The Little Things

[Orange]

This is the time of year for over-examination... so here I go.

I was reading about how Teagarden said that his right knee is about 85%-90% right now. That got me to thinking about signing Ronny Paulino. It's the tiniest thing, but I just don't think previous GM's in our recent history did a lot of little things like this. If we have to put Teagarden on the 15-day DL we'll stick Paulino in there as the backup catcher which is absolutely perfect, IMO.

And that got me to thinking about Teagarden himself. Things like backup catcher and utility infielder and 4th outfielder just haven't been given any attention at all in recent years. Teagarden is a good receiver and has a lifetime MLB OPS over .700 (barely, but still). There was a lot of belly-aching when we got him, but I'm glad we did.

And that got me to thinking about Showalter's comments about Andino recently... He talked about Andino like he was his own son. Just gushing about the amazing amount of talent he had and that in the middle of July last year he was forgotten and by the time the off-season got here everyone and their mother wanted to trade for him. I'm sure this really boosts his confidence.. It's a little thing, but it is a good thing for a leader to do.

And that got me to thinking of Chavez... I think if you looked up "Fourth Outfielder" in the dictionary there might be a picture of Chavez.

Which got me to thinking of Nick Johnson. It seems like good clubs always have a guy like him at AAA... I remember that Chris Richard was the 1B for the Durham Bulls for several years even though he was in his 30's and was a 1B who didn't hit for power. I mean, having guys like that to plug in are what smart clubs do.

I realize this is all over-examination, but it really is all about the little things. I just wanted to state for the record that they don't go unnoticed and they are appreciated.

[Frobby]

I like these moves, too. But prepare to be bombarded with caustic replies, the gist of which will be that the little things only matter if you also take care of the big things.

[NewMarketSean]

The problem has been that these "little things" have been forced into starting roles when other players are hurt or don't perform, especially on the pitching side.

We stayed relatively healthy last year on offense and they had a decent year. That will need to continue or the brilliance of these little signings will be exploited when guys like Chavez or Teagarden or someone else have to play full time.

Just my $0.02.

[wildcard]

Count me in. I appreciate the little things too.

[canonfaz]

Another little thing: We didn't sign an expensive FA reliever to a multi-year contract this winter. So maybe we can finally see some good competition for bullpen spots between the younger guys.

[wildcard]

I'll add to that. I am not sure the DD is done. The Cards are still trying to get Oswalt to come down to their price. If he does the Cards will probably be looking to move McClellan. He is better them several on the O's relievers and I think DD will be glad to pay his 2.5M salary.

[luismatos4prez]

Good post. I agree, depth is something we've been lacking recently and it's clear that Duquette is, at the very least, much more thorough in his rebuilding plan than the last several that we've seen.

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

Countdown to start of a thread titled "The Big Things"...3...2...

[Frobby]

The problem has been that these "little things" have been forced into starting roles when other players are hurt or don't perform, especially on the pitching side.

We stayed relatively healthy last year on offense and they had a decent year. That will need to continue or the brilliance of these little signings will be exploited when guys like Chavez or Teagarden or someone else have to play full time.

Just my $0.02.

Games lost to injuries by the offense last year:

Orioles 396
Yankees 218
Red Sox 206
Blue Jays 173
Rays 123

We did not have a relatively healthy season. BRob missed most of the season and Scott missed half the season. Hardy, Davis, Lee and Guerrero each had a DL stint. The only good news for the offense on the injury front was that Izturis missed 123 games on the DL.

[NewMarketSean]

Games lost to injuries by the offense last year:

Orioles 396
Yankees 218
Red Sox 206
Blue Jays 173
Rays 123

We did not have a relatively healthy season. BRob missed most of the season and Scott missed half the season. Hardy, Davis, Lee and Guerrero each had a DL stint. The only good news for the offense on the injury front was that Izturis missed 123 games on the DL.

How soon I forget about Roberts and Luke. I stand corrected.

[24fps]

I like these moves, too. But prepare to be bombarded with caustic replies, the gist of which will be that the little things only matter if you also take care of the big things.

Or "who cares because we're not going to be in contention anyway."

I like these moves as well. Stuff like this should be a given.

[Orange]

Or "who cares because we're not going to be in contention anyway."

I like these moves as well. Stuff like this should be a given.

Yes, exactly my point. Quality teams pay attention to details and we haven't been very good at the details for a long time. Heck, probably back to the mid-80's. Having Paulino and N.Johnson and Gallaraga types at AAA should be a given but it never seems to be around here.

The only hope we have for the future is if the cavalry and Bundy/Machado/Schoop become studs. That's player development, which is another issue entirely... Which is why we need for the changes to management that were done this off season to be the best things that we've done in a long time. I have my doubts, but that's a post for another day.

[NCRaven]

One thing I like about the addition of potential starting pitchers since the start of last season - Chen, Wada, Hammel, Hunter and even Eveland and Galaraga - is that it forces the young pitchers to earn spots, whether out of spring training or from AAA. We aren't handing a spot to a rookie Britton when someone goes down. If Britton starts at AAA, and someone like Hammel sucks or is injured, it is a more experienced Britton (or Arrieta, or Matusz) that will come up to take that spot.

As to the other little things. When Roberts went down last season, Andino stepped up. I wasn't an Andino fan, but he certainly began to win me over. This year, we not only have Andino more experienced and ready if needed, we have a former top prospect who was sidelined by injuries early in his career in Antonelli. And Rule 5 pick Flaherty. Last year, we would have been looking at guys like Miclat, Blake Davis or Pedro Florimon behind Andino. I love that Reimold and Davis appear to be favorites to get a full season to prove one way or the other whether they are starting caliber ML players. But, it's good to have Chavez, Miller, Betemit and Nick Johnson ready to push them, if needed. Frankly, I can't see Betemit and Davis not being better than Guerrero and Lee where last year.

Overall, I like the everyday lineup and bench and think the bullpen has real potential. But, as always, the starting pitching is the big question mark. And, it comes down to - will Britton, Arrieta, and Matusz ever be the pitchers we hoped they would be? Will it be this year? If not, contention is still years away.

[RavNMadMan]

I like these moves, too. But prepare to be bombarded with caustic replies, the gist of which will be that the little things only matter if you also take care of the big things.

+1 Big things are typically composed of many little things. It reminds me of something I read many years ago....."Take care of the molehills and the mountains will take care of themselves".