I kid, I kid! I am but a merry prankster in the unforgiving world of Padres fandom. There were no guts and there was certainly no fire . . . except the fire that burns from my heart for undervalued players who attempt to etch out an existence in the vast wilderness of PETCO Park.
This is simply my way of saying that Craig and I had a friendly little debate flavored by Chase Headley's future in San Diego. Let me give you some context first . . .
Craig wrote a column on XX1090 which posted on Tuesday. I recommend that you go read it but if you haven't the time the essentials of his argument are as follows (paraphrasing):
I only partially agree with Craig's thesis. If Josh Byrnes can make some desperate GM pay through the nose consequently converting Headley into a package of dynamic near-ready major league talent then sure, go for it. But as we know in these parts things don't always work according to plan. It is Josh Byrnes' job to listen and to perform his due diligence, as they say in the industry..Chase Headley is an average player who is overvalued in the current market and should be traded to improve the Padres chances moving forward.
Where I disagreed with Craig was his estimation of Chase Headley as an average player. Chase Headley is not a player to build around but he is an important part of the PETCO Park roster puzzle.
Listen to last night's debate on XX1090: Includes 9 essential vitamins and minerals along with Jedd Gyorko, Dave Staton, and Joe Randa references.
Editor's Note:
Jordan Carruth declared me the winner of last night's debate. You be the judge.
Reaction!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm... as much as I like Headley, you're right: he is not a player to build around. And if the Padres had other run producers who could step into the lineup... oh, I don't know, somebody who is known as a run producer, somebody who is not already overvalued, who will perhaps hit at least as well as Headley in MLB. Perhaps JEDD GYORKO?! ... then you could afford to carry Headley. The Padres are not such a team. Quentin is tested, but Alonzo and Grandal still have much to prove. Headley is an average to slightly above average MLB hitter who has to be moved, particularly if we can get good value. My money is on Gyorko being able to hit AT LEAST as well as Headley in MLB right now. Get some value for Headley and the Padres make the best of yet another lemonade from lemons situation.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I have to say it. This drive to ship off Gyorko (not necessarily from you, but from many others I've read)and keep Headley because we have to "be loyal to the players we have" smacks not only of lunacy, but of settling for mediocrity. Headley is two ice cold streaks above mediocrity - such are the drastic turns fate can take for an only slightly above average at best MLB player.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely don't think we should ship Gyorko off.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely think Headley should be traded IF we can get a Latos type return for him.
Definitely think I need to get out into the sun.
Peace and thanks for stopping by to comment.
You're welcome. I enjoy what you do. Don't think we'll get a Latos for him, but I'd be satisfied with two decent prospects, ideally at positions of need. I was a little bent out of shape by what I'd been reading around the Padres interwebs that seemed to me to be pumping up Headley artificially, suggesting we keep him and drink the management Kool Aid. Sorry if it seemed like I was taking my frustration out on you. Enjoy the day!
ReplyDelete1. Agree that a roster is like a puzzle.
ReplyDelete2. Agree that as Petco is currently configured, Headley may be the best fit at 3B.
3. Agree that Gyorko may prove to be a base clogger, but also may be a Western Metal Supply wall banger too.
4. Agree that Headley has become a better defender; in fact currently #2 rated 3B in NL.
5. Disagree that Chase doesn't get hitting opportunities with runners on base.
6. 161 of 376 AB with runners on, and 102 AB with RISP; so he gets his chances.
7. 47 of 113 K's with runners on base
9. Below major league average in producing a run with a runner at 3B and less than 2 outs.
9. Other than his dirty beard, he has no "it" factor. He's gritty, reliable, and stoic.
10. Maybe Gyorko and his fat a** can bring a different swagger to the clubhouse.
All that being said, I would like to get a king's ransom for him too. NY does seem like the perfect fit based on his plate discipline and the amount of pitches he sees per AB. The ideal Yankee at bat.
@Ken
ReplyDeleteRegarding point #5 -- It's not that Chase doesn't get opportunities but that if he had better OBP guys in front of him he would have even more opportunities. He would still fail a lot but he'd also rack RBIs by virtue of those guys just being on base. Then everyone would think Chase Headley IS the greatest! Therefore the RBI stat is deceiving.
His strikeouts hurt him in terms of picking up those runners and that's the thing I find most frustrating with his game.
I wouldn't at all feel bad about seeing a trial of Headley at third, Gyorko at 2nd, and Amarista/Cabrera battling it out for SS with Amarista filling in around the diamond if he doesn't win the SS job.
There are many things that can happen and they all hinge on whether or not Chase is a Padre come August 1st.
@Tarlow00
--No worries