I love Lou Piniella and all, but can anyone tell me why BJ Upton is starting the season in the minors and Alex Gonzalez (it doesn't matter which one, they both suck) is starting at third for the D-Rays? What good can this possibly do?
Same thing with Scott Hairston and Craig Counsell in Arizona. When you have an awful team, why bother with veteran spare parts like these?
Posted by Frinklin at March 29, 2005 06:10 PMIndeed. Why bother throwing money and free-agent-signing draft picks at guys like Vinny Castilla and Christian Guzman, when you know your team is going to finish in last place in the NL East, and you have the novelty of being the new game in town to cruise on for a year or two, then a new ballpark after that? Why not suck it up, hoard draft picks, and develop from within?
I think it's a desire on the part of GMs and owners to look like they're doing something to try to win. By bringing in a recognizable name, maybe a guy with a World Series ring or two, you at least look like you're trying; if you go with all kids, you'll be accused of being cheap. Smart fans recognize the difference between "67-95 because our team is young and unproven" vs. "67-95 because we have too many overpaid guys on the downside of their careers," but some fans wouldn't get that.
Posted by: Carl at March 30, 2005 10:47 AMThe Nats have an issue like this one. One of their better prospects is Brenden Harris. He's 24, he ain't getting any more ready in the minors. Is Vinny really going to be that much better than Harris would be?
Posted by: frinklin at April 1, 2005 06:19 PM