Comments on: The Case For a Punto/Harris Defense/Offense Platoon http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/ Your Daily Source for Half-Baked Crap Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Kyle http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117010 Kyle Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:58:47 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117010 This is all academic... your 2008 AL ROY: Matt Tolbert! This is all academic... your 2008 AL ROY: Matt Tolbert!

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117006 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:34:52 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117006 I'm not sure how just close his usage will be to ideal--it'll likely be better in the past at any rate--but I agree that Punto has value when used properly and that some people are going to bitch and moan even if Punto is used properly. I'm not sure how just close his usage will be to ideal--it'll likely be better in the past at any rate--but I agree that Punto has value when used properly and that some people are going to bitch and moan even if Punto is used properly.

]]> By: socaltwinsfan http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117005 socaltwinsfan Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:28:16 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117005 The platoon is an idea I would embrace, except for one problem. We all know if Punto is the "starting" second baseman, he will be batting leadoff, not seventh or eighth. The only person I could see batting leadoff ahead of Punto (in Gardy's mind) would be Mauer and I don't quite see him grasping onto that idea. The platoon is an idea I would embrace, except for one problem. We all know if Punto is the "starting" second baseman, he will be batting leadoff, not seventh or eighth. The only person I could see batting leadoff ahead of Punto (in Gardy's mind) would be Mauer and I don't quite see him grasping onto that idea.

]]> By: Banjo http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117003 Banjo Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:06:46 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117003 I have confidence Punto will have a better year and that his usage, one way or another will be close to ideal. I think some people will still bitch and moan about it, but used properly, Punto does have value. I have confidence Punto will have a better year and that his usage, one way or another will be close to ideal. I think some people will still bitch and moan about it, but used properly, Punto does have value.

]]> By: Rhubarb_Runner http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117000 Rhubarb_Runner Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:18:57 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-117000 "Punto? The sportos, the motor heads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, and d!ckheads...the all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude." hmmm...which category does Gardy fall in? "Punto? The sportos, the motor heads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, and d!ckheads...the all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude."

hmmm...which category does Gardy fall in?

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116976 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:57:34 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116976 Actually, I'm pretty down on Casilla these days, and I think he has a lot left to prove in Rochester. He's had a weird development path, so it's a little tough ot get a handle on him, but there's not much room for error when you hit for no power whatsoever. It seems like with his skillset, he has to be a smart ballplayer to take advantage of his tools, but we certainly didn't see that in his time in Minnesota. Also, I ran across some minor league defensive stats the other day that had him as below average at 2B and at SS, so he might not be so hot there, either. He's just 23 and under team control essentially for free, so there's no point in "giving up" on him now, but I'm not champing at the bit for him to play in the majors. Actually, I'm pretty down on Casilla these days, and I think he has a lot left to prove in Rochester. He's had a weird development path, so it's a little tough ot get a handle on him, but there's not much room for error when you hit for no power whatsoever. It seems like with his skillset, he has to be a smart ballplayer to take advantage of his tools, but we certainly didn't see that in his time in Minnesota. Also, I ran across some minor league defensive stats the other day that had him as below average at 2B and at SS, so he might not be so hot there, either.

He's just 23 and under team control essentially for free, so there's no point in "giving up" on him now, but I'm not champing at the bit for him to play in the majors.

]]> By: brianS http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116974 brianS Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:50:20 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116974 Hyuck, hyuck. Uhhh, whuhhh? <img src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ls6ySLRSxOftMM:http://loca114.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/goofy.jpg.w300h418.jpg" /> Hyuck, hyuck.

Uhhh, whuhhh?

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116971 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:48:35 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116971 I don't know much about Bass, but ZiPS has him projected for a 5.28 ERA this year. I'd be interested to know what each of his pitches are like. If he has one plus offering, he could potentially adapt well to a relief role, sort of like Guerrier. I don't know much about Bass, but ZiPS has him projected for a 5.28 ERA this year. I'd be interested to know what each of his pitches are like. If he has one plus offering, he could potentially adapt well to a relief role, sort of like Guerrier.

]]> By: thisisbeth http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116970 thisisbeth Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:48:01 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116970 Well, obviously we picked up Bass from the Royals last year. I want to say he was a guy out of options, but, uh, I can't remember anymore. That was a year ago! I know you can all read the stats, but he made 37 appearances last year, and 10 starts. At the beginning of the 2007 season he was in the bullpen, but made spot starts in May, June, and early July. It looks like he took a permanent spot in the starting rotation in mid-July. As a starter he had a 2.85 ERA, .95 WHIP, 4.80 K/BB (7.2 K/9), and averaged 6 innings/start. I was talking to a friend and we were wondering how Brian's last name was pronounced--like the fish or the musical term? MLB tells us helpfully that it's pronounced "BASS". Good to know... Darnell McDonald was dropped from the 40-man for Livian Hernandez and cleared waivers. I speculate he was just on the roster because coming into the off-season, there weren't a lot of centerfield option; with Pridie and Gomez on the roster, McDonald became less important. Well, obviously we picked up Bass from the Royals last year. I want to say he was a guy out of options, but, uh, I can't remember anymore. That was a year ago! I know you can all read the stats, but he made 37 appearances last year, and 10 starts. At the beginning of the 2007 season he was in the bullpen, but made spot starts in May, June, and early July. It looks like he took a permanent spot in the starting rotation in mid-July. As a starter he had a 2.85 ERA, .95 WHIP, 4.80 K/BB (7.2 K/9), and averaged 6 innings/start. I was talking to a friend and we were wondering how Brian's last name was pronounced--like the fish or the musical term? MLB tells us helpfully that it's pronounced "BASS". Good to know...

Darnell McDonald was dropped from the 40-man for Livian Hernandez and cleared waivers. I speculate he was just on the roster because coming into the off-season, there weren't a lot of centerfield option; with Pridie and Gomez on the roster, McDonald became less important.

]]> By: Banjo http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116969 Banjo Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:47:09 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116969 Free Alexi Casilla!! (There - I started it for you...just like shotting fish in a barrel :) Free Alexi Casilla!!

(There - I started it for you...just like shotting fish in a barrel Smile

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116968 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:45:35 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116968 I really doubt the Twins would unload Punto. He's a pretty known quantity with a skillset (all-glove!) that they like. Machado may also not be 100% to start the season from the sounds of it. I really doubt the Twins would unload Punto. He's a pretty known quantity with a skillset (all-glove!) that they like. Machado may also not be 100% to start the season from the sounds of it.

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116967 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:42:44 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116967 I know, I know, but there was that period in time where Gardy started Dustin Mohr in the field, keeping Bobby Kielty on the bench for some fairly memorable pinch hitting appearances. (Though that was largely because Kielty was a switch-hitter and as such Gardy felt he could hit against either a RHP or LHP.) So I can hope, right? I know, I know, but there was that period in time where Gardy started Dustin Mohr in the field, keeping Bobby Kielty on the bench for some fairly memorable pinch hitting appearances. (Though that was largely because Kielty was a switch-hitter and as such Gardy felt he could hit against either a RHP or LHP.) So I can hope, right?

]]> By: SBG http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116964 SBG Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:37:31 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116964 Not as slow as brianS! Not as slow as brianS!

]]> By: frightwig http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116963 frightwig Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:37:28 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116963 <em>I can't wait to hear how Dick-n-Bert describe Harris. Is he enough of a veteran to get kid gloves treatment, or is he young enough to get raked over the coals for his apparently awful D?</em> There is usually a honeymoon period when a new player joins the team, which lasts at least until management starts to criticize the player in the press or give the nod in private. I'd guess D&B will be optimistic about Harris until Gardy starts playing Punto at 2B more and more often because, he lets everyone know, he doesn't feel comfortable with the new guy's glove at that spot. That could happen in April; or, if the club is determined to show a 'score' from the Bartlett trade and give Harris time to show progress (like the nearly indefinite patience they had for Rivas), it could be awhile. I can't wait to hear how Dick-n-Bert describe Harris. Is he enough of a veteran to get kid gloves treatment, or is he young enough to get raked over the coals for his apparently awful D?

There is usually a honeymoon period when a new player joins the team, which lasts at least until management starts to criticize the player in the press or give the nod in private. I'd guess D&B will be optimistic about Harris until Gardy starts playing Punto at 2B more and more often because, he lets everyone know, he doesn't feel comfortable with the new guy's glove at that spot. That could happen in April; or, if the club is determined to show a 'score' from the Bartlett trade and give Harris time to show progress (like the nearly indefinite patience they had for Rivas), it could be awhile.

]]> By: DK http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116961 DK Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:26:04 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116961 ouch, sorry, I'm slow. ouch, sorry, I'm slow.

]]> By: DK http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116960 DK Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:25:22 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116960 Joe C. wrote <a href="http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/christensen/?p=502" rel="nofollow"> the other day</a> that McDonald was passed through waivers to make room for Livan. The Twins website lists 41 players on the 40-man so this would seem to be a lack of updating. Joe C. wrote the other day that McDonald was passed through waivers to make room for Livan. The Twins website lists 41 players on the 40-man so this would seem to be a lack of updating.

]]> By: SBG http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116959 SBG Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:19:08 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116959 Darnell is off the 40-man. The Twins <a href="http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/christensen/?p=502" rel="nofollow">passed him through waivers</a> to make room for "He Shall Be" Livan. Darnell is off the 40-man. The Twins passed him through waivers to make room for "He Shall Be" Livan.

]]> By: brianS http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116955 brianS Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:57:54 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116955 btw, a couple 40-man roster questions. First, who is Brian Bass and where did he come from (other than the obvious -- the KC system). I have zero recollection of him even though he spent all of last season at Rochester. second, why is Darnell McDonald still on the 40-man? What does he bring to the table? And what does/did it cost us to keep him on the 40-man? btw, a couple 40-man roster questions.

First, who is Brian Bass and where did he come from (other than the obvious -- the KC system). I have zero recollection of him even though he spent all of last season at Rochester.

second, why is Darnell McDonald still on the 40-man? What does he bring to the table? And what does/did it cost us to keep him on the 40-man?

]]> By: brianS http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116952 brianS Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:47:45 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116952 Trevor Plouffe should be playing SS every day in Rochester this year, right? He certainly hasn't shown sufficient power to suggest he could be moved to 3b to clear the way for Casilla at SS. Trevor Plouffe should be playing SS every day in Rochester this year, right? He certainly hasn't shown sufficient power to suggest he could be moved to 3b to clear the way for Casilla at SS.

]]> By: brianS http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116946 brianS Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:09:50 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116946 I want to see Machado's defense. If he can roughly match Punto's glove at 2b, then I'm looking for somewhere to dump Punto, just to minimize Gardy's <i>Scrubinifixation</i> temptations. 'cuz you KNOW he'd play Punto 90 pct of the time given the opportunity. I want to see Machado's defense. If he can roughly match Punto's glove at 2b, then I'm looking for somewhere to dump Punto, just to minimize Gardy's Scrubinifixation temptations. 'cuz you KNOW he'd play Punto 90 pct of the time given the opportunity.

]]> By: twayn http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116938 twayn Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:37:20 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116938 <em>Platoon</em> is just an Oliver Stone movie. And I'm not sure Gardy ever saw it. Platoon is just an Oliver Stone movie. And I'm not sure Gardy ever saw it.

]]> By: Whiffers http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116934 Whiffers Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:44:59 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116934 I can't wait to hear how Dick-n-Bert describe Harris. Is he enough of a veteran to get kid gloves treatment, or is he young enough to get raked over the coals for his apparently awful D? My assumption is that Harris was brought over to start at 2B this year. If he's used as a utility infielder, then it shows me how much they value Young's bat since he'll be the only everyday player returned in the deal. And does Casilla slide back over to SS (Rochester) in an effort to get him ready to take over for Everett next year if Harris is the assumed 2B of the near future? I can't wait to hear how Dick-n-Bert describe Harris. Is he enough of a veteran to get kid gloves treatment, or is he young enough to get raked over the coals for his apparently awful D?

My assumption is that Harris was brought over to start at 2B this year. If he's used as a utility infielder, then it shows me how much they value Young's bat since he'll be the only everyday player returned in the deal.

And does Casilla slide back over to SS (Rochester) in an effort to get him ready to take over for Everett next year if Harris is the assumed 2B of the near future?

]]> By: Rhubarb_Runner http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116932 Rhubarb_Runner Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:21:00 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116932 How about leave Punto off the 40-man roster, and hope someone else picks him up? How about leave Punto off the 40-man roster, and hope someone else picks him up?

]]> By: Moss http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116931 Moss Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:18:33 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116931 How about just let Punto play the field until his spot comes up in the lineup, then lift him for a bat? Or maybe you let him bat one time, then lift him?? How about just let Punto play the field until his spot comes up in the lineup, then lift him for a bat? Or maybe you let him bat one time, then lift him??

]]> By: ubelmann http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116930 ubelmann Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:33:23 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116930 I think it's a fairly unique situation because most of the time someone like Harris would be moved to a corner and not really considered a middle infielder, but he's bounced around so much (probably his suspect defense was part of that) that teams have continued to try him there and he's still considered a middle infielder. Usually to get away with defense that rates that poorly, you really have to rake. I think it's a fairly unique situation because most of the time someone like Harris would be moved to a corner and not really considered a middle infielder, but he's bounced around so much (probably his suspect defense was part of that) that teams have continued to try him there and he's still considered a middle infielder. Usually to get away with defense that rates that poorly, you really have to rake.

]]> By: greenmachine http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116928 greenmachine Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:32:32 +0000 http://stickandballguy.com/blog/2008/02/26/the-case-for-a-puntoharris-defenseoffense-platoon/#comment-116928 <blockquote>are apparently more controversial than Sinnead O'Connor's SNL appearance, so for offensive projections</blockquote> heh heh, <em>offensive projections</em>, I get it. This stuff makes the situation a lot more interesting than how pretty much anybody else seems to be treating it. Interesting within the context of two players who may be grossly equivalent in different ways. Puts me in the mind of how freaking fun it would be to manage a baseball team.

are apparently more controversial than Sinnead O'Connor's SNL appearance, so for offensive projections

heh heh, offensive projections, I get it.

This stuff makes the situation a lot more interesting than how pretty much anybody else seems to be treating it. Interesting within the context of two players who may be grossly equivalent in different ways. Puts me in the mind of how freaking fun it would be to manage a baseball team.

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