happy with roster??

by storminTAZZ on Dec 27, 2007 7:21 PM CST Comment 8 comments

as we head into the new year. are you happy with the roster as it sits today going into spring training? let's assume no moves will be made and then as teams start to look at pitching they'll call the crew for their excess. IF they go into the season with the current roster.are we better off than last year? Where do you feel we're looking a little thin. How does the team match up versus last years crew. Also, with some teams in the central adding some players how do you feel about the coming season?

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first

this will not be the team we are going into spring training with. We still are going to get a new left fielder whether it will be braun or someone via trade, free agency. If Braun moves to the outfield then we would have a new third baseman. Then to the answer to your question we will probably be a better team considering that we got more depth in the pen and each young player has went to threw the pennant race.

by baseballdan1092 on Dec 27, 2007 8:43 PM CST reply actions

Moustache

In the JS Blogs (which I won't link to this time, because this one is too lame to do so), Moustache says he's happy with the roster as it is now.

Of course, that is preposterous: we have too many pitchers, plus the one gaping hole in our lineup. I would be agape with shock if more moves aren't made.

I wonder, though, if teams are trying to wait us out to get a better deal on a starting pitcher.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Dec 27, 2007 9:51 PM CST reply actions

Other Way Around

I think it's the other way around. We're probably waiting for someone to call us and that won't presumably happen until Lohse and Silva are signed.

That being said, we'd be in the power position (if you will) since we don't "have" to trade our starters.

But, as the roster stands...I would hope this wouldn't be our opening day 25. I know there's some people here who like Gross/Dillon platoon, but I feel like we need some sort of stable player out there. So, at the very least Ned can't play favorites. It's probably asking for too much, but it's the holiday season!

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Dec 28, 2007 1:01 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Of course 'stache is going to say that because he has to - just in case he can't get something worked out; but, you know he has other thing on his mind. Remember, it wasn't that long ago when he publicly endorsed Turnbow as our '08 closer - then went out and acquired Riske, Torres and Gagne. That said, I do think our current roster is an improvement over last season's (primarily because of the bullpen) and really don't mind Melvin being patient when it comes to dealing our pitchers (even if it means taking this roster into spring training, or even the regular season). IF this were our opening day roster (though I doubt it will be) I like our squad, but i'd move hall back to 3B, Braun to LF and give TGJ a shot at center. THe problem with that is that your putting a LOT of stock in Gwynn. If he doesn't work out and we do end up resorting to a platoon, i'd much rather see the platoon at left then center, which is where we'd be stuck using one the remainder of the season. None of this will matter, however, when we wake up to tomorrow's headline, "Brewers acquire Santana/Bonds, waive Capuano"

by SunglassesAtNight on Dec 28, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions

pretty much so

I'd like a high level player at LF or Rolen, but assuming they deal Cappuano and/or Bush for something and bring up TG and/or ?, I think the team would be a notch better. Some of it is addition by subtraction and some of it is evolving players like Billy's fielding and Prince's hitting. I'm not sure what the true story is with Ricky, but i'm hoping for a lot of the post-AAA Ricky.

As for the competition, it'll be interesting to see how the Phillies do and of course, the Cubs. Personally, I think they have some holes, a thin bench and I predict their pitching will falter.

by ol Pete on Dec 28, 2007 5:34 PM CST reply actions

Generally okay with it

I'd like to see an upgrade in left field but I agree that teams won't start calling the team until after Kyle Lohse and whatever other starting pitchers are left are signed. I think Bush would bring the greatest return since teams would control him for three rather than two years as in the case of Vargas or Capuano.

I think the team is kind of thin on the bench, at least among position players. The bench right now shapes up to be something like Counsell, Dillon, Gross/Kapler, Gwynn, Munson/Rivera. That's not a fun group to have to pick a pinch-hitter from, especially if Gross is wasted when a lefty is brought in.

Overall, if the season started now, I'd guess the NL Central will be won by a team that wins 85-87 games. I think only the Brewers and Cubs really have a shot at hitting that target unless the Reds really improve their pitching; they might be a dark horse candidate for some people but I just don't see it. The Astros seem to be following the Giants' road to mediocrity (Darin Erstad? Really? Is Jose Lima going to join the team again next?). The Cardinals don't really have much going on and the Pirates are stuck trying to rebuild without many assets to trade.

All in all, I think it'll be another neck-and-neck race to 86 or so wins between the Cubs and Brewers at the end of the year, though I wonder if the Cubs will make it through another season without their starting pitcher depth being really tested. I might be too stringent with the qualification, but they were the only NL team to have four starters make thirty or more starts last year. What are the chances that happens again? Then again, it might be something in the city's water - the White Sox were the only other MLB team to have four 30+ start pitchers.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Dec 28, 2007 10:29 PM CST reply actions

That Erstad signing

is a classic. Quite a counter to the signing of Kapler. Who says the NL Central doesn't have the star power of the AL East?

by molitorfan on Dec 29, 2007 8:42 AM CST reply actions

Better than last year

I think the general opinion is a little overly critical. The team is already much better with a full season of Braun and a healthy Weeks. I'd take Braun at third and the Dillon/Gross/Gwynn/newcomer special in left over Menchkins and Counsellino right? The bullpen is deeper, which with the volatility of relief pitching gives it a strong chance of being better as well. The offensive black-hole behind the plate is at least skinnier this year. And the starting staff that was supposed to be a strength going into last year is the same, except with the emergence of Gallardo, Villeneuva, and Parra. I've never liked Vargas, but lets remember that Bush is a proven innings eater and Cappy has been a league average lefty starter and come at less than free agent prices. I'm happy with the team and think that the progression of all the young players should result in a big jump forward.

by Chris on Dec 31, 2007 10:36 AM CST reply actions

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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	79	60	.568	0	Lost 4
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	72	65	.525	6	Lost 2
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	66	73	.474	13	Won 2
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	65	74	.467	14	Won 2
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Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	47	92	.338	32	Lost 1