Rumorville: Mulder, Benson

Buster Olney (via MLB Trade Rumors) reports the Brewers will be among the teams watching Kris Benson throw on Saturday, and they'll likely also watch Mark Mulder throw the first week in February.

10 months ago KLSnow 5 comments 0 recs |

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I guess something might be better than nothing. If Mulder is in good shape, he could be a very nice addition. The problem there being that all the other clubs watching him will probably feel the same way.

by Charlie Marlow on Jan 23, 2009 3:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let's dissect your Meh

You made some good points there:

Something might be better than nothing

No, if something sucks (like Jason Kendall), it’s not better than nothing.

If Mulder is in good shape…

This is his 2nd workout. If he was in decent shape, he’d be snatched up already. The fact that he needs to hold a 2nd workout to get teams putting paper to pen is troubling. Also, he hasn’t been in good shape since 2005.

The problem there being that all the other clubs watching him will probably feel the same way.

No, the problem is that he’s never healthy.

I agree with your Meh, I just am not that optimistic. and Kris Bensen sucks.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Jan 23, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At the risk of opening a can of worms

What exactly is your problem with Kendall? I recognize he doesn’t hit, although he’s likely still a little above replacement level there (see Moeller, Chad).

But when you combine approximate replacement level offense with above average defense, including a much improved CS%, I think you’ve got a guy who’s worth, at the very least, more than nothing.

I don't specifically articulate my motives, because that wouldn't travel as well as a boo does.

by KLSnow on Jan 23, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I wanted replacement level, I could have Mike Rivera for pennies

Rivera was more offensively valuable in his 69 PA than Kendall was in his 587

Plus, looking at his CS #s, I think last year stands out as an anomaly. How many players maintain statistical gains they make at age 34 (non steroid induced), especially when it’s a 250% improvement? When he was acquired, he was praised for his handling of pitchers, but it’s been proven by Keith Woolner back in 1999 that “catcher game-calling isn’t a statistically significant skill.”

And let’s not forget how many outs he made late in games. Every time he went up in the 8th or 9th, I knew the game was one out closer to a loss. A quick look at his high leverage numbers reveal a .149/.296/.170 line in 120 PAs. That sucks.

So that’s my reason for hating him. He was a mistake to begin with, and he’ll be a damaging mistake next year when his defensive value normalizes.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Jan 23, 2009 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Better them than Kip Wells

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

by TheJay on Jan 23, 2009 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

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