emmett16

I think you will see more teams doing this in the future. 162 games is insane. Just because it’s always been that way or others teams don’t do it isn’t a good reason for me. Only so many throws in an arm, jumps in the knees, and swings in the shoulders/hips/knees. When players are asked if they prefer to DH of course they are going to say no and give you a variety of reasons. It’s about branding and maximizing your pay day. A DH only gets paid less than a position player. A player would be idiotic to say they prefer DHing. Only reason a player is saying they don’t like DHing is because it hurts their bottom line. Not having to prep for defensive duties and stress your body while performing can only be a good thing. Again - I realize I’m in the minority in this thinking. At risk of sounding like a FO apologist, I applaud them for resting the players and moving players around to different positions. It sure isn’t the traditional way to do things but very much believe it will be common place in the future of the game. DH provides a way to keep dynamic players on the field and at optimal performance levels. Recovery in any training scenario is a necessary part to improvement. Injuries in all training & competitions typically occur when the athlete is fatigued.

I think that’s ultimately what they are doing. Urias and Mateo are the priority play and they are giving Gunnar a chance to show what’s he got. I think it’s flat out amazing we have all the options we do. I dont buy the “it hurts his development” stuff. These guys play 162 games a year and are improving their craft 10 months out of the year if not more. Ample opportunity to improve, get reps, show your talent.

DH. Gives him a chance to focus on hitting. I don’t buy the DH being more stressful. Especially for a guy playing SS who is adjusting his positioning every pitch and fielding 115mph lasers. I’d give him a full day off once a month.

I think giving a 21 y/o a day off to rest both physically and mentally will only help improve his offensive production.

Vavra played 90 games last year and 48 the year before. I think it’s a matter of time before he gets injured this year. I’d take advantage of his OBP skills while he is healthy. Most games he’s played is 119 in 2019.

I think rest comes in to play. Getting him off his feet once a week is a good idea IMO. I know I’m in the minority in that thinking.

Maybe. Likely not. However, people were claiming the same thing when Adley was still on the list last year. I’ve been more impressed by guys shooting up the boards rather quickly like Gunnar did last year. Norby is another guy that has shot up quickly. I’m fairly confident that after graduating some players this year, they will still have a top system due to their development system. Look at guys like Hudson Haskin, Darell Hernaiz, Joey Ortiz, Maverick Handley, Basallo who just keep steadily improving. I think there are quite a few guys guys that will be be getting national attention by season end. Doubt we get a #1 ranking again, but would be shocked if we aren’t top 5.

For better or for worse it’s obviously their goal to hoard as much talent in the system as possible. Does that mean they aren’t trying to compete? That is up for debate. But the fact of the matter is that they have created a substantial and seemingly impactful pipeline of talent. I think Stowers will get his shot soon enough. Hopefully he straps up his boots and gets back to work and continues to prove he belongs.

Only 3 players in all of MLB had a k% > 30%. I’d say that’s significant. It’s rare that a system is ranked #1 multiple years in a row and have 8-10 players on top 100 lists. I don’t think it’s anything personal, I just think they have a ton of choices at this point and the guy with more options, doesn’t play premium defense, and doesn’t make consistent contact is going to get the short stick. I think it’s a good thing overall that a player of his caliber can’t crack the lineup. as a pro player guy, that excites me even if a player I’m a fan of isn’t getting reps.

Why? In just about the same amount of MiLB ABs Vavra out OPSd him .878 to .847. Couple those numbers with a 20%k rate compared to a 32% k rate and I think I start Vavra. In a SSS Vavra has also had more success at the MLB level (in just about the same amount of ABs)

Does Kyle have some incriminating pictures on some of the OH posters? He has a 32.7%K rate throughout minors in (328 ks in 1002 ABs) & a 30.8% K rate 95 MLB ABs. His defense is not top notch. I love the guy and understand the prospect love and everyone wants a shiny new toy, but for real - seems silly to be all upset he isn’t starting over guys on the roster right now. He is good, will likely have a fantastic career, probably should be traded, but to me he is fantastic depth to have in the system for when someone inevitably gets injured. It very clear the FO does not like high K% guys and guys that are questionable in the field. Stowers in AAA is exactly where he should be right now. That’s not to say that’s where he will be all year. Let the assault on this post begin in 3,2,1……

Great problem to have that only a 162 game schedule can remedy. Batted lead off and played SS today. Norfolk team is stacked. Stowers down there is going to squeeze Haskin, Cameron, Lester, Diaz, O’Hearn for ABs. Cowser got the day off. O’Hearn & Lester are getting reps in RF. love all the competition.

Think it’s as simple as giving Stowers every day Abs. He isn’t cracking lineup with everyone hitting and he isn’t a defensive replacement for mate in games. I think the respect thing was having Stowers start the year on the MLB club.

I mistakenly assumed he was on the 40. Guess it will be tough for him to make the show this year. They will need to protect him next year. There is a nice catching pipeline beginning to emerge.

He’s also batting 3rd, so Ortiz looks like the priority right now over Westburg. He’s crushing the ball. I want to see the Tides play the Os lol

I hope he can become a solid LF. Really want to see that bat in the lineup. His confidence seems infectious. Agree, he’s not going to make the brass happy with the poor D. Looks like a great athlete, really hope he can make the transition to the outfield. I don’t want to see them trade him. Would hate to see the Os have to pitch to him.

Wind was funky. A lot of misplayed balls in the outfield. A few balls looked like sure HR off the bat and didn’t come close.

I heard them say that the franchise record was 23 runs, was that when they were a Mets affiliate?

The bat is lightening quick. He looks so darn confident in the box it’s got to be extremely intimidating to the opposing pitcher. Super simple and quick movements that create incredible power.

Agree it will require another McCann injury, but he should be able to replace 33y/o Benboom for the #3 spot. If McCann struggles he’s next man up.

Maverick busted his butt in the off-season. He is looking jacked and confident. I don’t think it’s long before he gets the call. He’s been hitting well in the early goings. 4-4 tonight with 2 doubles. Solid guy in the 9 hole for the Tides.

Trace Bright 2022 CWS highlights: think we will be hearing a lot about him this year.

Batted 5th in lineup tonight behind O’Hearn & Ortiz. FWIW.

Don’t sleep in Gwynns defense when he got to the league. Reminder he was an NBA draft pick same year he was drafted by Padres. I’d need to see Jackson’s handles before throwing Gwynn comps lol. The kid is good but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.