actually play first, second, third, left field, center field, color man, and also sling beers in the upper deck, but his SBP (spilled beer percentage) may exceed his OPS.

[clapdiddy]

My personal opinion is that we should move Markakis to left, and let Gibbons platoon with Dubois in RF. It would really be nice to have that second right-handed OF. Then you could (dare I say it!) platoon RF and CF. Patterson could play CF against all pitching until Payton comes back.

[Sports Guy]

With Payton down, I think he has to consider putting Markakis in center against tough lefties with Gibbons in left and Dubois in right or vice versa. I'm hoping Perlozzo will at least think this way while PAyton is down, but I don't have a lot of confidence.

Its a shame Sammy just doesn't put Nick in LF. Alot of the issues on this team would be eliminated if he just did that.

It just isn't going to happen. Nick may shift there late in a game or something but he won't start a game there i doubt.

[rolliefingers]

My personal opinion is that we should move Markakis to left, and let Gibbons platoon with Dubois in RF. It would really be nice to have that second right-handed OF. Then you could (dare I say it!) platoon RF and CF. Patterson could play CF against all pitching until Payton comes back.Front Office, LISTEN TO THIS MAN!

[erb8472]

Front Office, LISTEN TO THIS MAN!

Perlozzo also.

All the FO can do is get the players and help with some of the decision making as far as the roster goes. After that its up to the man calling the shots, and hopefully on the field it's Perlozzo and not Angelos.

[RustyMcNail]

If Adam Stern ever makes it as a full time position player in the ML, I think I'd have a coronary.

This is the Orioles. Start your aspirin regimen immediately.

[TGO]

Why do I have a feeling we're going to wind up with David Newhan?

[erb8472]

Why do I have a feeling we're going to wind up with David Newhan?

I would take Newhan over Stern or Bynum.

[markdublya]

Perez had an OPS last season of .834 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=2936) against lefties, that does not, IMHO, fit the definition of "mashing" or "killing them," unless you consider, for example Chris Gomez (http://www.orioleshangout.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=847697) in that category who had the same success against them last year. The difference being Gomez is actually two years younger than Perez. Perez has primarily been a first basemen, which we have. I don't see the fit.

Let's take a closer look:

He was great in Cleveland last year in that role, and fell apart in Seattle after the July trade (1st half OVERALL OPS .994)

.897 OPS vs LHP in 2005
Didn't play much in 2004- hurt? 38ab's
1.126 OPS vs LHP in 2003
.997 vs LHP in 2002

I think you CAN say he mashes lefties...He's an older, possibly better, Phelps with a lower K rate.

[Sports Guy]

Perez the last 3 seasons against lefties:

2003: 102 abs....459/667/1126
2005: 135 abs....371/526/897
2006: 113 abs....331/503/834

Note: He missed most of 2004, only had 20 abs versus lefties...sub 700 OPS but way too small of a sample size, especially considering he was hurt i think.

Do you notice a trend there? He is trending downwards against lefties in a big way. He is 37 and can't really play the field.

There is absolutely no justification for keeping him over Dubois or Knott. This isn't even a Bynum vs Perez thing because Bynum will make the team anyway, unless they go with 13 pitchers at first.

I was ok with Perez at first but after seeing this, i am totally against him unless he keeps them from carrying 13 pitchers and Bynum doesn't make the team and even then, i think they will have made the wrong decision but it would become easier to swallow.

[clapdiddy]

Perez would be a better alternative than Bynum, but that's about it. He's a replica of the Huff/Gibbons/Millar issue in that his best position is DH.

Its a shame that we continue to put band-aids on shotgun wounds.

[isestrex]

My personal opinion is that we should move Markakis to left, and let Gibbons platoon with Dubois in RF. It would really be nice to have that second right-handed OF. Then you could (dare I say it!) platoon RF and CF. Patterson could play CF against all pitching until Payton comes back.

Sammy tried that last year and Nick didn't look very confident in left. The difference between Nick and LF and Nick in RF seemed night and day last year. I don't think he makes such move unless in emergency.

ALSO.... WHY DO WE WANT GIBBONS TO PLAY THE OF?!!?!?!?!?!?!???!!? :eek: :eek:

Gibbons could be a BEAST at the plate if he remains healthy. I want Sammy to give him every chance at having a terrific season by keeping him OUT of the field.

[bigloe]

We need an outfielder. Dubois could still stay.

I'd be happy with a bench of Dubois, Perez, Bako and Gomez.

That gives them NO bench speed for pinch running. Would make it hard to generate a run late in a game.

[DrungoHazewood]

That gives them NO bench speed for pinch running. Would make it hard to generate a run late in a game.

Well, except for Dubois or Perez depositing a ball in the stands. There's nothing in the rules that says you have to run fast during your home run trot. By far the most effective way to manufacture a run is to hit the ball a long, long way.

I'm a lot more concerned with having players who can actually hit on the bench than I am with Olympic sprinters.

[Leitch]

Well, except for Dubois or Perez depositing a ball in the stands. There's nothing in the rules that says you have to run fast during your home run trot. By far the most effective way to manufacture a run is to hit the ball a long, long way.

I'm a lot more concerned with having players who can actually hit on the bench than I am with Olympic sprinters.

You must not understand that run-one strategies guarantee runs, every single time.

[El Gordo]

Perez would be a better alternative than Bynum, but that's about it. He's a replica of the Huff/Gibbons/Millar issue in that his best position is DH.

Its a shame that we continue to put band-aids on shotgun wounds.

Yes, all this would be moot if we had just one guy at 1B or LF who could hit well both ways.

[markdublya]

Well, except for Dubois or Perez depositing a ball in the stands. There's nothing in the rules that says you have to run fast during your home run trot.

Nobody told Mike Kinkade that! :D He sprinted like he was ashamed!

[Three Run Homer]

The O's could easily play Perez full time against lefties.

Let's assume that Payton plays CF against lefties. Then the O's would have five bodies to fit into four corner slots (1B, DH, LF, RF). Perez would be the DH. Millar would play 1B or LF. Markakis, Huff and Gibbons could rotate in the other two slots. Gomez could get an occasional start at 1B or DH when he's not giving Brian Roberts a day off at 2B. Everyone would get regular rest and stay fresh. The only downside is that the outfield defense would be suspect on days that both Markakis and Patterson sat down, so I would only do this when Cabrera or another groundball/strikeout pitcher was on the mound.

Nevertheless, something tells me that if the O's get Perez, they'll wind up trading Millar, just so that they don't have to listen to him whine about playing time all year. Perez is arguably a better fit for the O's bench now than Millar, because he has a better platoon split and is more comfortable coming off the bench.

[olehippi]

The O's could easily play Perez full time against lefties.

Let's assume that Payton plays CF against lefties. Then the O's would have five bodies to fit into four corner slots (1B, DH, LF, RF). Perez would be the DH. Millar would play 1B or LF. Markakis, Huff and Gibbons could rotate in the other two slots. Gomez could get an occasional start at 1B or DH when he's not giving Brian Roberts a day off at 2B. Everyone would get regular rest and stay fresh. The only downside is that the outfield defense would be suspect on days that both Markakis and Patterson sat down, so I would only do this when Cabrera or another groundball/strikeout pitcher was on the mound.

Nevertheless, something tells me that if the O's get Perez, they'll wind up trading Millar, just so that they don't have to listen to him whine about playing time all year. Perez is arguably a better fit for the O's bench now than Millar, because he has a better platoon split and is more comfortable coming off the bench.

I'd take Markakis out of the mix....he hits LH pitching almost as good as RH. He might get an occasional day off....but very few of them.

[Migrant Redbird]

Perez has primarily been a first basemen, which we have. I don't see the fit.

Perez has played over 100 games in right, mostly with the Cardinals in 2002 and 2003 (when Tino Martinez was playing 1st and Pujols was in left). My recollection is that he was adequate. After he put up an .843 OPS (122 OPS+) in 2003, he wanted too much money for the Cardinals and the D-Rays signed him as a free agent. In the AL, with the Rays, Indians, and Mariners, he's been primarily restricted to 1st and DH.

He played 27 games in left for the Cardinals. I seem to recall that he was an "adequate" outfielder there as well, nothing outstanding. He has also played over 100 games at 3rd, primarily early in his career, which implies that he had a strong and relatively accurate arm. (No guarantees that he can still throw, of course.)





... way too small of a sample size,...

In 2005 and 2006, that's especially true. He had 122 PA's against southpaws in 2003 and posted that 1.126 OPS, while he was only able to manage a .646 OPS in 167 PAs against righties that season. I think that the sample sizes are inadequate all the way around.


... He is 37 and can't really play the field.

Unless you know something I don't -- and you've probably watched the D-Rays a lot more than I have -- I don't believe that you can make that assumption. The D-Rays have lots of speedy young outfielders -- why wouldn't they use an older, slower outfielder who can "mash" at 1st or DH. Same in his limited time in Cleveland and Seattle.

Perez has 19 stolen bases in 32 attempts over a 13 season career. He probably doesn't steal any bases unless the opposing team is conceding it or the pitcher forgets about him. His caught stealing are probably mostly busted hit and run plays.

He's not going to cover a lot of ground in the outfield, so you may need to shift Patterson and the other corner outfielder a tad to compensate. Played sparingly, he probably won't embarrass himself. I don't recall any flood of criticism of his play in right while he was with St. Louis.