Quote:
Originally Posted by The Big Chill
As I said before, I'm completely ok if Fielder isn't the guy we are targeting. A guy like Ortiz could likely be had for similar dollars per year but on a 2 or 3 year contract. That would not cripple us in any way but would give us that big bat for the 4 spot.
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Not sure if we need a big bat like Fielder especially with Scott Boras -the prince of darkness-as his agent. He would probably command Vernon Wells type of pay or more. Why can't we assume that Brett Lawrie could be that next big bat for us. He certainly has more speed and was coming along last yr. If they are going to spend that type of money, why not trade for a pitcher in #2 rotation.
I don't think Drabek, Cecil and or Alvarez are ready for that #2 slot-certainly not Drabek yet (who should be #1 in a few years if he ever gets consistent). IMO, Alvarez has a strong potential to be battling for #1a in 2 yrs. I am more excited about him than anyone in our rotation-he's got much mental toughness, velocity and movement. Heck, next year the #2 slot could be McGowan's to take if he stays healthy. He had awesome stuff with late movements last year albeit few short innings but his velocity is up there in the 96-97 mph (98-100mph before injuries).
If we are going to spend big bucks to improve, I would go for a pitcher first before I get a big bat. Here is a stretch, why not try for a Darvish. He was rated as the top 2-3 pitcher in the world not playing in the MLB a year ago and still is. In one of my posts last year, I described what I saw while I was in Sapporo (visiting my wife's family) and watching him pitched for the Nippon Ham Fighters. It is not a big a gamble as the other Japanese pitchers posted and signed, I think.
I am not a scout but IMO Darvish reminds me of a Randy Johnson. He has few more repitoire than Johnson. His tall and lanky body allows him to really whip his body into his full stretch- extension. He throws a lot of strikes. So far there is no elbow issues due to his arm being inverted as a "J" before bringing it overhead-kind of odd mechanics (?). Boston and Yankees are perhaps a little leery of posting such big money given their not so good luck with the Japanese pitchers. Although Matsuzaka is not a bust as some have claimed.